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Ford Ranger III
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Comments
i know i was complaning about wanting a 3.0 V6 but i dont now. now that i have seen what mine can do, like you, I see what Built Ford Tough means. and to think i also looked at s-10's when i was younger. *shudder* i would be sleeping at the dealership!
I've had my '93 since I was 17, and being that this was the first (and last) vehicle I've ever purchased and driven, that's a testimonial in itself. Just think 17 year old, high school drivers. And throw in a few weeks at the beach, many trips through the mountains in Arkansas, and all the abuse in between. I've raced a buddy's wrangler(a 4cylinder manual, vs my 4 cyl auto) on the beach, and won. I've pulled a few imports out of a few ruts in Arkansas with a tow strap. I did replace a transmission at 130,000 miles, but the valve cover gasket is factory sealed, and my original alternator still powers my 600 watt stereo, for the past 6 years.
Just give her a little maintenance and TLC, and it'll run for a good long time. Not having a car payment really does rock. I'm think I may be getting to sentimental to trade her in.
And as far as speed goes, it's no pocket rocket, but it an hold it's own against most other 4 bangers. Got it up to 110 mph once (redlined, and speedometer needle pegged on the trip meter), according to a friend who's speedometer goes past 85.
But I do love the Edge look, and can't wait to see what comes in 2003. Take care!
mine isnt an extended cab, though. i think thats what you meant by your comment at the top.
the more i hear about these trucks the more i am comfortable and happy with my purchase. i intend to drive it til it pukes.
Well recently I did have a problem with my truck. The driver side door handle, on the inside would stick in the open position.
A quick squirt of WD-40 fixed it though.
I have a 2001 Ranger Supercab, 4X4, purchased new, and I never get over 15 mpg 50/50 city/highway driving. It has the 4.10 gear ratio, P245/75R16 new Michelin tires (to replace the Wilderness tires of same size), 4.0/ 5-sp auto, currently 2,500 miles and I am rather gentle with it. Is my mileage supposed to increase with time? My usual mileage is 13-14mpg, which I feel is very poor mileage for this truck.
Any opinions or input from owners of a Ranger similarly equipped would be appreciated.
BTW I had been driving a 96 F250 460 4X4 Supercab before I bought this truck and I have to say I'm very impressed by the Ranger! I now drive right past gas stations! So far, 2 weeks and 1200 miles, there is NOTHING I don't like about this truck.
Anyways I only caught like 5 seconds of it, and wondered if it was a Ford commercial or what?
And I got 18+ mpg yesterday.
The dealer deodorized it twice (no help) then said they had to pull the dash and replace the evaporator. But they later copped out as the tech. couldnt duplicate my concern. I went to another dealer who said they are well aware of the problem ... they had a service bulliten or something on it ... and they would need to replace the evaporator. They too ended up not replacing that (they told me that didnt apply to my truck) but installed what the service writer described as a "reverse fan" to prevent the smell's return. I told him again that the smell itself is not making me sick, but whatever is in there is. He was very evasive and just kept telling me that they did the repair that Ford recommends.
When I got my truck back, there was a pre-printed flyer inside stating: "A module has been added to turn on the blower motor for two minutes after your vehicle has been parked for 45 minutes. This will help prevent the return of odors from the AC system."
So far no odor, but I still get very sick whenever I run the blower and/or AC. Is the dealer being straight, or is this being used as a "mask" for a deeper probem? Thanks
matt, You could probably move a trailer around the block or so, but yes I wouldn't be going across the state with anything near that weight. You should be able to tow a couple of motorcycles, jet ski's, or a little uhaul trailer with no problem.
Just bought 2002 3.0 2WD SuperCab. So far so good. Will report any probs as they arise. Question: Where is the best place to get an under the rail bed liner for the least amount of money? Thanks in advance.
Anybody else???
Thanks!
Anyways, any feedback would be appreciated.
IF you own an automatic, change the fluid WITH THE PROPER FORD SPECS at 30 000 miles AND it is VERY important, to prevent klunks and vibration, to grease the extension shaft spline of the drive shaft (where the rubber boot is located) perhaps once a year or so. If you have the 3.0 V6 and it DOES NOT ping, you are very fortunate, as most of them start to get noisy. This can be cured by using higher octane fuel, orinjector cleaner, or both.
Also, periodically make sure the front end is aligned properly; Rangers can eat the outside of your front tires off pretty quickly. Mobil 1 which I use has given me about .5 mpg, but of course at extra expense. I think the Mobil 1 is worth it if you drive in cold weather a lot, as it possesses reduced friction at lower temps than regular petro-based oils. Good luck.
However, I am ecstatic about the 25mpg hwy. during warm weather months and 16 mpg city! It is, after all, a truck! I also have that weird nasty smell from the heater/AC unit! I thought that maybe a mouse or something crawled in the dash and died!
I have linked this discussion into that folder, but it will always reside here in Pickups.
Looking forward to meeting everyone!
KarenS
Host
Owners Clubs
My truck is a 2002 B4000 dual sport (2WD) with the 4.0 liter engine and auto trans. I really like the truck, having dumped by 2000 GMC Sierra. Are their any maintenance or reliability issues that I should watch out for? I have had two concerns so far:
- sometimes I feel a bump just as I am starting from a dead stop. I don't hear any noise. The dealer said that this is a characteristic of the drivetrain and suspension.
- the gearshift lever encounters some resistance shifting into Park. The dealer said it was normal.
Have any of you had these situations arise?
If I should be on another string, please let me know. Otherwise I'll tag along with you guys.
It is also time to replace shocks etc. Any recommendations on that? Thanks much
Thanks.
As a previous Ranger owner (1993 4.0L RC Longbed 5-speed and 1996 4.0L SC Auto) I'm fully aware of the quality and reliability of this truck. I'm having a 3000lb (includes trailer weight) boat delivered in about 2 weeks, and now must again purchase a suitable tow vehicle. I've also owned a Dakota QuadCab 4.7L Auto, and although I didn't have too many (weatherstrips falling off doors) problems in the 12K miles I owned the Dodge, I'm thinking the cheaper, "known quantity" Ranger might be the wiser choice (not to mention the $2500 rebate). I've had a lot of experience towing, and I insist on "safety first", which to me means having a "safety factor" in the tow capacity of my vehicle. The SC Ranger 4.0L Auto is rated at 5800+ lbs (I assume with either a 3:55 or 3:73 axle ratio); so capacity isn't a problem. I do NOT have any experience with the new 4.0L motor. The old 160HP 4.0L had plenty of grunt, developing 225 lbs of torque at low RPM.
Can any of you out there relate how the new 205HP 4.0L pulls a heavy load? Slippery and steep boat ramps, including launching/retrieving into the Pacific is what this truck will be used for.
Any U.S. coastal fisherman out there that can relate?
Sorry for the long and wordy post.
Thanks.
The F-150 is a bit aerodynamically handicapped compared to the Mustang, but you should still see over 20 MPG regularly.
with gas, gear, ice chests, skis, etc. Surge brakes will greatly help slow that weight down, and unlike an F-150 or other full-size truck, the Ranger's low vehicle weight can use all the help it can get when it comes to controlling equal or greater weight trailers.
Overall, I love the truck. No other issues with three months and 3000 miles.
I recommend that you test drive one. Mazda currently has big rebates, and my dealer was selling them at invoice before deducting the rebate.
I have my eye on a B4000 with manual tranny at a local dealer.
I think I'll check with some Explorer owners for some longer term reports on the engine. I hope your B4000 serves you well for a long time.