2000 4x2 2.5L automatic - 156,000

 

2000 3.0L 209930 miles

 

I have a 2000 Ford Ranger 2.5L XLT auto long bed bought used in 2012 with 32,000 miles. Today it has 83,000 miles. Paint has some minor scratches and abrasions in the Ford blue. Chrome is near perfect. Driver's side slumps a 3/4 inch compared to passenger side. I switched to 5w30 synthetic at around 36,000 miles. It needed a half quart after 1500 miles, so I changed the oil. Since then, it doesn't use any, changing once a year. Winter startups are so easy. Mpg average has always been about 20-22mpg with all the rural road stop signs and city driving. Don't like that. I have achieved about 26-27 strictly interstate at 70 mph. But that s been awhile back. Recently replaced upper and lower ball joint because of torn ball joint covers. New front disk pads and rotors. Just did it. As far as I know the rear bakes drums have never been done. I ask them to check every time and they say they are good. ABS stopped working. Muffler is welded in. I think it's the original. In many years of retirement, I use it primarily for my own use and to run errands for my wife to keep the miles lower on her new cars. Got to keep them happy. Should I change those plugs?

 

Welcome to FTE, Shuttletruck!

Considering I only know what you've said, which is that it is 23 years old and has 83K miles on it. Yep, if it was mine, I'd change the sparkplugs.
I would also add some LUCAS Oil Products Heavy Duty Oil Stabilizer (1 qt.) at your next oil change.
I would also change the rear differential lube, change the coolant and the transmission fluid and bleed the brake system at each wheel.

Good Luck and keep us posted with your progress!

BarnieTrk

 

Brake fluid is next. Then plugs. Should I use OEM plugs?

 

Ok. Bleed each until it runs out clear & clean. Start at the right-rear, then left rear, then right front, then left front. Fill the reservoir between each wheel cylinder.

I'd use MOTORCRAFT SP432 Platinum plugs, don't assume - check their gap. Don't thread them in dry, slight smear of neverseize or grease on threads using a 5/8" sparkplug socket. You'll need eight (8) plugs, since there are two plugs for each cylinder in the 2.5L.

I should have suggested you begin a fresh thread to track/follow your progress - since this thread is intended to simply track Ranger owners and their mileage attained.

BarnieTrk

 

98 Ranger 2wd short bed 2.5 stick. 285,000 and still going great. Has a glass pack and a side pipe. With current modifications, has achieved a best of 27.5 mpg. Looking for more.

 

I made it all the way to about 345,000 mi on my 94 b3000 with the 3.0 six cylinder before it finally crapped out on me. Just swapped a 5.0 302 into it and now she's running better than ever!

 

UPDATE-- My '06 now has 237,000 miles logged. I've had to put in a new pressure plate and clutch disc at 195K miles.
I hit a deer with it and had to replace the grill and headlight assembly last Spring. I noticed a Sway Bar Link going bad, so replaced it this Summer.
Other than some new tires and new front brake pads the past Fall, all is good.

BarnieTrk

 

I just bought a 2007 with 50K miles on it in great condition. But I backed the camper shell into a tree and broke the rear glass door. Super bummed but the truck is fine only damaged the camper shell. Any idea on how I could replace the glass? I’m in NorCal and all the glass shops I’ve called have refused the job because the glass is hard to cut or something.