Just thought you might went to take a look.
http://www.nctd.com/review-intro.cfm?ReviewID=1413

 

Thanks!

 

Man do I wish I would have waited a little longer, and gotten the '04. Oh well.

 

Looks good
However, I will have to wait until the 04's start appering on
"certified Pre-owned" lots
I think I would definately step up to the 4.0 engine though. ( at least on a 4X4 super cab)

 

It says that Ford is going back to the pulse-vacuum hublock system on the 2004 Rangers. Can anyone confirm this? I'm supposed to buy a 2003 FX4 today, but I was thinking of waiting for 2004. If they really are going back to pulse-vacuum that's another reason to go ahead and buy the '03. Anybody know what's up with the new hubs?

 

I would be suspicious of that....keep in mind that many new car/truck reviewers don't get it all right when it comes to describing specs and features. This guy could be going on old information.

I'm thinking, why the heck would Ford go back to PVH after changing things around just a few years earlier?

 

Rockledge...you are right on. It is odd to think that after the nightmare Ford had with the '98 and '99 Ranger 4x4s they would go back to the system again after a few years.

But...here is what I'm thinking: First of all, in the 2004 F-150 forum there is a thread talking about pulse-vacuum hublocks making an appearance on the new F-150. So now I'm hearing that both the '04 Ranger and F-150 will use vacuum-actuated hubs. This gets my attention. Secondly, the fuel economy numbers have been very important to Ford during the last year, and let's face it...the new Ranger 4x4s have terrible fuel economy numbers. 15 town/19 highway....come on, fullsize trucks from the competition are achieving this. Also, it's possible that Ford may have been getting information back suggesting that the "permanently connected" 4x4 system on the last few years of the Ranger have cause premature failure of front driveline components.

I don't know these things to be true...but from what I'm hearing I would take a guess and say that it's entirely possible that Ford could be going back to the pulse-vacuum hubs for all it's 2004 trucks. If they do, I hope they revise the system and get it right this time around. I'm paranoid about buying a Ford 4x4 because for the last 15 years they haven't been able to get it right no matter what they try.

 

WX, that is interesting stuff you brought up, and those are good points you made.

Now I'm kinda wondering myself.

Just to further along the discussion, it would be absolutely incumbent upon Ford to build a better PVH system if they are considering it for the F-150. As you know, Ford is banking heavily on the new 150 design...if all the anticipated upgrades are thrown together with the same "old" PVH technology, that will be a grave error on Ford's part. Now, this is not a total indictment of the PVH system we have on our Rangers ...but let's face it, we have our reasons to be concerned, too.

And if they put newer and better PVH technology to work on the new F-150s, you have to think the same will be done with the new Rangers.

 

Anyone know if there going to offer the SOHC 4.0L in the Reg Cab "Edge" this year? They dumpped that option after 01. I want one!

Ford 4 Life