Hello from PNW

White_4x4Ranger · Dec 16, 2023

Just got my account made, excited to share my build on here as I build it. 2003 Ranger XLT long cab w/ 4.0 sohc and 5 speed. 4.10 L/s rear axle. Gonna go for a daily driver with decent off-road capability

DILLARD000 · Dec 16, 2023

Welcome to the Herd; lots of friendly knowledgable folk in these forums!
2003 Ranger LongCab with V6~4.0L~SOHC Engin + 5r55e Trans + 4.10LS Diffs +...
is a close sibling to my 2001 SportTracJob2 with same Frame+WheelBase+DriveTrain+PreHEC Electronics.
You'll want to learn more on its quirks+weaknesses and various remedies.
Pictures of your rig as your build progresses, please.

White_4x4Ranger · Dec 17, 2023

Thanks. I’ll try and post pics as I do stuff. Here is a pic of it now. Also, are there any common quirks I should know about? Also, what does PreHEC mean?
thanks

DILLARD000 · Dec 17, 2023

White_4x4Ranger said:
...quirks I should know about?
...what does PreHEC mean?

Good lookin Ranger!

PreHEC is models without HybridElectronicControls = 2003+Earlier Rangers+SportTracs
HEC is models with HybridElectronicControls = 2004+Later Rangers+SportTracs,
this change included "factory marriage" of the PCM\Computer & InstrumentCluster;
makes those later models more difficult to maintain; can't easily swap out Cluster.

Yep, various quirks+remedies you should know about & consider; several critical ones:
* Two OilPressurized TimingTensioners, tend to gum up & fail, causing expensive damage+repairs,
especially if Oil+Filter hasnt been changed routinely; renew every 100kMiles\12yrs, relatively cheap+easy.
* JunkPlastic ThermoStatHousing, tends to crack+leak, causing loss of Coolant+OverHeating;
remedy is replace it with an Aluminum version, relatively cheap+easy.
* JunkPlastic HeaterControlValve, tends to crack+leak;
remedy is replace it with an Aluminum version, traditional HCV, relatively cheap+easy.
* JunkPlasticTanked 2core Radiator, tanks tend to crack+leak;
remedy is replace it with an AllAluminum 3or4core version, relatively cheap+easy.
* PCVValve 5/16"ID CoolantWarmingLoop is a "RubeGoldberg" design that never really worked;
only serves as source of coolant leaks & makes renewing PCVValve difficult;
best to delete associated 5/16"Hoses + 5/8~5/16~5/8"Tees + MiniHeatExchangerBarbs on Manifold right;
remove expensive factory HeaterHoses+SpringClamps & replace with stock 5/8"Hoses+WormClamps.
* 5r55e Trans tends to fail after 100k~150kMile, especially if never serviced; typical first symptoms are slipping, loss of overdrive, loss of reverse; needs service every 33kMiles\4yrs: PanDrop + ValveBodyBoltRetorq + NewFilter + NewPanGasket + New 5~7qts MerconV ATF + Band Adjust. Personal practice, every 4kMiles/6mths along with oil+filter is to also HandPump 3/4qt ATF from TransDipTube & 1/4qt ATF from SteeringReservoir, then refresh with a new qt of MerconV compatible Redline#HighTempATF.
* 1354 TransferCase 4x4ShiftMotor &\or 4x4ControlModule are NotoriousFailureItems; relatively easy+cheap to replace. TCase needs Drain+Refill every 33kMiles\4yrs with MerconLV ATF. Best to excercise 4x4 once a month, a short distance in each 2WHi~4WHi~4WLo keeps it from getting crusty from non-use.
* GearOil in RearDiff 75w140 & FrontDiff 75w90 needs changing every 33kMiles\4yrs.
* Front WheelHubs\Bearings are a NotoriousFailureItem; check for wobble every 33kMiles\4yrs.
* InstrumentCluster+DashCenterPanel Bulbs need renewel every 100kMiles\12yrs. Personal preference is to stick with traditional IncaBulbs & avoid LEDs of unknown\cheap design+endurance.
*...

Hope this helps. Several links below for more info on above items:

Engine Oil Pressurized TimingTensioners

As of this 2020 writing, I'm just dumb lucky, not having had any TimingChain component failure with this 20yr old V6-4.0L~SOHC engine; only issue noticed is momentary rattling during very cold morning starts. The recent removal of the lower Oil Pan & Pump Screen was clean, without any...