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Ford Ranger

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Comments

  • hmerglerhmergler Member Posts: 85
    I was wondering if there is a big difference between the following FireStone tires that come on the Ranger:
    P225/70R15SL BSW AS
    P225/70R15 AS OWL

    The top one comes standard on the Ranger, but you can "upgrade" the the second type for free because of a package discount on the 2000 (on the 1999 it cost a little over a $100 to upgrade). I know what most of the string of numbers and letters stand for, but not the BSW, OWL or SL abbreviatons. If anyone can help me out I would appreciate it.

    Thanks,
    The Merg
  • davidb72davidb72 Member Posts: 174
    OWL=Outlined White Letters
    AS=All Season
    BSW=Black Side Wall
    SL=???
  • scape2scape2 Member Posts: 4,123
    Drop the Firejunkers! I am on a one man compain to tell all Ford Ranger owners to please drop the Firejunkers. Shop and see for yourself just how inferior these tires are and how they make the Ranger look inferior to other trucks in its class. I have 31" tires on my Ranger XLT 4x4 and it makes a world of difference in how the truck climbs, hauls, handles, but most of all LOOKS. The Ranger is a different truck when fitted with all terrain tires.
    Some tire dealerships I went to told me a 31", 30" tire or a P265x75R16 would not fit in the front. Bull.... They fit fine, bumpstops are fine, turning radius is fine.
    I cannot begin to tell you how much better the truck stands, looks, and feels when offroad or trailing.
    I have a friend who has a 3.0 Ranger 4x4 SC, his has about 26K on it now with no problems. He feels it has plenty of pep for what he uses it for. (light hauling, camping, hiking, ect..). We go out into the mountains together sometimes to fish or hike or just goof around. His 3.0 has gotten him everywhere my 4.0 has gone. Granted he has to work a little harder at times. The MPG difference is only about 2-3MPG. There is only a 10HP difference between the 3.0 and 4.0 but the torque difference is about 35ft/lbs.
    An inexpensive way to up the HP/Torque is to add a K&N aircharger kit along with a chip. One down fall with the chip is you must run premium gas.
    Good luck, see you in the hills!
  • bstruempfbstruempf Member Posts: 2
    I bought a 4x4 XLT with the the 3.0. It drives well. I am happy with it. It has good passing power plus I get about 20 mpg combined driving. Would I buy the 3.0 again? Sure.
  • bstruempfbstruempf Member Posts: 2
    I forgot to mention that I have the 4.10 gears with the 3.0L.
  • jloco1jloco1 Member Posts: 34
    Well, I've got about 100 miles on that new rearend and all seems to be fine. However, I noticed a tiny scratch on one of the fenders. I know it wasn't there before the service. So that pissed me off a bit.

    Anyway, you think a sprayin is the way to go. I'll have to check it out
  • wannarangerwannaranger Member Posts: 20
    I currently drive a 95' Firebird and am concerned with my future financial headaches. I don't have any complaints about performance, but do to my situation I may have to sell it and I am looking at the 99' Ford Ranger SLT Reg. cab. I currently am going to school six hours a week and hold down a full time job (35-40 hours a week). My problem is that when I tranfer to another college with higher tuition costs I may be forced to sell the Firebird. If this is the case I would prefer to sell it now before the crunch comes. I was wondering if anyone could give me advice on the best way to buy the Ranger. What would be best a buying service or getting the information that would get the lowest price possible. I still owe a little under 8000 on the Firebird and will have to sell it outright myself to have a halfway decent down payment. I've driven the 3.0 engine and it seems to be alright, but how much more would the 4.0 cost me. I want to get the XLT Sport package because I like the look of it. Help me figure this out. I would appreciate any assistance anyone can give me, as I will need to do things soon (putting my car in the local Autotrader to sell it then buy the truck).
  • festiva1993festiva1993 Member Posts: 7
    I am new to Edmunds site and am looking to buy a 2000 xlt 4X4 Ranger standard cab.

    Options: 4.0 engine, automatic, offroad package with 4.10 gears.

    Can anyone with a similar 98-99-00 ranger give me info on mpg, ride quality with off-road package, highway driving with 4.10 gears? Will be commuting occasionally on interstate about 35 miles. Have a car I will be using much of the time.

    Dad has a 99 2wd ranger with 4.0 and automatic and we both like it. It has 3.55 gears though.

    Any info will be appreciated.
  • cpousnrcpousnr Member Posts: 1,611
    (wannaranger)
    What area do you live in?
    Well, I just searched the paper ads and saw the deals, saw the rebates, sold my Intrepid in the paper and made them an offer lower than the stated deal, they balked but countered. According to Edmunds invoice price I got a deal. Sticker of 20,500, invoice of 18,700, paid 17,400 for a 99 XLT 4.0L supercab, 5speed, not a lot of options but the base XLT would have been nice enough for me. Plus, at that time, they were offering 2.9% finance for 4 years, do not know what it is now.

    (festiva1993)
    I might reconsider the automatic if I were you but:
    Well I have the 5sp manual and 3.73 gears but:
    MPG: 17-20 around town, 20-25 hwy
    Ride: excellent handeling smooth ride
    Handeling: very responsive steering.
    Comfort: I am 6'3" 275 it is fine with 40/60 bench
    did not like the bucket but just personal choice
    Since Jan 2 have put 17,400 on the truck in all conditions to enclude 10000ft 4X passes. Only problem is replace windshild wiper switch on warrenty, wipers started by themselves.
    Went to synthetic oil at 14K and differential oil at 16K, no problems, quited engine down in my opinion.
    I heard on a board that for $160 a full skid plate for the front is available from Ford Parts. Covers skirt to front differential.
  • cpousnrcpousnr Member Posts: 1,611
    I give a range of mpg because I changed fro stock tires to 31X10.5 BF Goodrich tires and mpg went down a bit. Best ever was hwy for 25mpg, twice with a worst ever of 16.2.
  • cpousnrcpousnr Member Posts: 1,611
    well, just polish the spot a bit. Thats why I hate to take my vehicles to dealers, something always happens.

    Well I think spraying is the way to go. The Ameriguard leaves a rough wrinkled texture like non-skid and the basic color really looks great with my gray truck. Spend the extra to go over the rails, I did not and regret it.
  • festiva1993festiva1993 Member Posts: 7
    Thanks for the info! I would just go drive one, but I haven't located one with the options I want yet in a 99 or 2000. I live in the Southeast and people really have truck fever here. As a result, new 4x4's disappear fast!! I understand that the off-road package gets heavier shocks, and the full skid pan set. All I have managed to locate so far is the 4x4 with the sport package. They are set up for a softer ride and can throw you off a little on expectations, especially if you are going to order one!

    As for the automatic, I have had a stick shift for so many years that I really am getting tired of riding that clutch. Also, I plan on doing some trail riding "slowly" and have several friends who have fried their clutches trying to crawl up some trails. "Probably their driving style!"

    Thanks again!
  • wannarangerwannaranger Member Posts: 20
    I live in the St. Louis County area. I'm just looking for a regular cab XLT Sport Red with either a 2.5 or a 3.0 engine, automatic transmission. I don't really need power windows. And I want them to throw in a bed liner to protect the bed. I saw one with a 2.5 ltr. engine at a dealer in St. Charles, and will check out a couple of other dealers in West St. Louis County and see what their inventories have in stock. Edmund's says that the market value is 10.315, but I'm going to ask 11,500 for it. It's been a great car but for now I think it's time to sell it and get the Ranger. It's just more practical. After all, the thought of having to pay around $200 for a pair of tires; should I ever need to replace them; is a very scary thought for a college student.
  • trenttrent Member Posts: 86
    I to am in the southeast and had to do a lot of searching and waiting on my 99 4x4 ext cab 4.0,auto and off road package. I found lots of 3.0s but 4.0s were hard to come by.
    I think the ride is fine with the off road package and of course I wish the mileage was better (worst so far 16 and best 18 mpg.mixed). I only have around 2500 miles on truck so I'm hoping mpg will improve with break in. I haven't really done a road trip yet to check hyw mileage.
    Also on the 4.10 gears remember that the 3.73 gear comes standard with 15" wheels and tires vs. the 16" taller profile tire that comes with the off road package. This makes for a comparison that is not direct in actual final drive so maybe the difference is not that great.
    I opted for the limited slip, premium radio/cd/tape,convenience group and 4 doors.
  • hmerglerhmergler Member Posts: 85
    Two questions for you...

    1. I notice you paid below invoice for the vehicle... I am guessing that takes into account any incentives and rebates available at the time you purchased. If I may ask, what did you pay before the rebates and incentives?

    2. Do you have a web address for Ameriguard? I am looking into getting a spray-in when I get my new truck and am trying to check out different companies (so far have looked at Line-X and Rhino Linings).

    Thanks,
    The Merg
  • jclevelandjcleveland Member Posts: 21
    I stumbled onto my 99 XLT SUPERCAB 4 DR 4X4 4.0L. I live in IN and work in MI. I took a coworker to have his car serviced and bumped into to the sales guy I bought my other cars from, asked if they had any 4X4's. They had 3 on order all the same except color. Of course the one I chose was the last to be delivered. Paid $500 over invoice (in our area that is a good price) plus they gave me a good trade value on my car. Love the truck but not the mileage. Best so far is 17.5 hwy. (it has OFF ROAD pkg. w/ 4.10 rear) from what I've read it should get to 20 - 22 at about 10k, I only have 2300 now. The truck rides good and handles good to. Just waiting for the snow to fly now so I can play with the 4WD. Forgot to mention: the two other trucks that were ordered with mine were sold within about 5 days of delivery.
  • cpousnrcpousnr Member Posts: 1,611
    Well, here is the full story. The dealer had 18, basic 4X4 Supercab XLTs air, ABS, 4.0L, at $15,989 which considered the 1000 rebate and a 400 rebate. I qualified for the 1K but choose 2.9% financing, could not get both. This is the invoice now :
    Ranger

    R15 Extended Cab XLT 2-Dr
    Invoice = $17,458
    MSRP = $19,435

    add the 4.0L for:
    99X Engine: 4.0L EFI V6 (XLT 4WD)Includes 3.73 axle ratio.invoice $574 sticker$675

    you get: $18,059
    Guess it was more like $700 below when I run the numbers now because I paid $17,359

    go here for the liner:
    http://www.armaguard.com/
  • scomoscomo Member Posts: 39
    Is the bed on the Ranger StepSide made from fiberglass and not steel? It would be a big plus here in Buffalo! I heard it was but I can't find anyone that knows for sure. Anyone know?
  • jloco1jloco1 Member Posts: 34
    wannaranger:

    I think you better jump on that 99 if you want the sport package. I think I read somewhere that the sport package got axed for 2000. Can anyone confirm this?
  • cpousnrcpousnr Member Posts: 1,611
    there is suppose to be a full front skidplate of stainless steel from the valance back to cover the front differential.
    $160 from Ford. Hmmmm will it fit a 99.

    (jloco1)
    Do not disagree. The dealer I went with advertised this saturday some 2000 4.0L 4X4s for $17,888, a grand less for the 3.0L. He had about 20 or so.
    http://www.bigmike.com Mike Naughton Ford
  • festiva1993festiva1993 Member Posts: 7
    The outside panels are fiberglass, the inside and tailgate are metal. Good if you live in a place with bad winters and lots of salt!
  • scape2scape2 Member Posts: 4,123
    I have the stepside bed and festiva has it right on the money. I have also hauled some pretty good loads in it with out a hitch.
    In Sundays paper here in Portland, Oregon, they are advertising 4.0 Ranger automatic XLT's pretty well loaded for 18,888! and the 3.0 XLT automatics are 17,888!. Some other dealers are advertising 3.0 4x4 XLT's 5spds for 15,988!
    I tell you the Ranger is one heck of a value! Maybe this is why they outsell all other trucks in its class anywhere from 3 to 1 up to 5 to 1 depending on model/make.
  • cpousnrcpousnr Member Posts: 1,611
    Thought someone said they outsold 7-1. . .
    Oh! I remember who said that now. . .
  • casey97casey97 Member Posts: 2
    Is there anyone out there that can explain axle ratios is reguard to performance? I'm getting a 2000 ranger, and I have no idea what differences in the ratios mean.
  • davidb72davidb72 Member Posts: 174
    Here is the quick version.
    4.10=Quicker Acceleration, Higher RPM at Speed, Worse Gas Mileage

    3.73=Slower Acceleration, Lower RPM at Speed, Better Gas Mileage

    My opinion is that with a V6 in a Ranger the 4.10 is unnecessary unless you will be doing a lot of 4 wheeling. That is only my opinion.
  • casey97casey97 Member Posts: 2
    That's exactly what I was looking for. Thanks dude, I appreciate it.
  • cpousnrcpousnr Member Posts: 1,611
    There is also open differential and limited slip.
    Open is a basic one that, if you get a wheel off the ground, it will spin and the other will not do anything. Limited slip transfers power to the slipping wheel and is better for 4 wheeling.
    I have a 3.73 in a 4.0 L V6 4X running 31inch tires. It is more sluggish than with the 235s but it is ok.
  • jloco1jloco1 Member Posts: 34
    I went and checked out my local Rhino Liner dealer. They want $379.00 for under the rail and $439.00 for over the rail(for black,color is extra). Does that price sound reasonable? Is it worth it? I didn't actually see a truck with it done but I did see the samples. It's seemed rubbery, tacky and flexible compared to the standard Zeibart liner which is hard as a rock for $269.00. I liked the Rhino much better than the Zeibart. My concern with the Rhino is trying to slide something in the bed. It seems that it would be difficult because of the rubber mat like tacky texture. Does anyone have or have ever owned a Rhino Liner? The closest X-Liner dealer is 40 miles away in Providence RI, so I haven't checked them out. Any additional advice would be appreciated. Thanks....
  • kjtgkjtg Member Posts: 49
    i have a rino. it is hard to slide on, but that is one of the things i liked. i paid $379 for over the rail. i got over the rail after taking out slid in liner, it had messed up the rails
  • hmerglerhmergler Member Posts: 85
    Well, I am going this afternoon to sign the paperwork for ordering my new Ranger (YEAH!). I have decided on all the options I want save one and was wondering for some input on it.

    I can't seem to decide if I want the normal 3.73 Axle Ratio of the 3.73 with Limited Slip. I am not going to be doing any off-roading. The reason I am thinking of getting it is for bad weather (snow, ice, rain slicked streets). Would this be beneficial? I live in the DC area so snow usually isn't that big a deal, but the roads can get slick in the winter time. If anyone can help me out before I go to the dealer to fill out the purchase order, I would really appreciate it.

    Thanks,
    The Merg
  • cpousnrcpousnr Member Posts: 1,611
    It would be good on resale too.
  • scape2scape2 Member Posts: 4,123
    Not only resale, but TRACTION!. Yes, the limited slip is by far superior to the open axle. And when you go to sell the truck it is also a selling point.
    What did you order? I ordered mine also in 1998 and am enjoying the truck.

    CP, I ordered something out of a truck accessory mag today. It is an insert that clips inside your grill to help keep bugs/rocks and such from even reaching your radiator. It comes in black only and needs no drilling. Looked pretty good by the pictures on the mag. It is meshed so air can still pass through. I have all kinds of bugs sucked into my radiator. I somtimes take the hose and spray them off. The Ranger grill has gaps the size of Montana. It is supposed to arrive in about 7 days. I will let you know what it looks like.
  • sredman1sredman1 Member Posts: 66
    dont know if it will make a difference but, even screens limit airflow through them. No i ve never looked where the rangers air intake is, but if it is through the grill it might limit the amout of torque you can get from your engine. But then again it might not, im not sure. Dont remember that much of my fluid mechanics to figure out what the reduction in air flow would be. next time you take a screen out of a window try to swing it and you will see what i mean.
  • hmerglerhmergler Member Posts: 85
    OK, last night I went to the dealer and ordered my new 2000 Ranger (finally!). Here's what I got:

    Ranger XLT 4x2 SuperCab
    3.0L V6
    4-spd Auto Transmission
    Convenience Group
    Power Group
    4-door SuperCab
    3.73 Limited Slip
    Wheel and Tire Group

    This is what I got it for:

    Invoice $17,144
    Destination 535
    Advertising Fee 135
    Gas Allowance 10
    Processing Fee 187
    Tax (3.17%) 571
    Title and Reg 18
    --------
    Total $18,600

    The dealer I went to used the invoice off of the Ford concept software that adds in the ad. fee and gas allowance. And since the dealer is in VA, they won't waive the processing fee (it's acutally printed on the purchase order).

    I did have one better offer from a place in MD - invoice (from the web) plus tax and tags with no other fees. There was about a $350 difference, but I figured that I would be using the VA dealer for service and I can get a free loaner car and use of their automatic car wash for life.

    Thoughts anyone?

    - The Merg
  • cpousnrcpousnr Member Posts: 1,611
    What was your sitcker that you know of? Thats for a factory order?
    Just curious, how much to register it in you state?

    Vince, Yes i would be interested, I have the same bug problem when I get down by the Arkansas.


    Dont want to bore anyone but can put up some pics of the Colo 1999 Aspen season. Was very good this year. got one of an Elk about 75 ft away from me too. Never know what your gonna see off road. . .
  • scape2scape2 Member Posts: 4,123
    hmer, sounds like a nice truck. When does it arrive?
    It sounds like they are nickel and diming you with the fees though. What is an advertising fee? gas allowance? and processing fee??, Destination seems a bit high also.
    I would negotiate these off the price. And, remember, don't sign the final papers until you have throughly inspected the truck and made sure you get EVERYTHING you paid for.
  • jclevelandjcleveland Member Posts: 21
    I went to the dealer where I bought my 99 and looked at a couple of the 00 with a buddy.

    They had a Reg. Cab w/ Flareside and it had the Sport Pkg., so it is still available on the 00.

    The new skid plate on the 00 bolts on where the plastic air deflector under the bumper bolts to on the 99 and also to a spot just below the steering rack. The holes below the steering rack are not on the 99, but a drill and tap would remedy that. The stainless skid plate looks a lot better than the plastic deflector.
  • hmerglerhmergler Member Posts: 85
    Cpousnr:

    The sticker price on the truck was $19,060 before destination and the fees and TT&L. As for registration, the title fee is $10 and to transfer a valid registration from a current vehicle is $8. To register a new vehicle would be $26.50, I think. And yes, it's for a factory order.

    Vince:

    They are kinda nickel and diming me though, although all there fees are somewhat valid. The advertising fee is the regional advertising fee that Ford allows dealers to pass on to the consumer. Some dealers will waive this fee. The gas allowance allows the dealer to pay for the gas for the truck when you pick it up. I figure $10 for a full tank of gas isn't too bad. As for the destination fee, Ford just raised it from $510 to $535 for the Ranger. The processing fee I can't get waived. VA law allows dealers to charge it and no VA dealer that I have seen will waive it. Mine is actually on the low side, generally it's at least $200 or higher.

    Like I mentioned in my first post, I could have gotten it for about $350 less (all the fees), but I wanted to buy from this particular dealer as opposed to going over to MD.

    Lastly, it's should hopefully arrive in 5 - 6 weeks. Can't wait. Amazon green with medium graphite interior.

    - The Merg
  • cpousnrcpousnr Member Posts: 1,611
    If your interested, The soft bed cover got, by Tek Sport, matches the medium quartz color perfectly and would look sharp on your color combination. Seals the bed for luggage etc. And I am not sure if you can get it but the Ameraguard spray liner in what they call black is almost a perfect match too with the medium quartz too.
    Of note, on another board a guy is complaining about too low mpg, somewhere in the 16's. Well, I really did not think mine broke in until 10K as the initial first tanks were resonable but dropped from there.
    Registration on mine when new was $389.
    Former Democratic gov. for the last 18 years. . .

    Just turned over 18K today, got the truck 2 Jan.
  • jwsmithjwsmith Member Posts: 46
    Prices and fees vary a bit from state to state, I ordered a 2000 Ranger 4X4 SC - loaded:
    -4 door, 4.0, 5-speed auto, conv gp, pwr gp,
    off road, trailer rec, dual media radio, sports
    buckets, limited slip - - all but the "step bar"
    MSRP (with frt) is $25,240 and my cost is $22,686 which includes a $70 advertising fee, $10 gas
    allowance, and $100 "over invoice". Got a call on 09/27 to report it due in 10/11/99. All I have in addition are tax (6% MI), title and license fees (there is a $40 "documentation fee"). No paint sealing or other add ons. Color is Harvest Gold.
    It will be my second Ranger, first was a 1988 4X2 SC that was totaled in an accident. Will sell my 1995 F150 4X4 SC when the Ranger gets here. I thought "bigger was better" and the slight price difference swayed me. After almost 5 years of the F150 I'm ready to enjoy the more compact Ranger again.
    Already ordered a bedliner and ARE SSII cap to match.
  • hmerglerhmergler Member Posts: 85
    Cspousnr:

    What is this soft bed cover? Is it like one of those rubber mats? As for the Ameraguard, there is a dealer about an hour away, but there are Rhino and Line-X dealers right near me.

    - The Merg
  • cpousnrcpousnr Member Posts: 1,611
    The Ameraguard is a hard coating but is wrinkled coating to be nonskid. Here it was a bit cheaper than rino and for me a better color match for the basic.
    Tonneau cover, frame mounts on top of rails, clamped under rails and a fabric snap cover.

    By the way, the color is almost a perfect match to the dark gray paint, and is not exact to the medium quartz, but really looks sharp.

    Take a look:
    http://members.aol.com/Cpousnr/myford1.jpg
  • jclevelandjcleveland Member Posts: 21
    What brand is your deflector and where did you purchase it? I have been looking for one but cant seem to find one that I like. Yours looks cool.

    Thanks
  • nrauchnrauch Member Posts: 3
    Thanks for all the good information about Rangers.
    I am looking at a used 1998 Ranger XLT, 4x4 flareside, extended cab, 11,000 miles, air conditioning, tilt, cruise, 5 speed manual, V6 3.0L. I haven't really looked at it too closely yet but will probably test drive it tomorrow. Since I haven't had time to do much research yet, I am wondering what a decent price for this would be. The dealer is asking $18,000+. Thanks for your input.
  • jloco1jloco1 Member Posts: 34
    Congrat's on that order!!
    I have a 99 XLT SC that's Amazon green w/ medium charcoal interior. NICE CHOICE!! It's a great green. You're gonna love it. Good Luck

    JLOCO
  • cpousnrcpousnr Member Posts: 1,611
    It is an EGR Superguard non-drill unit, guranteed for life against breakage, that I bought locally for $70. Try these:
    http://www.autoseattle.com/egr.htm
    http://www.egrinc.com/
  • cpousnrcpousnr Member Posts: 1,611
    Http://www.fordranger.com/offroad/15808.html

    On TNN, may be worth a look.
  • pr4mncpluspr4mncplus Member Posts: 22
    Ranger guys (and gals).... I'm looking at adding a small pickup to my toy list, so to speak and the Ranger is one of my considerations. I'm a Ford owner from way back, own a Scorpio, E-150 Conversion Van, new Mustang GT Convertible, etc, so I don't really consider the Chevy as an option. However, the one year old and newer Dodge Dakota's look appealing, especially with the four full-size doors. I like the look of the 98 and 99 Rangers and HAVE to have the SC because I have a 6 and an 8 year old. Not sure the 4x4 option is a necessity. Any advice on why the Ranger is the way to go??
  • cpousnrcpousnr Member Posts: 1,611
    1.Reliability. Consumer Reports rates it well.
    2. Cost. Reasonable pice for what you get.
    3. Looks. I like the looks.
    4. Torque. Engine, while a definite truck engine, designed for low rpm (2700-2800) max torque.
    5. Cheaply modified. Add K&N's, upgrade shocks, upgrade tires, synthetic fluids and a few others and you cheaply improve torque/hp on a good 4X.

    Try these for more info, some great Ranger sites. Also see my previous post regarding a test of the 2000 Ranger 4X.
    Http://www.fordranger.com/ different areas of interest
    http://www.therangerstation.cjb.net/
  • cpousnrcpousnr Member Posts: 1,611
    here is where I bought my EGR SuperGuard
    It was not the 3D model
    http://www.dimensional.com/~boba/
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