Got my 2008 Ranger XLT 2 Dr Super Cab 4 x 2 3.0 L 5 Spd. Mnl. in November 2021. Had to let my 1989 Toyota Pickup go (237,120 mi) 😢
So far, so good! 👍

2008 Ranger XLT 2 Dr. Super Cab 4 x 2 3.0 L 5 Spd. Mnl.

 

Welcome to the forum

Last year for the 3.0l Vulcan engine, very reliable, had a good long run, 1986 thru 2008, 1991-2008 in Rangers
This was designed as a HIGH RPM engine
Most engines make best power/torque at about 2,600rpm
3.0l Vulcan makes best power/torque at 3,600rpm
It got the nickname "3.slow" because of this, lol, mostly from people with automatics
You have a manual so can drive it to the higher RPMs before shifting to get best power, just test it out, you will feel it, its the DESIGN

Also better MPG driving this way
If you never went above 1,600rpm on other engines MPG would suck, right?
You would be lugging the engine all the time, never in the power band for best efficiency

You have an M5OD-R1(M5R1) manual trans, very reliable, used 1988 thru 2011 in Rangers
It does use ATF, yes automatic transmission fluid in a manual trans, Mercon V or equivalent, 2.8 quarts bone dry, usually just a shade over 2quarts on drain and refill

You have a digital cluster, an HEC, it can display some codes, Google: Ford HEC test mode

 

Thanks for the info!