Which engine for towing?

choppychop · Mar 25, 2009

I am looking at purchasing a used ranger soon and hope someones could point me in the right direction or maybe the wrong one if you like.
I just bought a boat & trailer that weigh about 2000lbs and will haul 400lbs of gear and 320lbs of humans (heaviest scenario). Is this possible with a 2.5l 5 speed 2wd Ranger? The reason I would like to get the little motor is most of the time there will be nothing but a 160lb human in the truck that likes to save gas so he can buy more gear to put in the truck. I figure the boat will be towed 1000 miles a year but the truck will get driven about 15,000 a year. If this sounds implausible I could go with a larger motor but the manual tranny is a must.
I would like to avoid 4WD due to maintenance and higher cost but will I even be able to pull the boat out of the launch with a small two wheel drive at all. For your info, my towing experience amounts to towing a 700lb trailer with a Honda Civic (1.5l engine) years ago so my questions may be slow.
Here is the last of it. Is the suspension the same regardless of motor size?
Thanks in advance.

Will · Mar 25, 2009

I would say you will be okay except the pulling the boat up the ramp part. A wet, steep ramp and a 2wd Ranger can bring challenges. I had a 300# Zodiac--probably 700# on the trailer with the motor--and a 2wd Mazda and often had to get people to jump in the rear of the truck to get out of the water. A locking diff is about $300 and a couple hours to self-install. Otherwise I would get a 4x4 for the ramp.

Edit: the rear springs are the same so the payload in the bed is not a problem.

Captain Ledd · Mar 25, 2009

Yeah, I'd say the ramp will definitely make the 2wd 4cyl struggle. There's just not enough torque unless you are really generous with the clutch (which has issues in itself). But also since it's 2wd you can easily re-rear the rear end to something just a tad steeper (numerically higher ratio), which will help it tow and get out of the water much easier, and when unloaded has surprisingly little impact on the overall mileage of the truck.

Unmodded, it would be a little on the slow side getting up to speed but will definitely take it, and it will pull just fine @ 60 or so.

Will · Mar 25, 2009

I was concerned with the traction, not the torque.

choppychop · Mar 25, 2009

So basically if I got a 2.5l 4wd manual I'd be ok. I notice the 2.5l was only sold in a few years. I think I read 1998-2001.5

EDIT
I'll just add to this post. It does not appear they mated the 4x4 with the 2.5l so that's out. What about the 400lbs of gear right over the rear wheels? Is that enough to get me out? This may sound ultra tarded but I could bring a push broom to clear seaweed and debris.

Will · Mar 25, 2009

Well, my problem was the one-wheel-peel. And when it spins, you are going backwards. Sometimes we had to use the boatmotor to push the whole thing up the ramp, which you aren't supposed to do because it tears up the bottom of the ramp. A locking rear gives you a better chance of getting out without shouting for a bunch of passer-bys to jump in the bed. And of course weight also helps.

Captain Ledd · Mar 25, 2009

Oh, I've never pulled a boat out with mine, though I have tried to start out on some steeper hills with a heavy load, and the 4cyl hasn't particularly cared for it.

Will · Mar 25, 2009

I had an auto so getting up the ramp wasn't a problem--if the tires would stick. I have wheeled with a guy with a 2.3 5-speed and even in low range he was constantly killing it--that's 4.10s and 31s. So I know where you are coming from.

rusty ol ranger · Mar 25, 2009

I pulled my boat up wet ramps for years with my 87 Ranger 2.9/5sp with an open diff. Never presented a problem.

later,
Dustin

Will · Mar 25, 2009

That's because 2.9s give superior traction. Common knowledge.

rusty ol ranger · Mar 25, 2009

The 6.2 doesnt even need traction does it?

later,
Dustin

jobar · Mar 26, 2009

I know where your coming from CHOPPY, I tow my 700# john boat with my 2.3, 2wd, all the time. Like what was said before, traction on the ramp is your biggest enemy. I have no problems because, mine only weighs 700#. But, I can imagine what 2000# would be like. I would consider 4wd, or a locker for 2wd.

I cant recall what the HP and torque numbers are for the 2.5 but, I dont think you should have any problems with it. Its all about applying those torque numbers to the ground on slippery ramps.

choppychop · Mar 26, 2009

The 2.5l is the largest 4 cyl displacement put in the ranger and scores in at 120 hp and 149 ft lbs torque.
Sounds like the lock-right would be necessary...
I tried to locate this info in the tech library but could not find it. What is the gear ratio on a year 2000 2.5l rwd 5speed ranger? Is this optional at the dealership and if so where would I look to find this # on a used truck?

Captain Ledd · Mar 26, 2009

Likely going to be 3.73

HERE <clicky is the link for the axle codes. it's that big grey bar.

It'll be on the rear differential , there will be a strikingly similar looking tag hanging off it (at least there should be). If that isn't there then all hope is not lost.

And actually this may be the better way, scroll down a bit further to where it says "Axle Codes:" and find the Ranger chart. This will be on the drivers door on the information tag.

85_Ranger4x4 · Mar 26, 2009

Actually, if you hunt around you might dig up a 90's 2.3 that is 4x4.

Which engine for towing?

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