I’m retired. Wife & I got along as a one car family since retirement in 2019. We decided a utility truck would fit the bill as a second vehicle.
I found my Ranger on Craigslist. 185,000 mi.
Am in the process of updating original parts: brakes, front end, serpentine belt…
Any specific things I should replace on a 23 y.o. truck?

 

Welcome … tell us what you have … year, engine, auto or standard, 2wd or 4x4

 

2002, 2.3L, 5 SPD, 2wd.
Sorry, I should have mentioned that.

 

definitely the upper control arms and tie rod ends. I bought the Moog brand with grease fittings.

 

i would give or have a good going over done, replace only what's bad and drive it, fix as needed,

 

That’ll help … I’ve got an 03’with the same setup I put new plugs wires snd coil on mine and got almost 4 mpg better … pretty cheap investment to get better mileage

 

Here's what I have had done so far:
Brake Service - Rear Drum
Bearing Pack
Brake Fluid Flush
Rear differential Service
Replace Serpentine Belt

 

If you have the electric thermostat, if/when it fails, you can replace with a non-electric, and trick the ECM using a resistor. A LOT less $$ to get the engine heating up as it should, otherwise fuel usage wil be higher, and oil will get more moisture that stays.
Check coolant condition along with hoses. The DOHC 2.3 is a pretty good engine, but you likely will have leaks from the cam cover. I am not sure if a new O-ring gasket willl come with the rubber "donuts" for the fasteners, but I think a non-OEM solution is out there. (search)
My truck is 40. I am almost twice that. Hoping to get another 40, but I doubt it.
I would also change the differential lube and transmission lube.
tom