Did you recently take on (or consider) a loan of 84 months or longer on a car purchase?
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Ford Ranger
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Ranger impossibility story: 1st time I went to the ocean, I realized (at 3:30 AM) that my thermostat had been stuck closed for months. (Didn't notice it when not pulling a load.) Anyway, the water temp pegged while I was going over Highway 17 out here in CA. (If you don't know, this road is notorious for overheating cars-it's the road to Santa Cruz.."Santa Carla" for all you who've seen the "Lost Boys" movie.) Anyway, what to do? Not gonna NOT go fishing-unthinkable. Kept going. And going. Gauge remained pegged for 25 miles, and hardly moved down on the downslope. Long-story short: Truck never failed. Caught fish! Then left at 3:00 PM to go home and overheat the truck all over again. Made it home (90 miles), overheating all the way. Changed out thermostat, changed oil, flushed radiator. Truck was fine. Compression test was like brand-new. What else could you want from a truck??? Good hunting...(lost the '96 during an unfortunate Chapter 7...oh well) Lookin now for a 97-98 4.0 S-Cab 4wd auto. Ranger on!
cars(Corvette,Rolls,etc.) as they come out of production.
Possibly with older synthetics a "break in" period was needed.
I think they were talking about 5,000 or so, but I can't recall exactly. If I find the article I'll post what they said. If you did it you did it. Just monitor your oil consumption. If you're happy with performance I wouldn't worry about it. They also said a caution about older engines because it it's superior lubricating/cleansing ability that synthetics might clean out some stuff that had build up and was preventing oil buring and switching to it might lead to buring oil. Personally, I used Mobil 1 in a Jeep GC from new before I read the article and was happy with it. Don't know if it made any difference because I also change my oil at 2500-3000 miles but at least I felt better about it. Figured my engine cost $8K and anything I could do to make it last longer was for the better, and $$$ in my pocket.
I have heard that the engine stops wearing and that the oil basically stays the same color after 5-10K. Have heard this from many sources. One changes filter, adds a quart every 10K and thats it.
Amazing stuff
On the Ranger I'm using the Mobil 1 filter($10) with the synthetic and I hope the price is worth it.
1K with the synthetic and it looks about like when it went in. Changing the differentials to synthetic this weekend.
cpousnr - I recall you mentioning adding your own some time ago,can you share your experience.
Thanks to all who respond.
The stock skidplates cost $103 for the tank and $23 or so for the xfer case at Ford. A snap to put on but do not waste your money on the stock bolts/clips. Go to the dealer to measure the size you need then go to the hardware store and buy bolts, washers and castle nuts, they kind with the plastic in the castle and save about 75 percent. Four bolts/nuts on each. Need I think a 10 and 13mm box or socket for the upper part near the frame and a regular wrench for below.
Nothing yet that I know of for the front like a Toyota but if you look it does not really need it as there is lots of clearance and a big piece of the frame. The skids are there for the torsion bars and have been hit a couple of times on mine.
Enjoy, they are nice trucks.
Do it early in getting the truck. There is a lot of crud that builds up under there.
16,000 miles since Jan 1 and still going well, love the truck. Giving it a rest for a while to save mileage, driving my sons 82 VW Rabbit while he went to Army boot camp, MAN what a POS compared to the Ranger.
Gotta tip the tank skid to the side to get it under as it is real big.
thanks!
Just wondering what rpm those out there with 3.73 gears run?
1-Why is the Ranger regular cab/short bed lighter with an automatic than with a manual transmission?
2-What are the stock rim widths on a Ranger? 6' or 7"??
3-Do any of you have the 80 watt radio/cd/cassette "tuned for the Ranger" setup in your truck? Is it any good?
4-How much HP/Torque can be added from a aftermarket dual exhaust, are there any available, and if so, will the vehicle pass CA smog?
5-Least expensive way to push the engine output to 180-190HP and 240 lbs of torque?
6-Speaking of transmissions, how good is the new 5-speed automatic?
THANX
When I ordered mine it took 6 weeks. Ford has a huge capacity to manufacture Rangers. Before you take delivery.
1. Look the truck over with a fine tooth comb, make sure there are no scratches, dents or dings.
2. Check to make sure EVERYTHING works.
3. Check to make sure you get everything you ordered.
quark99, yes there are inexpensive ways to boost HP and Torque out of your Ranger. I installed a K&N air charger kit and a chip. It makes a difference, but only around second gear can you start to feel it. I also noticed on the freeway if I have to pass and drop it into 4th gear there is one heck of a nice kick. I would estimate my truck is putting out about 185hp and 240ft/lbs of torque. There is a difference in how quickly the rpms are reached and remain constant. Its not whip your head back acceleration, I am one that believes trucks aren't race cars. There is however a difference. All these mods costed me about $500. There is a post a bit farther back about splitting the Exhaust. This is my next project. This will give you a good 10-20hp increase. Good luck!
Trent, I have a 4.0 5spd 3.73 gears. At 65 I am doing about 2K rpms, closer to 80 brings me to 2.5K rpms.
If you have 15" rims the 31" tires will fit fine.
If you have a 16" rim the 265 75R 16 will fit fine also. Don't let any tire place tell you otherwise!
This will give your Ranger/Mazda a ground clearance within 1/4" to 1/2" of a Tacoma TRD.
I heard that Ford is going to be coming out with the 2001 Explorer Sport Trac. Basically, it's an Explorer with a P/U bed. My guess is that they can charge more for it if it has the Explorer badge on it instead of the Ranger badge.
- The Merg
Skip
As for the shortened bed size, one thing I read was that there is going to be a flip out bed-extender. When not flipped out, it breaks the bed up into a 1-1/2 foot and 2-1/2 foot compartments. Great for holding groceries in place. When flipped out, it extends the bed to 6 foot or so.
- The Merg
Your truck just needs break in. I've heard that the 3.0L can take a good 3-5000 miles to break in. Some people have said that their MPG doesn't break until 10,000. Also, from what I've heard, 17.5 MPG is pretty good if the truck hasn't broken in yet. Most people are saying that they're getting about 13 MPG.
- The Merg
Was it 4 wheeler mag that recently had an artical on improving gas mileage?
Can only speak for the 4.0L Ranger but in my opinion, it is the better engine if you have a choice. Reasons:
1. Economy about the same. Just took a trip to so. Colo, cab loaded with 5 trees and tools, hauled 1300+ lp of water 20 or so miles to my property, worked on the property in 4 wheel drive, drove to Nat Forest to hunt grouse using 4 wheel drive some of the way, 350miles total on 18 gal of gas. I use the cheap regular 85 octane and for me it works well at Colo high altitude. Understand though that I changed to 31X10.5X15 tires which lowered my mpg due, I think, to the extra work required to move the tires. With the 235X75X15 tires I was getting 21-23 on the same trip.
2. Torque curve better. 4.0L develops max torque at 2700rpm vs 3700rpm for 3.0. Torque 225 lb/ft vs 18f lb/ft for 3.0.
3. 16,500 miles on my 99 Supercab so far engine maintenance free.
4. 4.0 has been around a while so it is a proven engine. Not sure of the 3.0 history.
Not to say that the 3.0 is bad, Four Wheeler listed the 99 XL 3.0 as its "Best Buy" for small pickups.
If you can choose and do not mind the extra 600-700 bucks, go with the 4.0
In fact, I just hit the 18K mark and my truck runs fantastic. I'm feeling pretty confident I am going to make it to 100K, just like my old Ranger did.
If Ford can do one thing to improve the V6 Rangers, it would be to improve the gas mileage. It is amazing to me that the current 3.0L V6 Ranger is rated only a couple of MPG better than full-size V8 trucks!
I think your wish was granted in regard to mpg
Skip
Thanks,
Todd
If you are looking for more performance out of your 3.0 try a K&N air charger kit and a chip. I put these on my 4.0 and noticed a difference.
Also dyno'd it and increased HP on the 4.0 to 184.
One thing I also recommend to any new Ranger owner. Get rid of those damn Firestones. They are a 4ply tire and not made for any sort of offroading. They are garbage to say the least. Get yourself a 265x75rx16 or a 31" tire. Depending on what size rim you have a 16" or 15" one or the other size tire will fit fine. Your bumpstops are far enought away along with your turning radius is fine also. This will give your truck a nicer stance, ground clearance equal to the Tacoma, and best of all much better offroad traction. If the tires are in good condition most tire stores will give you a credit towards the purchase of new tires.
Good luck. Any other questions your in the right room to ask.