Then that would make the 4.0 the egotistical over achiever with a tiny weiner that refuses to leave the closet.
So where does that leave the 2.8?
Well, my 4.0sohc consistently over-achieves, and out-performs my expectations.. It's been a real workhorse for it's size. So I'd say you're on to something..
Can't say that about any of the several 2.9 shitboxes I owned. Every single one of them failed to achieve anything. They always disappointed me no matter how much money and time was sunk in to them.. and I sunk well over 12k in to 2 separate 2.9's
I never owned a 2.8 Ranger. I have to say though, the ones I have seen around here over the years were excellent trucks for their owners. The engine seemed like a very solid design. Though a lot of them had carb and vacuum hose spaghetti problems that plagued them.