quick question for those in the know: after reading the selected std & opt. equipment for the 2001 ranger(Scab/XLT/4x4), I didn't see any mention of an Optional Bucket Seats... did Ford remove this as an option for this year? I wanna get a 2001 4L w/ the bucket seats - am I outa luck?? tia-kennet
I don't have the Ranger brochure in front of me but I think they call them sport seats. I got a fully loaded (except auto transm.) S-cab 4x4 XLT with the Off-Road package and they were included, as is the 4.0l V6. Check the standard / optional equipment columns in the brochure. They may be standard with the package you select. By-the-way, if you choose the fully loaded version they offer a huge discount (about 50%) and it includes a nice 6 CD stereo and fog lamps.
Again, it depends on the option group(s) you choose. I have seen the bench seat in the super-cab on previous models. Gotta say though, the stick shift sticks out like a sore thumb with the bench seat, manual transmission combo. 2001 may be different. On mine they have installed a decent looking cup-holder thingy at the base of the stick so it appears shorter.
I'm thinking of purchasing a set of leveling springs for raising the front-end of my Tacoma TRD. I never have liked the angled stance of most compact trucks and would like to even it out. Has anyone installed this type of lift on their new Tacoma? If so, what was the total cost including parts and installation?
Replaced timing belt too - about $500 for service and $200 for belt replacement. Brake light was staying on. Dealer said fluid level low. It was between min/max so I think it's extra sensitive. Brakes front and rear wearing perfectly even - 6/32 left on front and rear. Wish I had the electronic locker for rock crawling but haven't needed it yet. May look at aftermarket.
I'd love to go but I'm in the middle of this giant deck project with Arbor. This took all of last weekend and will take this weekend too. May have a chance next weekend but not sure. Weekend after that heading for Moab. Maybe one day we can get hooked up.
a vehicle with a 12+inch lift, you know the kind with shocks 3 ft long. . .
Right vince, you dont rock crawl with even a vehicle the size of a regular cab p/u unless you have serious modifications to the suspension. And then, you really do not have a pickup any more, you have a single purpose rock crawler. The exception is listed below.
I think jholc was refering to climbing steep, rocky trails or the type of rocky areas in MOAB. Some of those you would get help from a locker, actually, you need a locker or winch to make the climb. But those rocks are basically the whole hill in one rock, not boulders the size of a car.
Although I didn't vote for Bush,he's at least gonna do something about unfair trade policies,I read an article he's thinking of sanctioning trading with Japan until they trade equally and fairly,now that $200 alternator will become $600.What a feeling!
How much extra off road ability do you think I can get by adding ltd-slip(track-lock)to the rear dif on a base Tacoma? Don't want to spend the bucks on a 4x4, but I do want more off roading ability without going to a Prerunner. Also, do you think the service dept. at the dealer will install it, and if they do, does it effect the warranty on a new vehicle if they use Toyota parts. Thx in advance!
Limited slip isn't worth much off road, it's mainly for slickroad use. By the time your wheels start to spin offroad on a climb, you have lost momentum and are already be stuck. Get a locking differential or just save your money for something else.
I think your previous statement shows a lack of knowledge regarding differentials. While we will not debate the ability of a locker, it is nice in some situations, a limited slip does indeed provide assistance in off-road situations.
This completely checks your contention that a limited slip is not effective. I point you to the section where this company replaces the Jeep differential with the the posi-traction (since you more than likely do not know, that is limited slip) FORD 9 inch differential.
I do not see them offering a Toyota locker conversion.
Again, frank, I will not debate the value of a locker in some situations. But in general, a locker is ONLY needed, repeat, ONLY, in situations where max traction is needed, not the average off-road situation. In 90% of the situations you face off-road, a LS posi traction system is just fine.
Now in my trips off-road I have seen one TRD, locker engaged. Gave me a bit of a laugh, all the vehicles in my group, 5, were either open differential or LS. And here he is locker engaged, just playing with the toy. . .not really needed.
What will 4x4 in low do for you with a limited slip?In my truck its supposed to keep all 4 wheel spinning at the same speed at a low speed.Wouldn't that be helpful in climbing in offroad situations.
4Lo doesn't mean all 4 wheels are spinning. it's the same as 4hi, except that it's using a taller gear for more low-end power. -such as climbing a steep hill, or pulling a boat out of the water.
Took the words right out of my mouth! LSD if far superior to an open (one wheel turning axle) The locker has its place no doubt, and is superiour to an LSD offroad. However, being practical, how often will you get use out of this Locker? When offroad you don't need a locker engaged all the time. It can only be engaged in 4low, can only go in a straight away motion, doesn't help tow, doesn't help pull, doesn't help haul. In all practical purposes a LSD diff is the most useful on a truck for the majority of the population..
are for serious rock climbing, serious stair step climbing and can ease normal off-roading but in my humble opinion, take a lot of fun out of the experience. Nothing like getting stuck and using the brain or a winch to get un-stuck.
In the case of the Toyota I cited, he was new to the sport, a brand new truck. I did not have the heart to tell him that 3 of the 6 trucks in our group had open differentials and went thou the area where he had his locker engaged. Did get a chuckle out of it.
Again Frank, I do not dispute the value of a locker, but in my book a good winch is of more value to me. My Ramsey 8000 works real fine in that department and was only $500.
Sooo, how come them fast TRD 3.4's cannot keep up with my 90hp, 900cc KZ 900? The race was not even close. . .. An F150 tried to beat me on the on ramp also. he didn't.
He spoof, run for pink slips? Better be able to turn high 12s, low 13's in the 1/4. . .
Rock Crawling is relative - it depends on the size of the rocks! I'm not even talking about the crazy boulder crawling machines that have 4 foot shocks that have to be trailered to the hill! I don't think a limited slip is bad but as you get more extreme, a locker is the better choice. If you don't plan on doing anything over 3 1/2 stars than a limited slip or open diff should be just fine as long as you have the clearance, tires, experience and guts to do it.
I've included a trail decription which should add to the locker vs. LS debate. This is a trail rating for the Moab area. I've driven 3 1/2 rating in a stock (no locker) Tacoma. When you get to this rating and higher people gather just to watch the show. I'm looking at a locker not limited slip because I will probably be moving up to 4 star trails soon.
a. 2WD:
1.0 All-weather high speed paved or graded dirt or gravel road, regularly maintained, with excellent drainage. 4WD not needed, even in wet weather. Speeds of over 40 mph can be achieved. Passenger cars acceptable.
1.5 Maintained graded dirt road. 4WD not needed except in wet weather. May have potholes, dips, and sharp curves. May drain poorly in wet weather. Speeds of over 10 mph possible. Passenger cars can do, but will have to slow down considerably on washouts, etc., due to lack of ground clearance. No grades over 10 degrees.
b. EASY 4WD:
2.0 Unimproved or rarely graded dirt road; 4WD and/or extra clearance occasionally needed at times, with no special driving skills required. Passenger cars NOT acceptable, due to insufficient ground clearance. 2WD & 4WD trucks with stock clearance are acceptable. Street tires are acceptable. Day runs are typically 20 miles in length.
2.5 Dirt road graded rarely, if ever. 4WD low range and good clearance often needed, with some extra care and a bit of driving experience useful. Suitable for novice drivers. Speeds often under 10 mph. Street tires are acceptable. 2WD trucks NOT acceptable, due to lack of low range gears. No grades over 20 degrees.
c. MODERATE 4WD:
3.0 Ungraded road in difficult terrain, rarely maintained. 4WD low range and clearance required, with some driving skill and daring useful. Challenges for novice driver. Suitable for stock 4WD vehicles. Street tires are not recommended. No 2WD vehicles due to lack of traction. Speeds oftenunder 5 MPH.
3.5 Road or trail in difficult terrain, probably maintained only by occasional users. Considerable driving skill and daring needed. Not recommended for the novice driver. Surface may include wash beds, sand, cinders, lava rock, snow, mud, water, etc. Vehicles with long front or rear overhang (beyond the axles) may scrape front or rear bumpers on wash crossings, etc. Street tires not acceptable. Approaching the limit of what a capable stock 4WD vehicle (with capable driver) can do. Stock 4WD vehicles usually not recommended. Upgrade to 31" tires, mild lift (1" or 2"), and rear locker or limited slip is highly desirable. Equipment failure is usually limited to flat tires. Grades may exceed 20 degrees. Occasional off camber situation may exceed 20 degrees. Water crossings should be 2 feet or less in depth. Spotting may be required on the more difficult sections, especially for long, wide vehicles. Average speed is 3 mph. A day run is typically around 10 miles in length. This is the most common numerical rating given to 4WD trails. Suitable for mildly modified 4WD vehicles & moderately experienced drivers.
d. HARD 4WD:
4.0 Trail badly eroded. Off camber situations likely and may exceed 25 degrees. Grades may exceed 25 degrees. Water crossings can exceed 2 feet in depth. Stock vehicles NOT recommended. 31" tires minimum, (33" preferred), mild lift & hard locker, (not limited slip), in the rear probably required. Front locker or limited slip recommended. Speeds often under 3 mph. Spotting probably required on the more difficult obstacles to avoid body damage. Recommended for experienced 4WD drivers only. Body damage possible, but unlikely. More likely on long, and/or wide vehicles. Equipment failure possible, but unlikely.
4.5 Trail is TOUGH. Big rocks, grades exceeding 30 degrees. Off camber situations exceeding 30 degrees. Sometimes, but not always, best suited for short wheel base vehicles. (under 105" wheelbase) 33" tires minimum, (35" or larger preferred). 2" to 4" of lift and gearing of 40 to 1 (20 to 1 for automatics) or lower in first gear, low range probably required. Hard locker in the rear and limited slip or hard locker in the front probably required. Speeds often under 1 mph. A day run will usually be 1-3 miles in length. Body damage likely, but usually can be avoided by very careful driving and good spotting. Typically 10% of the vehicles on these runs will experience major mechanical failure, i.e., drive line or steering failure. (u-joints, axles, pitman arm, drag link, tie rods, etc.) Usually, but not always, these failures are due to improper and insufficiently tested vehicle modifications or poor (sloppy) driving technique. (Too much gas or steering pressure) An experienced driver with a properly setup vehicle can usually avoid most breakage.
5.0 Trail CANNOT be driven the whole way. Winching is required in at least one point on the trail. Water crossings may exceed 2-½ feet in depth. Grades exceeding 40 degrees. The biggest rocks with off camber situations exceeding 35 degrees. Rollovers possible. Usually only suitable for short wheel base vehicles (under 105" wheelbase), winch, 33" minimum tires, (35" or larger preferred), 3" to 5" of lift, gearing of 60 to 1 (30 to 1 for automatics) or lower in first gear, low range, and hard locker in both front and rear axles probably required. Axle upgrades highly recommended. Speed continuously under one mph. A day run is typically one mile in length. These trails are typically very hard on tires. One spare probably required, two spares recommended. Plug kit and/or tubes recommended. Tires with sufficient sidewall protection (Boggers, Swampers, etc.) recommended. 50% or greater chance of body damage. 50% or greater chance of major mechanical failure. Breakage is usually due to excessive torque or torque spikes on axles or steering components. Onlyworld class, experienced (5 years +) drivers with extra money, parts & energy to repair broken vehicles need apply.
I can get a good deal on a '99 Ranger 4x4 4.0l. However, Consumer Reports says that they had bad electrical systems in that truck in that year and doesn't recommend a purchase. Should I trust CR and go Japanese or take the plunge and get the Ranger? If I do go Japanese, it would be the Tacoma 4x4 SR5. Any thoughts, suggestions? I would like to go off-roading in it, nothing above level 3 as listed in previous emails.
\\This completely checks your contention that a limited slip is not effective. I point you to the section where this company replaces the Jeep differential with the the posi-traction (since you more than likely do not know, that is limited slip) FORD 9 inch differential. \\
" whats best is that the Tacoma TRD doesnt offer a delayed, computer controlled limited slip. It offers real traction, and it is one of the reasons why it beats out the Hummer, Range Rover, and Jeep as our ultimate 4x4"
The electrical issues refered to in Consumer Reports are as follows:
Intermittent windshield washer operation. The wipers came on by themselves. The problem was corrosion in the multifunction stalk switch and it was replaced by a newer design.
Door chimes and dome light stayed on. The problem was the door interlock switch. Either replacement or cleaned with WD40.
That is about it on the electrical issue for a 4.0L 99.
Let me take you on a tour in my Ranger, judge for yourself what fits your needs.
First, start with a 99 XLT 4X4 supercab, 5 speed manual with 31X10.5X15 BF Goodrich AT KO radials, 3 ply sidewall:
Spoog, would you mind showing dwoodard some pictures of your actual vehicle doing something other than acting as a place to store a 1998 copy of FourWheeler magizine?
Remember, the key words are...your actual vehicle.
Your going to wait a long time for pictures from Spoog.
I would make sure the Ranger has had the 2 areas I mentioned replaced, they are a warrenty item, if never replaced Ford dealers will do it for free. Also, make sure it has skid plates installed on transfer case and fuel tank. If not, they can be added for about $150. Consider something other than the stock Firestone tires.
Expect 16-18mpg around town and 20-22 hwy for a manual tranny 4.0
" whats best is that the Tacoma TRD doesnt offer a delayed, computer controlled limited slip. It offers real traction, and it is one of the reasons why it beats out the Hummer, Range Rover, and Jeep as our ultimate 4x4"
Who offers a computer controlled LS? I thought limited slips by definition were a centrifugal clutch type of arrangement.
I see how it is Cspounser. You got smeared all over the place in the Tacoma verse Ranger debate, and now your reatreating to "one must have pics of their own truck in the woods" photos.
Sorry Cspousner, it's over.
" The tacoma opened up a can of whoop a@@ on the other trucks"
fourwheeler
" The tacoma TRD beat the hummer, range rover, and jeep in durability and offroading"
fourwheeler
" The tacoma TRD could go places the other trucks simply couldn't"
fourhweeler
ITs over man! The tacoma has utterly and completely trounced the ranger in practically every category there is.
And showing pictures of your car-like ranger driving along some golf course at 10,000 feet means nothing.
You must have that article framed on your living room wall.
I don't believe the Tacoma "trounces" the ranger in every catagory nor do I believe the "Ranger" trounces the Taco in any catagory. One is from the Factory more off-road oriented (which the hwy riding crowd may not like) and one is more hwy oriented which the off-road oriented crowd may not like - you can make modifications to both to change the character.
I can say one thing you keep the debate going...
Anyone in the market should test drive both and take a good look at what is most important to them.
a computer controlled LSD? Maybe its the traction control spoog is talking about on those higher end SUV vehicles... An LSD is clutch controlled. As I have even stated over and over again.. The locker is better for offroading, an LSD is better than an open axle. The locker is highly specialized and only useful in 4low and straight away acceleration. A locker cannot help you tow or haul. The fact is over 90 percent of 4x4's never even see gravel. Its all based on what you really need or what image you want to portray to the public. The fact is the locker on the TRD Tacoma may get used 2-3% of your total driving time. Heck of an expensive option for that little of use.. Jholc, nope never been to Utah. Every been to Oregon or Washington? Cascades or coast range, deserts of Eastern Oregon? MT Hood, MT Rainer, 3 Sisters? I guess everyone has their own definition of "rock climbing".
In Moab there are areas you will not get thru very well at all without lockers. They tell you that straight up. You are basically climbing huge rock formations, sometimes with a rise of 3-5 ft where the locker or a winch is required.
Now I will tell you, I know 2 guys with Rangers that did make it over Hells Revenge. One blew out his rear differential and completed it with only the front differential. The other had 4:10 LS and he did make it, but it was not easy. He had a 3 inch lift.
Not to say that the areas you talk about are not hard. But they are nothing like Moab. Take a look at the pictures from that site I posted.
However, I would like to see a Tacoma take on the Independance trail system out near Penrose, Co.
That system makes Moab look like a cake walk. . .
It takes you 5 hours to go maybe 1.5 miles. It is that bad. Just take the western road off Colo 115, head to Brush Creek Res. and then hang on. . .
"After pulling him out and taking some things apart to try and revive his truck - the truck would not turn over at all and it became apparent there was some serious engine damage.
At this point, we were not certain what exactly was wrong, but Jason was certain his truck was totaled."
So where was this superior off-road engineering in this case? I think a Hummer would not even have wet its underside on this puddle.
I saw the May issue of Fourwheeler at a store last night and decided to get it. I must admit, it's actually one of the better truck rags that I've read. The "ultimate 4x4" article was good, but a little short. Unfortunately for vince, the only thing the reviewers kept talking about was the tacoma's locker. It's like they had never seen a locker before; they were simply amazed. Although I guess a locker on a stock vehicle is pretty unique. For offroading, I'd still get the Jeep in a heartbeat though.
As Dirty Harry once said "A man should know his limitations." Or something like that.....
How about knowing your truck's limitations?
What a way to ruin a nice truck. I can't develop a lot of sympathy for really dumb people.
Re: Moab- We have explored many trails in and around Moab, on mtn bikes and in our 4x4 Toyota. I recall scraping the rear bumper MANY times (not enough departure angle) and asking my wife to lead me over several drop-offs that I couldn't see due to the hood. These were probably 3.0-3.5 trails on jholc's scale, and rough enough for me. There are other trails (see cp's link) where you can't even WALK the trail, but the Jeeps drive them. Awesome stuff.
Lets not get the stuck Tacoma, ruined engined Tacoma, stupid Tacoma drives link get tooooo buried.
Moab:
Never been there, even though it is only a few hours west, but have heard storys like ricks.
eagle:
Does it not seem strange that a mag like Fourwheeler acted like it had never seen a locker before? I got the same impression as you.
Now this is a reg that has all sorts of tricked out vehicles, and even ads for lockers all over the place.
And it picks the Tacoma over some of the highly regarded names in 4 wheeling. Guess they are lucky that a LandCruiser was not entered. . .
Now is it just me, or is something fishy when a vehicle is picked sooooooo many times in 4X4 tests, particularly when some of the other vehicles in the tests do not even have thier mechanical statistics documented correctly?
And when Truck World can find a Tacoma that cannot make it thru water that is just up to the bumper? To the point of lunching an engine? Oh yeah, thats the top 4X4 in my book!
Water in the intake is a no win situation for any vehicle - that's why I never understood the idea of "mud bogging". I've been to Truckworld's website before - almost every stuck truck of the month is because some idiot drove it through a mud/water hole and killed the engine. It says right in my owner manual not to drive through deep water unless you know exactly how deep it is. Trucks don't float. Not my idea of 4-wheeling.
Here is another link to an arizona group of Toyota trucks that spent time on the Moab trails you mentioned... Obviously the trucks doing the 4+ trails are modified.
I agree with Rick5 - A properly setup Jeep is one of the Best Off-Road vehicles out there - I just don't know if I could live with a Jeep every day. Same thing with the Hummer - It will drive over most anything but it's sheer size prevents if from getting into many areas and I can't even imagine driving it to work. For those reasons I could see the Toyota coming out ahead in scoring if these guys are looking at everything. (I have not seen the article spoog keeps posting.)
Vince I agree with you - A limited slip is better than an open axle but for me personally, I would rather have the locker.
: I have a 2000 Prerunner, 4 cyl 2.7L automatic, 4x2, with just over 9000 miles - and since my first oil change (at the dealer) I've been hearing what sounds like my lifters. As if I'm extremely low on oil - which I'm certainly not. At first I heard the sound only when the truck was cold; now I hear it all the time. I'm about to take it to the dealer, but does anyone have any ideas about this before I go.
I've got a 99 Tacoma TRD with the same deceleration squeal. I've had mine serviced by the dealer it's entire life, and it still squeals. The squeal generally happens at highway speeds on relatively level road (no heavy accel or decel).
I have the same problem with my 99 prerunner, if you give it a little gas or decel it seems to squeal and the sounds appears to be coming from below or behind me.
I have a 2001 tacoma painted green mica it appears that the paint scratches and chips eaisly anyone have any comments on this?
I'm the owner of a 2001 Tacoma and was wondering if anyone else has noticed excessive rust on the exterior of the rear chrome bumper. Most of the rust is appearing in the area between the license plate and the license plate lights, and also around the very ends of the bumper.
my d-cab seems to kinda "clunk" into gear when i put it into drive.anyone else have that?
I've owned a 89, 92, and now a 01 4x4 X-cab Tacoma (all fully loaded 5-spds). I was very pleased w/ the 89 and 92. But, the 01 has been very disappointing. I've never had to return to the dealer for my other trucks. This one has had a series of problems including a rattle, accelerator cable problem, misfiring, and a torque converter problem. In addition, Toyota has cut corners on the new trucks. For example, they've eliminate the under-the-hood insulation which results in an appreciatable increase in engine noise in the cab. Convenience lights in the doors and dual-operation map lights have been elimiated. Adjustable head-rests are no longer provided. And, they've eliminated a clever in-dash cup holder that was very functional. All this for a higher price. When I bought this truck, admittedly, I did it blindly thinking that I was buying an improved product. The V-6 misfires (dealer says that's normal upto 2,000 miles - I have 3,000 miles now and worse than before). The engine also gargles (exaggerated by the lack of hood insulation - unbelieveable that Toyota eliminated this). Despite a posted 190hp vs 150hp in their previous generation V-6, the new V-6 is no match compared to the old coming off the line. With 170,000 miles, the 92 easily burned rubber w/ the 31x10.50 15s. You won't get the same performance out of the 01 at lower speeds (although the 01 does perform better in mid to higher speeds). My family has been loyal Toyota owners for many years. The 92 V-6 was definately smoother and quieter than the current generation engine. Almost everyone I know that has been a Toyota loyalist is beginning to question the value, reliability, and customer satisfaction that Toyota seems to give today.
There is an area south of here called the Teller County Car Wash. Nice trails but you have to cross, I think the name is correct, the South Platte river. Sometimes that can be very deep.
Good place to ruin an engine.
I have been through water to mid bumper over on MEdano pass. Just took it real easy. Had no problems with the 4X4 system under water.
I understand from a co-worker that one of his neighbors tried Medano early in the season and did not follow the correct path at a crossing.
He floated, then sunk a new Jeep. Totaled the vehicle.
I will wait for someone else to come across or over it.
Good time to take a break, grab a smoke, look at nature and
see where would be a good place for the oil drill rig, something to upset guys like spoog.
Speaking of spoog, notice no pictures of his vehicle or comments about the half sunken Tacoma?
Could it be that in the past I have posted at least 2 pictures of Rangers, one that I have personally wheeld with, chugging through water to mid or top of the grille? And they had no problems at all. As I recall, the picture I posted of the Rough Ranger from NJ, he was going through an area that had claimed a Toyota SR5 minutes before. The Ranger had no problems where the Toyota failed.
Pssst spoog, it is because both Rnagers were equipped with limited slip differentials, not an open differential like the Toyota vehicles.
From those pictures it looked like it would have sunk just about everything except a boat. I don't think that you can blame that on a rearend, but on an idiotic choice of the truck's owner. I have owned a Jeep CJ5, a Nissan Hardbody, and now a new Toyota. The Nissan and Jeep out performed the Toyota because of the Posi-trac and it was available at all speeds. The jeep couldn't get stuck if I wanted too, same with the Nissan. I haven't beat the Toyota yet, with such a price tag I am afraid too. For quality I thought the Tacoma's fit and finish was much nicer than a Ranger, the performance seemed stronger also. I drove both for a couple of days apiece and if became very apparent to me where my money should go.
After some debugging work, I found out that the fuel pump is not turned on during startup. The fuse is fine. I can also make the fuel pump running by jumping a wire directly to inertia switch. So the problem must lies somewhere in the circuit between the fuse and the inertia switch. I have a Haynes Repair Manual but could not find any wiring diagram about the fuel pump.
I had the inertia switch replaced in September. I had the fuel pump replaced 2 weeks ago. The mechanic dropped the tank, tested the power wires to the pump, and was getting FULL and PROPER voltage. The pump would not work. He replaced the pump. Then 2 days ago, I couldn't get the truck started for the life of me.
bought a new 2000 Ranger four cylinder, 5 speed in late '99. About 6 months ago, I noticed that once in a while, there was a clunk when I disengaged the clutch before coming to a stop. It only does it about once in every 4 or 5 stops. The dealer let me test drive a new 2001 Ranger equipped exactly the same, and the new one did it too. They said there has been no tsb issued for this problem. The driveshaft has been removed and the spines re-greased with teflon grease, but that didn't make any difference. Otherwise, the truck is perfect. Anyone else have this problem and know how to fix it?
have had my Ford Ranger for five years and have during the last two years had multiple electrical problems... a seat belt alert beeper that won't go off, a windshield wiper that comes on in the middle of the day, a light that won't go off and now a heater that works sometimes and doesn't work other times. Anyone else seen this?
have a 2001 a/ 3.0L V-6, 4-speed automatic 4x4. When I have a cold start my overdrive light flashes and tranny will not shift out of 2nd. After I turn the truck off and re start the light stays off but the shifting into 3rd is very harsh and no overdrive?? My truck has been at the dealer for 29 days now!! The dealer tells me maybe 3 or 4 weeks Ford should have a tranny re program available, in the mean time keep the stop and re start program going.
nerangrdrvr wrote that he had problems with the lights staying on whenever a passenger was on board.
Hi. I just purchased a 1999 Ford Ranger Standard Extended cab pickup. Since I have had it I have noticed that it idles very rought, sometimes "shuddering" at lights to the point that the whole car wiggles.
We recently purchased a 96 Ranger with 47000 miles on it. Shortly after filling with gas for the first time, the check engine light came on. We brought it into the mechanic, and the diagnostic code was something to do with the fuel line. He switched the light off and suggested that the gas cap may not have been put on right and if the light went back on to get a replacement gas cap. The light went back on after about 25 miles. We replaced the gas cap and brought it back in. He turned the light off again and drove it for a while. The light just went on again.
Hello, I leased a then-new 1999 Ranger XLT Super-Cab Flareside 4x4 with 4 liter automatic. Last year noticed 'ping' type noise when pressing gas after going to reverse, then another ping when going into drive. At the same time I noticed a slight jolt on light acceleration only, from a stop. Mechanic drove it, walked over to the computer, typed in my year, and said to me "ok, we have a tsb on a transfer case flange, that's the ping noise. We have a tsb on driveshafts, that's the jolt. Set an appointment, we'll do both at the same time." And they did, acceleration from a stop is hot-butter smooth. Has been for a year now. Developed the 'hey, the wipers just activated' bug while driving down the road, usually for one wipe only. Took it in, they said yep, we'll get you a new wiper switch. Buying new (thus having a warranty) is the way to go, I see the light now! I can't imagine how much the driveshaft would have cost a consumer. The a/c has a disagreeable odor, this is the one thing they are mystified on. They have sprayed disinfectant into the vents, which only helps for a few days, they said yes it's a problem with some vehicles, but Ford has not recognized it yet. Even so,the smell only lasts for 10-20 seconds when you first turn it on, then it's gone.
1999 Ford 3.0L V6. Pings all the time. I've had two computer chips installed, run Chevron fuel for 20 tanks, used Sea Foam gasoline additive. What to do next?
I have seen a couple of other members here posting about a problem with the jolt/shuddering of the xtra cab 4x4. I too have the problem but I am out of warranty.
Probably had that starting with my 1998 Ranger 4X4, but then the engine died before the driveline. There are a lot of posts concerning this problem - the driveshaft needs lube as it connects into the rear diff. Frankly, I would make Ford fix it - they know they have "cheaped out" the Ranger in the last few years.
I have a 92 Ranger that I bought with 46000 miles on it 4 years ago, now has 98000. Recently, I started having problems with the check engine light coming on and then nothing at the gas pedal as if it was flooded. It gets very hard to start, when it does start, usually after 10 minutes it acts like it not getting any gas. So I've taken it to two dealerships, they ran several sensor and computer tests on the entire truck and can't find anything wrong. I've replaced the fuel pump, filter, coil, cap, rotor, spark plug wires and battery and still the same problems. Sometimes it runs fine and then all of a sudden stalls and refuses to start again, also when this happens the temperature and amp gauges go to zero. I've checked all of the electrical connections and grounds, still nothing...
Pinging seems to be a horrible design feature of the 3L motor......
I own a 95 w/3L. The only way I've gotten the ping to stop is to use 89 octane or higher and down shift to forth gear on hills(obviously I've got a manual tranny)
It's over Cspounser. Even Eagle63 has the rag with the Ultimate 4x4 in it.
You lose pal. The nail has been pounded into the rangers coffin time and time again.
One picture of a stuck truck proves nothing at all.
I suggest you read the pickup of the year 2001 article at fourwheeler.com, and make sure you grab a copy of the may issue of fourwheeler.
The tacoma literally BEATS a Hummer, jeep and landrover man! Dont you get it yet? The ranger is NOWHERE near the same category as Tacoma TRD in offroading! Not even anywhere REMOTELY close.
What else do you need to see? The Tacoma is built better, is more reliable, and offroads better than the Ranger. It has been proven time amd time and time again.
The gigs up.
Do you think that maybe the reason the Tacoma is picked by fourhweeler is because it is one heck of a vehicle?
Sorry pal, Ford doesn't make offroaders anymore. They are a weak foundation.
You raise a very good point in that Posi-traction which is the same as LS, *********************************************** * * * IS AVAILABLE AT ALL SPEEDS, UNLIKE A LOCKER * * * ***********************************************
And which vehicles would have the posi?
Now a disadvantage of posi is the the clutches will, after a while, wear out. Replacement of the clutches is then required. But you will agree it is choice that determines the need for a locker. If all you do is challenge the harder trails of Moab, yes, a locker is real nice. But for average to moderate trails, LS is nice, but you can even make it with an open rear end.
I would also submit, as with skill, the stupidity of the driver effects the outcome.
unfortunately, alot of Tacoma drivers put on aftermarket airfilters and do airbox modifications which make them more subject to hydrolock. If you want to see what a STOCK tacoma does in deeper water than that, look at this 3 shot series. Warning, these are BIG high res photos:
I would agree with you. However, we do not know if that is the case here. More than likely entering at too high a rate, splashing up the water etc.
I would assume the pics of that crossing, which you have posted before, would indicate a very slow crossing speed.
That is why I do not care too much for mudding. Last time I did it, even in reasonably shallow mud, I still managed to splash up a bunch in the engine compartment.
Comments
after reading the selected std & opt. equipment for the 2001 ranger(Scab/XLT/4x4),
I didn't see any mention of an Optional Bucket Seats... did Ford
remove this as an option for this year?
I wanna get a 2001 4L w/ the bucket seats - am I outa luck??
tia-kennet
Let me know!
I'd love to go but I'm in the middle of this giant deck project with Arbor. This took all of last weekend and will take this weekend too. May have a chance next weekend but not sure. Weekend after that heading for Moab. Maybe one day we can get hooked up.
Right vince, you dont rock crawl with even a vehicle the size of a regular cab p/u unless you have serious modifications to the suspension. And then, you really do not have a pickup any more, you have a single purpose rock crawler. The exception is listed below.
I think jholc was refering to climbing steep, rocky trails or the type of rocky areas in MOAB. Some of those you would get help from a locker, actually, you need a locker or winch to make the climb. But those rocks are basically the whole hill in one rock, not boulders the size of a car.
Let me point you to this link:
http://www.drivetrain.com/4x4.html
This completely checks your contention that a limited slip is not effective. I point you to the section where this company replaces the Jeep differential with the the posi-traction (since you more than likely do not know, that is limited slip) FORD 9 inch differential.
I do not see them offering a Toyota locker conversion.
Again, frank, I will not debate the value of a locker in some situations. But in general, a locker is ONLY needed, repeat, ONLY, in situations where max traction is needed, not the average off-road situation. In 90% of the situations you face off-road, a LS posi traction system is just fine.
Now in my trips off-road I have seen one TRD, locker engaged. Gave me a bit of a laugh, all the vehicles in my group, 5, were either open differential or LS. And here he is locker engaged, just playing with the toy. . .not really needed.
LSD if far superior to an open (one wheel turning axle) The locker has its place no doubt, and is superiour to an LSD offroad. However, being practical, how often will you get use out of this Locker? When offroad you don't need a locker engaged all the time. It can only be engaged in 4low, can only go in a straight away motion, doesn't help tow, doesn't help pull, doesn't help haul. In all practical purposes a LSD diff is the most useful on a truck for the majority of the population..
In the case of the Toyota I cited, he was new to the sport, a brand new truck. I did not have the heart to tell him that 3 of the 6 trucks in our group had open differentials and went thou the area where he had his locker engaged. Did get a chuckle out of it.
Again Frank, I do not dispute the value of a locker, but in my book a good winch is of more value to me. My Ramsey 8000 works real fine in that department and was only $500.
Sooo, how come them fast TRD 3.4's cannot keep up with my 90hp, 900cc KZ 900? The race was not even close. . .. An F150 tried to beat me on the on ramp also. he didn't.
He spoof, run for pink slips? Better be able to turn high 12s, low 13's in the 1/4. . .
Rock Crawling is relative - it depends on the size of the rocks! I'm not even talking about the crazy boulder crawling machines that have 4 foot shocks that have to be trailered to the hill! I don't think a limited slip is bad but as you get more extreme, a locker is the better choice. If you don't plan on doing anything over 3 1/2 stars than a limited slip or open diff should be just fine as long as you have the clearance, tires, experience and guts to do it.
I've included a trail decription which should add to the locker vs. LS debate. This is a trail rating for the Moab area. I've driven 3 1/2 rating in a stock (no locker) Tacoma. When you get to this rating and higher people gather just to watch the show. I'm looking at a locker not limited slip because I will probably be moving up to 4 star trails soon.
a. 2WD:
1.0 All-weather high speed paved or graded dirt or gravel road, regularly maintained, with excellent drainage. 4WD not needed, even in wet weather. Speeds of over 40 mph can be achieved. Passenger cars acceptable.
1.5 Maintained graded dirt road. 4WD not needed except in wet weather. May have potholes, dips, and sharp curves. May drain poorly in wet weather. Speeds of over 10 mph possible. Passenger cars can do, but will have to slow down considerably on washouts, etc., due to lack of ground clearance. No grades over 10 degrees.
b. EASY 4WD:
2.0 Unimproved or rarely graded dirt road; 4WD and/or extra clearance occasionally needed at times, with no special driving skills required. Passenger cars NOT acceptable, due to insufficient ground clearance. 2WD & 4WD trucks with stock clearance are acceptable. Street tires are acceptable. Day runs are typically 20 miles in length.
2.5 Dirt road graded rarely, if ever. 4WD low range and good clearance often needed, with some extra care and a bit of driving experience useful. Suitable for novice drivers. Speeds often under 10 mph. Street tires are acceptable. 2WD trucks NOT acceptable, due to lack of low range gears. No grades over 20 degrees.
c. MODERATE 4WD:
3.0 Ungraded road in difficult terrain, rarely maintained. 4WD low range and clearance required, with some driving skill and daring useful. Challenges for novice driver. Suitable for stock 4WD vehicles. Street tires are not recommended. No 2WD vehicles due to lack of traction. Speeds oftenunder 5 MPH.
3.5 Road or trail in difficult terrain, probably maintained only by occasional users. Considerable driving skill and daring needed. Not recommended for the novice driver. Surface may include wash beds, sand, cinders, lava rock, snow, mud, water, etc. Vehicles with long front or rear overhang (beyond the axles) may scrape front or rear bumpers on wash crossings, etc. Street tires not acceptable. Approaching the limit of what a capable stock 4WD vehicle (with capable driver) can do. Stock 4WD vehicles usually not recommended. Upgrade to 31" tires, mild lift (1" or 2"), and rear locker or limited slip is highly desirable. Equipment failure is usually limited to flat tires. Grades may exceed 20 degrees. Occasional off camber situation may exceed 20 degrees. Water crossings should be 2 feet or less in depth. Spotting may be required on the more difficult sections, especially for long, wide vehicles. Average speed is 3 mph. A day run is typically around 10 miles in length. This is the most common numerical rating given to 4WD trails. Suitable for mildly modified 4WD vehicles & moderately experienced drivers.
d. HARD 4WD:
4.0 Trail badly eroded. Off camber situations likely and may exceed 25 degrees. Grades may exceed 25 degrees. Water crossings can exceed 2 feet in depth. Stock vehicles NOT recommended. 31" tires minimum, (33" preferred), mild lift & hard locker, (not limited slip), in the rear probably required. Front locker or limited slip recommended. Speeds often under 3 mph. Spotting probably required on the more difficult obstacles to avoid body damage. Recommended for experienced 4WD drivers only. Body damage possible, but unlikely. More likely on long, and/or wide vehicles. Equipment failure possible, but unlikely.
4.5 Trail is TOUGH. Big rocks, grades exceeding 30 degrees. Off camber situations exceeding 30 degrees. Sometimes, but not always, best suited for short wheel base vehicles. (under 105" wheelbase) 33" tires minimum, (35" or larger preferred). 2" to 4" of lift and gearing of 40 to 1 (20 to 1 for automatics) or lower in first gear, low range probably required. Hard locker in the rear and limited slip or hard locker in the front probably required. Speeds often under 1 mph. A day run will usually be 1-3 miles in length. Body damage likely, but usually can be avoided by very careful driving and good spotting. Typically 10% of the vehicles on these runs will experience major mechanical failure, i.e., drive line or steering failure. (u-joints, axles, pitman arm, drag link, tie rods, etc.) Usually, but not always, these failures are due to improper and insufficiently tested vehicle modifications or poor (sloppy) driving technique. (Too much gas or steering pressure) An experienced driver with a properly setup vehicle can usually avoid most breakage.
5.0 Trail CANNOT be driven the whole way. Winching is required in at least one point on the trail. Water crossings may exceed 2-½ feet in depth. Grades exceeding 40 degrees. The biggest rocks with off camber situations exceeding 35 degrees. Rollovers possible. Usually only suitable for short wheel base vehicles (under 105" wheelbase), winch, 33" minimum tires, (35" or larger preferred), 3" to 5" of lift, gearing of 60 to 1 (30 to 1 for automatics) or lower in first gear, low range, and hard locker in both front and rear axles probably required. Axle upgrades highly recommended. Speed continuously under one mph. A day run is typically one mile in length. These trails are typically very hard on tires. One spare probably required, two spares recommended. Plug kit and/or tubes recommended. Tires with sufficient sidewall protection (Boggers, Swampers, etc.) recommended. 50% or greater chance of body damage. 50% or greater chance of major mechanical failure. Breakage is usually due to excessive torque or torque spikes on axles or steering components. Onlyworld class, experienced (5 years +) drivers with extra money, parts & energy to repair broken vehicles need apply.
thanks for any info..
D Wouters
" whats best is that the Tacoma TRD doesnt offer a delayed, computer controlled limited slip. It offers real traction, and it is one of the reasons why it beats out the Hummer, Range Rover, and Jeep as our ultimate 4x4"
May issue of Fourwheeler magazine
TOYOTA TACOMA beats out Hummer, ranger rover and Jeep as the ultimate 4x4.
" The Tacoma TRD handled the runs better than the Hummer. "
" Thankfully, the Tacoma does NOT come with a limited slip. "
fourwheeler
" The tacomas suspension, locker and build quality are the best we have ever seen "
fourhweeler
" The tacoma isbuilt for people who still use their trucks as TRUCKS"
fourwheeler
" The Toyota tacoma TRD is without a doubt the best stock offroader"
fourhweeler
" The Toyota Tacoma TRd opened up a can of "whoop [non-permissible content removed]" on the competition"
fourhweeler 2001 tacoma pickup of the year
" The tacoma TRD could simply go places the other trucks could not"
fourhweeler
" The toyota TRD package is worth every penny, and then some"
fourhweeler
" The ranger rattled like a rattlesnake offroad"
edmunds.com
" if considering buying a used ranger, take it for a very, very long test drive"
edmunds.com
www.fourwheeler.com to review the pickup of the year 2001.
Pick up the may issue of fourhweeler for GREAT photos of the tacoma stomping a hummer, jeep, and landrover offroaid, head to head.
PLus check out the FANTASTIC Arctic Landcruiser expedition photos, and find out WHY they use Toyotas up at the north pole!
Intermittent windshield washer operation. The wipers came on by themselves. The problem was corrosion in the multifunction stalk switch and it was replaced by a newer design.
Door chimes and dome light stayed on. The problem was the door interlock switch. Either replacement or cleaned with WD40.
That is about it on the electrical issue for a 4.0L 99.
Let me take you on a tour in my Ranger, judge for yourself what fits your needs.
First, start with a 99 XLT 4X4 supercab, 5 speed manual with 31X10.5X15 BF Goodrich AT KO radials, 3 ply sidewall:
http://members.aol.com/Cpousnr/myford1.jpg
Then you head out to the mountains of Colorado:
http://members.aol.com/Cpousnr/music1.jpg
The going gets a bit rough. . .
http://members.aol.com/Cpousnr/music2.jpg
http://members.aol.com/Cpousnr/music3.jpg
But the views at the top are worth it:
http://members.aol.com/Cpousnr/music4.jpg
About 10,600 ft to be close to exact.
Now you need a comparison for a Tacoma.
Spoog, would you mind showing dwoodard some pictures of your actual vehicle doing something other than acting as a place to store a 1998 copy of FourWheeler magizine?
Remember, the key words are...your actual vehicle.
Any other questions dwoodard, let me know.
Sangre de Cristo moutains in the background. . .
Your going to wait a long time for pictures from Spoog.
I would make sure the Ranger has had the 2 areas I mentioned replaced, they are a warrenty item, if never replaced Ford dealers will do it for free. Also, make sure it has skid plates installed on transfer case and fuel tank. If not, they can be added for about $150. Consider something other than the stock Firestone tires.
Expect 16-18mpg around town and 20-22 hwy for a manual tranny 4.0
Crash test ratings are stellar compared to a
Tacoma.
Cheers,
Steve
Who offers a computer controlled LS? I thought limited slips by definition were a centrifugal clutch type of arrangement.
Sorry Cspousner, it's over.
" The tacoma opened up a can of whoop a@@ on the other trucks"
fourwheeler
" The tacoma TRD beat the hummer, range rover, and jeep in durability and offroading"
fourwheeler
" The tacoma TRD could go places the other trucks simply couldn't"
fourhweeler
ITs over man! The tacoma has utterly and completely trounced the ranger in practically every category there is.
And showing pictures of your car-like ranger driving along some golf course at 10,000 feet means nothing.
I don't believe the Tacoma "trounces" the ranger in every catagory nor do I believe the "Ranger" trounces the Taco in any catagory. One is from the Factory more off-road oriented (which the hwy riding crowd may not like) and one is more hwy oriented which the off-road oriented crowd may not like - you can make modifications to both to change the character.
I can say one thing you keep the debate going...
Anyone in the market should test drive both and take a good look at what is most important to them.
As I have even stated over and over again.. The locker is better for offroading, an LSD is better than an open axle. The locker is highly specialized and only useful in 4low and straight away acceleration. A locker cannot help you tow or haul. The fact is over 90 percent of 4x4's never even see gravel. Its all based on what you really need or what image you want to portray to the public. The fact is the locker on the TRD Tacoma may get used 2-3% of your total driving time. Heck of an expensive option for that little of use..
Jholc, nope never been to Utah. Every been to Oregon or Washington? Cascades or coast range, deserts of Eastern Oregon? MT Hood, MT Rainer, 3 Sisters?
I guess everyone has their own definition of "rock climbing".
http://www.truckworld.com/Travel-Adventure/99-moab/moab.html
Now I will tell you, I know 2 guys with Rangers that did make it over Hells Revenge. One blew out his rear differential and completed it with only the front differential. The other had 4:10 LS and he did make it, but it was not easy. He had a 3 inch lift.
Not to say that the areas you talk about are not hard. But they are nothing like Moab. Take a look at the pictures from that site I posted.
However, I would like to see a Tacoma take on the Independance trail system out near Penrose, Co.
That system makes Moab look like a cake walk. . .
It takes you 5 hours to go maybe 1.5 miles. It is that bad. Just take the western road off Colo 115, head to Brush Creek Res. and then hang on. . .
And no pictures right spoog?
If a Tacoma goes to Moab, it better be the TRD version, open differntials need not attempt. . .
But now I have seen a Tacoma. . .
Comments spoog?
To quote from the article:
"After pulling him out and taking some things apart to try and revive his truck - the truck would not turn over at all and it became apparent there was some serious engine damage.
At this point, we were not certain what exactly was wrong, but Jason was certain his truck was totaled."
So where was this superior off-road engineering in this case?
I think a Hummer would not even have wet its underside on this puddle.
Perhaps Fourwheeler was wrong in it's award. . .
The "ultimate 4x4" article was good, but a little short. Unfortunately for vince, the only thing the reviewers kept talking about was the tacoma's locker. It's like they had never seen a locker before; they were simply amazed. Although I guess a locker on a stock vehicle is pretty unique. For offroading, I'd still get the Jeep in a heartbeat though.
As Dirty Harry once said "A man should know his limitations." Or something like that.....
How about knowing your truck's limitations?
What a way to ruin a nice truck. I can't develop a lot of sympathy for really dumb people.
Re: Moab- We have explored many trails in and around Moab, on mtn bikes and in our 4x4 Toyota. I recall scraping the rear bumper MANY times (not enough departure angle) and asking my wife to lead me over several drop-offs that I couldn't see due to the hood. These were probably 3.0-3.5 trails on jholc's scale, and rough enough for me. There are other trails (see cp's link) where you can't even WALK the trail, but the Jeeps drive them. Awesome stuff.
Lets not get the stuck Tacoma, ruined engined Tacoma, stupid Tacoma drives link get tooooo buried.
Moab:
Never been there, even though it is only a few hours west, but have heard storys like ricks.
eagle:
Does it not seem strange that a mag like Fourwheeler acted like it had never seen a locker before? I got the same impression as you.
Now this is a reg that has all sorts of tricked out vehicles, and even ads for lockers all over the place.
And it picks the Tacoma over some of the highly regarded names in 4 wheeling. Guess they are lucky that a LandCruiser was not entered. . .
Now is it just me, or is something fishy when a vehicle is picked sooooooo many times in 4X4 tests, particularly when some of the other vehicles in the tests do not even have thier mechanical statistics documented correctly?
And when Truck World can find a Tacoma that cannot make it thru water that is just up to the bumper? To the point of lunching an engine? Oh yeah, thats the top 4X4 in my book!
Just me or does the bias of Four Wheeler show?
Here is another link to an arizona group of Toyota trucks that spent time on the Moab trails you mentioned... Obviously the trucks doing the 4+ trails are modified.
http://home.earthlink.net/~azttora/trailreports.html
I agree with Rick5 - A properly setup Jeep is one of the Best Off-Road vehicles out there - I just don't know if I could live with a Jeep every day. Same thing with the Hummer - It will drive over most anything but it's sheer size prevents if from getting into many areas and I can't even imagine driving it to work. For those reasons I could see the Toyota coming out ahead in scoring if these guys are looking at everything. (I have not seen the article spoog keeps posting.)
Vince I agree with you - A limited slip is better than an open axle but for me personally, I would rather have the locker.
I've got a 99 Tacoma TRD with the same deceleration squeal. I've had mine serviced by the dealer it's entire life, and it still squeals. The squeal generally happens at highway speeds on relatively level road (no heavy accel or decel).
I have the same problem with my 99 prerunner, if you give it a little gas or decel it seems to squeal and the sounds appears to be coming from below or behind me.
I have a 2001 tacoma painted green mica it appears that the paint scratches and chips eaisly anyone have any comments on this?
I'm the owner of a 2001 Tacoma and was wondering if anyone else has noticed excessive rust on the exterior of the rear chrome bumper. Most of the rust is appearing in the area between the license plate and the license plate lights, and also around the very ends of the bumper.
my d-cab seems to kinda "clunk" into gear when i put it into drive.anyone else have that?
I've owned a 89, 92, and now a 01 4x4 X-cab Tacoma (all fully loaded 5-spds). I was very pleased w/ the 89 and 92. But, the 01 has been very disappointing. I've never had to return to the dealer for my other trucks. This one has had a series of problems including a rattle, accelerator cable problem, misfiring, and a torque converter problem. In addition, Toyota has cut corners on the new trucks. For example, they've eliminate the under-the-hood insulation which results in an appreciatable increase in engine noise in the cab. Convenience lights in the doors and dual-operation map lights have been elimiated. Adjustable head-rests are no longer provided. And, they've eliminated a clever in-dash cup holder that was very functional. All this for a higher price. When I bought this truck, admittedly, I did it blindly thinking that I was buying an improved product. The V-6 misfires (dealer says that's normal upto 2,000 miles - I have 3,000 miles now and worse than before). The engine also gargles (exaggerated by the lack of hood insulation - unbelieveable that Toyota eliminated this). Despite a posted 190hp vs 150hp in their previous generation V-6, the new V-6 is no match compared to the old coming off the line. With 170,000 miles, the 92 easily burned rubber w/ the 31x10.50 15s. You won't get the same performance out of the 01 at lower speeds (although the 01 does perform better in mid to higher speeds). My family has been loyal Toyota owners for many years. The 92 V-6 was definately smoother and quieter than the current generation engine.
Almost everyone I know that has been a Toyota loyalist is beginning to question the value, reliability, and customer satisfaction that Toyota seems to give today.
I do it a bit, but not up to the bumper.
I think what we see in that pic is an open differential Tacoma thinking it can do more than it is designed to do.
Teller County Car Wash. Nice trails but you have to cross, I think the name is correct, the South Platte river. Sometimes that can be very deep.
Good place to ruin an engine.
I have been through water to mid bumper over on MEdano pass. Just took it real easy. Had no problems with the 4X4 system under water.
I understand from a co-worker that one of his neighbors tried Medano early in the season and did not follow the correct path at a crossing.
He floated, then sunk a new Jeep. Totaled the vehicle.
Not fun.
Good time to take a break, grab a smoke, look at nature and
see where would be a good place for the oil drill rig, something to upset guys like spoog.
Speaking of spoog, notice no pictures of his vehicle or comments about the half sunken Tacoma?
Could it be that in the past I have posted at least 2 pictures of Rangers, one that I have personally wheeld with, chugging through water to mid or top of the grille? And they had no problems at all. As I recall, the picture I posted of the Rough Ranger from NJ, he was going through an area that had claimed a Toyota SR5 minutes before. The Ranger had no problems where the Toyota failed.
Pssst spoog, it is because both Rnagers were equipped with limited slip differentials, not an open differential like the Toyota vehicles.
The jeep couldn't get stuck if I wanted too, same with the Nissan. I haven't beat the Toyota yet, with such a price tag I am afraid too. For quality I thought the Tacoma's fit and finish was much nicer than a Ranger, the performance seemed stronger also. I drove both for a couple of days apiece and if became very apparent to me where my money should go.
I had the inertia switch replaced in September. I had the fuel pump replaced 2 weeks ago. The mechanic dropped the tank, tested the power wires to the pump, and was getting FULL and PROPER voltage. The pump would not work. He replaced the pump. Then 2 days ago, I couldn't get the truck started for the life of me.
bought a new 2000 Ranger four cylinder, 5 speed in late '99. About 6 months ago, I noticed that once in a while, there was a clunk when I disengaged the clutch before coming to a stop. It only does it about once in every 4 or 5 stops. The dealer let me test drive a new 2001 Ranger equipped exactly the same, and the new one did it too. They said there has been no tsb issued for this problem. The driveshaft has been removed and the spines re-greased with teflon grease, but that didn't make any difference. Otherwise, the truck is perfect. Anyone else have this problem and know how to fix it?
have had my Ford Ranger for five years and have during the last two years had multiple electrical problems... a seat belt alert beeper that won't go off, a windshield wiper that comes on in the middle of the day, a light that won't go off and now a heater that works sometimes and doesn't work other times. Anyone else seen this?
have a 2001 a/ 3.0L V-6, 4-speed automatic 4x4. When I have a cold start my overdrive light flashes and tranny will not shift out of 2nd. After I turn the truck off and re start the light stays off but the shifting into 3rd is very harsh and no overdrive?? My truck has been at the dealer for 29 days now!! The dealer tells me maybe 3 or 4 weeks Ford should have a tranny re program available, in the mean time keep the stop and re start program going.
nerangrdrvr wrote that he had problems with the lights staying on whenever a passenger was on board.
Hi. I just purchased a 1999 Ford Ranger Standard Extended cab pickup. Since I have had it I have noticed that it idles very rought, sometimes "shuddering" at lights to the point that the whole car wiggles.
We recently purchased a 96 Ranger with 47000 miles on it. Shortly after filling with gas for the first time, the check engine light came on. We brought it into the mechanic, and the diagnostic code was something to do with the fuel line. He switched the light off and suggested that the gas cap may not have been put on right and if the light went back on to get a replacement gas cap. The light went back on after about 25 miles. We replaced the gas cap and brought it back in. He turned the light off again and drove it for a while. The light just went on again.
Hello, I leased a then-new 1999 Ranger XLT Super-Cab Flareside 4x4 with 4 liter automatic. Last year noticed 'ping' type noise when pressing gas after going to reverse, then another ping when going into drive. At the same time I noticed a slight jolt on light acceleration only, from a stop. Mechanic drove it, walked over to the computer, typed in my year, and said to me "ok, we have a tsb on a transfer case flange, that's the ping noise. We have a tsb on driveshafts, that's the jolt. Set an appointment, we'll do both at the same time." And they did, acceleration from a
stop is hot-butter smooth. Has been for a year now. Developed the 'hey, the wipers just activated' bug while driving down the road, usually for one wipe only. Took it in, they said yep, we'll get you a new wiper switch. Buying new (thus having a warranty) is the way to go, I see the light now! I can't imagine how much the driveshaft would have cost a consumer. The a/c has a disagreeable odor, this is the one thing they are mystified on. They have sprayed disinfectant into the vents, which only helps for a few days, they said yes it's a problem with some vehicles, but Ford has not recognized it yet. Even so,the smell only lasts for 10-20 seconds when you first turn it on, then it's gone.
1999 Ford 3.0L V6. Pings all the time. I've had two computer chips installed, run Chevron fuel for 20 tanks, used Sea Foam gasoline additive. What to do next?
I have seen a couple of other members here posting about a problem with the jolt/shuddering of the xtra cab 4x4. I too have the problem but I am out of warranty.
Probably had that starting with my 1998 Ranger 4X4, but then the engine died before the driveline. There are a lot of posts concerning this problem - the driveshaft needs lube as it connects into the rear diff. Frankly, I would make Ford fix it - they know they have "cheaped out" the Ranger in the last few years.
I have a 92 Ranger that I bought with 46000 miles on it 4 years ago, now has 98000. Recently, I started having problems with the check engine light coming on and then nothing at the gas pedal as if it was flooded. It gets very hard to start, when it does start, usually after 10 minutes it acts like it not getting any gas. So I've taken it to two dealerships, they ran several sensor and computer tests on the entire truck and can't find anything wrong. I've replaced the fuel pump, filter, coil, cap, rotor, spark plug wires and battery and still the same problems. Sometimes it runs fine and then all of a sudden stalls and refuses to start again, also when this happens the temperature and amp gauges go to zero. I've checked all of the electrical connections and grounds, still nothing...
Pinging seems to be a horrible design feature of the 3L motor......
I own a 95 w/3L. The only way I've gotten the ping to stop is to use 89 octane or higher and down shift to forth gear on hills(obviously I've got a manual tranny)
You lose pal. The nail has been pounded into the rangers coffin time and time again.
One picture of a stuck truck proves nothing at all.
I suggest you read the pickup of the year 2001 article at fourwheeler.com, and make sure you grab a copy of the may issue of fourwheeler.
The tacoma literally BEATS a Hummer, jeep and landrover man! Dont you get it yet? The ranger is NOWHERE near the same category as Tacoma TRD in offroading! Not even anywhere REMOTELY close.
What else do you need to see? The Tacoma is built better, is more reliable, and offroads better than the Ranger. It has been proven time amd time and time again.
The gigs up.
Do you think that maybe the reason the Tacoma is picked by fourhweeler is because it is one heck of a vehicle?
Sorry pal, Ford doesn't make offroaders anymore. They are a weak foundation.
Nice try though.
You raise a very good point in that Posi-traction which is the same as LS,
***********************************************
* *
* IS AVAILABLE AT ALL SPEEDS, UNLIKE A LOCKER *
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And which vehicles would have the posi?
Now a disadvantage of posi is the the clutches will, after a while, wear out. Replacement of the clutches is then required. But you will agree it is choice that determines the need for a locker. If all you do is challenge the harder trails of Moab, yes, a locker is real nice. But for average to moderate trails, LS is nice, but you can even make it with an open rear end.
I would also submit, as with skill, the stupidity of the driver effects the outcome.
Famous last words are often:
"Hey, watch this!"
Twin I beam is far superior to IFS suspension.
The challenge has been made to you many times, and you have refused to wheel in Colo with us.
Either you do not have the vehicle in question or you do not want to have pictures available of a Ranger pulling you out when you get over your head.
http://home.gci.net/~frankzone/Tacoriver3.jpg
I would assume the pics of that crossing, which you have posted before, would indicate a very slow crossing speed.
That is why I do not care too much for mudding. Last time I did it, even in reasonably shallow mud, I still managed to splash up a bunch in the engine compartment.