2.7 with ongoing cam phaser issues or 2.3?

[Rangerjimm]

Cam phaser rattle started right beyond the 2,000 mile mark (yes you read that right, 2,000 miles!). Only owned it 8 weeks.

3 week wait on parts and then itll be in the shop for at least 3 days. Fingers crossed.

Good luck. The engine has to come out for that repair. And anyone that reads this old thread on the 2.3's, it is all incorrect for the new 2.3 that started in the Ranger in 2025. It is the smoothest 4 cyl I have ever had.

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[alrashid2]

Good luck. The engine has to come out for that repair. And anyone that reads this old thread on the 2.3's, it is all incorrect for the new 2.3 that started in the Ranger in 2025. It is the smoothest 4 cyl I have ever had.

Dealership claims they may be able to do it all without any removal, but said if anything it will be a full cab removal, which is actually better than removing the engine..

 

[Rangerjimm]

Dealership claims they may be able to do it all without any removal, but said if anything it will be a full cab removal, which is actually better than removing the engine..

I hadn't heard that. I wouldnt be happy either way. I hope they get all the anti-rattle items back in there when they assemble it.

 

[Meatbag]

Good luck. The engine has to come out for that repair. And anyone that reads this old thread on the 2.3's, it is all incorrect for the new 2.3 that started in the Ranger in 2025. It is the smoothest 4 cyl I have ever had.

I definitely like the 2.3 in my 2025 XLT. I've got nearly 16k miles on it and no issues. Power is strong when I need it, passing power, etc. I really can't tell it's a 4 banger. Almost feels like a 6.

 

[Rangerjimm]

I definitely like the 2.3 in my 2025 XLT. I've got nearly 16k miles on it and no issues. Power is strong when I need it, passing power, etc. I really can't tell it's a 4 banger. Almost feels like a 6.

I agree with everything you just said!

 

[mattmico]

I have a 2024 Lariat with the 2.3 and I prefered it. It's a stallworth engine that's been proven. I've see two videos of the 2.3 racing a 2.7 and the results are close enough not to really matter. Both have about the same tow rating and payload capacity. I didn't buy my truck to race other trucks for bragging rights. My 2.3 is plenty fast enough.

I second that. My ‘24 I ordered with the 2.3 for all the reasons you listed. The only advantage I have seen was on YouTube where TFL showed the 2.7 had less braking going down the Ike gauntlet.
We tow our 3000lbs dry / 4000lbs full travel trailer all over the Appalachians and have had very good experiences with the 2.3l. I’m so happy I chose it.

 

[alrashid2]

Glad you guys like the 2.3L! I test drove one and just really didn't like it at all. Our family had a 2.7L F-150 a while back and we loved that engine and the power in that bigger truck, so figured the 2.7L would be great in the Ranger too.

Despite the 1 in a million Cam Phaser issue, I do love this engine and the truck still. Hope it stays that way post-repair! Should have her back by Halloween if their timeline is right..

 

[AZUREXLT]

Glad you guys like the 2.3L! I test drove one and just really didn't like it at all. Our family had a 2.7L F-150 a while back and we loved that engine and the power in that bigger truck, so figured the 2.7L would be great in the Ranger too.

Despite the 1 in a million Cam Phaser issue, I do love this engine and the truck still. Hope it stays that way post-repair! Should have her back by Halloween if their timeline is right..

Same here. I went to test drive both expecting to wind up going with the 2.3 for some of the reasons mentioned (same towing capacity, decent power numbers and better mpg) but when I drove the 2.3 I did not enjoy the driving experience at all. The engine felt a bit like a buzz bomb and seemed to make more noise than power. Accelerating on to highways left a lot to be desired unless you mashed the gas pedal.

By contrast, the 2.7 was smooth, immediate power on demand and the driving experience was much more enjoyable. It was night and day experience. Needless to say, I bought the 2.7. Hopefully, the cam phaser issue is a non-issue, but I bought it CPO and have that extended warranty if there is an issue, so I'm not going to worry about it too much.

But there are a lot of people who are very satisfied with the 2.3 and I was expecting to be one of them, but I just wasn't.

 

[emjay24l]

I am wondering if there are any other cab off or engine out repairs beyond cam phasers regarding the 2.7L installed in a Ranger?

 

[Jason B]

I was at my dealer for normal maintenance. There was an F150 with the cab off. Service manager said it was quicker and easier to remove the cab than removing the engine.
A few bolts and wire harnesses disconnects, and it's off.

 

[Rangerjimm]

Same here. I went to test drive both expecting to wind up going with the 2.3 for some of the reasons mentioned (same towing capacity, decent power numbers and better mpg) but when I drove the 2.3 I did not enjoy the driving experience at all. The engine felt a bit like a buzz bomb and seemed to make more noise than power. Accelerating on to highways left a lot to be desired unless you mashed the gas pedal.

By contrast, the 2.7 was smooth, immediate power on demand and the driving experience was much more enjoyable. It was night and day experience. Needless to say, I bought the 2.7. Hopefully, the cam phaser issue is a non-issue, but I bought it CPO and have that extended warranty if there is an issue, so I'm not going to worry about it too much.

But there are a lot of people who are very satisfied with the 2.3 and I was expecting to be one of them, but I just wasn't.

Are you sure it was a 2025 2.3 you drove and not a 2024, because I felt the same way on the 2024's. 2025 2.3 is completely different. A new turbo makes it snappier off the line and the dual injection makes it smoother and more durable.

 

[Scooter]

I had a 2.3L Duratec in a 4G Ranger. That had to be a standard transmission to get the best out of 145 Hp. The architecture has been around for ever. Thank Mazda for a latter Gen DOHC head. So they say never buy a first Generation vehicle. 1st Gen for NA 2024.
I was very pleased that Ford redeveloped the 2.3L MPC for 2025. The motor was designed for the Mustang. Port and Direct injection.
To me the 2.3L just seems more prove then the 2.7L. Not a big fan of the odd lower end design. Long crank case main caps with a aluminum cover that goes over top. Then the oil pan. They went away from the oil pump chain because of Harmonics. One injection system. Now I read Ford is going to drop the 2.7L.

I went with the 2.3L because I figure there would be more maintenance costs to work on the 2.7L in the engine compartment. The 2.3L has lot's of open room around the motor for maintenance. Heat is not an issue, lot's of air movement. 2.7L crammed under the hood. You could not easily just take off one of the two Turbo's. More to go wrong on 2.7L

If I was going to pull a trailer that was near the max load rating. Yes then the 2.7L.
The only gripe of the 2.3L is when you get on it, the 10 speed has a delay finding that low gear. I am an aggressive driver, the 2.3L has enough get up and go. I do not mind the slightly noisy engine. Ha ha ride a KTM motorcycle. A cacophony of sound.


Ford I am very happy with my 2025 XLT FX4 2.3L. I am a Ford Guy.
Although, I will put an extended warranty on her. Something like 10 year 200K KM.
Just too many sensors on modern vehicles.

2.7L

 

[AZUREXLT]

Are you sure it was a 2025 2.3 you drove and not a 2024, because I felt the same way on the 2024's. 2025 2.3 is completely different. A new turbo makes it snappier off the line and the dual injection makes it smoother and more durable.

Just went back and double checked the messages with the dealer, it was a 2025.

 

[superj]

The 2025 2.3 is very sporty feeling. My father in law's truck, with big 33 inch tires, accelerates very well. I notice anytime I drive it since I have the 24 2.3.

 

[alrashid2]

I was at my dealer for normal maintenance. There was an F150 with the cab off. Service manager said it was quicker and easier to remove the cab than removing the engine.
A few bolts and wire harnesses disconnects, and it's off.

Thanks for the reassurance!

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