any ranger automatic worth having?

[racsan]

ve been thinking that my '93 will be in need of being replaced in the next year or two, and while id rather have a manual trans, the automatics seem to be more plentiful, ive found a s/c edge with a 3.0 and a automatic for a pretty reasonable price, its a 2010, havent seen it in person, just the internet listing, its a 2wd and though id rather have another 4x4, i could live with it being a 2wd and even the 3.0, (id probly get a junkyard 2011 axle and regear it to 4.88's and put a lock-rite in) but my biggest sticking point is the auto trans, i found a longbed 2wd 2.3 i like, its the newer 4-valve 2.3, and while id love the 30 mpg highway milage (and its a manual trans) i know i wouldnt have enough motor for the 6x10 box trailer i occasionally pull, its also a 2wd.
so, basically what im wanting to know, is there a automatic to steer clear of? (besides the old a4ld) my chances of finding my "ideal" ranger are very rare, heck, ideally id like to find a 4.0 s/c 4x4 5 speed manual '97 (yes, im still a fan of ttb) with under 100K miles. my '93 is at 165K, its biggest issue is a bent/twisted frame, its still driveable, but has some "intresting" driving and handling issues because of it. and seems to be leaking from almost every seal possible....but it is a 20 year old truck.

 

[john112deere]

I think I've heard generally good things about the newer 5-speed autos. 5R55E, maybe? Never owned one, though.

I don't know anything about it, but I'll wonder out loud how an electronic controlled automatic would feel about a regear as deep as 4.88, too. (And, for that matter, whether you might do just as well with the 4-banger, if you're willing to gear it down like that. )

 

[Tennesseepowerstroke]

Mine has the 5R55E and about half of my 55,000 miles have had a landscape trailer behind it. I don't have any issues but change the ATF with Mobil 1 every 20,000 miles. I would like to find another one with low miles for my daughter but all used ones seem to have a manual transmission. I would rethink the gear change. I am a firm believer in leaving most things stock.

 

[racsan]

well the online ad i saw was for a 2003...the 2010 on the lot is a really sweet truck, 4.0, 4x4, supercab, has a cap...only 2 things i dont like about it. its a automatic...and they want 20K for it....the '03 3.0 edge 2wd s/c is no where to be found, im guessing it sold, they only wanted 7,500 for it...guess i'll keep the '93 on the road a bit longer.....still a strong runner!

 

[clutch]

hmm, I got a an '04 EDGE SC, 2wd with 5spd, I'd take $7500 for it...!
4.10 rear axle too. California truck also, only had a few hard winters on the 'ol girl.