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Comments
and
Regarding Ranger offroad ability, I think we can all agree off the showroom Tacoma may have the upper hand, but have you seen the hordes of Ranger 4x4 web pages and groups that are out there? Take a look in some search engines and compare that to the amount of Tacoma 4x4 fan pages. Briefly one Tacoma 4X4 webring has 12 pages on it. and a Ford Ranger webring has 190 pages on it. Just two quick examples, but the trend is there to be seen.
No doubt the aftermarket is on Ford and Ranger's side.
2.) To use your logic, don't forget that there are many more Rangers on the road then Tacomas. This would help account for the disparity in Ranger web pages vs. Tacoma web pages.
What do you think, Stang?
Yeah, right, I'm jealous of Toyota.... can you hear me laughing... Try the Psych 101 stuff again please... Enjoy your open rear diffs...
However, those pics I just posted are from a Ranger owners group and those were not easy trails. Like I said, on the last one, there was no trail there when the Ranger went through. It was a weekend in KY at a guys 800 acre land to make trails.
In the group I associate with, there are few from N.H. Do not know why, just the way it is. In fact, just checked, there are only 3 members from NH in a group of well over 100.
My second point was that by taking a sample of personal off-road web sites, and comparing the amounts offered by each make, the Ranger has a much deeper following. This is agreed and is probably attributed to, as you put it, "there are many more Rangers on the road then Tacomas". However I was looking at 4X4's only, as most who post pictures of their truck on the internet, have a extensive list of mods performed to their truck to make it even better off-road. But what of the old Tacoma's and Pickup's(other than the rusted out ones, or blown head gaskets, or failing exhaust valves), you would think any vehicle with great prowess off road would be kept and added onto to make an even greater off-road vehicle. You would think there would be more Tacoma pages/trucks out there if quality and reliability is best of class. If you buy a used beater to build a 4x4 rig, which is more likely to be bought? Again I can only go off the sample numbers accessible on the web, as it is not practical to physically count those in the field or in people's garage.
So in summation, stock Ranger's can hold their own off-road, even if they are not the best off showroom floor. The numerous web pages only hint at the trucks that are no doubt modified to the point of shattering any showroom standards in offroad prowess.
A true off-road 4x4 is built not bought.
Side Note: If anyone comes across a picture of a late 60's Mustang Fastback on a much lifted F-250 frame, let me know! I came across it once on a Ford/Ranger 4x4 page and would like to see it again.
The 2001 Rangers in Denver area were being offered with a $2,500 cash back or 0.9% financing charge closeout deals.
Keeping that aside, I am very pleased with the performance of my Tacoma thus far. And believe it or not Vince, I did not get the "TRD" package. So, I didn't spend $2,000 on a sticker. I simply got a 4 cyl, 5 spd manual, SR5 (4x4) package. And the truck is spectacular. I've driven Rangers and they (in my feeble little mind)simply don't compare. Tell yourself whatever you want, I am happy with my choice, no matter how much you rant and rave about how bad my Tacoma is. And if my Tacoma gives me any problems, you shall be the first to know. However, don't hold your breath. Take care.....steelman.
Plus I prefer the Ford interior as far as materials and control placements..
Also in the rare case where the vehicle might need serviced, the Ford dealer in my area has a much better reputation than the local Toyota dealer. (I'm not generalizing to say all Ford dealers are better that Toyota, just where I live it is the case).
Five bucks max, 15 minutes time. You short out the 2 pink wires from the wire bundle coming into the clutch switch behide the clutch pedel.
What did you pay for your clutch cancel switch?
Bess:
And if you need assistance just go over and post on www.rrorc.com and you will have 200 people willing to help you. . .
I did see a brand new 2001 Tacoma Flare or step side, today. It was white with regular cab, and had nice lines from the front fenders to the side of the bed. No SR5 or TRD designation. Didn't see the front until he stalled and my traffic lane started moving. The driver probably just didn't know how to drive a stick.
Steel, you bought a weak 4cyl also. Try towing with your wopping 177ft/lbs of torque!! LOL! Its your mentality of your Tacoma being so much better than a Ranger that make me pity you.
Yes, given the choice between a free Ranger and a free Tacoma.. Ranger everytime!
Why is it I am called a "fanatic" by the fanatics?
A more expensive product doesn't equate to a better product.
I am (we are) not brainwashed by Ford. We just know by personal experience that Ford delivers in it's vehicles. I (we) can see past the media hype.
So to each their own, and to myself a Ranger.
Besides you probably don't want to start talking automotive marketing. Toyota got their hand slapped by Jesse Jackson recently.
I guess you are right about these Ranger owners. They are so brainwashed that they don't even realize that by denying the FREE Tacoma they are missing an investment opportunity. Come on Ranger owners think outside of your little Ranger box for a moment. All you would have to do is take the FREE Tacoma and sell it; make the $3-4K (that you claim is more than the equivalent Ranger) then go down and buy yourself a Ranger. (HELLO) Some people just don't get it.
Loyal TRD Fan
But what argumentive point does a hypothetical question mean? I mean Free Trucks indeed. The point was which was preferred. I'm sorry if not too many people choose the free tacoma.
For the last month I've been looking for a good auxilliary light bar for my 01 Tacoma which I narrowed down to Westin's Safari bar and WAAG's Sportster grille guard. I've since narrowed that down to the WAAG Sportster grille guard (just covers the center grille) since the safari bar just sits too low for me.
However, damn if I can't find a good light I'm happy with. I've been toying with the idea of Hella Ralleye 4000 Euro lights since I don't want to limit myself to either a driving OR fog light. The only other choice is a combo light that offers a selectable driving or fog light which PIAA offers some seemingly good ones. What I'm looking for is recommendations or just general lights you all have used were/are happy with.
Lemme know,
John
The Taco seats were fine on my 1600 mile trip and the truck averaged 21 mpg. It took me an hour to get the bugs of the grille when we got back to the Bay area but I did purchase a hood protector before we left. If you don't have one, I highly recommend the factory ones (not flimsy and did a good job of keeping the hood and window clear).
The V6 ran very smooth the entire way and I got used to enjoying the sound of the port injectors and exhaust purring the entire way. For those that live LoveLoc, Neveda...you guys are in serious need of a doughnt shop and an IN & OUT Burger.
John
Attached are photos of the light bar combo I went with on my 2001 Tacoma. The Hella 500's (driving) emit a nice white light with plenty of illumination for night offroad trails. For the driving conditions in your area I think your best bet would be the "fog" version.
Rob
http://pic3.picturetrail.com/VOL24/157898/301785/2879835.jpg
http://www.tacomaterritory.com/rotm.jpg
I noted your Hella 500's...they were on my list. Other opinions appreciated.
Thanks,
John
-Rancho 1.5" Coil-overs
-Rancho RS5000 Struts (front)
-Rancho RS9000 5-postion (rear)
-American Racing Atlas 16X8
-M/T Baja Belted 32X11.50
-Amsoil Air Filter
-4 inch Deck Plate Mod
-Westin Safari Bar
-Hella 500 Driving 6".
-Toyota Bug Shield
-Toyota Bed Mat
-Sagaz Seat Covers & Mats
Rob
Rob
mjbwtr--->Regardless of what engine you want, you can do certain things to make sure it will last. Ever see that zMax commercial? Forget Duralube or slick50, zMax is not a teflon additive. It's essentially broken down motor oil, that's super slick, and even soaks into the metal of your car. zMax will increase your gas milage, and reduce your friction wear to practically zero. The stuff goes into your transmission, motor oil, and fuel. If you use it every 6000 miles, zMax will warranty virtually ever part of your drivetrain, especially if it breaks under wear.
smgilles--->It all accounts to a good test drive, and proper maintenance and driving habits.
Pluto & smgilles--->Of course we all know that Ford produces more vehicles (SUV's and Trucks Full size and Compact). And it is reasonable to say that with more vehicles and more problems does not mean a higher percentage of vehicles to problems. But if the consumer can either validate the vehicle in a test drive, or bring the vehicle to a subject matter expert (Trusted Mechanic), then there shouldn't be an issue of receiving a lemon.
now Tacoma:
Funny, I do not see any red "x" for Ranger. . .Now Tacoma and Toyota on the other hand. . .
I run the RS5000's on mine and am pleased you like them over the stock taco shocks. I really like mine.
Frey44,
I put Mobil1 5W40 in my Ranger at 14K.
Have 47K, get 22mpg on the hwy, maybe 18 in town. Swear by it. Always run Ford filter, they are only a buck or so more.
ebb:
YOU FOUND SPOOG'S TRUCK!!!!!!
Wanna bring that shiney bad boy of yours out and play some time? Looks too pruudy. . .!
I am waiting. . .
Tounge is in cheek my friend, nice truck, just too clean. . .
I run my Mickey Thompsons at 35-psi front and back on the road and on the trail at 12-psi front and back.
You have to show off those clean and shiny pics once in a while.
Also, my truck does get dirty but I really can't cover it with MUD; when I live in the middle of the desert. The best I can do is covered with sand.
Next weekend some fellow members from the Tacoma Territory Offroader's Association and I are going to go on a run out to a place called Red Sands. This area is similar to the Baja 500 course but with deep sand. Hopefully one of the memebers will bring his digital cam so I can get a couple of action shots for you. It would be great if you could bring your Ranger out and join us.
Depending on the prices I think I'm going with the Hella Ralleye 4000 series Euro lights. I haven't found anything conclusive on the combo lights that suggest they're better. The 500's are nice but I was looking for more than just the fog and the euro light blends both the driving and fog light.
Thanks all for the positive comments. I'll post some pics when I get everything bolted on and wired up.
7500 miles...no shakes, shimmies, rattles or otherwise any problems,
John
If you have a LARGE picture that really needs to be seen large to be appreciated, just post a link to it rather than adding it to your post.
One other note... make sure that any pics you post are your property (or the property of edmunds). It's a message board no-no to post any other copyrighted material.
Thanks!
PF Flyer
Host
Pickups & News & Views Message Boards
My mistake. Since Edmunds does not have it, if, in the future I post a picture, I have access to a site where I can test board functions. I will resize the existing picture and reload it to bring in the sides of the board. The carts are from MSN Carpoint, did not see any specific exclusive right to use but the authorship is from them so credit do is thier's.
rm:
I do hope you understand my comments were not intended to inflame, just a little poke in the ribs! Your truck is very nice and looks like a desert runner. Mine? almost pure stock. The pictures were up out of Central City Colo, elev 11,007 by my GPS, St MAry's Glacier in the backdrop. Future mods for mine are a repositioned front reciever, middle of the bumper, the clutch cancel switch mod and maybe a couple of lights on the front. These IFS vehicles are just too darn expensive to lift.
You speak of running together. Well that trip I had planned to 4 corners fell apart for one reason or another. It is harder than you think to get a group of people together. Funny, I thought all we had to do was agree to share a certain road at the same time. Oh well. . .But if you ever want to run 4 corners, give me an email...I will try to set something up.
ebb:
Well, there is quite a bit of constructive info in those charts. It is just that most of it is for the Ranger! It does quite nicely refute spoog's well worn attempts to slam the reliability of Ranger while cite Toyota's steller performance. While I do think Toyota has great reliability, it is just not perfect. These charts give the nod to Ranger and Ford, others could say something different.
To paraphrase your post:
47,000 miles, no rattles, no real shakes, running fine and problems have been of the minor nature.
All:
Charts is charts! 8^)
Title:
Ford Unleashes the FX4 Ranger
"Because They Can"
off-road.coms conclusion? Read em and weap:
"With off-highway recreation at an all-time high, Ford has taken the lead in providing the buying public with a truly “capable” off road vehicle that really is more than the sum of it’s parts.
Unlike the "Lightning" however, the FX4 looks to face competition from Toyota with its "Prerunner" Tacoma, and Nissan's "Desert Runner". Yet when one looks below the surface of each and into the components that make the machine, it becomes clear that the FX4 really doesn't have any competition at all."
Again:
"Ford has taken the lead...in providing...a truly "capable" off road vehicle..."
"...it becomes clear that the FX4 really doesn't have any competition at all."