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Ford Ranger II

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Comments

  • cpousnrcpousnr Member Posts: 1,611
    You sure it is not 265X16"? That is equal to a 31X10.5X15" tire. A friend has a 96 or 97 STX with the off-road, I will ask him today what size tires he has. Get back to you later.
  • fuzzer34fuzzer34 Member Posts: 28
    I have a 4.0L '96 STX supercab loaded. God, when I bought this I didn't even know they made rangers with power windows and leather wrapped steering wheels. My truck came with P265R75/15 tires, Firestones. What junk tires. After they wore saw-toothed at 19k, I replaced them with BFG AT's 31.5x10.5, the truck rides smoother but has a little more road noise as the BFG pattern is more agressive. On my doorjam, it says 265R75/15 tires. Mine is a 5-speed manual, and my clutch slave cylinder was replaced twice for making a squeaking noise when I pressed on the pedal. At 55k now, the truck continues to impress me in our NE snow.
  • scape2scape2 Member Posts: 4,123
    I cannot stress more how a better offroad/all terrain tire will make the Ranger/Mazda handle and look better. Drop the Firejunkers and get some real offroad tires in a 265x75R16 or a 31".
  • devontiedevontie Member Posts: 35
    Vince8, I have a 3.0 2wd Ranger Xcab. I don't go off road. What tires would you Recommend for my truck.
  • cpousnrcpousnr Member Posts: 1,611
    Maybe I can help you a bit.

    Try http://www.tirerack.com/tires/index.html There you can get reviews and comparisons of different tires.

    Since off-road is not in your future, try a tire rated high for traction and wear etc. If I were you stay with the same size tires as stock, you do not need the height. For you, bigger tires would be for looks only.

    If you do not go off-road I guess I would suggest to not get a heavy lugged tire.
  • scape2scape2 Member Posts: 4,123
    I agree with CP. If you don't plan on doing any offroad stick to the stock tires.
  • rameyramey Member Posts: 2
    FYI 99 Ranger Owners-
    My father has just learned that the spare tire which came with his 99 Ranger, labeled as full size, is only a 15" tire. No problem except his version came with the larger 16" off road tire package. After chasing the dealer and Ford motor company around several times, they finally admitted that the spare cannot be used in 4x4 mode since it doesn't match the others. Apparently, this wasnt an isolated incident with this truck but ALL 99 Rangers with the bigger tires have this as the spare. Fortunately flats never happen in hard to get to, off the beaten path places where 4x4 is needed? :( Dealers are also covering this fact up. Look under your truck before offroading.
  • cwiedencwieden Member Posts: 2
    I've got a 94 XLT Short Bed, 3.0, Auto. I like the truck, except for the harsh ride. Yeah, I know it's a small truck, but the ride is much worse than newer Rangers and other small trucks.

    I've replace the shocks and tires within the last 20K, both of which helped the ride significantly. However it still does not deal with bigger bumps well. The only time it really rode well was when I hauled 1500 pounds of topsoil in it.

    Does anyone have any experience with aftermarket springs to alleviate the harshness when riding empty?
  • cwiedencwieden Member Posts: 2
    I've got a 94 XLT Short Bed, 3.0, Auto. I like the truck, except for the harsh ride. Yeah, I know it's a small truck, but the ride is much worse than newer Rangers and other small trucks.

    I've replace the shocks and tires within the last 20K, both of which helped the ride significantly. However it still does not deal with bigger bumps well. The only time it really rode well was when I hauled 1500 pounds of topsoil in it.

    Does anyone have any experience with aftermarket springs to alleviate the harshness when riding empty?
  • rwhit1rwhit1 Member Posts: 6
    Well i got my new ranger. I got a 2000 ext cab 4x4with 4spd auto and the quad door,flareside box,sport package,3.0 l engine. What a nice looking truck! I really like the sport packege i'm glad i got even it i had to drive a extra threee hndred miles. I am getting my bedliner,tonnoea cover,step bars and bra on tomorrow i cant wait to see it with all them on it. I so far am in love with i just hope it stays that way. I also hope i continue to like the bright red color
  • dannygdannyg Member Posts: 131
    Congrats on your shiny new truck!

    I hope you'll keep this board updated with comments on your real-world MPG (city & highway) and any reliability issues.

    I'm looking to trade in my old 4x4 Ranger for a new one in the coming year.

    Dan
  • kit1404kit1404 Member Posts: 124
    Kind of went along with what I think was just a cheap truck, but not if you think about what it cost. I had a 1998 Ranger - totally loaded 4X4 and the 16" tires. When I took it to U-Haul to put on a receiver hitch - the kid noted to me that this is not a full-service spare. It looks good, but if you read the owners' manual it is a limited-service thing and a 15" tire, not intended for many miles. Maybe somebody out there can tell me why Ford put a limited service, too small tire on this $21,000 vehicle "designed for off-road use"? Granted it would have been a tight fit with a bigger tire. But, hey why don't they redesign this beast - needs everything new. Oh well, my 4.0 engine tried to die before 20,000 miles and I never had to deal with the spare-tire thing. Given more time, I suspect it could have been a real pain. The whole mess got traded in for a 1999 F-150 - which I still find hard to raise a complaint about. At least Ford dollars into a big project/new design is worth paying your own big dollars to purchase. The Ranger got left in the way-side.
  • xena1axena1a Member Posts: 286
    Just wondering exactly where the computer chip is physically located. I really have no idea. Under the hood? Somewhere under the dash? Thanks...
  • cpousnrcpousnr Member Posts: 1,611
    The chip is in the computer. The computer is located on the pass. side firewall in the engine compartment. It is up and has a big plug going into it.
    There is a code like SSUU that you need to use to order a chip.
  • newtruck3newtruck3 Member Posts: 1
    Looking for some help.
    A have a 99 Ranger Xlt supercab 3.0L w/ automatic tran. I noticed from the day of purchase, when hitting 45 mph and continuing to accelerate I get a knocking and pinging noise and a higher then usual vibration on the gas pedal. The truck seems to be hesitating in shifting gears. This is my first truck and automatic tran. The dealership said they needed to adjust the GEM module to correct the knocking noise, but it has not worked. They put is on the tran tester and all came up fine. Is this a normal condition? Or a dealership that is not really fixing the problem? They said they could get rid of the noise, but I would lose some power. Any suggestions would be helpfull. I am getting very frustrated but wanted to see if anyone else has had this problem or is this a normal condition in a Ranger. I prefer the Ranger over other trucks, but I can't say I have been totally satisfied. Thanks for your help.
  • scape2scape2 Member Posts: 4,123
    Try running 89 octane fuel rather than 87 octane. This got rid of my knocking in my 4.0 right away. A friend has the 3.0, same thing.
  • xena1axena1a Member Posts: 286
    I own a '99 Mazda B3000 (3.0L) 4WD with a 5-spd manual. At 4500 miles, the truck did develop some moderate pinging during normal acceleration. I switched to 89 octane and the pinging subsided almost immediately. The vehicle now has over 10000 miles on it and the engine runs solid. No pinging. The engine also seems to run a bit smoother. Not as much vibration felt through the gas pedal. I agree with Vince - switch to a higher octane fuel. Hopefully it will help...
  • rover123rover123 Member Posts: 1
    I'm contemplating buying a used 98 Ranger XLT with the 2.5 automatic. The engine has 49000 highway miles on it. Is the 2.5 enough engine in the automatic. I'm in hilly southeastern Ohio. I do not plan on hauling heavy loads - will occasionally trailer a 19 foot aluminum boat. Also what is the normal mileage expectation on this engine. I'm a little concerned about the 49000 miles, but the vehicle is in excellent condition and I know the history.
  • edharri3edharri3 Member Posts: 35
    Couple thoughts on accessories I hear some people are considering.
    Step bars and running boards: More cosmetic than functional, because compact trucks with the stock ride height don't sit that high, and they have no place on a true off roading vehicle. If you plan on thrashing your ranger over boulders remove them or a big rock might do it for you.
    bras:should be avoided all together. The part of the hood that's covered ends up being a shade lighter than the rest of the car because sunlight doesn't get to it. Consider bug deflectors instead.
    soft bed covers: I got an extang black max with adjustable bow heigts, reversable snaps and a padded frame for 260 installed, would have been 220 in a box. I only had it installed in the shop because i have an over the rail bed liner, which needs to be cut and makes installation complicated. In other applications its easy with no drilling and takes maybe a half hour. Check Urban Vehicle Outfitters, that's where I got mine.
    Headlight covers: If you have them in blackout style take them off at night, they decrease headlight power.
    Bolt on engine upgrades: K&N air filter, exhausts, ets, make give a better engine sound and minimal performance improvements individually but to see a real diffference performance upgrades need to be done in complete packages.
    Caps: Will improve mileage, but so will soft covers by about the same amount. And since covers cost less they will pay for themselves with improved mileage in much less time.
    They are more convernient to remove, while caps allow more useable covered storeage space and better security.
  • derekshawnderekshawn Member Posts: 10
    I recently just purchased a '00 Ranger XLT ext. cab with the 3.0 and auto. This engine is supposed to be able to run on E85 fuel and regular gasoline or any mixture of the two. Where would I find this E85 fuel and what are the advantages of this over regular unleaded. And after reading previous postings, I think I'll try running on 89 octane for a while and see if it makes a difference. I haven't noticed any pinging noise yet but then again, I haven't really paid attention. I will admit that I like my ranger a whole lot more than the 98 s10 I traded for it. Anyways, thanks for any info.
  • dannygdannyg Member Posts: 131
    What sort of MPG are you folks seeing with your 3.0L V6s, city/hwy? I see #227 is a 4x4 5 sp while 230 is a 4x2 auto. (Sorry, not sure about E85 fuel.)

    I've got an old Ranger 4x4 2.8L 5sp that I'm going to trade in at some point. I'm getting about 15-16mpg in hard-core city miles, 19mpg hwy.

    Thanks,

    Dan
  • ronny3ronny3 Member Posts: 2
    Can anyone help me? It's a long tale, but since this is my first post, I will try and keep it short. My problem started in 98 with the purchase of the base s-10 (used only for racking up the miles, about 600 per week) my spouse didn't hagel and took a 72 month payment. ouch! now I need to know how many miles this truck can be expected to go (no problems yet,78k highway miles) Should I take the 5k hit now (owe 8 expect 3 on trade) I am impressed with the ranger but don't know if in this situation would be better off with the 3.0? will this engine last longer? will I take just as bad of a hit in 3 years on it's value? should I just stick with the base 2.5 and hope for the best? any words of wisdom will help, my spouse just says trade and deal with it!
  • ronny3ronny3 Member Posts: 2
    Can anyone help me? It's a long tale, but since this is my first post, I will try and keep it short. My problem started in 98 with the purchase of the base s-10 (used only for racking up the miles, about 600 per week) my spouse didn't hagel and took a 72 month payment. ouch! now I need to know how many miles this truck can be expected to go (no problems yet,78k highway miles) Should I take the 5k hit now (owe 8 expect 3 on trade) I am impressed with the ranger but don't know if in this situation would be better off with the 3.0? will this engine last longer? will I take just as bad of a hit in 3 years on it's value? should I just stick with the base 2.5 and hope for the best? any words of wisdom will help, my spouse just says trade and deal with it!
  • cpousnrcpousnr Member Posts: 1,611
    Good choice on the Mobil1. I have run it in my 4.0 since 14K, now have 25K and it is running great. The engine is smooth, no knock (And I use the 85 octane they sell up here in Colo) runs cool and, well, just runs great.
    I have been changing on a 5000 mile interval.

    I lost your email when I changed computers. Would you send me a note at cpousnr@aol.com?

    Westcliffe is doing fine. The have been getting some moisture the last week or two but not a great deal of snow in the mountains. A group of Rangers and Bronco's, and my son's 94 Toyota from up here are planning a run in the Sangre's in June or July. Want in? It would be over Medano to the Sand Dunes, maybe a side trail or two.

    Will keep you advised if your interested.
  • wants4doorswants4doors Member Posts: 2
    Can anyone tell me why the 2000 Ranger (or Mazda B series) with the 2.5 engine cannot be found with 4 doors? They were available in both models for the year 99.
  • hciaffahciaffa Member Posts: 454
    Awhile back and many postings ago we had discussed a similiar noise that our Rangers (98 XLT, auto) made coming from the drive shaft. It was a 'cowbell' clang sound. Did you ever have tha resolved and if so what was the out come. My dealer assured me that there was nothing wrong just normal play in the shaft and when putting into gear the clang would occur. This seemed to have started right after I had the drive shaft replaced because of a vibration feeling. Any input. Thanks
  • cpousnrcpousnr Member Posts: 1,611
    The Tech Service Bul. for the ping(cowbell) is 98-11-9 and for the draveshaft boom/vibration on supercabs is 97-21-16.
    I complained about the cowbell noise when I had it in for the wiper GEM module replacement and they lubed the yoke on the dirveshaft. It is not doing it now.
    For the vibration I understand they replace or balance the shaft.
    Also, remember before 50000 miles, get the 3 rubber caps replaced on the manual trans, they are on the top, with metal plugs. They deteriorate and leak.
  • xena1axena1a Member Posts: 286
    Thanks for the invite for the Medano Pass run. That just might work out OK for me. I'm getting the itch real bad to get back there and I don't think I can hold out until September like I did last year. I'll send you an e-mail this evening.
    I like the Mobil 1 synthetic. I've never used it before. The engine feels smoother, less friction. You can really tell the difference in the morning when the engine is cold...
  • cpousnrcpousnr Member Posts: 1,611
    Yes the mobil runs real well. I had the same experience, smoother, quieter, just runs great.

    You sued the 5W30? Seems thin but it has been in mine for 10K now, has not used a drop.

    Like I said before, I am down in Westcliffe about every 3 weeks or so. So if you come up let me know and I will try to arrange things around your schedule. That is easy enough. Just keep in touch and pay your taxes or I'll try to get your property at the November Tax sale.

    8^)

    Just kidding.
  • cpousnrcpousnr Member Posts: 1,611
    used I mean, not sued(but it does pass spellcheck.
  • blyndgesserblyndgesser Member Posts: 1
    I'm new here, and I'm looking for some advice. I've narrowed my search down to the Ranger and the Mazda B-series (yes, I know they're the same truck.) So it will come down to availability and pricing.

    My question is this: I've never seen any published road tests on the 3.0 V6 version of either of these trucks. I'll be buying an extended cab 4x2 and I'm wondering if the 3.0 with an automatic will have enough power, and how much better the 5-speed would be. Do any of you own either of these combinations? How's the power and the mileage?

    I won't be towing anything, and my hauling duties will probably be pretty light too. From the torque curves in the Mazda literature it looks like the 4.0 is the choice for towing, but I'm not sure how much difference it would make for my usual commute (straight two-lane roads over rolling hills in central Georgia).

    Any info would be appreciated. Thanks!

    Stephen
  • devontiedevontie Member Posts: 35
    I have a 2000 supercab Ranger with a 3.0 engine automatic. I live in NY on Long Island and drive 70 miles daily. I get about 17-18 MPG. I went Upstate NY and got 23MPG. I think it has enough power and i'm glad I got the comobo that I got, but thats me. Why don't you go to a dealer and ask to test drive a 3.0 auto. Good luck.
  • scape2scape2 Member Posts: 4,123
    The price difference between the 2.5 and 3.0 is about $3-400dollars. The power/torque is the big difference. The 3.0 has 152HP/192ft/lbs of torqe, the 2.5 has 120HP and 147ft/lbs of torque I believe. If you plan to haul or tow anything get the 3.0. If MPG is of some concern go with the 3.0 5spd the MPG difference between the 2.5 is about 2MPG. Get the tow pkg, and a limited slip rearend also.
    All in all the 2.5 is sold purely for light hauling and for CAFE reasons. The 2.5 is not a bad little engine, just not the best for any type of hauling/towing.
    CP, what do you mean about the caps on the manual transmission? Does this pertain to both the 3.0 and 4.0? Where are they located again? Haven't checked my truck yet about the shock absorber you speak of, (I keep forgetting).
    Between the Mazda/Ford, its all personal preference on styling.
  • xena1axena1a Member Posts: 286
    Stephen -

    I own a '99 Mazda B3000 4WD x-cab with a 5-spd
    manual. It sounds like the 3.0L will suit your needs fine. However, I would highly recommend mating this engine to the 5-spd manual tranny for two main reasons:
    1. The 5-spd will help your MPG. Mine gets very respectable MPG, 20.x for all purpose and 22.x for strictly hiway. That's not bad for a 4WD. 2. Acceleration. The 3.0L is a solid engine. But I have found that to use it most effectively, you need to keep the engine rev'ng near it's
    power band for a particular gear. You just can't romp on the gas pedal at low RPM and expect this engine to take off. The 5-spd enables me to better achieve the best gear/RPM for a given driving condition.

    Just my opinion. Hope it helps. Let us know what you decide. Good luck...
  • devontiedevontie Member Posts: 35
    The 5 speed manual will give you better milage and more power, However, the automatic is much better if you drive in traffic ie: the Long Island Expressway. According to the owners manual the automatic has more towing capacity. I ordered a manual tranny but changed my mind the last minute. This is a decision only you can make. I drove both trucks prior to making a decision and I think that you should also. Good Luck.
  • devontiedevontie Member Posts: 35
    Be aware that as I said earlier, I have a 2000 Ranger. I love the truck but I don't think I will ever buy another ford. The service is bad and Ford Customer Servive will blow smoke up your [non-permissible content removed] but they are not helpful. I only have 6000 miles on my truck and I reserve the right to change my opinion at a later time. Just a word of advise BUYER BEWARE!
  • dannygdannyg Member Posts: 131
    The only print reviews of the 3.0L Mazda/Ranger that I've seen have been in Truck Trend (published by Motor Trend):

    August 1999: Mazda Troy Lee Edition (3.0L auto 2wd)
    October 1998: Mazda B3000 Cab Plus (3.0L 5sp 4wd) comparo with S-10

    Have fun test-driving!
  • brewster3brewster3 Member Posts: 10
    Today I was talking to a guy who said that the electric fuel pump in the gas tank of his his Chevy Suburban failed because he frequently let his fuel level come close to empty.

    Is this an issue on a 1999 Ford Ranger with 3.0???
  • nstewnstew Member Posts: 9
    I took delivery of my 2000 Ranger XLT Sport 3.0L V6 that I ordered a little over a week ago and I love it. It's an automatic (OD) and I guess that's why the gas mileage is "poopy", just a little over 15. It's a 4 Door SuperCab so the tank is 19.5 gallons, right? Other than that, it's perfect. Amazon Green, color keyed grille, the sport package is worthwhile. When it shifts from 1st to 2nd seems a little slow. But I love it.

    My dealer told me the 4.0L engine had problems @ 80,000 miles so encouraged me to stick with the 3.0L. After gas prices going up as much as they have, I'm glad I did. But it still costs me around $25 to fill up!
  • xena1axena1a Member Posts: 286
    Just wondering if anyone is running the Pirelli Scorpion A/T on their Rangers. I read a favorable review on them in a back issue of 4 Wheel Drive magazine. Was wondering if they are a viable alternative to the more expensive BFG All-Terrain T/A KO. Thanks...
  • dannygdannyg Member Posts: 131
    Given that you're not going to be doing off-road or hauling, the 4cyl looks like a good choice. Just don't expect to blow any one away in a drag race. Get the standard tranny if you want a little better performance and MPG. The 5sp gets you up to an EPA rating of 22/27 (2wd 5sp) vs. 18/23 for the 3.0L V6 (2wd 5sp). But that's still a lot less than a decent small sedan (Corolla, Protege, etc.) whichget high-30s on the highway.

    I've got an old V6 Ranger that I'm thinking of trading in on a new one. I'm considering a 4 banger as well.

    Good luck,

    Dan
  • edharri3edharri3 Member Posts: 35
    May well be the most reliable engine offered in this truck. I've seen and heard of plenty with 1, 2, and 300,000 miles and still going. mine has 53,000 miles and hasn't missed a beat. No, it's no hot rod but with a 5speed manual it's no slug either if you drive it right. The engine just makes its power in a very narrow rpm range. Keep the rpm's in their sweet spot, 2500-3500 rm, and you'll never have to beg your way off of an onramp or anything like that. I never have, and I've been able to suprise lots of cars who tried to sneak around me on the right at lights.
  • scape2scape2 Member Posts: 4,123
    The 2.5 is no race car engine but will do you just fine for what you need. I would however suggest getting a supercab, resale is better and its not that much more in a payment. I would also suggest a 5spd to give you more power when needed. And there are upgrades for the 2.5 to boost HP, a K&N aircharger kit, superchip, exhaust mods, ignition mods, all exist for the 2.5 to give it more power if you want. Good luck on your search.
  • penrosepenrose Member Posts: 31
    Just for information,the 2 wheel drive Ranger that looks like a 4X4 is called the Trailhead Model. I guess its Ford's answer to the Pre-Runner and the Desert Runner. It looks very nice, and drives even nicer.
  • fredfred3fredfred3 Member Posts: 73
    Thanks for all the helpful comments on the Ranger 4 bangers. I am definatley planning on the 5spd. In fact, part of the reason I want out of my current car (96 Olds) is because it is an automatic and I want to go back to a stick. 2.5 seems like a pretty generous size for a 4 cylinder which is also a plus. Does this mean it is free from the buzzy valve-train sound which seems to affect so many 4 cylinder sedans. My Olds is a v6 (3.1) and even that is very noisy.
  • edharri3edharri3 Member Posts: 35
    this is no super smooth powerplant. over at least not at high rpm's, where it get pretty coarse as it runs out of steam. At regular engine speeds it's not very buzzy but above maybe over 4000 rpms it becomes a pretty coarse whine. But that's when you hold a gear to merge on the highway or something like that. But then again this is my 2.3, i dont know much about the characteristics of the newer 2.3
  • loki99loki99 Member Posts: 14
    my advice is buy anything BUT a ranger, on the advice of a "friend" I bought a 95 3.0l V6, it was a lemon, I decide to give ford another chance and traded it in on a 98, 4.0l, it needed a new engine too with 18,000 miles on it! Also ford gave me all kinds of hell because the 95 had 37,000 miles on it when the engine noise became too unbearable, they told me I was out of warranty and was stuck.
    I finally got the ford rep out and they did take care of it. but I traded it in on a nissan, I am very happy so far, I would say buy a tacoma or frontier, or an s-10 if you want to stay with a domestic. It was only after I started shopping for a new truck that I saw all of the complaints about the rangers with the same problems I had, so i doubt it is a fluke. I wish I had seen those before.
  • scape2scape2 Member Posts: 4,123
    loki99 is on a one person crusade to put Ford out of business, LOL.
  • loki99loki99 Member Posts: 14
    I can't believe this, I owned two rangers, and was unhappy and bought two lemons, and you are going to tell me that my opinion doesn't count? I was willing to give ford another chance, I thought it was just a fluke, and maybe it is, I don't know, but if they are so great, what are the chances I would get two lemons in a row? Well I am going to tell everyone I know about the bad experience I had with ford, if it saves 1 person from them headaches I had, it is worth it.
  • badger9badger9 Member Posts: 5
    Special ordered a 2000 Ranger last weekend and the salesman said delivery would take 6-8 weeks, probably closer to six weeks. Can anyone tell me if this estimate is reliable? (Elsewhere on Edmunds, I've read horror stories of cars taking much longer than the salesman promised, and I was hoping to hear from others about how long Ranger delivery takes.)
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