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Ford Ranger

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Comments

  • scape2scape2 Member Posts: 4,123
    cpousner, sounds like you had fun. I have also proven the ability to many that Ranger can offroad. Ignore spoog he is a kid with a dream of owning a Tacoma Supercharged TRD. He also hates to hear it when Rangers do go offroad and make it just fine for thousands less.
    Hindsite, I don't know what to believe?? First your agreeing with spoog, putting the Ranger down. Next entry your not, you own a 150 and so on...
    My points all along have been:
    1. The Ranger is more equal to the Tacoma than some wish to believe.
    2. I have NEVER said the Ranger/Mazda is superior to the Tacoma.
    3. The Ranger/Mazda is less option for option, this is no secret.
    4. The Ranger/Mazda is reliable.
  • senselesssenseless Member Posts: 46
    I was at a PA Ford dealer today and noticed that the invoice on a 4WD XLT Supercab listed a free cd player and a free flareside box. It also listed "California Emissions" as a nc line item.

    Is this something new?
  • bruce9781bruce9781 Member Posts: 3
    i'm thinking of buy a 99 ranger 2.5 liter, 5 sp, i''m a student going to college and want a truck with descent gas mileage, from what i can tell, this will be a good truck for me. the only question i have is this...of course i don't expect my ranger to win any drag races, but will the 4 cyl. give alright spunk for that size engine, i would appreciate any feedback from other 2.5 cyl. owners, thank you.
  • senselesssenseless Member Posts: 46
    With a manual trans, the 4 cylinder should be adequate except for highway passing. Just don't jump in between cars in the passing lane.

    The better value is in the XLT package, if you're planning on air conditioning. It's not as depressing looking as the XL and doesn't cost much more. Compare dealer invoice prices and see.

    If you're not concerned with style, get the Escort. $2000 cash back. Good luck.
  • scape2scape2 Member Posts: 4,123
    If you look at the real numbers the 2.5 is no slouch. The torque on the 2.5 is only 8ft/lbs less than the Nissan 2.4 that puts out 143HP. So, if your going to use the truck to haul stuff, it will do just as well as any 4cyl truck out on the market today. Good choice in the 5spd, it will give you more power when YOU want it, and better mileage.
  • mikeg6mikeg6 Member Posts: 1
    I HAVE A 1999 RANGER.THE CLEAR LENS OVER THE SPEEDO & GAUGES IS FOGGING UP WITH SOME KIND OF FILM THAT CAN NOT BE REMOVED.HAS ANYBODY ELSE HAVE THIS PROBLEM.
  • ladyblueladyblue Member Posts: 326
    That happened with my 97 F150. The plastic got very hazy. It made things hard to read in the daytime or when the sun hit the dash just right. I recently got rid of the truck, so I never got around to having it fixed.
  • jeffkieljeffkiel Member Posts: 48
    Anybody have any problems with rough idle in the '98 ranger 4.0l?
  • sushisushi Member Posts: 99
    no problems with the idle.

    for the fog on the dash, I used Windex and armor all and it went away.
  • cpousnrcpousnr Member Posts: 1,611
    trent:
    Yes I baby my Ranger more than most would. It does have the 3.73 but do to the mileage I was beginning to think it was a 3.55!
    You wont get the same with a 4.10.
    Checked the underneath, no damage other than the one hit on the left rear torsion bar cover and some on the ends of the xfer case skid.

    Yes vince it was fun. Pukered twice, first swithcback and then the sand.

    "If I can do it, I ain't bragging. It's just stating facts."
    I think the quote is from Yogi Berra, and I did it.

    Vince, I do know some of those packages on the Tacoma are good. I priced just a 4.10 locker and it was 2,100 installed. Not worth it to me. Mine performed fine enough.
    For those interested, I will try to get the pics up first of next week unless they are back sooner.
    Now that pass is not the worst in the state. it is however rated "Difficult/More Difficult" by a 4 wheeler mag on 4whl drive roads in Colo.

    No fogging on mine. But with average humidity around 20-30%. . .
    AH Tis a PLEASURE to live in COLORADO!
    (^8
  • senselesssenseless Member Posts: 46
    What exactly is the limited slip axle on a 2WD truck designed for? Is it effective for snow? What other kind of options are required in order to ge the limited slip? It was hard to tell, but it may require a 4.10 rear.
  • bruce9781bruce9781 Member Posts: 3
    thanks for the info guys, and although i didn't state it in my first post, i will be buying a ranger with the xlt package
  • cpousnrcpousnr Member Posts: 1,611
    senseless:
    Well as I understand it, a limited slip has a clutch system inside that, when one wheel starts to spin more than the other, applies more power to the slipping wheel. It is offered in the 3.73 and 4.10 rears. Patch ice would be a good place for its effectiveness as the rear of the trucks are so light. Works ok on the trails but I was told that after a while the clutch wears out and you are basically like the open rear end.

    bruce:
    Good choice. Either vehicle is fine. I have owned my XLT since Jan 2 and am just about ready to go over 13,000 miles. The wiper/high beam assembly was the only problem so far. If your not into 4 wheeling too much but do sometimes, you can get the skid plates from Ford parts for about $130 and install yourself. The are easy to do. You can get the mounting hardware, high tensile strength bolts, 2 washers, from a hardware store cheaper than the h/w from Ford and it works just as well. The mounting holes are there whether or not you get the off-road option.
  • hmerglerhmergler Member Posts: 85
    cpousnr:

    If that's what limited slip is then what is the following called?

    When you start slipping on something, like when you get stuck, the wheel that spins continues to spin and the wheel that is on okay ground doesn't move. Am I correct in assuming that cars nowadays do not do this?

    - The Merg
  • lwflwf Member Posts: 223
    Here's an article that explains it thoroughly.

    http://platz.com/pca/pnwrpca/techarticle/limitedslip.html
  • senselesssenseless Member Posts: 46
    "The main reason for wanting a limited-slip is to improve traction in a turn."

    Yes, but is it good for snow?
  • cpousnrcpousnr Member Posts: 1,611
    hmergler:
    You are describing an open axel.

    Well my AOL 3.0 created homepage will not let me edit it in ALO 4.0. So I cannot put my pics up. They came out well. I took one of the signs goin up, one on top a couple on the way down and one looking back to the cut I just came thru. The truck does not look as dirty as it got. Hmmm must have been that last stream crossing when the bumper went down. . .

    Not bad for a stock grocery getting, gravel road stumbling stock Ranger!

    Hmmmm what to do. Any AOL3.0 diehards or 4.0 converters got an ideas?
  • cpousnrcpousnr Member Posts: 1,611
    The August issue of Four Wheeler Magazine rated the "Top 10 Best Buys in 4 Wheel Drive". Under the heading of Best Buy Compact Extended Cab Pickup the winner was:

    Ford Ranger XL 3.0

    It did state that if you get the 4.0l option for $660 it includes 4 wheel disk brakes free.
  • spoogspoog Member Posts: 1,224
    Now you find 4 wheeler a relevant source?

    I thought you found them to be frequently
    erroneous in the 98 truck of the year test?

    The Ranger is a good buy. Its cheap.

    what else was on the list? im curious.
  • cpousnrcpousnr Member Posts: 1,611
    Actually spoog in re-reading the data you provided
    the Four Wheeler tested a Tacoma extra cab against
    a Ford short bed. Hence the differences. I
    looked at the data and was thinking SuperCab for
    the Ford. Also, I did not know much about the TRD option and what it brings to the party when I first commented on this forum. It is an impressively equiped machine, just a bit of overkill for what I need.

    My mistake.

    The article was real short and had Range XL, not XLT, Nissan, Mazda and Tacoma low end 4X4's and they were basically listed in that order. Just specs were listed. The Tacoma as I recall had the 3.45 rear and 2.8 or 9 16 valve 4.
  • scape2scape2 Member Posts: 4,123
    More trails have opened up in the Cascades. The snowfall here has been the largest in 5 years I believe. My "grocery getter" and I are going up for a look, along with another "grocery getter" and a Jeep, S-10, and a Tacoma. I sure like my "grocery getter" it gets me where I want to go everytime!.
    Proud owner of a Ranger XLT 4.0 5spd 4x4 (loaded!)
  • hindsitehindsite Member Posts: 590
    A quote from Vince:

    "Hindsite, I don't know what to believe?? First
    your agreeing with spoog, putting the Ranger down. Next entry your not, you own a 150 and so on... "

    Hindsite's Quote
    Post #300 Tacoma VS Ranger.

    Spoog,
    I serious doubt that the Ranger is a city truck.
    I think that it is a lot better than that. My
    friend's truck the Ranger does well, but honestly
    where the edge is the locker and the clearance.

    Satisfy Vince or do you want more quotes
  • sushisushi Member Posts: 99
    Once again, does anyone know where I can get Canadian invoice prices for Ford RangerS?
  • tf911tf911 Member Posts: 1
    I just purchased a 99 XLT Ranger LWB. 3.0 V-6, Auto, Air, CD, Wheels, Solar glass, CD player, sliding rear window. Nice truck. total price was $15300, with 0.9% APR financing for 48 months.
  • _pirate__pirate_ Member Posts: 1
    I had a 94 ranger with 4.0 and 4spd auto..& 31's.
    This had balls to the wall even when I traded it
    in with 98,000 miles.

    I now have a 99 XLT Off Road 4.0 5spd auto...
    This seems to be a pooch and has a 3 second
    downshift lag time. I also stuck 265's on it
    instead of the 245's that are no good when
    you hit the trails.

    I haven't had any problems it runs great but
    doesn't have the nutz the 94 had.

    Any Ideas? (and yes I run good gas!)
  • scape2scape2 Member Posts: 4,123
    Yes, try a K&N air charger system. This helped throttle response on my 4.0 and does make a difference. K&N claims a 10% HP increase, I would say they are about right. I ordered a Superchip and it should be here in about a week now. Will keep you updated. I also plan on putting the Ranger on the Dyno after the installation of the Superchip.
  • bgloverbglover Member Posts: 1
    I've had my 99 xlt for 2 month's now and I've had some problems with my rearend. Actually it makes a clanging sound when I let off of the clutch and press the gas pedal. It also makes the noise when I just let off of the gas and apply it again. I figure it is either my universal joints or something is definitely not right with my drive shaft or transfer case. I'm getting ready to take it back to the dealer for a checkup. Just thought I would let people Know.
  • spoogspoog Member Posts: 1,224
    you might want to check the Ranger recall list for that one.
  • cpousnrcpousnr Member Posts: 1,611
    Hmm vince8 is 4 wheelin the Cascades and I am wheelin the Sangre de Cristo's. Went up Hayden Pass over the weekend. Beginning elevation 8,000' ending on top at 10,700'. Up to 20% grades on the west side. 7.5 miles long. Runs from the San Louis valley over to the Wet Mtn valley.

    No real problems. Air on the entire way. Temp gage didn't budg past 1/2.

    Hey Vince, them there Cascade 4 wheelin trails peter out at what, 4,000-5,000 feet? Your hills only go to around 6,000 from what I see on the maps. Rangers WILL go higher quite nicely.

    He, he! Tis a pleasure to live in Colorado!

    Got a real nice pic of a buck in velvet. It was about 75 yards off the road and didn't move when I went by so stopped, walked back and took the pic. Hope it comes out ok.
  • longboarderlongboarder Member Posts: 7
    bglover,

    I have a 95' ranger xlt 2x4. experience a rattle noise when in neutral with brake pressed and clutch not engaged. Engage the clutch and the noise goes away. i had a dealer look at this two years back - they said nothing was wrong. And nothing has failed in 48K miles soooo....

    Has anyone added AC to a 4cyl ranger? I was thinking about having this done but was concerned that i might be creating problems.
  • cpousnrcpousnr Member Posts: 1,611
    Well I fiddled and did a quick and dirty cut an paste but here are the pics of medano pass if anyone is interested:

    http://members.aol.com/cpousnr/index1.html

    Starts on the east side sign, on top @10,000 next to the summit sign, the valley leading to the west, at the Sand Dunes on west side, looking back to the cut I came down and on my property working.
    It takes a couple of min. to load. On the bottom is a 400K file of the launch of the Cassini spacecraft to Saturn, highly detailed.

    Just thought I would share
  • cpousnrcpousnr Member Posts: 1,611
    Somewhere on these posts that was refered to as the "cow bell sound" and, I think, he said there was a service notice. I looked but did not find one on that subject.
  • cpousnrcpousnr Member Posts: 1,611
    Hey vince, do I understand that you changed your tires to 31X10.5X15? Any problem with them in regard to clearance and working on the stock rims if you did change? I might do that soon. Those Firestones just are not cutting it.
    Looking for any recomendations on a good tire with a balance on good mileage and good traction.
  • trenttrent Member Posts: 86
    Great pics,thanks
  • spoogspoog Member Posts: 1,224
    Hey, Great pix! That area looked incredible.
    Always Sunny in southern Colorado, isnt it......

    Sharp Truck too.

    I will comment however, that you were , for all intents and purposes, on a very well maintained road. I mean, you were either on flat grass
    or a well graded road.

    Wheres the swamp?
    Wheres the boulders and the deep sand?

    There is no question that in those picks, you were in two-wheel drive country.

    Beautiful country, but lets see some 4 wheeling areas next time.
  • cpousnrcpousnr Member Posts: 1,611
    spoog:
    Well true in those pics but where it was bad I couldn't get out to get the pics. Kinda had my hands full of steering wheel and shifter. What I need to do is travel with another vehicle and have them take the pics. Just didn't think it was too smart to stop in the middle of a 20 or so % grade, set the brake, fall down the hill to get the picture. Plus I was mainly our for wildlife pics and was conserving film. Only had 1/2 roll in the camera that day.
    The last pic of the property is flat but you need 4 wheel to get on and off with 1,300 lb of water on board. Going to be a tough view to take when I retire there. . .
    The intent was to show the bottom sign, the summit sign and the Sand Dunes sign. The next to last pic looking back up from the Dunes gives an indication of where the pass runs. Its the higher cut near the center, not the right one. Thee of the water crossings were a challenge, bumper deep an
  • cpousnrcpousnr Member Posts: 1,611
    It is hard to read but the sign on the first one says:

    "Not suitable for 2 wheel drive vehicles" and then a pic of a car with the circled red slash.

    On the one at the summit it says:
    "Medano Pass"
    "Great Sand Dunes 6"
    "4 wheel drive only"
  • agriggsagriggs Member Posts: 2
    I posted this to the "Mazda BSeries" group but I think it is less active than this group. My question regards how the A/C air flow on a '94 works. When I set the selector to "off" and the fan speed switch is not on "off," air still comes out of the vents and floor. When I set the air flow to "Max A/C" or "Panel," I get more air flow from the floor than the vents. Also, the "defrost" still has some air flow from the floor.

    I think I have a problem with the air flow selector. Is the operation I am seeing normal on the Ranger and BSeris? The owners manual says it should come out of the vents when "Panel" is set. So, I think I do have a problem. Anyone else ever see this behavior.

    My solution for the summer will probably be to duct tape the floor opening to get more air out of the vents. Although, I'll probably get it fixed if it is a malfunction and not too expensive.
  • freeflyerfreeflyer Member Posts: 9
    Well the Ranger 4X4 that I ordered in mid-May is now delayed until mid-August at earliest. Dealer says Ford is having "shipping problems" at the factory. Anybody else waiting on a Ranger and if so, what are you hearing about the delay?
  • dave40dave40 Member Posts: 582
    Show your RANGER Pictures at Topic # 775 Truck Pictures
  • scape2scape2 Member Posts: 4,123
    Cpousner, you proved your point, the Ranger, or what spoog calls the "grocery getter" can 4x4.
    He is just being sarcastic and trying to get you worked up. The Ranger/Mazda are great 4x4 trucks and for a heck of a lot less cash than a comparable Toyota, this makes spoog a bit upset. You can also, tell he doesn't 4x4 too often. Real 4x4 people don't use their ground clearance to go over rocks. It is a know fact that you don't go "over" objects in your path, you use your suspension/tires to climb over them.
    I do however need to say, if you do this again get yourself a skidplate and at least go to the 265's for tires. (get rid of the Fire junkers) This will help in traction and help protect the undercarriage.
    I had a great time once again in the Cascades this weekend. The Ranger or "grocery getter" did just fine. The snow was pretty much gone where we went. I did get some scratches in the side due to low limbs this time. Hopefully they will buff out. Did hit a pretty good washout that I had to go to 4 low to get through.
    I do have one complaint however, had to run the A/C, and man, did it suck the gas mileage down.
  • trenttrent Member Posts: 86
    I'm waiting on a Ranger and being told the ship date was moved up from June 26 to July 10. I've checked with a couple of other dealers on Ranger 4wd's and getting pretty much the same story. It seems more of a production problem than a shipping problem.
  • cpousnrcpousnr Member Posts: 1,611
    vince8:
    I have the skidplates, would like to find an aftermarket to protect the front differential from a "bounce" hit. The front frame should do ok but just want the extra insurance.
    I was in 4 whl 50/50 high and low. Would not have made it in the soft sand in high, I think as it bogged down in low. Them there Firestones are great for paved road! Am looking at BF Goodrich AT's in 31X10.5X15 for about $100 at Discount.
  • cpousnrcpousnr Member Posts: 1,611
    Thanks for the comments, see my post on Tacoma Vs Ranger for some more detail.

    Yeah it was a spur of the moment to go there but it was 10,000 ft, creek crossings, mud, sand, 20% grades all within 26 miles. Hayden pass to the north was simular without the streem crossings.

    The TRD is a great unit vince and you need to lay off spoog a bit. We know the Ranger will do fine.

    I went out to Pike NF where my son was camping Saturday. He and I took an ATV trail and got off it just before the ranger came. Had to clean ATV's out of the tread afterwards. . .(just kidding). He had ticketed one of the group for sliding off a trail and nailing an Aspen tree. Destruction of Govt Property, $75 please. That is a true story!
  • cpousnrcpousnr Member Posts: 1,611
    http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/Garage/8782/

    Moter Trend review on 1998 Ranger
  • mjbwrtrmjbwrtr Member Posts: 172
    cpousner......the origin of that quote you used is Dizzy Dean, a hall of fame pitcher from the twenties. he said "it ain't braggin' if ya can back it up." just a little "did you know" to brighten your day. btw, i intend to buy a newer Ranger as well.......as soon as i get rid of my '88 XLT.
  • cpousnrcpousnr Member Posts: 1,611
    mjbwrtr:
    Hey thanks for the info. Appreciate that.

    You will like the 99 XLT. Handlws real nice with the IFS and takes everything I have given it so far. But I won't try Engineers Pass out of Lake City over to Silverton. You really need a trick suspension for that on so I have heard.
  • dgonneaudgonneau Member Posts: 2
    Greetings.

    I've been looking to replace my good 'ol 1985 Ranger, and a dealer recently offered me $1750 for my truck:

    1985 2.8L V6 5-speed XLT Ranger 4X4 long-bed regular-cab 97K miles
    recent work: new clutch @ 94K miles.
    overall condition: good. some dents/rust in bed, but cab exterior is good and interior is excellent.

    Question: is $1750 an acceptable offer for this truck? I was hoping to get closer to $2500. Or is that unrealistic? Any comments on this offer would be appreciated.

    By the way, the truck has been v. reliable and a good runner. My only complaint is the gas mileage. About 18-20MPG highway, 15MPG in stop-and-go traffic. Seems more like V8 numbers rather than a small V6.

    I'm thinking of a 1999 XLT longbed, maybe with the 4 cyl for better gas mileage.

    Regards,

    Dan
  • kjtgkjtg Member Posts: 49
    dan
    try the 4cy b/4 you buy. i thought it was not good. couldn't get it back to the dealer fast enough.
  • scape2scape2 Member Posts: 4,123
    The mpg between the 4cyl and 3.0 is about 2- 3 miles with the 5spd. Go with the 3.0 5spd you won't be sorry. The hauling/towing capability will be worth it also. The price difference is only about $500 - 700, and with the incentives Ford is offering these days you won't even see it in a payment.
    Cp - ok, I just get tired of spoog's smart remarks. I have never put the Tacoma down as an actual truck. We all know it is a good truck. He is constantly putting Rangers/Mazda's down, never has one real good thing to say. Even after I supplied him with loads of sites, reviews, ect.. to rebute his claim that the Ranger/Mazda were unreliable and "grocery getters".
This discussion has been closed.