is the 2.3L enough or should you opt for the 2.7:??? I fear the cam phaser issues on the 2.7!!!!!

[danmoochie]

So i had the RR and was unlucky enough to get the Cam Phaser issue at 900 miles (see other posts here). I love the truck, and would consider getting a none RR and going with a FX4 or Tremor. But I fear the 2.7L build on almost same specs as the 3.0L, has the same known Cam Phaser issues. I have heard nothing bad about the 2.3 and know from the Mustang to other models using the motor, it performs very well, with limited known issues (maybe carbon build up), so guys driving the 2.3L, is it enough motor? Or do you feel its underpowered?

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[drvred]

I had a 21 Ranger FX2, and now a 24 FX4.
Both with the 2.3, and have never wished for more power.
Both trucks accelerated very quickly in passing situations.

 

[FreezingFlatlander]

I have the 2.3 in my 2024 FX4 and had the 2.7 in an F150 4x4, and wouldn't complain about the power of either. The 2.3 seems well matched for the Ranger and have never felt it to be underpowered. The 2.7 had more than enough power in the F150, I liked it alot. With the 3.73 axle ratio in the Ranger I would guess the 2.7 version of the Ranger would be one quick truck. It depends on just your needs.

 

[John E Davies]

I test drove a 2.3 in town and on the freeway. It is a pokey little puppy. The power is OK for commuting and city driving. You will find it unsatisfactory coming from a RR! You will find yourself hammering on the steering wheel with your fist, yelling “Come on, come on !”

“Adequate” power is satisfactory only if you never experienced truly stellar power. Especially if you are out West heavily loaded or towing in high hot steep situations. In Florida, well, pokey may be fine, I guess, if you intend to stay there.

John Davies
Spokane WA USA

 

[danmoochie]

I get was you mean, but you can take the 2.3 and add a tune and get near the same HP. My concern is, longevity of the motor and trouble free ownership. The 3.0 left a bad taste in my mouth. Didn't want to hope and pray ever start up. Yes I loved that truck, but for the money, and the issues, happy it is gone. I do not plan on racing the truck, I just want the best reliability and from what I can tell, the 2.3 combination seems to be a reliable work horse, IF you are not a power seeker. Am I right?

 

[Peter949]

I had a tuned 2.3 it was pretty fast and had enough power. Wouldn't want a 2.3 to tow a heavy load often though. Reliability 2.3 is solid. I did a lot research prior purchase of my 2019 and the engine itself was never a problem.

 

[NickyFlippers]

2.3 Lariat FX4 here. Every time I have wanted more power, it was for all the wrong reasons. It's kept me honest, to say the least.

I also do maintenance on my own vehicles, so the space under the hood with the 2.3 is an added bonus. Overall, I really enjoy the truck for what it is.

 

[Alaska Steve]

I had the 2.3L in my ‘21 Ranger Lariat 4x4. It had ‘enough’ power for around town, commuting, and lite towing (I never towed more than 3,500 lbs). But I want to tow a travel trailer up to 6,000ish pounds and I worried that it would too much for the 2.3 on grades. It probably would make it up most grades, but at reduced speeds. That’s why I opted for the 2.7 this time, a truck should be able to do truck things.

 

[Blowndodge]

I get was you mean, but you can take the 2.3 and add a tune and get near the same HP. My concern is, longevity of the motor and trouble free ownership. The 3.0 left a bad taste in my mouth. Didn't want to hope and pray ever start up. Yes I loved that truck, but for the money, and the issues, happy it is gone. I do not plan on racing the truck, I just want the best reliability and from what I can tell, the 2.3 combination seems to be a reliable work horse, IF you are not a power seeker. Am I right?

I too chose the 2.3 after driving both. The 2.3 is proven and been around awhile. I live in southern Utah where the speed limit is 80 and rarely climbing the grades does it need to downshift out of 10th. Zero regrets. From what you're asking the truck to do it will fit perfectly for your needs.

 

[Jason B]

Your worries about the 2.7 are unrealistic. It's been used in millions of vehicles since 2015.
I was worried about it, not due to cam phasers, but the oil pump being driven by a belt, but that too is a small issue.
I've also heard that cam phaser noise was mostly on cold start up, and quite down once oil pressure stabilizes. Don't know how true that is.

 

[Plasmech]

Why did Ford fix the cam phaser issue in the 2.3 but not the 2.7?

 

[Hootbro]

It is pretty subjective of how one feels something is underpowered or not. I think the 2.3L is pretty well sorted by now and great for a daily driver and moderate towing, but if you have been spoiled like you have with the RR, you may just feeling you have settled for something and will eventually come to regret it.

 

[RangerDangerStranger]

I'd say the pedal mapping is crap , at least on the 2.3. I'd say, The 2.3 is a proven, simpler motor. Get a Banks Pedal monster, and the New Ford Performance Tune coming up for it, and be happy.

 

[danmoochie]

Why did Ford fix the cam phaser issue in the 2.3 but not the 2.7?

No cams on 2.3

 

[danmoochie]

Your worries about the 2.7 are unrealistic. It's been used in millions of vehicles since 2015.
I was worried about it, not due to cam phasers, but the oil pump being driven by a belt, but that too is a small issue.
I've also heard that cam phaser noise was mostly on cold start up, and quite down once oil pressure stabilizes. Don't know how true that is.

You say that but I bought the RR with the 3.0 with not many reported but I got one. And if you read this forum many more. So it is a thing. And yup not an issue until you spend 60k and get one. The 2.3 on the other hand has zero cam issues.

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