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Ford Ranger

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Comments

  • grapnelgrapnel Member Posts: 4
    I really like my ranger. I do wish i had got the 4 door model although. the seats i think are the most comphy i have ever had. gas milage is not all the good in the 4.0 and i have yet to really had the need for the bigger engine, but bigger is better, i guess? i dont like my 150 as much becaue it is harder to park and the 5 speed model you have to sit to close to the steering wheel unless you tall to reach the clutch. i like the ranger becaue it is not to big but bigger than average, could be a few inches taller although. but i miss my mustang, i want to get rig of it and go back to a sports car. i just need the speed and like riding low to the ground.
  • cdg19cdg19 Member Posts: 15
    I had a 93 Ranger 3.0 V6 splash which gave me no problems in the 60,000 miles that I owned it. It had plenty of power and got good gas mileage.
  • azninvazionazninvazion Member Posts: 15
    Thanks for the help dcmoore. About the lemon comment, My cousin bought a 1999 B2500(which is a 4-cyl), and it has been in the dealer twice for electrical problems. The speedometer stopped working twice, and they claimed that they repaired or replaced it, I am not sure which. Anyways, he bought it new and was disappointed when it was sent in twice in a span of 2 months. He recently got it back from the dealer, but is weary that it will have the same problem again. If so, the Government did not issue the Lemon Law for nothing. If it goes in for another 2 days within 2 years he gets 105% of the MSRP, which adds up to a B-3000 (V6).

    My problem is that all of the mishaps that I have heard of from the electrical aspect of the ranger/B-series, is segrigated to the 4-clys. I have seen this myself because I have a friend of mine with the 3000(v6), which is 4 years old and runs like a gem. He has never had any electrical problems with it, and it has a ford engine under the hood. So I guess the pattern is 2500(4cyl) bad, and the 3000(v6) good. I would get the v6 if I did get either, so if my theory is correct, I am out of hot water. I know there must be exceptions to this belief, but I would like to hear some.

    I have success stories from v6 and horrors from 4-cyl. what's the deal Ford/Mazda??
  • ricks2ricks2 Member Posts: 17
    Well, my 2.3L '96 XLT ran like a dream. In fact, last year I traded it in for a 2.5L '98. I wanted the 4-cyl. because I use it 99% as a commuter only. At nearly 22MPG (city) I'm doing almost as well as my girlfriend's Toyota.
  • kjtgkjtg Member Posts: 49
    i drove a 4 cyl ranger, could not get it back to the dealer fast enough..
  • scape2scape2 Member Posts: 4,123
    The 3.0 is much better than the 2.5. The MPG in the 3.0 in its 5spd form is only about 2mpg less than the 2.5 in its 5spd form.
    What I find funny is Toyota compares the 4cyl of the Ranger to its 4cyl. We all know who is going to win. What they don't tell you is you can get a 3.0 for the same price or even less in some instances than their 4cyl!
  • kjtgkjtg Member Posts: 49
    I drove the 2.5 & 3.0 they are like different trucks. with the 3.0 & 5 speed the ranger is a nice truck to drive..
  • scape2scape2 Member Posts: 4,123
    All this time on Edmunds and I did not even notice they are doing a long term on a 98 Ranger 4x4. The truck is almost like mine. I have a 5spd 4.0 and did not want the third door option. I knew the third door would squeak and not give the frame very good rigidity for offroad use. It will take Ford a few more years to figure out how to make the door more solid.
    So far at 11K mine is as solid as day 1. Even with all the logging road expeditions, desert runs and so on. I also have the offroad pkg and tow pkg. Great truck!
  • mrrrrmrrrr Member Posts: 2
    I have a 99 Ranger XLT 4X4 with the 3.0L engine,
    5 speed manual transmission, and off road package. It's a nice truck except for an anoying pinging at highway speed during acceleration or going uphill.
    It's a comfortable truck, fun to drive, and it gets 21MPG, but the pinging bothers me. Is this common for this type of truck? Do any of you have
    this problem? Thanks for any feedback.
  • scape2scape2 Member Posts: 4,123
    Try running a higher octane fuel, like 89. I don't have the 3.0, but here and read it is a very reliable engine. Also try a K&N air filter, its worth the 30-40 dollars.
    If the ping persists have the dealer check your timing yours may need to be adjusted. Of course a computer does all this stuff now, so the dealer will have to do it.
  • alexrodalexrod Member Posts: 11
    Hello Folks! Can anyone tell me of a Dealership whose able to get my friend a 99Ranger XLT Xcab, 2wd for $100 over invoice? Thanks
  • LohengrinLohengrin Member Posts: 84
    alex,

    I just bought a new dodge ram through Autobytel at invoice. I think it's a good deal. Even if Autobytel can't get your friend the price (s)he wants, I think it's a good place to start.
  • SCHUURSCHUUR Member Posts: 10
    Alexrod, have your friend try Bowen Scarff Ford in Kent, Washington. I have purchased two trucks there and have not paid over invoice yet.
  • scape2scape2 Member Posts: 4,123
    Read the Edmunds report on the Tacoma.
  • gatorbandgatorband Member Posts: 12
    Mrrrr.....Currently have a '94 Ranger 4x2 3.0L/5spd and I agree with Vince....try running a higher octane gasoline, at least 89. Whenever I've put 87oct. in mine twice or more in a row I start to get pinging as well, especially in slow starts & heavy traffic. Hence, I run at least 89 and about every 5th tank or so, I'll put in 93 (esp. if i'm taking a long trip) along with a bottle of STP fuel injector cleaner. The combo seems to work well and (knock on wood) I haven't had any problems in 5 years (& 63k mi.) of owning this great little truck. Good luck!!
  • mrrrrmrrrr Member Posts: 2
    vince8 and gatorband,

    Thanks for the response. Using an 89 octane helps, but for some reason the pinging also
    decreases with Mobile gas, even the 87 octane.
    The 87 octane Mobile is a little cheaper than the
    89 octane offered by other gas stations, so that's what I've been using.

    By the way, the owners manual states that repairs to the emission system may not be covered by the warranty for Massachusettes residents, since MA doesn't require the sale of California fuel. I wish they had mentioned that in the sales brochure. Oh well, 47 more payments and I can trade it in for something else.
  • rdrunnerrdrunner Member Posts: 14
    To whoever cares,


    In 1998 I compared the Dakota, Ranger, Nissan, and Toyota trucks. Here's the BS I went through and maybe it will help other folks.

    At first I used the sticker price when comparing the aforementioned trucks. All trucks were loaded as loaded could be except for the manual tranny (I hate driving automatics). All were extended cab 4WD as well. Anyway, the Toyota Tacoma was 27k, the Dakota was 25k, the Ranger was 23k, and the Nissan was about 20k (except they didn't have a V6 at the time).

    I wound up with the Ranger for the following reasons: I was able to buy it for less than invoice ($18,500), it drove very well, and the 4WD system is the nicest I've used. Other reasons were that the Toyota dealers were (all of them) arrogant, stuck up, and they wouldn't deal on price at all. I also found out that Toyota was, and to some degree still is, having terrible problems with head gaskets. I passed on the Dodge becasue it was over 4k more in cost (and the V6 4WD was a dog...a V8 is requisite equipment in this truck), and V6 or no, the Nissan is a joke as far as a truck is concerned.

    I ordered a Ranger the way I wanted it and it arrived with build quality similar to Japenese vehicles. That's where the pleasant experience ended. My Ranger turned out to be a piece of crap. It was assembled very well, but parts quality seems to be a problem. I owned it 6 months with the dealer having it half of the time. Several clutch actuators had to be replaced, the rear brakes locked up anytime it rained or snowed, the tranny got hosed up after the second actuator replacement, it had interior material quality problems, it steering column problems, and something that just plain blows up here in the northern climates is that ALL Rangers have a problem with defrosting the right side of the windshield. It would get so bad during heavy snows that I could only see out the driver's side and the wiper would freeze to the base of the windshield. BTW, they never could fix the problems my truck was having, so I got rid of it.

    The short story is that I wish I had bought the Dakota. It appears to be a much better truck overall even though the 4WD set up is stupid. They say it's shift on the fly, but the extremely short 4WD knob is on the floor under the dash. Try shifting to 4WD while moving and you'll be picking pedestrians out of your grill.

    The moral is they're all expensive and none are perfect. However, 90% of the people I know locally who've owned a Ranger have equated it with a form of fruit which is yellow in color..........if you know what I mean.

    Good Luck!
  • rdrunnerrdrunner Member Posts: 14
    P.S. Someone mentioned a Tacoma review. I know that Consumers doesn't like it. They say the body is poor quality. Specifically, the cargo box walls caved in when they tried to tie down an ATC in teh bed.
  • scape2scape2 Member Posts: 4,123
    rdrunner, sorry for your experience. But I too ordered a 1998 Ranger XLT kingcab loaded with the 4.0 5spd trans. Mine has been great, not one problem. I use my 4whl all the time, not one problem. I also am an outdoors person, hunt, fish, camp and use it in the mountains and deserts of Oregon, not one problem. I have about 12K now and no signs of any problems. Interior is fine also. Also, please check Consumer reports before calling all Rangers lemons, the Ranger is rated as average to above average depending on what publication you read.
    The Tacoma did not favor that well in the Edmunds review, too spendy for what you get. Rumors are the Tacoma is coming down in price very soon, closer to the Ranger price because of the Tundra. We'll see I guess.
    Did you buy another Truck?
  • grapnelgrapnel Member Posts: 4
    I have a 98 Ranger with the 14in wheels on it and I want to put on the 16in 4X4 wheels. Is this going to give me any problems? I think the 16in look better and I would like the little bit of extra height.
  • rdrunnerrdrunner Member Posts: 14
    vince8,

    I'm sorry for my experience too! I really liked driving my Ranger and it fit very well for what I needed and wanted it to do. Kind of a bummer. Haven't heard about the Tundra. Is that the T100 replacement?

    No, I didn't buy another truck yet. I'm still smarting from my Ranger experience and there's not much else out there in the Ranger price range. I don't like the S-10 and if Consumers gave it anymore black circles they'd run out of ink!

    I really like the Dakota too, but in snow country 4WD is very nice and this option makes a Dakota = BIG $$$. Plus the Dakota 4WD system is about as advanced as the one on a WWII Dodge Power Wagon. Rugged, but oh so noisy and crude. Also, to me anyway, the 4WD Dakota drives too much like a full size truck. Which is to say the handling is slow and even with the V8 it seems to lumber along (the 0-60 times bear out this feeling). Now a 2WD Dakota with a 318 and a 5 spd is a plain blast to drive! Of course it's no fun at all in snow. Oh well, I guess I'll keep pondering the situation. Glad to hear your truck is doing well.

    RdRunner
  • scape2scape2 Member Posts: 4,123
    RdRunner, I like my Ranger, don't get me wrong. But my next choice was the Nissan Frontier V6. Take a test drive, not a bad truck, just not for me. My only drawback was the interior, didn't like the thin seats and lower quality plastics. Maybe they improved by now??
  • trenttrent Member Posts: 86
    I'm getting ready to purchase a 4WD ranger and am debating the 4 door vs. the 2 door. I'm concerned that the 4 door might squeak/rattle or have a weatherstriping problem. Has anyone experienced any problems?
    Also the mileage ratings seem better with the 4.0 engine/5 speed auto than the 3.0 engine/4 speed auto. (Both with the off road package and I believe 4.10 rear end.) Also is the 4.10 rear end with the 16" wheels much less ideal for highway use that the 15" with a 3.73 rear end?
  • scape2scape2 Member Posts: 4,123
    I also did not opt for the 4door version. I am hearing there are squeaks and rattles. Also if you plan on using it for any offroad use the squeaks get worse. I opted for the 4.0 with the 5spd manual with 3.73 gears, works fine for me for both highway and offroad use.
  • scape2scape2 Member Posts: 4,123
    I have a story to tell:

    I was up in the mountains this last weekend with my "unreliable" Ranger. I was on a logging road/National park road looking for a place to fish/camp. Lo and behold I come upon a guy with a Tacoma. His hood was up and we were out in the middle of nomans land. My friend and I stopped to see what was up. I had to chuckle since I hear nothing but how "unreliable" the Ranger is and how "reliable" the Tacoma is. To make a long story short, the Tacoma just quit running, could not get it started. I know this guy was embarassed and also upset to be helped by a Ford owner. He even made a comment "yeah, this is Toyota quality at its best". I ended up giving him a ride out to the nearest phone in my "unreliable" Ranger.
  • rodesendrodesend Member Posts: 1
    Hello All:

    Prospective Ranger owner here looking for some help regarding Snowmobiles/ATVs (Quads) and how they fit in the Ranger bed.

    I plan to occasionally carry a 47.5" wide snowmobile weighing about 500 lbs. or a 46" wide ATV weighing about 600 or 700 lbs.in the back of a SuperCab. Ranger literature tells me beds are 54.4" wide, but I'm next to positive that measurement is above the wheel wells and hopefully an inside dimension. (Somebody let me know if I'm wrong . . . again.) My idea is to build a plywood platform resting over the wheel wells and park on top of that platform. A few questions for you Ranger "Rangers" or anybody else looking in . . .

    - Anybody out there tried something similar, know somebody that has, or have other ideas?

    - Is something like this going to be tipsy and help in turning my shiny side down?

    I'm only going to be carrying three or four times a year, so I don't want to have to buy a trailer and the F-150 or larger is more truck than I normally need.

    I'd appreciate any replies and am open to all suggestions, but please make'em Ranger specific. (Sorry folks, the Ford "blue" in my genes won't let me consider other brands, so I'm not interested in a Dakota, a Tacoma, etc.)

    Thanks in advance to everyone.

    Rodesend
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    I think you're really going to upset the center of gravity by doing what you're suggesting. I think it would be dangerous, especially in an emergency situation. I would opt for a trailer, or go to a full-size pickup.

    I pull a 5'x8' utility trailer (2500 GVW) with my '98 Explorer SOHC V6. That's what would recommend.

    Bob
  • scape2scape2 Member Posts: 4,123
    I would also opt for a trailer. Sounds top heavy and could fall out around corners. Besides a trailer will also be easier to get the ATV in and out of also.

    by .05$ (Inflation)
  • entwhistleentwhistle Member Posts: 1
    I don't know how many other 98 Ranger owners have come to this but I now need to have new tires put on my Ranger. Because of the off road package I am having trouble finding tires that fit the stock tires. Anyone else run into this problem?
  • jholderjholder Member Posts: 2
    I am the new guy here so pardon me for jumping in. I want to know what the difference is in the 1996 Ranger's engine that made it a 100k mi tune up engine? Any thoughts?
  • scape2scape2 Member Posts: 4,123
    Platnum plugs. Also, what I read is you should have your vehicle tuned at about 50K, don't go the 100K like the manufacturers want you to believe.
  • jjedynakjjedynak Member Posts: 1
    Have a 98 Ford Ranger, sounds like a diesel and Dealer says that they cannot fix it and Ford is working on problem. Any thoughts.
  • scape2scape2 Member Posts: 4,123
    No-way should your engine sound like a diesel. Hit them hard, go direclty to the district manager, rattle as many cages as you can. My engine runs smooth, no problems, and does not sound like a diesel. Sounds like valve problems, or lifters?
  • douglasctdouglasct Member Posts: 1
    Well, I've been considering buying a Ranger pickup cause they look so D__n good. But after reading all of these postings, (Which I thank you all for), I've changed my mind. I guess you can't go by looks alone! I thought Ford had cleaned up there act as far as service is concerned?
  • mjbwrtrmjbwrtr Member Posts: 172
    i have a question for you all: i am considering buying a Ranger, maybe a 1993 or 1994. the only problem is whether to get the four cylinder or the six. i currently have a six in my 1988 XLT, but i cannot find a v6 around here. is the four a dog? if it is slow and not very powerful at all, let me know. thanks.
  • scape2scape2 Member Posts: 4,123
    I am a Ranger fan, but in 1993/1994 the 2.3 was a dog. It was only meant to be a used for light duty and made for mpg. If you can find a V6.
  • scape2scape2 Member Posts: 4,123
    I have the 5spd manual 4.0 with 3.73's and I am getting about 18-20 on the highway. I use my truck for outdoor use heavily, I camp, fish, and hike in the mountains and deserts of Oregon. I have a 1998 XLT SC 4x4 offroad/tow pkg, pretty much loaded. Mine has performed flawlessly in 4x4 mode traking the trails, climbing rocky inclines, ect. Have fun, also I would stay away from the 4door version if you 4x4 often. I am hearing about squeakes and wind noise.
  • scutter11scutter11 Member Posts: 1
    just got a 91 supercab 4x4 4.0 ltr fully loaded and seem to like it alot,i seems to be responsive and tight,im a chevy man always but i must say this truck has really got me impressed!
  • diazodoktor2diazodoktor2 Member Posts: 23
    O.K. all you motorheads out there I have a question. 1996 Ranger 2WD, Automatic, 3.0 engine, 31k miles mostly highway. It started to "ping" on 87 octaine @ about 20k and has slowly developed an appitite for 89 and now 93. In normal driving no problem but put it under a load (pullng a hill etc.) it will really rattle! What's wrong? Timing off or what? All responses appreciated------Thanks
  • smclan1smclan1 Member Posts: 1
    Bought a 98 XL Ext Cab 3.0 4x4 in Dec 97. Turned in under lemon law in April 98. The one the dealer replaced it with was a bigger piece of crap than the first. Traded it in two weeks ago. I thought the dealer was going to put a bronze plaque in the service area waiting room with my name on it. My observation is that the Ranger is the one that is flimsy and overpriced. The large rebate indicates that Ford is flooding the market with these things, and the fact that it was impossible to sell proves it. To me, if I had to do it again, the Toyota costs more, but is worth it in quality, and most definitely, resale value. E mail me if you want more details on my experiences as a Ranger and Ford customer service victim. You buy a Ranger, you are definitely rolling the dice.
  • mr_rrrmr_rrr Member Posts: 13
    My 1999 Ranger 4X4 with the 3.0 engine has a similar problem, but it only has 10k miles on it. It spent the day in dealer's service department today and they couldn't find the problem. They called Ford's technical support line but still couldn't fix it. So Ford said I should try a high octane gas for a while then call them back and tell them if it made a difference. If they fix the problem I'll pass along the solution. I bet this is a common problem.
  • hindsitehindsite Member Posts: 590
    I have the 99 Extended cab Tacoma 4WD SR5 and it is expensive relative to the Ranger it runs like a charm. Peace of mind is what I paid for. I also have a 93 F150 p/u and can honestly say with all the problems I have had like replacing the upper ball joints, transmission leaks, and AC problems it is a moving lemon. How many times have you heard us Tacoma guys and gals complaining about our trucks.
  • mr_rrrmr_rrr Member Posts: 13
    I forgot to mention my problem is pinging, similar to what was described in #143 of 146: by diazodoktor2. But it will be a cold day in hell, before I buy a Toyota!!!!!
  • diazodoktor2diazodoktor2 Member Posts: 23
    Re mr rrr: thanks for your input regarding the "pinging". I am maxed out on the octane (93) still pings ! Please post if you find a soultion. Luckily I live in Florida so few hills of any size to pull but up in Georgia mountains it really rattles. I sure do not want to burn a valve or worse. Oh well, any excuse to get a new truck. Mabe a new Nissan Xtterra
  • cyclops2020cyclops2020 Member Posts: 1
    Seriously considering buying a '99 Ranger XLT 2wd
    extended cab with 4.0L 5-speed auto 3.55 rear end.
    Also has 4 doors.
    Truck will be pulling a 1500# boat.
    Looking for any comments regarding the powertrain
    (problems) and rear doors rattling.
  • wsnoblewsnoble Member Posts: 241
    Just returnred from my "cold day in hell" and my Tacoma runs GREAT........!

    -wsn
  • scape2scape2 Member Posts: 4,123
    I would never spend my money on a Tacoma either. They are too expensive for what you get. There are plenty of alternatives on the market that are just as good.
    wsnoble, my Ranger runs great too!
    cyclops2020, I have heard that the 4door model does have more creaks and wind noise than the Rangers without 4doors. I have also heard of people going offroad and suddenly hearing more windnoise and creaks. I don't think Ford has the bugs quiet worked out of their 4 door models yet. I would bet you would be pretty safe if you stayed on relativily flat terrain though.
    I have a 4.0 5spd with a 3.73 rearend, and tow pkg. I would say go for the tow pkg, give you that extra edge and is not that much more, I believe its about $500. These are wonderful trucks and rate very well. Get on the Internet and search for yourself. www.carpoint.msn.com, popular mechanics homepage then to auto section, and even the review right here at Edmonds. Just type in Ford Ranger on your browser, tons of clubs out there also.
  • jholderjholder Member Posts: 2
    I now own a 1997 Ranger XLT supercab with the 2.3 Liter puppy engine. I think its great. I changed the plugs (all 8 of them for the 4 cylinder) and BANG this puppy came to life. It is not a V6 and I will not race anybody so all bets are off, But I wanted to express my appreciation to FORD Engineering for employing the high energy output ignition and the dual platinum plugs. I bought the truck with 60k mi on it and it was due for the big 60k mi service. Having completed the task this little puppy truck has a lot more bark than I settled for when I made the buy. The plugs I used were the Autolite AP764 Platinum. This is a California situation. Does the '97 Ranger designated for sale outside of CA have the same dual plug set up? Also, I dropped the first plug down between the intake manifold and the engine block, it has disappeared. Anyone been there and done that? I gave up after a half hour search and went and purchased a 9th plug. I do not want to disassemble the engine to find a $2.50 plug.
  • mr_rrrmr_rrr Member Posts: 13
    wsn

    I question your vacation plans but congratulations on your truck. Let me know if you ever need a ride.
  • hindsitehindsite Member Posts: 590
    Just came back from the Southern Tier with my Tacoma. Had a great time running the river. Saw one Ranger stuck in washout gully and winched him out.
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