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Ford Ranger III
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Comments
17% more will be significant.
FWIW the V-6 is not an option. If the Ranger is inadequate, then the Toyota 4-cyl will work (w/ 3,500lb tow rating) - just costs a little more (still less than V-6 Ranger). The extra reliability of the Toyota is offset, by the scarcity of dealers in these parts, otherwise it might have been the first choice.
You've got this all figgered out. Why are you asking us about it?
you are correct, just thought I'd memtion it. Good luck with
your decision. Keep us posted.
Just trying to get a feel for the adequacy of the I4. I know the Toyota I4 is fine, as I have driven one with a ton of gravel in the bed, and it was no problem (Toyota used to make a 1 ton version with the same 2.4 engine used today, but with slightly less power, it had a payload capacity of 2,700 lbs - can't remember the tow capacity).
I was hoping to take advantage of the huge rebates on the Ranger, and save some money over the Toyota.
And I don't have it figgered out. I'm not comparing versions of the Ranger, I am really comparing different 4 cyl base pickups. Yes I have it figured out that it will be a new 4 cyl, or another used vehicle with a V-6, just not which 4-cyl.
Thanks for all the input so far.
Isn't the old analogy something like: Torque is how much the motor can move, and horsepower is how fast it can do it?
As far as the longbed vs. shortbed is concerned. When I was growing up a shortbed truck was sporty and a long bed was a "work truck". If you had a late 70's chevy shortbed it was awesome. If you had a longbed it was grandpas farm truck.
I also drove a 2001 shortbed ranger and a 99 S10 with a V6. I really loved the 2001 ranger as it was very sharp and had tilt, cruise, cd and a tach but the price was right on the 98. The ride on the 01 was noticably bouncier. I didnt like the chevy at all. The interior looked very cheap and the top rim of the steering wheel blocked the top part of the speedometer for me.
I have a question. Can you still get add on cruise for vehicles? Any idea how much the cost might be with installation? Do they work as well as a factory unit? How about a factory one from a ford dealer?
Thanks in advance.
I purchased a used 1999 Ranger XLT supercab w/3.0 6 (4x2)last Sept. and it has been a great truck. I stopped by the local Ford dealer and they had several 2002 XLT supercab's (4x4) with everything so I test drove a silver one and got it. Very nice truck - smoother, quieter and more powerful (4.0 ltr 6) than the '99 but the handling is not as precise. It may be the tires - 245/75/16 vice 225/70/15. The mileage was 21,715 and I paid 17,000 - truck has all options including Mach3 audio (what is that?).
Anyway, I hope I didn't get myself into trouble by getting a 4x4 since I've read on this forum that they have more problems than the 4x2. BTW, if the 2WD switch on the dash is engaged, will this help with getting better mileage. My '99 got 21-22 w/90% highway driving and I hope this '02 will get close to 20mpg.
Thanks - this is a great forum and I have learned alot about Rangers in general and think I made a great choice in a truck.
Regards - M. J. McCloskey
From Edmunds, the only significant change I can see is a different trany implemented in '97. Does that mean the trany prior to '97 was prone to problems?
Appreciate any advice.
The reason you may have more problems with a 4x4 than a 4x2 is just that there are many additional components in the drivetrain of a 4x4 (transfer case; front differential; front driveshaft). Also, many 4x4 owners subject their trucks to more punishment than a 4x2 owner would: off-road adventures, etc.
Yes, keep your switch in the 4x2 position at all times, UNLESS the situation requires 4x4. Better mileage and less strain on the driveline. If you forget, you will be reminded the first time you back up and turn the steering wheel at the same time. If in 4x4, the driveline will "bind up", and it will feel like the brakes are on. Plus, you may hear strange noises.
Mach 3 is Ford's top-of-the-line stereo components.
I have a 2002 XLT 4x4 that I've owned for over a year. It now has 18,000+ miles on it and I have not had a single problem with it so far (knock on wood).
Greetings:
Thanks for your detailed comments regarding my concerns about the 4X4 vice the 4X2. I selected the Ranger 4X4 since I had such a good experience with the 4X2 and expect good service from the 2K2 model. The MACH audio system is quite nice - very good clarity and bass reponse - this system rocks! There is a slight vibration on the outside in the left rear mini door due to the strong bass but I will fix this pronto.
I've driven about 80 miles since I acquired the truck on Tuesday and am very pleased. The ride is a bit 'jiggly' but that may be due to the 4-wheel drivetrain even though I keep it in 2WD. This baby has lots more power than the 3.0 V-6 - passing is effortless and quick. I checked my mileage and I'm getting 19.6mpg (95%) highway. If I can keep it at an average of 18mpg overall, I'll be satisfied.
I have attached a pic of my new 'rig' - I think the silver color makes the truck look a bit 'upscale' in overall appearance.
Happy motoring to all -
M. J. McCloskey
Also... anybody got a 93-97 longbed who needs a ladder rack for their cap? The fricking thing makes it look even more like a contractor's truck, and the dealer wouldn't remove it.
Thanks
ed
I have a 2002 Ranger XLT FX4....just bought it about 2 months ago right off the dealer lot. It had been sitting on the lot since last May, so I got a sweet deal on it. Love the truck! Anyway....it appears to have a cargo bed light on each side of the high-mounted brake light.
I have checked the vehicle book in the glove box. It refers me to page 81 of the book for info on the cargo light. There is nothing on that page about the cargo light. I have looked all over the interior looking for a switch...nothing.
Is there a cargo light there? Is there some trick to turning it on? HELP!
Thanks!
jkidd
Only peeve is that the Ranger sits up higher than the other P/Us (higher center of gravity) which causes the truck to want to tip when rounding a curve. Besides adding suspension parts or changing to 16 inch rims and lower/wider profile tires which cost some $$$, is there any other practical or cheaper fixes to alleviate this tendency.
Also, just to alleviate body roll, you could get some stiffer stocks.
If you just got a 03 2.3L check on blueovalnews.com or previous posts on this thread for the info and dates (3days)in feb or march when some bad 2.3 engines were produced and sent to dealers. the web site gives instructions on who to call with your vin # to see if you get a new engine.
good luck
thanks
ps...I notice jeep, Chrysler etc are doing it for all military people, active and honorable discharge.
if you hear anything new about this let me know and ill keep you posted the same.
Thanks!
I have a 01 4.0 that makes the same noise and notice it when I test drove other vehicles. I vote for the A/C compressor. Quick verification.... does it do it with the A/C in the OFF or VENT position? Remember the A/C compressor is running in all positions except for OFF, VENT, HEAT on the Floor.
Thanks!
Jkidd
I'm considering getting a pickup for the first time in my life, and I have a few questions that I would like some semi-definitive answers to.
The models I am considering are the Edge, FX4, and FX4 Level II, and 4wd only (part of the reason for getting a truck in the first place). I haven't actually driven any Rangers yet, and before I do, I would like a little help winnowing down the choices. Keep in mind that I don't presently have any off-roading adventures in mind, just basic day-to-day driving, so I am interested mostly in how this drastic shift away from cars would affect me and whether or not I should abandon this idea entirely.
The questions are as follows...
1- Which of the above would be most "carlike"? I am referring mostly to handling here... I would have thought that the FX4s would be the rougher-riding of the choices, but I read in a review somewhere that the stiffer suspension and the Bilsteins actually IMPROVE the ride. Doesn't make sense to me....?
2- I have read on this board that the manual-shift models are much louder than those with automatics because of the extra holes in the floor, is this accurate?
3- How do the 4wd mechanisms differ between the autos and the manuals? I know the sticks have a floor-mounted shifter, does this indicate a different mechanism or only a different actuation mechanism?
4- Anyone have any trouble with the 4.0/manual shift combination?
5- Should I just get a used Explorer?
Any input would be appreciated.
-SHOV6
1. While I have not driven it, I am pretty sure the FX4 has the same springs as the other models, just better shocks, which probably do improve the ride. Please note that only a 2wd regular height XLT will provide car-like handling - 4wd models will not. My advice is to think about if really need 4wd. You will only use it about 3% of the miles you drive, but will use about 3mpg more gas all the time, and pay a handling and ride penalty. In my case, we get lots of snow where I live, and it has proven worthwhile when launching my water craft.
2. My truck is very quiet, more so than my wife's SVT Focus. The manuals are not louder than the automatics.
3. Same transfer case with either manual or electronic 4wd engagement. I have the electronic, and I like it. No Problems, easier to use on the fly when you hit snowy roads.
4. If you are coming for a car, you will notice the manual transmission in the truck does not like to be shifted quickly. All the rotating mass of the transfer case prevents lightning quick shifts. If you try to rush gear changes, the syncros will grind, even when brand new. The 4.0L does work well with manual, quicker than the automatic. Shifts at high RPM are hard to get smooth though.
5. After 2 years and 34,000 miles, I still enjoy driving my Ranger. It's size makes it more enjoyable to drive than a full-size truck in the city and in parking lots. It has the same payload as a 1/2 ton full size - nobody believes this until they check the specs. I have a slide-in truck camper for mine, and it hauls that 1100+ pounds just fine, even towing a watercraft on a trailer. The 4.0L manual is quicker than the full-size extended cab trucks (0-60 about 8 seconds, 16.0 in the quarter mile). Get a FX4 in Sonic Blue or Black.
I have not driven the Ranger since I need a real back seat.
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As close as it gets to "market research" would be keeping track of how many people show up.
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Paul
Thus far the truck seems OK. The engine growls a little over 3 grand, the ignition key release tab is clumsily placed, the torque peak is too high, and, of course, there's that rocklike quality to the ride. The acceleration is adequate but won't pin you to your seat. I'm installing an aftermarket ignition system once I've broken 'er in, so I expect that'll improve.
No, I don't find it cramped, but, then, I'm claustrophilic, so I'm probably not the one to ask. Actually, I took a tape measure and compared the interior cab width with a friend's 5 or 6 year old Dakota -- not a quarter inch difference!
Yeah, I found it hard to believe too, so I remeasured. Same result.
I agree with your observation about the rarity of long beds. 20 years ago everybody made long beds and they were common. Today a lot of people buy pickups as fashion statements, and most prefer a long cab to a long bed. Some vehicles out there today have beds only 4 feet long! Hell, you could buy a sedan, remove the trunk lid, and have a "pickup" that actually handled well, rode quietly and comfortably, and got good gas mileage!
The way I see it a pickup is a utility vehicle; a box on wheels, and you will always get more utility out of a big box than a small one. If you buy a box you don't need just to be cool you're a poseur.