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Old May 22, 2004 | 06:17 AM
  #1  
xlt4me's Avatar
xlt4me
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From: Northwest Indiana
Red face New Ranger

Picked it up last night with 4 miles on the odo. It was six weeks from order to delivery.

Specs:

2004 Ranger Reg Cab XLT 2.3l Auto, chrome trim, tilt/cruise, power group, aluminum wheels, dark shadow grey... looks sharp.

First impressions:

Interior is fine, exterior paint is good but panel fit is less than perfect... not terrible, ok for a truck. I am a little concerned about the engine. I know there is a learning curve for the computer engine / trans control and I hope things smooth out a bit. The engine is noticeably rough ( buzzy vibration ) at low RPM. I was expecting this new hi-tech 4cyl to be a very very smooth engine. My 2000 Honda CRV is like a sewing machine by comparison.

I'll post in the 4 banger group for their comments also.
 
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Old May 24, 2004 | 08:53 PM
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gdelco
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Congrats on the new Ranger! Mine is exactly like yours except I have the 3.0 6 banger. Same color too. I can tell you that my engine has taken all of 3,000 miles to break in, and it still may take another 1000. But it's definately smoother, a little more pep at throttle and much quieter. It's also more responsive as the miles accumulate. On the highway, it settles in at 60 and peaks at 80. Over 80 doesn't seem like a good idea as it feels like it could badly fish tale on you on a bad bump IMHO. And I'm not carrying any weight at the moment.

Same goes for the stiff suspension. It's loosened up substantially since new, the ride is improving and you actually grow to appreciate the stiffness as it breaks in. Great truck - it really grows on you!

Needless to say, the gas mileage is a definate plus! Good luck with yours!
 

Last edited by gdelco; May 24, 2004 at 09:15 PM.
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Old May 25, 2004 | 07:51 AM
  #3  
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xlt4me
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From: Northwest Indiana
Congrats on the new Ranger! Mine is exactly like yours except I have the 3.0 6 banger. Same color too.

Nice looking P/U you have there gdelco!

Same goes for the stiff suspension. It's loosened up substantially since new, the ride is improving and you actually grow to appreciate the stiffness as it breaks in. Great truck - it really grows on you!

What tire pressure are you running? Mine was delivered with 38psi all around! The factory spec is 30psi. I'm running at 33 front 32 rear. Seems pretty good there.


Needless to say, the gas mileage is a definate plus! Good luck with yours!

Thanks
 
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Old May 25, 2004 | 01:36 PM
  #4  
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gdelco
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Originally Posted by xlt4me
What tire pressure are you running? Mine was delivered with 38psi all around! The factory spec is 30psi. I'm running at 33 front 32 rear. Seems pretty good there. Thanks
xlt4me,
30psi front and rear, cold - per the sticker inside the drivers side door. The ride is fine. Although, I could go to 28 psi in the rear because I don't have any weight back there.
 
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Old May 30, 2004 | 07:36 AM
  #5  
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Bimmer ese
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From: Moore, OK
Congrats on your new truck. Hopefully, will be picking up my new Ranger (same color) tomorrow. This will be my second Ranger. My last one was a '91 2.3 litre I had many years ago. Reading the Ranger brochure, I waquite surprised to see how much hp the 2.3 litre has gained.

As far as panels, I did notice the panel under the steering column was less than a perfect fit.

Daniel
 
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Old May 30, 2004 | 03:09 PM
  #6  
xlt4me's Avatar
xlt4me
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From: Northwest Indiana
Thanks Bimmer ese, and best of luck with your new Ranger. I like the color...

What engine and options did you get? At 250 miles my 2.3L is settling down a bit. It will probably never be as smooth as a Honda but it is much better now.
 
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Old May 30, 2004 | 09:05 PM
  #7  
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Bimmer ese
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From: Moore, OK
I will be purchasing one similar to the one pictured below, minus the smoker's package and running boards.
http://images.getauto.com/vehicles/1...4PA87602-2.jpg

It has the 3.0 litre engine with the 5 speed automatic tranny. First thing on the list will be to get rid of the EDGE decal. The orange does not go well with the gray color. Then, off to the tint shop on Tuesday. I am sooo excited. Been detailing my old F-150, since I will be selling it back to my father. Also, have you been checking out what kinds of accessories that are available for the Ranger? I may also install the factory alarm/remote start accessory this coming weekend.

Happy motoring,
Daniel
 
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