Ford Ranger 3.2 ????

[Shovelhands]

Never had much to do with these, but have heard plenty of talk about major engine issues and other problems too, which have scared me enough in the past to keep away, maybe that opinion was justified, maybe not…..The question is, for those of you who have them or have had them in the past, are they as bad as the rumours suggest?
Got the option on a fairly lightly used 68plate example with 50k on the clock, is it worth considering buying it? Or is it a bit of a ticking time bomb?

Any opinions would be gratefully received.

 

[doobin]

Never had much to do with these, but have heard plenty of talk about major engine issues and other problems too, which have scared me enough in the past to keep away, maybe that opinion was justified, maybe not…..The question is, for those of you who have them or have had them in the past, are they as bad as the rumours suggest?
Got the option on a fairly lightly used 68plate example with 50k on the clock, is it worth considering buying it? Or is it a bit of a ticking time bomb?

Any opinions would be gratefully received.

I've only heard about major engine issues- oil pumps etc. And chassis rusting badly within a couple of years!

I wouldn't consider one personally.

 

[Lancs Lad]

had the 3.2 on our fleet for 3 years never missed a beat out on the road full time.

now got two of the 2.0Ls the lads actually say the 2.0L drives pretty well.

yes ive seent he posts about rust ...ours seem ok tbf and theres absolute hundres of teh ings round here every man and his dog has one.

Personally id get an amarok... smoother faster...less rust potentially,,

 

[Diggerdavey]

Never had much to do with these, but have heard plenty of talk about major engine issues and other problems too, which have scared me enough in the past to keep away, maybe that opinion was justified, maybe not…..The question is, for those of you who have them or have had them in the past, are they as bad as the rumours suggest?
Got the option on a fairly lightly used 68plate example with 50k on the clock, is it worth considering buying it? Or is it a bit of a ticking time bomb?

Any opinions would be gratefully received.

They all have their flaws. Personally if the deal is right and you like driving it I would purchase it. They are known for chassis corrosion but as long as the chassis is in good condition before you purchase it then you can always treat with waxoyl or similar. The modern German products are nowhere near as reliable as their predecessors.
I have a Ranger 3.2 and like driving it. If it fails I will have to deal with that as it comes along. I feel no more wary of the Ford than I would an Amarok or Navara

 

[Lancs Lad]

I feel no more wary of the Ford than I would an Amarok

this is is going to hurt .... now they appear to be the same thing...dealers said mine is due any time im getting cold feet.

 

[Smiffy]

Plenty of garages offering upgraded oil pumps which supposedly solve a lot of issues.

As for reliability it seems a complete lottery with them. My mate has had no end of troubles with his and it's now like triggers broom. Can't be a lot of the original vehicle left.

 

[craig]

I`ve got a 3.2, no engine issues, but its not got big miles on.
One thing to note, if servicing it yourself, when your dropping the oil out, don't leave it empty for too long, waiting to get every last drip out. If the oil pump drains out, they don't self prime.
Drop the oil and refill straight away, and you should be OK.

 

[Diggerdavey]

I`ve got a 3.2, no engine issues, but its not got big miles on.
One thing to note, if servicing it yourself, when your dropping the oil out, don't leave it empty for too long, waiting to get every last drip out. If the oil pump drains out, they don't self prime.
Drop the oil and refill straight away, and you should be OK.

Yes. Valuable pearl of wisdom right there!

 

[bobthebuilder]

cousin had the 2.2 version 16 plate ,the other week the end of no1 injector dropped off and split no 1 piston into bits,make sure its had the oil pump replaced .a bit iffy changing the oil 15 minute max .and it regens at the most incovienent time,

 

[V8Druid]

I`ve got a 3.2, no engine issues, but its not got big miles on.
One thing to note, if servicing it yourself, when your dropping the oil out, don't leave it empty for too long, waiting to get every last drip out. If the oil pump drains out, they don't self prime.
Drop the oil and refill straight away, and you should be OK.

same as a rover V8 .... never drop the filter and sump together ... pump will not self prime ...... filter and fill it first, followed by a quick sump empty .... I have a tool I made for priming the pumps, but got to take the dizzy out and then re-time it after ... pump is driven off the bottom of the dizzy drive off the cam ... 28PSI at 2500rpm was the factory spec. .. hi-ish vol., low pressure ........ or you strip the pump off the block and pack it with vaseline - didn't always work first time

 

[craig]

same as a rover V8 .... never drop the filter and sump together ... pump will not self prime ...... filter and fill it first, followed by a quick sump empty .... I have a tool I made for priming the pumps, but got to take the dizzy out and then re-time it after ... pump is driven off the bottom of the dizzy drive off the cam ... 28PSI at 2500rpm was the factory spec. .. hi-ish vol., low pressure ........ or you strip the pump off the block and pack it with vaseline - didn't always work first time

Unfortunately the ranger is a cartridge filter, so cant fill it to help out

 

[Furniss]

Mate over here had one from new and got shut ...there was a prob with diff locking up occasionally or something......that they denied was a problem apparently.

 

[Diggerdavey]

Mate over here had one from new and got shut ...there was a prob with diff locking up occasionally or something......that they denied was a problem apparently.

Mine has just had the rear diff recall done. It’s no secret they have their issues and tbh the dealer network hasn’t been helpful in my experience but show me a modern vehicle with the level of technology they have now which doesn’t have problems.

 

[Big Jordy]

Mine has just had the rear diff recall done. It’s no secret they have their issues and tbh the dealer network hasn’t been helpful in my experience but show me a modern vehicle with the level of technology they have now which doesn’t have problems.

Hi Davey
Have you any more info on the diff recall?

 

[Diggerdavey]

Hi Davey
Have you any more info on the diff recall?

hi, as far as I’m aware (and they were quite secretive with information) the rangers have a problem with the rear diff pinion shearing, normally under towing conditions. From what I could gather they ultrasonic test the pinion in situ and if it demonstrates flaws it gets replaced. I have to wonder taking in to account the human error of deciphering an ultrasound if many faulty ones get missed

 

[Furniss]

hi, as far as I’m aware (and they were quite secretive with information) the rangers have a problem with the rear diff pinion shearing, normally under towing conditions. From what I could gather they ultrasonic test the pinion in situ and if it demonstrates flaws it gets replaced. I have to wonder taking in to account the human error of deciphering an ultrasound if many faulty ones get missed

Yeah that's it ...his was scanned they said it was o.k but it kept locking up towing.

 

[Grahams]

I’m on my third 3.2 and I really like them. Comfortable to be in and tow well. I do high milage heavy towing all the time with very few issues.
It is a lot more stable towing than my Isuzu pickup.
There is a recall over rear diff issues where they scan the diff, but I’ve been lucky and not had that problem.
If the price is right I would go for it. No vehicle is infallible and there are always the occasional duff one, but given how many they have sold they must be doing something right.

 

[Shovelhands]

Anyone care to throw a value at a 68plate Ranger with 50k on the clock???

 

[Diggerdavey]

I’m on my third 3.2 and I really like them. Comfortable to be in and tow well. I do high milage heavy towing all the time with very few issues.
It is a lot more stable towing than my Isuzu pickup.
There is a recall over rear diff issues where they scan the diff, but I’ve been lucky and not had that problem.
If the price is right I would go for it. No vehicle is infallible and there are always the occasional duff one, but given how many they have sold they must be doing something right.

That sums up my feelings. I like mine.

 

[Big Jordy]

hi, as far as I’m aware (and they were quite secretive with information) the rangers have a problem with the rear diff pinion shearing, normally under towing conditions. From what I could gather they ultrasonic test the pinion in situ and if it demonstrates flaws it gets replaced. I have to wonder taking in to account the human error of deciphering an ultrasound if many faulty ones get missed

Thanks chap
Any idea what years it cover I’ve a 2015 2.2.
I like mine too only got 86k on the clock tows fair well too. It does all I need it to.