Ford Ranger

jloco1

Well, I've got 1300 miles on my new Ranger(4.0,5 sp manual,4.10 gears,16" wheels)and am averaging 16.5 MPG(city&hgwy)on 87 octane reg unleaded. Does this sound comparable to what you guys are getting? It's a little less than what they advertise. But, I love the truck and would recommend it to anyone looking for a great not so small p/u,despite the differential problems I had at 500 miles. I'm glad I didn't get an F-150 with a big V-8!!! I almost did. But it didn't seem practicle for what I needed. Plus with new Harley arriving in Feb, kid in private school, it would have been tough to swing.

trent

I'm getting around 16 mpg city and hwy with the 4.0,auto,4.10 off road package. My best so far is 17 mpg. I now have 3600 miles on the truck and I'll be surprised if I ever see the advertised 20 mpg.
The last tank I checked mileage on was 89 octane and it seemed to be worse than using 87.

lvstang

Lot of wasted money goes to buying higher octane fuel than needed. Have to realize that higher octane fuel actually burns slower(lower flash point). The reason is to prevent preignition. If a vehicle doesn't ping on a lower octane fuel you're actually lowering your performance by upgrading unless you raise compression, advance timing etc. Lot's more involved but that's a quick overview.

jloco1

lvstang,

I agree. There is a lot of money wasted on premium fuels that are not needed. I've used only 87 reg and it runs fine. No pings at all.

scomo

I recently found out my company makes products for Ford and this allows us to use Ford's seldom noted "X-plan" which is 4% over Ford's "A-plan" that Ford employees get! What luck!! I ordered a '00 Ranger 4X4 SB XLT, power pkg, 4.0L with 5sp Automatic, 4 door option, Conv pkg and 3.73 rear end for $20600 after a $500 rebate...and still got 5.9% financing! Somebody up there LOVES me! I can't wait to get my hands on the truck and watch the snow fly!!! Anybody else have the wedgewood blue color? I wonder if it'll be a pain to keep clean!

Scott

scape2

Congrats on your new Ranger. 20K is pretty good for what sounds to be a pretty well loaded truck.
Let me know how the 5spd auto feels. Ford built this transmission for one mission, hauling/towing.
I have different feelings about premium gas. I have tried all three 87,89,91 octane and it seems the 89 is the best for my truck. When I run 87 I do get some pinging on acceleration up hills or from a stoplight. When I use the 89 octane the pinging goes away and the engine seems to run smoother.
I used to have a superchip in my truck which required 91 octane. I only install it when I go into the mountains for the weekend. Premium is just to expensive to run all the time in a 4.0 4x4 Ranger.
One thing I do is purchase gas from well known retailer, Texaco, BP, or Chevron. I never use Arco, or a brand this is unknown.

cpousnr

I run 85 octane regular, no pings, smooth running. Remember the 4.0 is a 9 to 1 low compression engine and unless modified, does not require real high octane fuel. I get 2mpg LESS on the 4 87 octane tanks I tried.

Last tank was aprox 21mpg which included 300miles hwy, running in 4X high hauling 1300 lb H2O a bit and some climbs to the top of the Wet Mtns and running down 5 very rough 4X roads, partially in 4X low.

The engine will break in somewhere around 10k and you SHOULD see an increase in mpg

cpousnr

I get my gas at the Farmcrest Milk Store. About ready to change fuel filter at 20K just in case.

You said you had the superchip and need the higher octane.

Wish I had the camera last weekend, will take it next time to get some pics of the bad boy trails I was on.

He Vince or anyone else considering 4 wheeling in Colo. Try this site. The books are EXCELLENT, better than any others I have seen.
http://www.4wdbooks.com/

Fantastic, information packed, easy to read, and reasonably cheap. Plus its a local run mom/pop organization. Try the 800 number and you get the internet price.

jloco1

Does a tonneau cover really improve gas mileage? Obviously it reduces drag significantly, but I'm just curious to know if there is a noticable difference in MPG. Has anyone noticed a significant difference after installing one?

Thanks for any info..........JLOCO

hmergler

I remember wanting to post this a little while ago, but can't remember if I did, so here it is.

A few weeks ago, I rented a Ranger from Budget for a business trip (it was actually cheaper than an intermediate car). This became my first real drive in one besides a trip around the block. It was a 4x2 SuperCab 4-door with the power group. Pretty much what I was looking for in a truck. Although I thought the ride was great, it was comfortable and the dash board items were easy to reach, I did notice a few things that I would nit pick on and was wondering if anyone else noticed these things...

1. The visibility of the driver side "blind" spot. When peering over my left shoulder to check my blind spot, I sometimes found it hard to see because of the thickness of the B-column and the smallness of the back side window.

2. The air/vent controls. In order to turn off the air, you do not turn the air dial off, you turn the vent dial to an off position. As soon as you move the vent dial to a vent location, the air is turned on.

3. The fact that A/C is considered to be a vent location. On most cars I've been in, the A/C is a button you turn on, irrespective of the vent location. That way you can have the A/C on while defogging the windshield (the A/C dries the air out and thus helps to defog the window even if you have the air temperature set to hot).

4. If the truck is on, the keyless entry remote will not work. Kinda prevents you from starting up the truck on a cold morning and then when you come back out using the keyless entry remote to unlock the door.

5. On a great note, I loved that when the headlights were on the dashboard lights, including the clock, did not dim.

Anyone have any thoughts on this? Now don't get me wrong. I still loved the Ranger (that's why I ordered one).

- The Merg

johneel

Yes, I'd very much agree with The Merg about the driver's side blind spot. I have a new Ranger V6 3.0 Auto. with about 2,500 miles and I love it. But changing lanes to the left, or making a turn that way is difficult and, I think, a bit dangerous because of the poor visibility/blind spot. There's also something about the combination of the Ranger's small rearview mirror, and the sliding back window that bugs me too. I find myself twisting and turning in my seat a lot to see just what exactly is occuring on the highway around me.

jcleveland

1. Cant disagree, my 99 is hard to see out of in some spots, and I can't seem to get the rear view mirror adjusted quite right.

2&3. In the owners manual it says that the A/C will be used depending on temperature in all settings except for the vent settings including the defrost for just the reason you mention. This seems to be a new Ford thing.

4. This also seems to be something more popular these days. I had a Sunfire that was the same way, traded that in for a Taurus that has the number pad under the drivers door handle. With the cost of keys for the 4.0L Ranger I really don't want to carry two just to warm it up.

But for any of the nitpicks I have with my truck, I wouldn't give it back. This is my first truck and it has been 2 months and 3000 miles of happiness.

JPC

cpousnr

Maybe I get a 1-2mpg or more.
Just looks kewl, keeps the leaves out of the bed, keeps dust/dirt out and it is a place to put luggage free from rain and free up the behind the seat area.

jloco1

I called the local Ziebart shop to see if they were doing a Rhino liner today. I wanted to see one before I have mine done. They had one there they had just finished. I rushed down there to check it out. It was mint, although the guy had chosen the medium texture.(I prefer the fine texture)Then to my surprize, my cousin's 2 son's come walking out from the back room. They're the ones who do the Rhino liners. Suddenly the price dropped from $379 down to $300. Also, the price of the Extang tonneau cover dropped from $259 down to $229. Unbelievable!!! I didn't even know one of them worked there let alone both of them. Needless to say, I made an appointment for Monday to get it done. How are those Extang tonneau's? They told me they're supposed to be one of the best. Once again I'll ask you guys,Does anyone know anything about them?

Thanks......Jloco

chief18

I just bought a '99 Ranger XLT 4x4 4 Door SC and paid $21.5K. In hindsight I think I could've done better on the price, but I got a better than average deal on my trade in. Keep looking, after I bought mine, I saw some '99's going for $19k. Good Luck on your search

jcleveland

I looked at the extang covers and they seemed pretty nice but I ended up with the TekStyle, it was a little more money but it is made a little better. Especially how the rails mount to the truck and the way the bows install and remove. Anyway the place where I bought my cover had the Extang for $179 and the TekStyle for $209.

ftsui

I've got a 1999 XLT 4X4 supercab.
Driven it almost 900 miles now. I am starting to hear a "whiny" noise whenever I am in DRIVE, stopped at a stop light. Or whenever I am in REVERSE, moving or at a stop. Not sure where the noise is coming from, but it is annoying.
Has anyone experienced this ?
Is there something wrong ? Or is this a noise as a result of the "breaking-in period" ?
Just worried if there is something wrong...

-Frank (ftsui@earthlink.net)

rbullock

I just looked at a 2000 XLT with the 3.0 liter V6. I don't seem to be able to find much info on this engine. Anyone know horsepower,torque etc.? I like the truck a lot and the price is a lot better than comparable Toyotas or Nissans.

davidb72

Has anyone else had a problem with the Wiper/Turn Signal stalk? I sometimes have wipers, I sometimes don't. Sometimes I have wipers when I don't want them... I've heard a rumor that this was a recall. My truck is a 1995 Supercab. Thanks for the help...

trent

Took a trip to the NC mountains this weekend and got 18.64 mpg on the hwy(4x4SC,4.0,auto,offroad package). This is my best mileage yet with 4k on truck.
There was a lot of mud up there and it was sure nice not getting stuck as with my old 2wd.
When you get the limited slip option I assume that is just the rear and not the front axle, anyone know that?

jwsmith

The limited slip is just rear on the Ranger, it was available on the F-150 front and rear when i ordered my 1995 F-150 4X4 SC, but only with manual locking hubs. Not sure if it is still available on the F-150.
What tires and axle ratio do you have Trent? My 00 Ranger with 4.0, auto, off-road (4.10 limited slip and the 16X245 tires) is due in 10/18. Hope it gets better mileage than my 150 with 5.0l, auto, 3.55 limited slip - about 13 around town and a best of around 18 on the road if it stays under 60 MHP.

wannaranger

I am still wanting to buy a 99' Ranger, but I have some concerns and would like some advice. First of all, I am planning on selling my 95' Firebird Coupe myself as I have only had it a little over a year and still owe quite a bit on it. I am doing this because financial concerns in regards to transferring to a college with higher tuition costs will make things alittle too close for comfort. There is a Red Regular Cab Ranger with a 2.5 V6 engine at a St. Louis Area dealer. My question is this... Is the 2.5 engine strong enough or should I look for a more powerful engine? I don't plan on towing a boat or anything that heavy, just the normal hauling that one would do with a truck that size. I plan to ask around $11,500 for the Firebird (it has 52,000 miles on it). Does that sound like a reasonable starting point? What do you all think? I'd appreciate any serious opinions and advice you can give.
Thanks,
wannaranger

trent

jwsmith, I have the 4.10 gears with the 245/75x16 tires. Most of my last mileage check was at 65 mph. I believe the rpm at 65 is around 2400. How does that compare to some others out there?

jloco1

I've got a 99 XLT super cab with 1300 miles on it now. I had a "whiny" noise at 500 miles. The whole rear differential had to be replaced. I would take it to the dealer and have it checked.
JLOCO

cpousnr

Yes, i had the wiper swithch replaced too, only real problem I have had in 18.5K.
Do not know of a recall but they do it under warrenty. I would be changing suppliers. . .

Sounds fair on the bird and Ranger. But only V6's ar 3.0 and 4.0. Your talking about a 4cyl. If your just looking to bum around, no 4 wheeling/towing, it should work for you. Price should be in the neigborhood of 10K for what your wanting, 2X, 2.5L, regular cab depending on other options. Look for sales etc in the paper.

ndnchf

I just picked up my 2000 Atlantic blue Ranger XLT supercab - what a beauty. To my dismay I found that the Draw-Tite class III hitch I had on my 1992 Ranger will not fit on the 2000.

Does anyone have a recommendation on a particular brand of class III hitch for my 2000? I was happy with the old draw-tite but see that there are quite a few other brands out there. I don't pull a real heavy load, but do pull a motorcycle trailer and want the security of the class III.

If anyone is interested I will sell the old draw-tite class III for $50.00 plus shipping. It is a #75036. I called draw-tite and they said it fits an '83-'94. Please contact me offline at sblancard@logicon.com if you are interested.

Thanks,
Steve

nrauch

When a dealer says a Ranger XLT they have for sale has the offroad package - what is included in that (i.e. specific tires, suspension changes, etc.)?

jloco1

I had my rhino liner installed yesterday. They did a truly excellent job. I'm very pleased with the results.

I also had an extang tonneau cover installed. I'm very pleased with the quality and fit.

Whew...I'm glad that's done. No more accessaries for a while. I'm broke!!!!

JLOCO

trent

Blue Oval News has some info on a new 2001 Ranger today.

jloco1

FYI.... My cousin's son, who installs Rhino Liners informed me that starting in 2001, Ford will be offering a factory spray in liner. He wasn't sure if it is going to be standard equipment or an option.....interesting, I figured it would happen sooner or later. It's probably an option

JLOCO

privatejc

Can anyone help me to find adequate running boards for a 99-00 ranger ext cab?
I had the moulded color keyed installed and find that they don't provide enough and safe foothold going into or coming out of the truck.
Thanks

hmergler

Have fun with it. I can't wait till mine comes in (expected arrival date is Thanksgiving). As for yours arriving late, it looks to me like it only took a little over 5 weeks. That's not too bad, mine is scheduled to take 8 weeks. Also, how did you get a $1000 rebate? I thought the current rebate on a 2000 is $500.

- The Merg

jwsmith

It arrived late in the evening - not late from delivery date. Rebate was a surprise - I asked them to verify - and was told the VIN referenced to a $1000 rebate. So - I got the bedliner that was ordered anyway and an extra $500 in rebate. It's a done deal now - safe in my driveway with 60 wonderful miles on it. Will get a matching ARE hard cover put on tomorrow. Now if I can master the dual media radio controls! Hope you get your's as quick and get a better deal also!

wannaranger

I'm leaning towards a Bright Red regular cab with a 2.5 engine in it. My question is...Should I pass on the 2.5 and continue searching for a 3.0 that I like or is the 2.5 ok? If I would select the 2.5 could I do anything to boost the acceleration to acceptable levels within reasonable cost or is that even worth considering?
I really want to be sure before I sell my Firebird. Help me out gang, I don't want to jump at anything before I am totally sure.
Thanks,
wannaranger

travisml

wannaranger, go with the 3.0. I have a '94 x-cab ranger with the 2.3 and it's a dog. The truck is great, 5 years 73,000 miles and never a problem but i'm getting rid of it this year. It just doesn't have the power to do anything except commute and then that's a pain sometimes. I don't pull anything but with only two bikes two dogs and the wife going up inclines is a chore. I have heard the 2.5 has a little more oomph but in my opinion i'd opt for the v6.

travisml

scape2

It really depends on what you are going to use the truck for?? Just a very light hauler and commuter the 2.5 will do you just fine. Get the 5spd!!! don't get an automatic. To boost the 2.5 you can try and see if a K&N air charger kit is available for this engine. Cost is about $100-&150 dollars, along with a chip $200-250. With the chip you will have to run superunleaded. These two items will help some, but don't expect gut wrenching acceleration, there will be improvement though.
Personally, I feel the 3.0 is the way to go, with a 5spd. The MPG is only about 3-4MPG difference.
But once again, its your choice. Ever thought of ordering one the way you want it equipped?

hguns

I put a EZ-LIFT Class III on my 99 Ranger, nice hitch, bolts right on. Hans

jwsmith

I thought the same. When the salesperson told me it was $1000, I ask her to make sure it was correct. Was told the VIN referenced to a $1000 rebate. Now a done deal. Just better value!

wannaranger

I had a co-worker to tell me that I ought check out the new Chevy S-10 with the eXtreme package. It has a 2.2 Vortec engine and has the flareside bed like I want. I told him I wasn't sure about that. I'm looking to lower my insurance costs and that truck looks like it would raise it instead. What do you think? I like the idea of a 3.0 or even a 4.0, but I think the 4.0 may raise the overall cost of buying the truck, not to mention the insurance premiums. Sorry guys, I can't go with the 5-speed. I've had some hip problems and shifting wouldn't help that situation much. Anyway, as far as ordering the truck with the features I want may not be an option. I have to sell my car first and waiting on the delivery on a truck without other transportation while working a full-time job and going to school just wouldn't work. And besides, I want to take advantage of the rebates currently being offered (I think it's $1000 right now) and the interest rates, I don't think I have that luxury. Well, I plan to get my Firebird cleaned up and put it in the local Auto Trader. Thanks and keep up the advice, I'll be watching.
wannaranger

jwsmith

The insurance cost between similar equipped S10 or Rangers is equal (same rating symbol). Your rate will vary slightly depending on engine size - 4 cyl, or V6 - but there was no difference between the 3.0l or 4.0l for insurance on my truck. Each state regulates it's own insurance, so there may be differences. It cost nothing to call an agent and get some comparison quotes - I'm an insurance agent in MI and encourage people to check before they buy - part of my service. The new Ranger is great!

meredith

This discussion is being continued in Topic 1165....

Ford Ranger II.

Please continue this discussion there.

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