Has anyone had trouble with this truck(1988 Ford Ranger, 4cyl, 5sp.)?
Does the 4cyl. have enough power to pass?
Should i try to avoid this truck?
Are there any recalls on any of the parts of this truck that i should check out?

Thanks for the help!

 

These 4 bangers are GREAT. there is nothing wrong with them. yes they have enough power to pass (cars on the highway im assuming). I say go for it. especially with gas prices going up these engines get great mileage for a truck.

 

I found one in the paper with a rebuilt title and it only has 67,000 miles on it. I haven't check it out yet, but from the picture it looks solid. I just got my license a couple of months ago and I can't wait to get a truck. I figured i'd get some information from the people that know before I checked it out. Is there anyone that can tell me about there experinces with their ranger?

 

I agree, 2.0,2.3 are tough.I have a 88 2.0(then put a 2.3 in @159K) AND it has the 5spd.I beat the dodo out of this lil ranger,from tank trails on FT.DIX to the blizzards of the 90's (its 2wd just put about 250lbs or so in the bed and it goes,as long as you do not bottom out). As for passing it is NO cobra but it will do. I have made N.J./P.A. line to exit 76(appx 285 miles) @NEW STANTON P.A. IN 3HRS. 55MINS. AND NOT ONE SOLE PASSED ME. Just keep the mait. up and she will treat you good.NOTE: pay attention to it though, it will tell you what it needs.

 

this truck would be perfect for you since your young. the mileage is great in my truck, it has 250k on it and gets 23 mpg. you dont want a gas guzzling truck and these little 4 cyl rangers get great mpg's. i agree with everything that supjdo said except for beating the dodo out of it.LOL

 

What kind of milage do the 2.9's get? when i test drove the 89 i wanted it felt pretty snappy, i couldnt really tell a diff between that and my 4.0 in the ranger. Probably because the 4.0 is auto and the 2.9 is manual, different gear ratios on my 4.0 (3.27) and i think the 89 is higher (like 3.55 or 3.73). But i just hope the 89 doesnt get like 13.28 mpg (like last time i filled up).

 

it'll be a little lower but not much. remember that manual trannys get better mileage than autos and generally,in well maintained engines the more the liters and engine is the lower the mileage. but it really depends on driving conditions.

 

Peter94, Your 4.0 got 13mpg? How is that possible?

 

Has there been many problems with the 1993 - 1997 4.0 or 3.0?

 

I just brought a 86 Ranger V-6 2.9 4x4 with a 5 speed trans for $450.00 from a really good friend of mine this is a great little truck. I liked it so much I brought a 85 Ranger for my son's 16th Birthday present last month his is a 2 wheel drive with a V-6 5 speed trans 2.8

 

check out the miles on your ranger list and the posts about towing and crazy things done with a ranger. I love my 99 and have done more with that little truck than i ever thought possible. our next step is going to tow a small camper for vacation time Ive done as much with my ranger as i did with my old f 250 its that good!

 

Yeah, its possible, the 4.0's get crappy milage, it gets better in summer time. It also seems to be running rich, since its kinda sluggish, i'm suspecting the oxy sensors, since the truck has 114k on it, and i dont think they've been replaced. I want to test them to make sure though.

 

I would suggest avoiding a vehicle that has been totaled and has a salvage title. Nonetheless, if you do proceed, be aware that the value of a salvage vehicle is 33-50% less than one that does not have a salvage title. Ask the seller for photos of the rig before it was repaired. No photos = not good news; "what are you hiding" crosses my mind. Ask if there was any frame damage. Ask who did the repairs and if it was him take a look at what he drives and then consider. One thing that really bothers me about salvage vehicles is that it seems that the older I get the more ways I seem to see people devise to conceal damage. I'd beware of the mileage too, really, my speculation would be that considering the age it's at least 167,000. Look at the pedal covers, the seat and carpet for wear, etc to try to judge actual mileage. I'd also suggest bringing along one person that is very knowledgeable on cars/trucks and ask him to investigate the rig carefully.

On the other hand, it may not be so bad. Considering it's age and therefore value, it wouldn't take all that much to total it. It would also be more prime to be totalled if it was "generic" (ie, a stripper). Insurance companies generally total tvehicles at 80% of book value and in some cases as low as 60%. A bumper, hood, and a fender could easily total out an older ranger in the eyes of an insurance company, yet the fix would be fairly reasonable if done by a private party. Just something to think about.

 

Also some insurance companies may not insure a reconstruction title (same as salvage title right?) At least around mn they dont.

 

It is for sale in front of a body shop, but i think i might go to an auction and find something. Don't know what yet, but i'll get a good deal. My uncle is a fixies cars at a dealership, so he can help me. He bought a 1996 Pontiac Grand Am for my cousin. The only thing wrong with it was that there was a small dent in the front left fender. He got it for around $1,600. The int. was very clean, cleaner than my mom's 1998 Suburban.