Hey, what happened to your response? It's hidden, and I can't open it.
I've got a Lund bug shield. Very neat. It contours along with the hood buldge (free from uncle w/body shop), and looks very nice. I went with a drop-in Duraliner (about $200). I also added some stereo equipment (MTX amp in tri-mode, Pioneer plate components, 8" RS Bazooka, and Kenwood Tri-Way crossover all totalling about $400). The stock dual-media deck works quite well (for now until I swap it out with one of those new in-dash 6 disk changers). I dare anyone to put together a better sounding system for less $$$ using only new components.
My '98 came with the tow hooks (front & rear) and the skid-plates. I had to remove the rear tow hooks to install my Reese trailer hitch ($175). Man, those things are a pain in the [non-permissible content removed] to install by yourself...
"The majority of the add-on's I installed are not functional per se but creature features. So the basic vehicle, ready to run off-road rather well was well under $18K "
This has never been proven. Your Ranger may be a decent TRAIL vehicle, but it is hardly a good offroader. There is nothing on your truck in terms of design or features that enable it to be a good offroader. Ford did NOT build your truck Cspounser with those things in mind. IF thats what you wanted, you should have purchased a Tacoma or Wrangler.
Even adding all of these items you balk at the ranger not coming standard with, it's still thousands less than a tacoma.
Maybe it Toyota wouldn't have put all of this stuff on their trucks as standard equipment and have them available as an option, you could have saved some money.
Then, you could have some $$$ for some mods/improvements. That little project in 4-wheeler with the Tacoma installing those coil over shocks looked pretty nice. There's a couple more inches of ground clearance and improving the truck's off-road ability. Pretty kewl...
As I keep saying over and over again. My Ranger came absolutly loaded with all the goodies for 19.6K. No way are you going to touch a Tacoma with the options I have for anything less than 23K. I know, I shopped, and shopped and shopped. I didn't see a reason to spend the extra 3-4K for a perceived quality/relaiblity advantage. The 3.0 has 192ft/lbs of torque at 3750 rpms, and 152HP at 4750 rpms. The 2.7 has 150hp at 4800 rpms and 177ft/lbs of torque at 4000 rpms. Teh 2.7 has to work much harder for LESS Torque!! LOL. This is right from Edmunds in your own backyard, go look for yourself. The 3.0 is the superior engine. Nice try with the education thing hind. Educated doesn't always mean smarter. Can't teach common sense. LOL. Enjoy your sticker. See you in the Cascades.
If the 3.0L is so superior, why are its payload and towing capacities below that of the 2.7L:
Payload Towing Ford 3.0L 1260lbs 2240lbs Toyota 2.7L 1859lbs 3500lbs
Check it out for yourself, this is also from Edmunds. Ford as well as Carpoint list the 3.0L as 150hp so really they have the same hp. Again my opinion comes from driving the 3.0L not looking up numbers. Have you driven one?
That reply to your post about the survey was a ribbing concerning the survey.
It depends on the search engine that you use. Best kind of engine is the worker search engine. You let the workers do the searching for you, but then I do have to review them later. That statement is in jest.
Actually I work most of the day in the office and attending meetings with clients. Day & evening hours are reserved for my internet business. That statement is serious.
I really do not care if you think what I have written here is my intention or a complete opposite. That statement is serious.
If anyone took that survey seriously then what can I say. I am not saying that you did take that survey serious. That is statement is serious.
Well that is what you get when you hide rather than scribble.
The BFG's are doing fine, wearing real well with 11K+ on them. I will look for some closeup pics. Think I have some on diskette, will transfer to may area on AOL so you can see them.
But beware, they are on the side of a hill in the Wet mountains, at around 9-10,000 feet with the Sangre's in the backdrop overlooking the Wet Mtn valley(sorry the sun was wrong so they are a bit washed out). The reason I say beware is spoog does not think a Ranger can go there because they are not off-road equipped.
But I WAS there. . .a couple of times. . .Just me and an ATV, no Toyotas. . . 8^)~
Hey on the defogger, just going from the comment on the link for a 99. Do not know about your Ranger but mine will clear up REAL fast when you close the two main vents, lots of air moving. Clears the windows in maybe 30-45 sec.
Where have you seen that the 3.0 will be dropped in the next year?
From auto.com about the 2001 ranger:
"The Ranger comes in two-wheel- or four-wheel-drive versions and offers a choice of three engines -- a new I4 coming in November, a 3.0-liter V6 with 150 horsepower and 185 foot-pounds of torque, or a new 4.0-liter V6 developing 205 horsepower and 235 foot-pounds of torque. The new engine is paired with a new five-speed automatic transmission or a heavy-duty five-speed manual."
Eventually, the 3.0 will probably be replaced with the I-5 that Ford has got in the works, but that's still at least a couple of years down the road.
If you take a look at the specs from carpoint, they are:
Ranger XLT 2wd: Payload 1660lbs Towing 6000lbs
I'd assume that is with the 3.0 as it is the standard engine in the XLT. I'd also assume that is with the Payload Package #2.
In any case, I don't think I'd try towing that much with even the 4.0 except for very short distances. But, I'd take the 3.0L V6 over the 2.7L I4 for towing duties. There's just no replacement for displacement and the higher ft/lbs of torque it provides in lower rpm's.
I've also owned both a 3.0 and a 4.0-currently. The 3.0 towed about 1,800lbs of snowmobiles/gear quite easily. For some strange reason, I also got my best gas mileage while towing (about 25mpg). Maybe it was how light my foot gets when I'm towing. I had to trade it in because I'd get stuck in the snow half of the time due to no 4x4 or LSD. This just doesn't cut it if you're into winter sports.
When comparing manufacturer specs, you also have to realize they have different methods of determining them. For example, Toyota measures ground clearance from the higher of the two axles. So, it's actually not the lowest point. Ford measures ground clearance from the lower of the two axles. Toyota does have an advantage in ground clearance, but they're exaggerating it to help with marketing. Have you ever seen those toyota commercials talking about how they've got the highest ground clearance in their classes? It's probably true, but it's possible that another manufacturer's vehicle might be taller but uses a different to determine specs.
granted my truck is only 2wd.. but power is excelent, even up here a mile high.. going up through eisenhower tunnel (11,000 ft)i never have to go below 4th gear. It maintains my cruising speed of 75 mph without a problem. it is relativly quiet up to 75 mph.. much quiter than my freinds 2.7 tacoma.. gas millage consistanly 23mpg. onle 6600 miles so i dont think it has even broken in yet...
V8: "I didn't see a reason to spend the extra 3-4K for a perceived quality/relaiblity advantage."
Yes it will cost you more, but it's not "Perceived quality/reliability" It's rather quite real. Just because you don't beleive it, doesn't make it not true. It's also not 3-4k more. The Tundra reduced the taco's price and if you know how to stand firm at a dealer, you can reduce the difference in $.
CP: That was my point. if you have to take the time to close the center vents, why can't you just re-aim the side vents. Again i'm not sure about the newer ones, but it was nothing special on the 94 i had. Isn't that FORD's thing anyhow? A bunch of great idea's executed poorly?
mvig, the 3.0 is superior. Look at the torque/HP curve, rpms!! will you please??? The 2.7 is weak. The only engine Toyota really has to be proud of is the 3.4. So if Toyota cut its prices on the Tacoma, does this mean all the owners of present Tacoma's paid too much? LOL.
This is the last comment I will make about this topic. I couldn't care less about the torque/HP curve or RPMs. My observation comes from DRIVING both engines. Neither of these engines would be my choice for hauling/towing in the first place. If my friend, who is now driving back to Alaska from here in CHarlotte, could come in here and give his comments on his 3.0L I would get him to. He said he wished he could hav afforded to go with the Toyota and is considereing trading. We all have our opinions and mine is that if I had to choose between the 2.7 and the 3.0 I would go with the 2.7 based upon my experiences with the 2. Let us just say the 3.0 is a weak 6 and the 2.7 is a strong 4.
four_wheel: Well, I own a Ranger but I have stated many times that the TRD is a good package for the price. But I also said on a 4X a truck company should offer a Tach standard as it is used to find your max torque curve. Tacoma TRD is a nice truck but my Ranger is very capable too. Ive been there and done it off road.
smcpherr: I have an old Canon AE1, non-program model I got in 1983 or so. Case is cracking but it does take fairly good pics. Light was all wrong for those as I was working on property and hunting earlier in the day. See the lack of snow in So. Colo the weekend before Thanksgiving.
spoog: Just close your eyes and think of a Tacoma being there. . .Actually that was a flat spot on the shelf road but all in all it was not that tough. Further up I was into 3rd gear in 4X4 low in a few spots, mainly up and down roughness, hence the 4Xlow. GREAT Blue Grouse country just up from where the pic was taken.
Well the Toy engines do get good snap acceleration from the OHC design.
Again, up to now the Ranger does put truck engines in vs Toyota who puts in a bit hotter engines in the HP area.
But last time I looked.... they were both trucks! The 3.0 and 4.0 do ok but I would admit they do not have blinding speed. But sometimes there is advantages to 9:1 compression ratio engines. Like I run 85 octane regular all the time, with no knock or problems. Do not think you can do that very long on a 3.4. or the 2.7 because of the higher compression ratio. I laugh as I bipass the mid and super grade pumps! And do not froget, the 3.0 FFV runs on 100% alcohol if necessary.
Do THAT with a Tacoma! Oh, sorry not an OPTION for the Tacoma! What no ABS standard? Oh sorry! What, have to buy after market for a pasive Theft device? Sorry! ALL standard on a Ranger.
Also, I know that a big deal has been made out of the lack of the front skid plate on a Ranger but as I looked, all my steering components are up and out of the way and I do not NEED a skid plate there. I would have to bounce abut 6 inches and have torn off the bottom of the Radiator (psssst, with the 31 inch tires that bottom of the radiator is about 12 inches off the ground (the lower frame is 10.5 inches off the ground) and if I hit it I should not have been wheeling there!) to hit my rack and pinion setup. So do I understand the Tacoma's rack and pinion is LOWER than mine and NEEDS that fancy little skid plate?!?
8^)
wsn: Ok you get the comedy award. The side defoggers get better if you close the center vents, but they do ok on their own. There are 2 on the top of the dash and 2 on the side of the front of the dash so it pumps some air to the side windows if you want/need it.
You can get a security system from Toyota as an option. I don't think ABS is standard on Toyota 4x4's because they are more geared for the offroad. Offroaders don't want abs, but you can add abs as an option. Can you delete your abs when you order your ranger?
Nice Pics. I'm still amazed at how beautiful the west is!
I personally dont prefer ABS. I have never had it and dont trust it even though I am sure it works fine. My fathers insurance agent actually suggested that he not get ABS when replacing our TAURUS with CAMRY. hehe!
I have already put 5K on my Tacoma since Thanksgiving but if I a scared to think of how many miles I would have if I lived where CP or Vince8 do. I could drive for days in the Rockies or Cascades. I will be living in a snowy mtn range SOON.
I agree about ABS off-road but your agent is sort of a goof. He gets less of a premium when a vehicle has ABS. On the road I can only think of one instance where ABS is less beneficial, everywhere else there is no comparison.
The 2.5 and the 3.0 engines will come to the end of the line in 2002. There will be an inline 5 and the Koln 4.0L engine. It is not definite if the 4.0 will be an option in the Ranger in the short term.
Nice pictures of your truck, but the second one is on the darkish side. Did you scanned those photos? Just for curiousity what is that thing in the bed of your truck?
I was surprised when my father said his agent made the suggestion too. Actually I believe he just brought up the fact that that some people are starting to question ABS. I dont think he was trying to make some extra bucks off of my Dad, they go way, way, back. My dad insures all his property and vehicles through him. He ended up getting the ABS afterall. Again, I justt prefer not to have it.
The current 2.5 I4 is scheduled to be replaced this summer/fall with a new I4 (no other specs available yet). I don't see Ford dumping a new engine after a single model year.
The I5 will probably be the replacement for the 3.0 V6 and be the most chosen engine. Who knows when this will actually happen, though. I'd expect it to have hp/torque output in the area of the current 3.0.
If you're referring to the OHV 4.0, you're right. The SOHC 4.0 will probably be the only of the 4.0's available on the 2001 engine.
If you mean that Ford will drop the 4.0 SOHC/OHV altogether, I just don't see that happening, especially in the wake of more potent engines from the likes of GM (new I6 in the S10) and Nissan (supercharging their V6 this year for about 200hp). The Dodge Dakota, which is sort of in the compact class, also has the new 4.7L V8. I'm sure that Toyota will also bump up the power of their 3.4L V6 as they'll be falling to the back of the pack in the power department for the 2001 models.
Some insurace companies are not discounting ABS cars and some are charging more for it. The basis for this is that many people still pump the brakes from habit on there ABS cars which increses the stopping distance even further. Like most things, i works great when you know how to use it...
Ford maybe the number one automaker in the world, but thats only because they sell cheaply assembled, poor quality cars and trucks to ignorant Americans. Just drive the two vehicles and you'll see, feel and notice a huge difference in quality, comfort and piece of mind. By the way, when Toyota unleashes the redesigned tacoma next year along with the new 4 door tacoma, watch out Ford, Chevy, Dodge and everything else on the road.
And while you CAN get a secruity system (Hmmm another OPTION to pay for) mine is passive and standard equipment. You do not start the vehicle without a specific key with a coded chip. It just willnot start if the code is not confirmed.
While I agreee with EVERYONE on ABS during off-road, I THINK we have all agreed that most of the vehicle time is spent on road where ABS is an advantage. Besides, I can disable ABS at anytime by pulling the fuse on the system.
hindsite: No Kodak scanned those pics. In the back of the truck is the 200gal water tank and a piece of wood that is now in my front flower garden. I was almost shooting into the sunset. Light was all wrong for that shot and I did not bring the flash.
toyodaman: Well I do not have piece of mind reading the crashtest results on Tacoma. Plus, look at the size difference on the bottom of the line Tacoma vs Ranger. Tacoma is lower to the ground, and really looks chincy compared to Ranger.
Now many Tacoma owners tout the high quality and I will not try to insult you by saying that is not true. However, INDEPENDENT groups like Consumer Reports consistaintly find the two to be very close and choose Ranger as a Best Buy over Tacoma. That is a fact that cannot be denied. I tend to agree with them and while it is a very nice truck, I do not think it is built to the standards of say the Camry.
And I DID drive both, yes, liked the Toy acceleration but that was not the main factor in my purchase. $3000 less for a vehicle equipped with more options plus 2.9% financing vs 6.9% on the Tacoma were the biggest attractions
With a name like Toyodaman, there isn't any bias here is there? With folks like you paying a premium price for a percieved quality/reliability advantage Toyota will have no problems staying around and keeping the wool pulled over your eyes. And, Ford is not the number one automaker, GM is. And the new Ford Ranger is also coming next year, with a ground pounding 4.0 SOHC 205HP/240ft/lbs of torque V6! Have you ever heard of Sport Trac? Also available with a 4.0 SOHC V6 205HP/240ft/lbs of torque! Rumors are a flyin about a V8 in the very near future also! Go to the Consumer Digest also, see how Ford rates! Surprise!
Is Vince4 on cpounser's link your evil half-brother or something? Just wondering... :oD
I don't think that Ford is even in the top 3 among world leaders in auto sales. I think it would be Daimler-Benz, GM, and VW. I wouldn't know about the order. Toyota might also be ahead of Ford. They're pretty much the mainstay of vehicles among third world countries. I was in Costa Rica in November. It was mostly Toyota and Kia (suprisingly!). I only saw a few Ford trucks, no cars.
"By the way, when Toyota unleashes the redesigned tacoma next year along with the new 4 door tacoma, watch out Ford, Chevy, Dodge and everything else on the road."
Why? Are you planning on hitting us or something? You surely can't be talking about sales figures unless Toyota suddenly changes ALL of their pricing policies, which I don't see happening even in the remote future.
Just be careful when you're out running into everybody. The Tacoma hasn't scored very well in crashworthiness tests, which puts it in the bottom of its class.
Have a good weekend. And, thank you for that well thought out, well written post.
Count me in as one of those ignorant Americans that buy Fords. Do you mean to say if all of us follow you and buy Toyotas we will somehow be intelligent? I'm on my way to the Toy dealership but I forgot where I parked my car .... Oh, never mind.
Cthom, you really need to do some homework. Do you realize how big Ford is? How many Billions they are worth? Ford just doesn't make cars/trucks as a hint. And a big hint, No Toyota is not larger than Ford. Ford owns Volvo, Mazda, Jaguar, and I believe Austin Martin. For a small company having no money or assets I guess they are doing pretty good. Who does Toyota own other than Toyota?
I know Statefarm in New England does not offer discounts for it, and the adding cost of ABS is something i read. I'll try and find the article. When i read it i was just as disbelieveing as you.
-wsn
PS If you do not want to sound like Vince then maybe you should have waited for my reply instead of posting a subject with my name and BS in the title. Telling somebody they are full of BS before hearing what they are basing there position on, is a bit presumptous maybe?
Well, giving the Ranger a well deserved rest. Got the new rack and pinion on the 82 Rabbit and will use that as my beat around vehicle. Only has 199,128 miles on the odometer(but it sticks sometimes), new rack, inner tie rods, struts(Sears, 60 bucks each installed), and newer clutch and exhaust system(last one broke near the header, man that was loud).
Save the Ranger for special times.
Oiled the KKM filter too. It calls for a re-oil every 10K and clean every 50K. You spray this cleaner on it, wash it down with water and dry. Neet air filter. Just turned over 25K on the Ranger.
The Tacoma 4x2 fails in the side impact but came out on top in the frontal offset crash at 40 mph. The 4x4 Tacoma has not been tested and though some may like to make broad comparisions between the 4x2 x 4x4 I would like to see documented proof for the 4x4 crash test results concerning the Tacoma. For the past several weeks I have been working on a computer simulated model of a 4x4 crash vs a 4x2 crash test. Specifically for the side impact test.
Cpousnr How do you like that scanner so far? Is the water for something?
Well, giving the Ranger a well deserved rest. Got the new rack and pinion on the 82 Rabbit and will use that as my beat around vehicle. "
It will probably fare as well offroad , if not better.
" Only has 199,128 miles on the odometer(but it sticks sometimes), new rack, inner tie rods, struts(Sears, 60 bucks each installed), and newer clutch and exhaust system(last one broke near the header, man that was loud).
Save the Ranger for special times."
huh? Your driving a Rabbit around because you are afraid you will damage the Ranger?
Mountain Country like the kind you live in C has a tendency to punish Fords real bad. As in loose windshield trims, squeaks, rattles ect.
The caption was that "THAT'S BS" meaning the subject matter. Not that you are full of BS. Please don't be so sensitive. I will admit that I did take a shot at Toydorkaman because of that "ignorant American" post.
I know I have been labled a Ranger fanatic, but... Unlike some Tacoma owners who hide things when they go wrong, or somthing doesn't sound right, I will not. My buddies 3.0 5spd Ranger has the "cow bell sound" once in a while. It doesn't happen all the time. It does however concern him. I could not remember the fix to this problem. If I remember right it was a lube of the yoke and changing the U-joints? CP do you remember?
hindsite: Well the water tank is for around 100 trees I planted on a piece of property. No well yet so have to haul it from town 15 or so miles away. Some of the trees from 2 years ago are getting to be close to 3 feet tall, started out as 6-12 inch seedlings, just having trouble keeping deer away.
In Colorado you pay for views and trees on land. I got killer views but only one 7ft tree 8^( on 6.5 acres, but got a great price 8^).
Scanner is fine but found the s/w that came with it only handles up to an 8X10, so some area is cut on scanning an 8.5X11 inch picture. Bought Printmaster Gold recently and it has a file that supports the larger pictures.
spoog: I was just rambling, thought someone here could help the guy. Just using the VW to keep miles off the Ranger. 25K in 14 months is a bit high. Plus the VW gets 27-33mpg where as the Ranger gets 18-21mpg and gas just went to $1.43 for reg. here, higher in the mountains.
Well there are many many older Fords here, mostly F150/250's but still many older Rangers. Seems like more of them than the older Toyotas. Mine seems to run just fine here.
The San Juan and La Garita areas just got hit with 6-12 inches of fresh snow.
vince: As I recall you lube the drive shaft yoke, which is also called out in the 30K service. But I also recall that the noise is not a problem to worry about. Do you know what that little shock is that you can see in the drivers side wheel well? Is it an engine vibration suppressor?
I was just wondering what the Toyota guys thought of the Tacoma engine falling to the back of the pack.
GM is putting a new I6 in their compact trucks, which I'm sure equals or exceeds the current 4.3L V6, which is currently 190hp and 250ft/lbs. of torque.
For 2001 Nissan is supercharging their 3.3 V6 to produce 210hp and 240ft/lbs. of torque.
For 2001 Ford is replacing the OHV 4.0 with the SOHC 4.0 good for 205hp and 235ft/lbs.
I really don't consider the Dakota to be a compact truck. It's really a mid-size on the same line as the Tundra (in my opinion anyways).
The current 3.4L V6 in the Tacoma is good for 190hp and 220ft/lbs of torque (which seems to peak at a higher rpm than its competitors).
By the way, the supercharger offered by TRD is really just an aftermarket (not assembled in the factory but attached by the dealer or other TRD tech) product bolt-on. You can do that with any Ford, Dodge, Chevy, or Nissan truck. But, you're probably shortening engine life due to the added stresses of a supercharger being used on an engine not designed to handle its added stress.
I am in the market for a 4 w/d within the next 6 months. Please excuse a newbies questions, but I have 2. What does "btw" mean and what is a locker? Thanks in advance.
btw = by the way locker = device in rear differential which, when engaged, locks the two axles (right and left) together. Very good for offroading at slow speeds in relatively straight lines and getting your vehicle unstuck (also in as straight a line as possible). However, because the two side axles are locked together, turning creates major stresses on the differential. Lockers should never be used on dry pavement, only in situations where the wheels can slip on the ground to eliminate driveline stresses.
btw, don't worry about newbie questions. We've all been there.
Comments
I've got a Lund bug shield. Very neat. It contours along with the hood buldge (free from uncle w/body shop), and looks very nice. I went with a drop-in Duraliner (about $200). I also added some stereo equipment (MTX amp in tri-mode, Pioneer plate components, 8" RS Bazooka, and Kenwood Tri-Way crossover all totalling about $400). The stock dual-media deck works quite well (for now until I swap it out with one of those new in-dash 6 disk changers). I dare anyone to put together a better sounding system for less $$$ using only new components.
My '98 came with the tow hooks (front & rear) and the skid-plates. I had to remove the rear tow hooks to install my Reese trailer hitch ($175). Man, those things are a pain in the [non-permissible content removed] to install by yourself...
functional per se but creature features. So the
basic vehicle, ready to run off-road rather well
was well under $18K "
This has never been proven. Your Ranger may be a decent TRAIL vehicle, but it is hardly a good offroader. There is nothing on your truck in terms of design or features that enable it to be a good offroader. Ford did NOT build your truck Cspounser with those things in mind. IF thats what you wanted, you should have purchased a Tacoma or Wrangler.
Maybe it Toyota wouldn't have put all of this stuff on their trucks as standard equipment and have them available as an option, you could have saved some money.
Then, you could have some $$$ for some mods/improvements. That little project in 4-wheeler with the Tacoma installing those coil over shocks looked pretty nice. There's a couple more inches of ground clearance and improving the truck's off-road ability. Pretty kewl...
The 3.0 has 192ft/lbs of torque at 3750 rpms, and 152HP at 4750 rpms. The 2.7 has 150hp at 4800 rpms and 177ft/lbs of torque at 4000 rpms. Teh 2.7 has to work much harder for LESS Torque!! LOL. This is right from Edmunds in your own backyard, go look for yourself. The 3.0 is the superior engine.
Nice try with the education thing hind. Educated doesn't always mean smarter. Can't teach common sense. LOL.
Enjoy your sticker.
See you in the Cascades.
Payload Towing
Ford 3.0L 1260lbs 2240lbs
Toyota 2.7L 1859lbs 3500lbs
Check it out for yourself, this is also from Edmunds. Ford as well as Carpoint list the 3.0L as 150hp so really they have the same hp. Again my opinion comes from driving the 3.0L not looking up numbers. Have you driven one?
It depends on the search engine that you use. Best kind of engine is the worker search engine. You let the workers do the searching for you, but then I do have to review them later. That statement is in jest.
Actually I work most of the day in the office and attending meetings with clients. Day & evening hours are reserved for my internet business. That statement is serious.
I really do not care if you think what I have written here is my intention or a complete opposite. That statement is serious.
If anyone took that survey seriously then what can I say. I am not saying that you did take that survey serious. That is statement is serious.
Glad that your a fan of mine. I enjoy your comments. Keep it up Vinny.
The BFG's are doing fine, wearing real well with 11K+ on them. I will look for some closeup pics. Think I have some on diskette, will transfer to may area on AOL so you can see them.
But beware, they are on the side of a hill in the Wet mountains, at around 9-10,000 feet with the Sangre's in the backdrop overlooking the Wet Mtn valley(sorry the sun was wrong so they are a bit washed out). The reason I say beware is spoog does not think a Ranger can go there because they are not off-road equipped.
But I WAS there. . .a couple of times. . .Just me and an ATV, no Toyotas. . .
8^)~
Hey on the defogger, just going from the comment on the link for a 99. Do not know about your Ranger but mine will clear up REAL fast when you close the two main vents, lots of air moving. Clears the windows in maybe 30-45 sec.
From auto.com about the 2001 ranger:
"The Ranger comes in two-wheel- or four-wheel-drive versions and offers a choice of three engines -- a new I4 coming in November, a 3.0-liter V6 with 150 horsepower and 185 foot-pounds of torque, or a new 4.0-liter V6 developing 205 horsepower and 235 foot-pounds of torque. The new engine is paired with a new five-speed automatic transmission or a heavy-duty five-speed manual."
Eventually, the 3.0 will probably be replaced with the I-5 that Ford has got in the works, but that's still at least a couple of years down the road.
Ranger XLT 2wd:
Payload 1660lbs
Towing 6000lbs
I'd assume that is with the 3.0 as it is the standard engine in the XLT. I'd also assume that is with the Payload Package #2.
In any case, I don't think I'd try towing that much with even the 4.0 except for very short distances. But, I'd take the 3.0L V6 over the 2.7L I4 for towing duties. There's just no replacement for displacement and the higher ft/lbs of torque it provides in lower rpm's.
I've also owned both a 3.0 and a 4.0-currently. The 3.0 towed about 1,800lbs of snowmobiles/gear quite easily. For some strange reason, I also got my best gas mileage while towing (about 25mpg). Maybe it was how light my foot gets when I'm towing. I had to trade it in because I'd get stuck in the snow half of the time due to no 4x4 or LSD. This just doesn't cut it if you're into winter sports.
When comparing manufacturer specs, you also have to realize they have different methods of determining them. For example, Toyota measures ground clearance from the higher of the two axles. So, it's actually not the lowest point. Ford measures ground clearance from the lower of the two axles. Toyota does have an advantage in ground clearance, but they're exaggerating it to help with marketing. Have you ever seen those toyota commercials talking about how they've got the highest ground clearance in their classes? It's probably true, but it's possible that another manufacturer's vehicle might be taller but uses a different to determine specs.
Yes it will cost you more, but it's not "Perceived quality/reliability" It's rather quite real. Just because you don't beleive it, doesn't make it not true. It's also not 3-4k more. The Tundra reduced the taco's price and if you know how to stand firm at a dealer, you can reduce the difference in $.
CP: That was my point. if you have to take the time to close the center vents, why can't you just re-aim the side vents. Again i'm not sure about the newer ones, but it was nothing special on the 94 i had. Isn't that FORD's thing anyhow? A bunch of great idea's executed poorly?
Just Kidding!
-wsn
So if Toyota cut its prices on the Tacoma, does this mean all the owners of present Tacoma's paid too much? LOL.
PS I got my Tacoma after the price cut
Well, I own a Ranger but I have stated many times that the TRD is a good package for the price. But I also said on a 4X a truck company should offer a Tach standard as it is used to find your max torque curve. Tacoma TRD is a nice truck but my Ranger is very capable too. Ive been there and done it off road.
smcpherr:
I have an old Canon AE1, non-program model I got in 1983 or so. Case is cracking but it does take fairly good pics. Light was all wrong for those as I was working on property and hunting earlier in the day. See the lack of snow in So. Colo the weekend before Thanksgiving.
spoog:
Just close your eyes and think of a Tacoma being there. . .Actually that was a flat spot on the shelf road but all in all it was not that tough. Further up I was into 3rd gear in 4X4 low in a few spots, mainly up and down roughness, hence the 4Xlow. GREAT Blue Grouse country just up from where the pic was taken.
Again, up to now the Ranger does put truck engines in vs Toyota who puts in a bit hotter engines in the HP area.
But last time I looked.... they were both trucks!
The 3.0 and 4.0 do ok but I would admit they do not have blinding speed. But sometimes there is advantages to 9:1 compression ratio engines. Like I run 85 octane regular all the time, with no knock or problems. Do not think you can do that very long on a 3.4. or the 2.7 because of the higher compression ratio.
I laugh as I bipass the mid and super grade pumps! And do not froget, the 3.0 FFV runs on 100% alcohol if necessary.
Do THAT with a Tacoma! Oh, sorry not an OPTION for the Tacoma!
What no ABS standard? Oh sorry!
What, have to buy after market for a pasive Theft device? Sorry!
ALL standard on a Ranger.
Also, I know that a big deal has been made out of the lack of the front skid plate on a Ranger but as I looked, all my steering components are up and out of the way and I do not NEED a skid plate there. I would have to bounce abut 6 inches and have torn off the bottom of the Radiator
(psssst, with the 31 inch tires that bottom of the radiator is about 12 inches off the ground (the lower frame is 10.5 inches off the ground) and if I hit it I should not have been wheeling there!)
to hit my rack and pinion setup. So do I understand the Tacoma's rack and pinion is LOWER than mine and NEEDS that fancy little skid plate?!?
8^)
wsn:
Ok you get the comedy award.
The side defoggers get better if you close the center vents, but they do ok on their own. There are 2 on the top of the dash and 2 on the side of the front of the dash so it pumps some air to the side windows if you want/need it.
Nice Pics. I'm still amazed at how beautiful the west is!
-wsn
I have already put 5K on my Tacoma since Thanksgiving but if I a scared to think of how many miles I would have if I lived where CP or Vince8 do. I could drive for days in the Rockies or Cascades. I will be living in a snowy mtn range SOON.
The I5 will probably be the replacement for the 3.0 V6 and be the most chosen engine. Who knows when this will actually happen, though. I'd expect it to have hp/torque output in the area of the current 3.0.
If you're referring to the OHV 4.0, you're right. The SOHC 4.0 will probably be the only of the 4.0's available on the 2001 engine.
If you mean that Ford will drop the 4.0 SOHC/OHV altogether, I just don't see that happening, especially in the wake of more potent engines from the likes of GM (new I6 in the S10) and Nissan (supercharging their V6 this year for about 200hp). The Dodge Dakota, which is sort of in the compact class, also has the new 4.7L V8. I'm sure that Toyota will also bump up the power of their 3.4L V6 as they'll be falling to the back of the pack in the power department for the 2001 models.
-wsn
P.S. I'm in the insurance industry.
And while you CAN get a secruity system (Hmmm another OPTION to pay for) mine is passive and standard equipment. You do not start the vehicle without a specific key with a coded chip. It just willnot start if the code is not confirmed.
While I agreee with EVERYONE on ABS during off-road, I THINK we have all agreed that most of the vehicle time is spent on road where ABS is an advantage. Besides, I can disable ABS at anytime by pulling the fuse on the system.
hindsite:
No Kodak scanned those pics. In the back of the truck is the 200gal water tank and a piece of wood that is now in my front flower garden.
I was almost shooting into the sunset. Light was all wrong for that shot and I did not bring the flash.
toyodaman:
Well I do not have piece of mind reading the crashtest results on Tacoma. Plus, look at the size difference on the bottom of the line Tacoma vs Ranger. Tacoma is lower to the ground, and really looks chincy compared to Ranger.
Now many Tacoma owners tout the high quality and I will not try to insult you by saying that is not true. However, INDEPENDENT groups like Consumer Reports consistaintly find the two to be very close and choose Ranger as a Best Buy over Tacoma. That is a fact that cannot be denied. I tend to agree with them and while it is a very nice truck, I do not think it is built to the standards of say the Camry.
And I DID drive both, yes, liked the Toy acceleration but that was not the main factor in my purchase. $3000 less for a vehicle equipped with more options plus 2.9% financing vs 6.9% on the Tacoma were the biggest attractions
With folks like you paying a premium price for a percieved quality/reliability advantage Toyota will have no problems staying around and keeping the wool pulled over your eyes.
And, Ford is not the number one automaker, GM is.
And the new Ford Ranger is also coming next year, with a ground pounding 4.0 SOHC 205HP/240ft/lbs of torque V6! Have you ever heard of Sport Trac? Also available with a 4.0 SOHC V6 205HP/240ft/lbs of torque! Rumors are a flyin about a V8 in the very near future also! Go to the Consumer Digest also, see how Ford rates! Surprise!
http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/engaged/edmund.cgi?c=Pickups&f=0&t=1614
I don't think that Ford is even in the top 3 among world leaders in auto sales. I think it would be Daimler-Benz, GM, and VW. I wouldn't know about the order. Toyota might also be ahead of Ford. They're pretty much the mainstay of vehicles among third world countries. I was in Costa Rica in November. It was mostly Toyota and Kia (suprisingly!). I only saw a few Ford trucks, no cars.
Why? Are you planning on hitting us or something? You surely can't be talking about sales figures unless Toyota suddenly changes ALL of their pricing policies, which I don't see happening even in the remote future.
Just be careful when you're out running into everybody. The Tacoma hasn't scored very well in crashworthiness tests, which puts it in the bottom of its class.
Have a good weekend. And, thank you for that well thought out, well written post.
-C
-wsn
PS If you do not want to sound like Vince then maybe you should have waited for my reply instead of posting a subject with my name and BS in the title. Telling somebody they are full of BS before hearing what they are basing there position on, is a bit presumptous maybe?
Well, giving the Ranger a well deserved rest. Got the new rack and pinion on the 82 Rabbit and will use that as my beat around vehicle. Only has 199,128 miles on the odometer(but it sticks sometimes), new rack, inner tie rods, struts(Sears, 60 bucks each installed), and newer clutch and exhaust system(last one broke near the header, man that was loud).
Save the Ranger for special times.
Oiled the KKM filter too. It calls for a re-oil every 10K and clean every 50K. You spray this cleaner on it, wash it down with water and dry. Neet air filter. Just turned over 25K on the Ranger.
Cpousnr
How do you like that scanner so far? Is the water for something?
Well, giving the Ranger a well deserved rest. Got
the new rack and pinion on the 82 Rabbit and will
use that as my beat around vehicle. "
It will probably fare as well offroad , if not better.
" Only has
199,128 miles on the odometer(but it sticks
sometimes), new rack, inner tie rods, struts(Sears,
60 bucks each installed), and newer clutch and
exhaust system(last one broke near the header, man
that was loud).
Save the Ranger for special times."
huh? Your driving a Rabbit around because you are afraid you will damage the Ranger?
Mountain Country like the kind you live in C has a tendency to punish Fords real bad. As in loose windshield trims, squeaks, rattles ect.
Ask Edmunds what gravel roads can do to Fords.
Unlike some Tacoma owners who hide things when they go wrong, or somthing doesn't sound right, I will not.
My buddies 3.0 5spd Ranger has the "cow bell sound" once in a while. It doesn't happen all the time. It does however concern him. I could not remember the fix to this problem. If I remember right it was a lube of the yoke and changing the U-joints? CP do you remember?
Well the water tank is for around 100 trees I planted on a piece of property. No well yet so have to haul it from town 15 or so miles away. Some of the trees from 2 years ago are getting to be close to 3 feet tall, started out as 6-12 inch seedlings, just having trouble keeping deer away.
In Colorado you pay for views and trees on land. I got killer views but only one 7ft tree 8^( on 6.5 acres, but got a great price 8^).
Scanner is fine but found the s/w that came with it only handles up to an 8X10, so some area is cut on scanning an 8.5X11 inch picture. Bought Printmaster Gold recently and it has a file that supports the larger pictures.
spoog:
I was just rambling, thought someone here could help the guy. Just using the VW to keep miles off the Ranger. 25K in 14 months is a bit high. Plus the VW gets 27-33mpg where as the Ranger gets 18-21mpg and gas just went to $1.43 for reg. here, higher in the mountains.
Well there are many many older Fords here, mostly F150/250's but still many older Rangers. Seems like more of them than the older Toyotas. Mine seems to run just fine here.
The San Juan and La Garita areas just got hit with 6-12 inches of fresh snow.
vince:
As I recall you lube the drive shaft yoke, which is also called out in the 30K service. But I also recall that the noise is not a problem to worry about.
Do you know what that little shock is that you can see in the drivers side wheel well? Is it an engine vibration suppressor?
You have to be sensitive on this board or they'll try and shut us down again....;-)
-wsn
I was just wondering what the Toyota guys thought of the Tacoma engine falling to the back of the pack.
GM is putting a new I6 in their compact trucks, which I'm sure equals or exceeds the current 4.3L V6, which is currently 190hp and 250ft/lbs. of torque.
For 2001 Nissan is supercharging their 3.3 V6 to produce 210hp and 240ft/lbs. of torque.
For 2001 Ford is replacing the OHV 4.0 with the SOHC 4.0 good for 205hp and 235ft/lbs.
I really don't consider the Dakota to be a compact truck. It's really a mid-size on the same line as the Tundra (in my opinion anyways).
The current 3.4L V6 in the Tacoma is good for 190hp and 220ft/lbs of torque (which seems to peak at a higher rpm than its competitors).
By the way, the supercharger offered by TRD is really just an aftermarket (not assembled in the factory but attached by the dealer or other TRD tech) product bolt-on. You can do that with any Ford, Dodge, Chevy, or Nissan truck. But, you're probably shortening engine life due to the added stresses of a supercharger being used on an engine not designed to handle its added stress.
locker = device in rear differential which, when engaged, locks the two axles (right and left) together. Very good for offroading at slow speeds in relatively straight lines and getting your vehicle unstuck (also in as straight a line as possible). However, because the two side axles are locked together, turning creates major stresses on the differential. Lockers should never be used on dry pavement, only in situations where the wheels can slip on the ground to eliminate driveline stresses.
btw, don't worry about newbie questions. We've all been there.