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Received: with LISTAR (v0.128a; list small-list); Sun, 13 Feb 2000 21:22:16 -0500 (EST)
Date: Sun, 13 Feb 2000 21:22:16 -0500 (EST)
From: Ford Truck Enthusiasts List Server ford-trucks.com>
To: small-list digest users ford-trucks.com>
Reply-to: small-list ford-trucks.com
Subject: small-list Digest V2000 #5
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small-list Digest Sat, 12 Feb 2000 Volume: 2000 Issue: 005

In This Issue:
Re: Should I recommend a Ranger?
two-color tail lights on recent models
Note from a Enthusiast
Re: Note from a Enthusiast
Re: Should I recommend a Ranger?
Re: Should I recommend a Ranger?
Re: Reccomend a Ranger? Maybe...
Re: Reliabilty of Ford
Re: Reccomend a Ranger? Maybe...
ADMIN: AFTE and Pigeon Forge Lists
Re: Reliabilty of Ford
Re: Reliabilty of Ford
Re: Reliabilty of Ford
Re: small-list Digest V2000 #4
Re: Happy Ford Customer vs. COMPLAINTs
Re: Happy Ford Customer vs. COMPLAINTs
Re: Note from a Enthusiast
Re: Note from a Enthusiast
Re: Should I recommend a Ranger?
Re: Should I recommend a Ranger?
Re: Note from a Enthusiast
Re: Should I recommend a Ranger?

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: Sat, 12 Feb 2000 17:32:24 -0800
From: Adam McLaughlin jps.net>
Subject: Re: Should I recommend a Ranger?

My 420,000+ mile 1989 Ranger 2.9 uses/loses/somehow dissapears about half od a
quart of conventional oil across a 3000 mile oil change. I too lost *one* tie
rod end. I have kept 30 " tires on it, while the little red bronco has 31s on
it.

Long live the 2.9!!

Adam

mikah vosekuil wrote:

> i it never burns, leaks oil, or smoke. i
> put 65,000 on it since i bought it and have nothing to complain about. when
> i bought it i expected it to be just basic transportationand it is far from
> that. id like to see your "friend" buy a rice grinder for $1000 and stick
> as little money in it as i did for a 14 year old vehicle. the parts i put
> in my truck would cost him probably $2000 alone. i'n not saying ranger
> front ends are indestructable but they sure are a lot stronger than the
> chincy front ends found on most imports. my 87 never gave me a problem
> either. i bought it with 72,000 miles and it now has over 200,000. within
> a year i plan to pull out the 2.3 and put in a high output 302. i'd push my
> truck before i'd consider getting something else. so tell your "friend"
> that if he wants a reliable truck find a ranger. they pretty much grow on
> trees so it won't be hard to find one.
>
>


------------------------------

Date: Sat, 12 Feb 2000 17:16:37 -0900
From: "Shane A. Watson" UAA.ALASKA.EDU>
Subject: two-color tail lights on recent models

Hi,
I have noticed that many Ford cars and trucks used to have tri-color
tail lights, which I think they are helpful, especially when the hazard
lights and the turn signals are on. Recently, Ford changed them into old
style two-color ones like on the 2000 Rangers, Windstars. Even the
Econline, Taurus, Escorts, and many others. Even the Focus has them aside
from the brochures that they have tri colors.

So, if I going to buy my next Ford vehicle, are they easy to change them
to tri-color tail lights from the previous models like taking out the
2000 Ranger tailights and replaced them with the '98-'99s?

I don't see the justifcation that Ford changed them other than the cost
that may be small like the missing glovebox lights and underhood lights.

Thanks,
<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>
*Shane A Watson*
<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>


------------------------------

Date: Sat, 12 Feb 2000 19:46:51 -0800
From: scott ford-trucks.com>
Subject: Note from a Enthusiast

>When somebody writes to the list asking for advice, then proceeds to >tell everyone why he and his friend think Ford products suck, how do >you take that? Is he doing the same thing on a >Toyota/Nissan/Mazda/Mitubishi/etc. list? I don't think so.

>My good friend and electronics bench technician, Paul, has just bent a
>rod in his Subaru wagon. It's time for him to replace the car.

Probably has not posted to a sub*ru list either.
I used to own a sub*ru myself.I hated that car.
The last thing I would have dreamed of doing would be join a list called
sub*ru enthusiasts,because I was nowhere near being a sub*ru enthusiast.


> After watching his brother replace the heater core in his Taurus, >Paul's opionion of Ford products is pretty low, too.

The heater core in my 76 F-250 is a real bear to change too.
And the point is?

>I take no solace from the knowledge that the recent Ford
>employee bonuses came out of this customer's hide,

And just exactly where does the profit from every other corparation
in world come from? I was under the assumption it all came out of the
consumer's hide.

------------------------------

Date: Sat, 12 Feb 2000 20:55:16 -0800
From: Adam McLaughlin jps.net>
Subject: Re: Note from a Enthusiast

> A quick comment/question, if I may:

>
> > After watching his brother replace the heater core in his Taurus, >Paul's opionion of Ford products is pretty low, too.
>
> The heater core in my 76 F-250 is a real bear to change too.
> And the point is?
>

I must have been replacing these like three a year across my Bronco, father's ranger and friend's trucks. What exactly is the big deal? They're $26 at Napa, and I usually replace the hoses while I am at it. Maybe an hour, to an hour and a half if I go
slow and take my time?

You need 2 nut drivers, and the cool hose puller tool from the parts store. So what?

Adam



------------------------------

Date: Sat, 12 Feb 2000 23:07:55 +0000
From: Tim Curran gte.net>
Subject: Re: Should I recommend a Ranger?

All I can say when it comes to older Rangers is: Parts are readily available! I've been hit a
total of 10 times and there isn't a single dent in my '88 XLT because I just replace damaged
components with salvage yard fenders and tailgates... with the exception to my new windshield
and after market bumper, but was replaced due to rust, not collision damage. I think so far I
have maybe $1,000 in repairs in the truck spread out over 10 accidents where people have hit
me, I'm rather proud of the fact that I have yet to invoke a single accident, I wonder
sometimes if I don't have a big hit me sign on my tailgate!

Tim


------------------------------

Date: 12 Feb 00 22:27:43 PST
From: Tim Clevenger usa.net>
Subject: Re: Should I recommend a Ranger?

Hi Richard,

I can't speak for all Ranger owners, but when I'm ready for a new truck, I'll
drive my Ranger to the Ford dealer and trade it in on another. My '86 Ranger
has over 195,000 miles on it, and despite the standard paint issues with
mid-80's vehicles, it still runs great. The 2.3L engine and 5-speed isn't the
fastest combo for uphill runs, but I get 22 mpg on the freeway.

My ' parts truck' is an '83 Ranger with the 2.3L and a 4-speed manual. The
only reason it died (at 163,000 miles) was because the previous owner lost the
oil filler cap and stuffed a shop rag into the opening. The engine inhaled
the rag and he decided to buy a new Ranger instead of rebuilding the engine.

My dad has a '96 4x4 extended cab with a 4.0L V-6 and auto, and his only
problem was an aftermarket radiator fan that the previous owner wired
incorrectly.

Regards,

Tim Clevenger
'86 Ranger 'S'

-------------
From: rgstein pacbell.net
Date: Fri, 11 Feb 2000 21:50:33 -0800
Subject: Should I recommend a Ranger?



Can you guys say some good words about your Ford Rangers? If so, what
years/versions would you recommend for my friend? He's only got between
$3,000 and $5,000 to spend.

Richard


____________________________________________________________________
Get free email and a permanent address at http://www.ford-trucks.com//lc/lc.php?action=do&link=http://www.netaddress.com/?N=1

------------------------------

Date: Sun, 13 Feb 2000 08:07:52 -0500
From: Dwight & Tina Varnes lancnews.infi.net>
Subject: Re: Reccomend a Ranger? Maybe...

Having just purchased my 1990 4x2 a few months ago, and having searched
about for quite awhile for a truck, I think I can offers some perpective
from someone who hasn't spent his life worshipping the blue oval.

I purchased my 2.3 5 speed stripper model for $2300 in very nice
condition, but needing some mechanical work the PO never bothered with.
So far I've replaced (beyond maintenance items) shocks, throttle
position switch, oxy sensor, trans plugs and clutch slave. The radiator
leaks at the seams, but since I come from a VW background I'm used to
that and consider it a normal annoyance. It's pulled mildly to the right
since purchase which I'll get around to fixing at the next state
inspection. It has manual steering which give better feel than power but
makes parking a chore. Trans shifts beautifully but upper bearings whine
thanks to fluid running low (those mother*^$%& rubber plugs!).
In comparing to my Dad's 86 B2000, the Ranger drives like a truck, while
the Mazda drives more like a car with a bed on the back. The ranger has
more power by far. Mazda's interior plastic is garbage, making the
Ranger Pinto-inspired switchgear seem exotic. The Mazda has been
incredibly trouble-free aside from oil leaks from tired seals and a
minor carb problem. The Ranger thus far has been a frustrating love-hate
relationship with the fuel injection system. It always runs, but has had
several problems and been a bugger to diagnose without buying the
factory manual (neither Haynes nor Chilton adequately cover the
system).It is relatively easy to work on, the junkyards are full of 'em
(one of my criteria) and they do seem to last forever for the most part,
including a resistance to rust.
Recommendation to your friend: avoid the 2.9 due to the cracking heads.
I haven't talked to an owner yet who hasn't replaced either head or
entire engine by 100k. I like the stick trans but make sure it's not
leaking ATF and works properly as they are very expensive to fix. The
vinyl minimalist interior appears to hold up better than the fancy-pants
XLT cloth. Beware previously wrecked trucks as aftermarket junk repair
parts run rampant on Rangers.
The Ranger is far superior to the S-10, comparable to the Japanese
brands for the most part.
A word about Fords in general: I think the newer the product the better.
The eighties and early 90s weren't the best years for Ford products, but
having had several Contour company cars with no probs and the arrival of
the 4.0 engine I believe they are vastly improved and wouldn't be afraid
of buying a new one.

Dwight Varnes
1990 2.3 4x2 shortbed 'S', 123,000 miles
Previously owned:
1976 Ford Courier (Mazda) w/ Weber carb (still slow)
1966 Chevy C-10 292 3spd 4:56 rear (top speed 60mph)
1965 Ford F-100 353 3spd (sorely missed)
1984 Nissan 4x4 King Cab rebuilt wreck (slow, unimpressed w/ quality)

------------------------------

From: "Will Brown" mindspring.com>
Date: Sun, 13 Feb 2000 10:02:22 -0500
Subject: Re: Reliabilty of Ford

On 12 Feb 00, at 16:08, Ken Payne wrote:

> Correction..... The dealer failed on all accounts. You
> can't blame that on FoMoCo.

I see your point, but I had a recent bru-ha-ha with a local dealer
over something - they were trying to blame Mazda (in my case),
and I reminded them that as far as I, the consumer, was
concerned, they (the local dealer) *were* Mazda in my eyes - yes,
this guys local Ford dealer is not main FoMoCo headquarters in
Detriot or wherever, but they are acting on Fords behalf, and acting
as a representative or embassador if you will of Ford. I don't know
this guys story, maybe he shoulda gone up the chain of command
until he got satisfaction. Yeah, that would be his responsibility, but
then FoMoCo should come back and grab the local dealer by the
ear and tell them what-for if they screwed up that bad, acting as a
representative for FoMoCo. But I will also concede that while the
manufacturer may (*may*) have your best interest as a long-term
satisfied consumer at heart, the local dealers will more than likely
look at you funny and ask "why are you still here?" once you've
bought your vehicle and they've made their money

\/\/


------------------------------

Date: Sun, 13 Feb 2000 07:08:02 -0800
From: Adam McLaughlin jps.net>
Subject: Re: Reccomend a Ranger? Maybe...

The 1989 Ranger STX in my driveway has 420,000+ miles on the original motor
and heads. The red 1988 Bronco II next to it has 167,000 miles on the
original motor and heads. These are both 2.9s.

The 2.9 is known for it's inscredible longevity and performance. The Bronco
> II has enough ooomph to cost me a coupld of rear-ends already. There is a
2.9 at my local dealership with 500,000 miles on it.

Long live the 2.9!

Adam


> Recommendation to your friend: avoid the 2.9 due to the cracking heads.
> I haven't talked to an owner yet who hasn't replaced either head or
> entire engine by 100k. I like the stick trans but make sure it's not
> leaking ATF and works properly as they are very expensive to fix. The
> vinyl minimalist interior appears to hold up better than the fancy-pants
> XLT cloth. Beware previously wrecked trucks as aftermarket junk repair
> parts run rampant on Rangers.
> The Ranger is far superior to the S-10, comparable to the Japanese
> brands for the most part.
> A word about Fords in general: I think the newer the product the better.
> The eighties and early 90s weren't the best years for Ford products


------------------------------

Date: Sun, 13 Feb 2000 11:04:38 -0500
From: Ken Payne ford-trucks.com>
Subject: ADMIN: AFTE and Pigeon Forge Lists

The AFTE and Pigeon Forge lists are back up.

Ken Payne
Admin, Ford Truck Enthusiasts



------------------------------

Date: Sun, 13 Feb 2000 11:49:14 -0500
From: David Cooley bellsouth.net>
Subject: Re: Reliabilty of Ford

I experienced firsthand that FoMoCo doesn't give a flip either.
They asked me what the dealership told me, then said "well, that's our
stand as well" and told me to get over it. Their customer service is
non-existent.


At 10:02 AM 2/13/00 -0500, you wrote:


>I see your point, but I had a recent bru-ha-ha with a local dealer
>over something - they were trying to blame Mazda (in my case),
>and I reminded them that as far as I, the consumer, was
>concerned, they (the local dealer) *were* Mazda in my eyes - yes,
>this guys local Ford dealer is not main FoMoCo headquarters in
>Detriot or wherever, but they are acting on Fords behalf, and acting
>as a representative or embassador if you will of Ford. I don't know
>this guys story, maybe he shoulda gone up the chain of command
>until he got satisfaction. Yeah, that would be his responsibility, but
>then FoMoCo should come back and grab the local dealer by the
>ear and tell them what-for if they screwed up that bad, acting as a
>representative for FoMoCo. But I will also concede that while the
>manufacturer may (*may*) have your best interest as a long-term
>satisfied consumer at heart, the local dealers will more than likely
>look at you funny and ask "why are you still here?" once you've
>bought your vehicle and they've made their money

===========================================================
David Cooley N5XMT Internet: N5XMT bellsouth.net
Packet: N5XMT KQ4LO.#INT.NC.USA.NA T.A.P.R. Member #7068
We are Borg... Prepare to be assimilated!....

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