Hey yall I have owned a 1997 explorer and 2000 F150 in the past but lately owned jeep cherokees and gm sedans. Looking to try out a ranger most likely as a work truck and offroad vehicle for my outdoor adventure needs and just to go 4wheeling on fire trails and muddin.

My past ford trucks had great 4 speed auto transmissions, but how does the newer 5 speed auto in the 2000s Rangers compare? How does the longevity stack up and is it built with great durability? Does it need a transmission cooler right off the bat to preserve the internals even for light towing like landscaping and lawnmowing equipment?

I like the 5 speed for the added acceleration performance and mpg gains over the older 4 speed and the older OHV 4.0 V6. I've heard 2004 and up SOHC engine fixed the timing chain problems so that's what I'm looking for. But how is transmission? How much are they to rebuild or replace if I ever had to? Thank you very much!