I just had to give up my F250 powerstroke due to fuel prices, but I cannot be without a truck. I am looking to buy a mid 90's ranger- 5 spd and 4x4. Can anyone tell me what to look for or beware of? Any specific or major problems associated with rangers that I should look for when checking one out? thanks, hope to soon be a regular in this section of FTE now.
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2003 Escape XLT V6 4WD
1997 F250 psd cc sb 4x4 auto (gone, i am truckless for the moment)
God, my family, Marine Corps, =my priorities
Mark 12:28-31
12-15 year old ranger is too new, I bought a 20 year old ranger so I could get a manual transfer case and lock outs and I like the looks. I would look for a 4.0 in a mid 90's 4x4 ranger as you will love the torque. There's no real issue's with the ranger in the mid 90's. The only real problem with the ranger 4x4 was the 98-2000 when they used the pulse vacume hubs, they tended to be problematic. With a set of 100 dollar manual hubs from AVM and problem solved. You still could get a manual t-case and lockout hubs in the mid 90's, you could even still get a 4 cylinder ranger 4x4 up till 97 I believe it is. So you have a lot of options in those years. Hope to see you around.
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2009 FORD RANGER fx4 off/road, 5-speed manual, torson diff and rancho's!
That's good to know that I can get a 4 cylinder 4x4 for fuel mileage. I would love a 4.0 but the mpg might not be much better than the 15-16 that I was getting with my Powerstroke. My price range actually puts me closer to the 20 year mark any way. I like the look of the newer body but am not opposed to an older one if it we're in decent shape and still reliable
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2003 Escape XLT V6 4WD
1997 F250 psd cc sb 4x4 auto (gone, i am truckless for the moment)
God, my family, Marine Corps, =my priorities
Mark 12:28-31
sgt wood, i just bought an '03 escape. if you know of a good forum for them, could you PM me. I am using one now, verdict is still out whether it's good or not. just wondering what's out there. thanks
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2003 Escape XLT V6 4WD
1997 F250 psd cc sb 4x4 auto (gone, i am truckless for the moment)
God, my family, Marine Corps, =my priorities
Mark 12:28-31
I had a 93 2wd 4 banger 5speed and never again, Just not enough power to move a truck. It only got 22 mpg on the average. I just picked up a 95 with a 4.0 and it gets around 21mpg and has lots of power. I picked up the 95 for $350 and put new intake gaskets in her for $40 and its back on the road.
86-89 with the 2.9 V6 weren't bad trucks wither, get around 21-22MPG, and will keep going as long as you change the oil and make sure it doesn't over heat. Those first gen rangers are my favorite
I would respectfully recommend that if you want a 90's ranger, you get the 6 cylinder. If you want a good 4 banger, you need an 83 - 88 model. They were simply better. The ones with 2 spark plugs per cylinder just stank.
If I may retort, I have owned 6 rangers and about all the available engine choices. Why does the dual spark plug lima stink worse than the single may I ask? I've had both and had no issue with either, just wondering what you know that I don't. The best 4 cylinder came out after 01 when they whiched to the 2.3 DOHC duratec I-4. It has improved hp and torque, also gets 25-26 mpg local and up to 30 highway. Needless to say, an 01 or newer wouldn't be in your budget. I believe a good buy for you would be a 89-92 ranger 4 cylinder 4x4, because there still seems to be quit a few around in decent shape at a decent price. I would check ebay, graigslist and autotrader to start, along with your local papers as well. I would say you should end up between 87 and 96 with the truck you want in your price range. Don't just buy the cheapest ranger you can find, as you will want to drive it more than work on it. Don't be afraid to spend a little more for decent, rather than just cheap, it will be worth it in the long run. Less expensive in the end.
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2009 FORD RANGER fx4 off/road, 5-speed manual, torson diff and rancho's!
First, the 2.9 wasnt available till 86... DO NOT get a 2.8, that is a long story. I dont know anything about the 4 cylinders other than a 92 4 banger has no power, but the 02-03 4 bangers get about 25 mpg, and have more power than the older v6's. Also, anything with a 2.9 is a cake swap for a 4.0. Also, never, never let a 2.9 overheat, as the head will more than likely crack, that is a widely known problem. Other than that, i have never heard of a 2.9 getting better than 18-20 mpg at best, but a good reliable engine if you take care of it. If you want power and mpg, try and find an old turbo diesel ranger, theyve been know to get upwards of 30mpg... granted, not alot of power, but enough to at least drive at hwy speeds, unlike some.
