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Ford Ranger

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Comments

  • dannygdannyg Member Posts: 131
    Sorry, I wasn't implying that the gas-mileage problem is only a Ranger problem. Mileage isn't great for Chevy/Toyota/etc V6s too.

    cpousner, just wondering if you have an auto or a manual on your 4.0? 4x2 I assume? You're beating EPA estimates, which I believe range from 18/23 for 3.0L V6 4x2 manual (the best V6 mileage) to 16/20 for 4.0L V6 4x4 automatic (the worst).

    Or maybe the EPA numbers are conservative? Any comments on this? If I can reasonably get 18-20MPG around town and 22-24MPG on the highway with a 4.0L (with stock tires), I'll trade in my 1985 Ranger tomorrow!

    Otherwise love the truck, just so that's clear!

    Regards,

    Dan
  • trenttrent Member Posts: 86
    Actually the EPA estimates for the 4x4 4.0 auto is better than the 4x4 3.0 auto. I guess it's because the 4.0 comes with a 5 speed auto and the 3.0 comes with a 4 speed auto.
  • sredman1sredman1 Member Posts: 66
    I have ordered a 2000 ranger that is due to come in early October. Has anybody ever bought a ranger in OCT? if so what was the rebate at the time? or does anybody know what kind of rebate there will be in OCT?

    Hoping
  • xam1xam1 Member Posts: 7
    I had a 1997 Ranger. Purchased new. Returned to purchasing dealer for warranty repair as follows: Brakes six times, transmission four times, idle near stall four times, shut-down while running one time taken in on hook, the rearend sounded as there was a bucket of bolts turning instead of gears that are generally unheard when you are in the driver/passenger seat, and oh yes - the smell - when going up hill with a/c or heater on it smelled like burning hair.

    After many-many, too many, visits to the same selling dealer and to the items they could not duplicate the dealer said was characteristic of the vehicle; i.e. transmission shifting when it felt like it and other times droping into nuetral.

    Anyways, all of you get the idea --- the dealer was refusing to perform warranty work. There were numerous TIB's pertaining to these problems.

    So, the results of the Dispute Board was that I had the option of getting another vehicle or Ford would buy my Ranger back.

    Now then, after receiving the funds from the buy back. I ordered a Silverado, July 9th, the dealer said 'most likely 6 to 8 weeks to receive'.
    Yep, after 9 weeks and the dealer without any answers. I verified through Customer Service of Chevrolet that the tenative build date is October 4th.

    Dealers are receiving the 2000 Silverados and my special order is sitting in cyber space!

    The moral of this story is --- you can beat one of these lovely vehicle manufactures and the result is that they will "black-ball" you and make it an inconvenience mission for you to special order with another manufacture.

    Must be the capitalist way?

    Ford Motors and their authorized dealers will not stand good for the warranty repairs, at least this is my experience. That is why I have changed from Ford after two previous fords without problems. When I ended up with one with a problem, the manufacture and dealer were dead-beats!
  • scape2scape2 Member Posts: 4,123
    xam, sorry to hear about your terrible experience with a Ford dealer. I ordered my Ranger last year and they said 6-8 weeks and wammo, it arrived in 6 weeks!. It came just as I ordered it, no hassel, no run around. To find a good dealer of any car/truck make is bliss. I usually go by word of mouth from at least 3 people as to which dealer of a certain model is best.
    sred, congrats on your new purchase. The day you get it go to your nearest tire store and have those Fire jokers taken off. Put on a nice set of all Terrain 8ply tires in a 31" or a P265x75r16. Either will fit depending of course on your rim size.
    Yes, the Ranger is noisy when compared to a car. No, there should be no winning sound coming from the engine/drivetrain. What kind of gears did you get? 4.10's? or 3.73's? Trucks are very different in ride and comfort when compared to a sedan. The Ranger has a kind of growl when accelerating.
  • jloco1jloco1 Member Posts: 34
    I have the off road package, so that would be the 4.10's. And yah, it sounds like it's whinning. I should probably have the dealer check it out. thanks.
  • cpousnrcpousnr Member Posts: 1,611
    jloco1,
    The 4.0 DOES give a roar, but I kinda like it! It for me is mainly accelerating 1st and 2nd gear that I notice it. I understand the K&N setup makes the engine sound really nice.
    dannyg,
    4.0 5spd manual 4X4 supercab. Well, all I can tell you is that I do drive it rather easy, normally not jackrabbit starts. I had one trip from Denver to Westcliffe, worked my property, went to Medano Pass in 4X4 hi/low equal parts, thru the Sand Dunes Nat Mon, over Le Veta pass, into Pueblo for dinner and back home up I25. 458 miles, 21.5 gal of gas for a total of 21.3mpg which encluded 20+ miles of 4 wheeling.
    Dan, I think it is a great truck myself. go see it at the website I posted on the Ranger vs Taccoma topic.
  • cpousnrcpousnr Member Posts: 1,611
    No question BF Goodrich AT KO's 31/10.5's or any size. 3ply sidewalk, rim protection, best tread in the class, you name it, it has it.

    Best in the field. NO QUESTION on them as far as I am concerned. Worth every penny of the $100 price.

    Bring on any other tire. The KOs will out climb, out mud, otu clear mud, out rock, out water cross, and plus they just look very
    DARN KEWL on the truck.
  • scape2scape2 Member Posts: 4,123
    I was at a sporting goods store tonight. When I walked out a Tacoma was parked right by my Ranger. It was so obvious this person parked it there on purpose as a comparison. There were plenty of other parking spaces in the lot closer to the door. Needles to say his was no TRD and it looked smaller than my Ranger, ground clearance was not as good either. Tires were what looked to be a 235/245 series of somesort. Obviously his truck was the 4cyl model Tacoma and not very well optioned. He made a BIG mistake doing this. My Ranger looked bigger, and nicer all around.
  • jloco1jloco1 Member Posts: 34
    cpousnr,
    Let me recap. I took delivery of my 1999 Ranger XLT Supercab(4.0)5 sp manual w/off-road package(4.10 gears)on 9/4/99. I told you about the noise.
    Well, I went to the dealer today and the service manager said "YES" there is a problem with the rear transaxle. After conferring with Ford, Ford told the dealer not to open it up and to return the whole rear end. Ford wants to examine it intact.Meantime, a whole new rearend is being shipped to my dealer from dearborn and it won't arrive until 9/22. I AM BUMMIN!! My brand new truck is at the dealership and for the next week I'm driving a friggin escort. They better fix it right!!!
  • ckitchensckitchens Member Posts: 67
    Look at my experience - topcic #688. After many years of Ford products, this was our first disappointment. (It was significant.)
  • scape2scape2 Member Posts: 4,123
    Damn, jloco sorry to hear about that. Every time I hear a bad story about a Ranger it bums me out. I am a Ranger fan all the way. I guess its because my first was so reliable and took a beating and came back for more. My present newer one now has about 20K with no problems.
    Yes, make sure they fix it right. I would check back every other day and make sure your part is going to arrive on time. And make sure the dealer has scheduled time in to have the axle installed right away. They are paying for your rental right?
  • privatejcprivatejc Member Posts: 2
    I was looking to buy 2000 Ranger and have been looking here for info for the past 3 months. I have found more than expected in the Edmunds pages as well as through this forum. Thanks everyone.
    My local dealer ordered one to my specs (as he was putting together his first order, no obligation to buy he said). It was built during the second week of August and was received this week.
    Its a 4x4 XLT Toreador Red. Very nice looking. Major difference with 99, fog lamps incl and better looking wheels( my opinion).
    Before ordering I thought it would look nice with Sports Appearance (color keyed grille,bumpers and wheellip mouldings). Althought not available because of colour , my dealer said he could probably have it done by ordering parts and having them painted by their body shop.
    Now that I have seen it , I am not as convinced I should have it done since I have not seen many 4x4 with sports appearance.
    Finally my question:
    Does anyone have a 4x4 sports appearance from factory or customized and could I see pictures?
    Sorry for the lenght of message.

    JC
  • jloco1jloco1 Member Posts: 34
    Yes the dealer is paying for the rental.
  • cpousnrcpousnr Member Posts: 1,611
    My comment was regerding the engine sound, not the rear end.
    Wow bummer. I have the 3.73 rear. By transaxle do you mean the entire rear differential or the xfer case? Kinda unclear.

    No post on a recall or service bulliten that I can find. Think you may be dealing with an isolated problem.

    Well, I had a Toyota 81 pickup, diesel that ate injectors and injector pumps and I kept getting the runaround from dealers. Finally after contacting the zone mgr got some results.

    Well my opininon, not to say you and (ckitchens are wrong, it that it is a good, well priced vehicle. The one problem I had, wiper switch, was fixed in a day. A complete cleaning of heavy dirt/dust under the truck from 4 wheeling and some 30 wt oil on stab bars cured the squeeking.

    Keep us informed whats going on and you might try Ranger Station at:
    http://www.therangerstation.cjb.net/
    and another at:
    Http://www.fordranger.com/offroad.html
    and get their views. All people there would be interested, trust me on that.
  • jloco1jloco1 Member Posts: 34
    Its the entire rear differential. I called the dealer and spoke to an old buddy of mine that I have not seen in about 5 years. He told me he was doing the work. He's been a Ford mechanic for about 20 yrs. That made me feel a little better. He said once he gets it, it only takes an hour to install. Don't get me wrong, I love the truck!! Out of the 25 on the lot I guess I just picked the wrong one!!(it was in the showroom) I'm sure it will be fine. I'll keep you guys posted.
  • skipdskipd Member Posts: 97
    Alright! They are changing the wheels on the new Ranger. That's great, I was hoping they would. Anyone know if the 2000 brochures are out yet so that I can get a few photos and see the difference?

    Skip
  • cpousnrcpousnr Member Posts: 1,611
    You should like the truck, no real complaints from me.

    "Hey Freddie, move that XLT into the showroom and quit the *!($)(!*#*)@* burning rubber. . ."

    You see on the 4X4 they went to an 8.8 inch ring gear which is suppose to be 35% stronger than the 7.5 inch. Perhaps bad carrier or pinion? A woodridge key gone bad? The guy was on break that was suppose to fill the differential with lube?
    Hard to say.
  • festiva1993festiva1993 Member Posts: 7
    skipd,

    The new 2000 brochures are out, picked up one yesterday. The offroad package wheels look the same, all others look different. Whether the new wheels look better or not will remain personal choice!
  • hciaffahciaffa Member Posts: 454
    Being new to the use of 4WD I have a question to ask about my Ranger XLT 4WD with the auto locking hubs feature (with the selector switch on the dash). My question is when engaging the 4WD and driving straight or when I take a wide corner no problem but if I take a sharp corner I notice a tightness in steering. Is this because the gears are binding and is this normal and I shouldn't try to take sharp corners. Next question is when turning off the 4WD to 2WD is it automatically disengaged or do you have to drive a little to have it disengage. I seem to notice that mine dosen't disengage immediatly but after a few more feet of driving it does. Any advice will be appreciated.
  • jloco1jloco1 Member Posts: 34
    The first thing they checked when I brought it in was the lube in the differentail. It was full. They also checked for metal chips, since the plug is made of a magnetic material any metal shavings or chips would stick to it. There were no chips. I was right there, so I know they weren't BS'ing me. Meanwhile here at work I'm getting ribbed severely about my "new escort". I miss that truck!!
  • cpousnrcpousnr Member Posts: 1,611
    Mine does the same regarding the slight binding on tight corner, low speed. It is normal. You are driving in 4 wheel do not forget. Dont worry about that.

    For high range, just select/deselect under 40 mph and there is no problem. For selecting low range, stop, select high, then low, wait for light and go. To disengage, full stop, select high then 2 wheel and wait for light to go out. If light does not go out, happened to me once, re-elect 4 low, drive a foot or so, then de-select again.

    Enjoy, mine works fine in the colorado mtns.


    Darn, they should have given you at least an Explorer jloco1. . . If you did not get the limited slip, slip em a bit more to get that rear end.
  • scape2scape2 Member Posts: 4,123
    I was under the impression NEVER to engage 4wd when in a turn of any kind. This may cause the gearing not to mesh correctly or to bind. Am I out to lunch here? I have been offroading for years now and always make sure I am in a straight line of direction before I engage 4wd or engage it at a stand still with tires straight. Also under the asumption never to use 4wd high at speeds greater than 55. Anyone else have any input?
    jlocol, ask if you can get the limited slip put in if you don't already have it. This is a big plus when towing or doing a bit of trailing.
    I ordered my offroad pkg with the 3.73 limited slip rearend.
    I have seen Rangers with the sport Appearance pkg, one in white the other in black. They looked very nice. Gives the truck a smooth look. The dealer should be able to match colors easily. I however ordered mine with just plain black bumper and grill. I figured with the amount of time I spend in the mountains rock chips would eventually ruin the chrome. So far the black finish has held up very well. I also have black nerf bars on my truck by Smitty Built.
    I have a Goodyear Wrangler AT/S, 8ply, D rated for hauling. A very good tire in my opinion. The tread has two deep grooves in the center to channel away mud/rock or water.
    Jlocol, get rid of the Firestones! They are only a 4ply and not made for offroad use. Go to a 265x75R16 or a 31" allterrain Light Truck tire.
  • cpousnrcpousnr Member Posts: 1,611
    the question was:
    " My question is when engaging the 4WD and
    driving ...
    I think you mean you are moving.

    ... but if I take a sharp corner...
    Again, I think your moving.
    I notice a tightness in steering.

    Is this because the gears are binding...
    NO!

    ... and is this normal...
    YES!

    ...and I shouldn't try turning off the 4WD to 2WD is it automatically disengaged or do you have to drive a little to have it disengage.

    NO older Ranges you had to do that, not the 98-99

    Think of it this way. Turning left, your left front rear tires are closer together to each other than your right front and rear, hence a bit of binding as the left is turning in a tighter circle than the right and your in 4 wheel drive. A friends jeep does the same thing.

    I would agree with vince regarding ENGAGING in a tight turn should be avoided.
  • cpousnrcpousnr Member Posts: 1,611
    Well, you didnt specify the year, if different than a 98-99, you MAY have to drive a bit in reverse after disengaging 4X.

    Let me know the year of your XLT
  • scape2scape2 Member Posts: 4,123
    Only in 4 low do you have to come to a complete stop, disengage to 4 high or 2wd, then back-up about 25feet or so until you either feel it or hear it disengage.
    4x4high can be engaged or disengaged just about anytime. I would however avoid engaging 4x4high in when turning. I guess I just imagine gears not meshing when turning and trying to engage.
    Spent my day up around Timothy lake. Did some rafting and just plain lounging. Then I took the Ranger on some light trails and found some beautiful look out points. Forest, forest everywhere. Found a nice creek with a small waterfall also. I feel I live in the most beautiful place in the United States. There is nowhere like the Northwest on a clear, warm fall afternoon. (I know, just my opinion).
    I own a 1998 4x4 XLT 4.0 5spd stepside with 3.73 limited slip rearend. Came with tow pkg, offroad pkg, CD, Alarm, remote entry, pwr, air, tilt, leather wrapped stearing wheel, sport bucket seats, 4whl antilocks, pwrbrakes/steering, and more....And luvin it!!
  • scape2scape2 Member Posts: 4,123
    News:
    Ford has moved up the introduction of the 2000 Explorer Sport Trac to January 2000. It will sport a 206hp/245ft/lbs of torque V6! Available in a 4x2 and a 4x4 model.
    Ford Ranger is also putting together a package called a "Trailhead package" for 2000. Dressing up a 4x2 Ranger to look like a 4x4 Ranger. 16" wheels, offroad tires, offroad pkg, and more!
    The sport Trac sounds like my next vehicle. I have had my truck almost two years already! I will not buy though until all the hoopla is over and done and production outpaces demand. Look-out Nissan!
  • skipdskipd Member Posts: 97
    It does sound great where you live. I've never been there. The closest I have ever been to the pacicic norhtwest is southern California where I lived for a year. I know it is definitely not the same. I would much rahter be in N. Cali. or Oregon, or Washington State. I WILL at least visit some day. I live in Pennsylvania which is also a beautiful state. It is heavily populated in the SE, but much of the rest is forested. The State has many state parks and very good fishing. As you probably know, the appalacian mts/trail runs right through the state. These mountains are not as high peaked as say...the rockies, but it's because it's an older mountain chain and beautiful nonetheless. I love taking advantage of the beauty and outdoor fun that my area has to offer and it sounds like you do as well. If nothing else, I enjoy hearing of your little excursions. If you ever get a chance, some photos to share would be great.

    With that said......so the new Sport track is coming out in 2000 huh? Where did you get that info? I'd like to read it. A ford Trailhead huh? Sounds like Ford is making an attempt to compete with the Toyota Prerunner and the Nissan Desert Runner.

    Vince, what do you think of those sport buckets vs. the bench seats ion the Ranger. I think I would like the sport buckets myself.

    Talk to you guys later,

    Skip
  • cpousnrcpousnr Member Posts: 1,611
    Dissagree my friend. On 98-99 you do not have to backup to disengage 4low. That is for older models.
    Read the manual my friend.
  • cpousnrcpousnr Member Posts: 1,611
    limited slip saves you from sometimes getting stuck. You can get on rear wheel off the trail and it will just spin and the other do nothing.

    Gotta winch or comealong yourself off if that happens.

    You should have no problem doing what you want to do with a 4.0 with open rearend. A 3.73 0r 4.10? Either will work fine. Just suggested if it is real little cash to upgrade it would be worth it maybe on resale.
  • littlejohn1littlejohn1 Member Posts: 2
    I HAVE A 1998 FORD RANGER XLT 4.0 V-6 ENGINE, I'AM HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SLIPPING AT TAKE OFF. THE ENG. WILL REV UP THEN THE TRANSMISSION WILL FINALLY CATCH.DOES ANYBODY HAVE THESE SAME PROBLEMS.
  • cpousnrcpousnr Member Posts: 1,611
    Try these and thier associated boards also for some help on your issue:
    http://www.homestead.com/therangerstation/index.html

    http://www.fordranger.com/
  • ndnchfndnchf Member Posts: 2
    Can anyone offer comments about using either of these services? Did you really get a good deal? Better than if you had negotiated in person? I'm thinking of trading in a '96 Dodge Stratus for a new 2x4 Ranger supercab, with 3.0 V6. I dread playing the negotiating game with the local dealer but I will if necessary.

    Thanks,
    Steve
    Fredericksburg Virginia
  • angmarangmar Member Posts: 2
    My local dealer said there is a $500 rebate in effect now (don't know the ending date yet).
  • trenttrent Member Posts: 86
    Steve, I found direct negotiating worked better for me. I was offered invoice price by several dealers in NC with little hassel.
  • sredman1sredman1 Member Posts: 66
    I tried all of the online purchasing services b4 i ordered my ranger. i found that Carpoint gave me the best deal. $250 over invoice minus any incentives at the time. so i payed $250 under invoice. this might just depend on the dealers in your area tho.
  • hmerglerhmergler Member Posts: 85
    Well, I finally put im my order for my new Ranger (SuperCab XLT, 4-door, Power group, Convenience group, Auto trans). Hopefully, I'll have it in coupla weeks. Then I'll get to post messages like Vince and Cpousnr about all the fun I'll be having.

    - The Merg

    P.S. Vince or Cpousnr... Do you guys suggest to get rid of the Firejunkies if I am just going to be using the Ranger on the road and not off-roading at all?
  • travismltravisml Member Posts: 10
    In edmunds review of the 2000 Ranger they mention an option called the XL stance package. It's an optional suspension package yet it doesn't mention anything about it pricewise in the available options. Anyone heard or seen anything on this.
  • jkinser1jkinser1 Member Posts: 1
    Why is the gas mileage for the 99 and 2000 so different from each other? In the Edumund's descriptions both are equipped with a 3.0, but the 99 is 17/23 for an auto trans and the 2000 is 15/19. Are they really talking about the 4.0 in the 2000 listing or is it some other mistake?
    Thanks,
    Jim
  • kjtgkjtg Member Posts: 49
    it looks like the xl stance is on the two door xl. that is the only place it is listed.
  • scape2scape2 Member Posts: 4,123
    hmergler, The Firestone tires Ford puts on Rangers don't do the Ranger justice. Usually a 235 or maybe a 245. I read for 2000 they may be doing away with the 265 as an option.
    I guess if you are only going to be on pavement there would be no reason to change.
    But, for the Ranger owner who does plan on taking their truck offroad, get rid of those Firejunkers!
    I guess it is also the way a 30", 31" or even a
    P265x75xR16 makes a 4x4 Ranger look. What a difference a tire will make in the way a truck stands and looks. I guess its all in your personal taste.
  • rsmtomrsmtom Member Posts: 28
    Anybody know if the Ranger is getting the stronger 4.0L found in the Explorer? The standard 4.0L seems kind of anemic for its displacement (OK torque, way short on horsepower) when compared with some other compact 4X4's. I'm in the habit of carrying at least a few hundred pounds of tools around most of the time. (My apologies if I've missed a previous post addressing this issue.)
  • travismltravisml Member Posts: 10
    kjtg, thanks for setting me straight. The option is called the Trailhead group and apparently is only available on the xl 2wd reg cab. Strange! I think the reason a lot of people are buying the Tacoma's are for the look of the 4wd the prerunner has, even Nissan is doing this with the Desert Runner. I've bottomed out my '94 Ranger enough to justify the ground clearance and larger tires.
  • jloco1jloco1 Member Posts: 34
    Well, I got my truck back today with the new rear end and all appears to be fine! I hope there's no more trouble. The whining is gone. I feel alot better. I'm glad to be out of that escort loaner.

    Can anyone offer some advice on a bedliner? I haven't gotten one yet but it's something I need to do ASAP. What do you guy's think about the spray in ones? Also, should you put a pad under the drop in ones? Any advice would be appreciated.
  • scape2scape2 Member Posts: 4,123
    I have a Linex on my Ranger and its great. I have thrown wood into the bed and no chipping, dents or scrapes. I have hauled everything from rock to dirt to barkdust and it still looks good.
    I would stear away from the drop in liners they do some severe damage to the bed after a while. And drop the Firestones! :-)
    CP, noticed you have a Tonneau cover on your truck. Is it fiberglass?
    Yes the Ranger will be getting the 200 HP V6 found in the Explorer, as to when? last I heard it would be summer of 2000 sometime.
  • rsmtomrsmtom Member Posts: 28
    I currently have a drop-in liner. Next time around I'm going with LineX, supplemented with a rubber bed mat. Drop-ins trap moisture underneath, as well as abrasive grit, which always manages to find its way in. They also move around to some degree, in the process rubbing the paint away. Temperature changes cause them to shrink and swell--two of my cargo hooks are hard to get to in cold weather, as the liner pulls away from them. In their defense, drop-ins are very tough. You can toss rocks and bricks on them with no damage.
  • cpousnrcpousnr Member Posts: 1,611
    Ameriguard Spray in liner. 325-350 or 525 color match

    Go sprayin

    No the cover is fabric cost 179.
  • sjzindersjzinder Member Posts: 1
    I'm currently shopping for a Ranger. Would like to get the 2000 XL V6 4x4, but note that it only comes with a 3.0L 150hp engine. I'm concerned that this is too little, even though most of my driving will be in the city. I can only go for the 4.0L 160hp if I upgrade to the XLT. The XLT doesn't offer much of value over the XL, so I can't seem to defend the nearly $2000 price difference. Any thoughts on how the 3.0L runs?
  • littlejohn1littlejohn1 Member Posts: 2
    JUST HEARD FROM THE DEALER WHERE I BOUGHT MY RANGER THEY ARE GOING TO PUT ME IN A NEW AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, THEY SAY THEY HAVE ORDERED A NEW ONE FROM FORD WONDER HOW LONG THAT WILL TAKE.
  • tthomsentthomsen Member Posts: 1
    I borrowed a friends 3.0L for a day to try it out. I think it runs ok, but I thought it to be rather sluggish, especially when trying to accelerate on to the highway. I then test drove a 4.0L which was noticeably better. In my opinion I think that it's worth the money. Take a test drive and compare for yourself.
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