Thoughts on a '93 Ranger
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Elder User
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From: Cypress, CA
Thoughts on a '93 Ranger
I have an opportunity to purchase a 1993 Ranger XLT Supercab from the original owner. Seems to have been maintained mechanically well however the interior is what I would call "grubby" and the paint has never been polished. The truck has the 4.0 engine with an automatic transmission and some other amenities such as air conditioning, tape player, electric windows and door locks that my current Ranger does not have. It seems to run well and it is a strange "Purple" color.
Any thoughts?? What should I be looking for in the way of known trouble spots? I am currently driving a 1990 Ranger bare bones 4-cyl stick so this is very different.
Thanks
Russ
Any thoughts?? What should I be looking for in the way of known trouble spots? I am currently driving a 1990 Ranger bare bones 4-cyl stick so this is very different.
Thanks
Russ
Posting Guru
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From: York, NE
4x4 or 2wd, I love my 93. 119k miles and running like it was new. Hvae modded it a bit, chip, intake and exhaust. Only things I have done is a brake job and cleaning of the transfer case shift motor. It's a 5-spd. I love it.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Eastern WA
That strange purple color you are referring to is/was called "plum".
The 4.0 is prone to engine knock and there are three very common fixes for it, each of which are easy to implement and very inexpensive. Drive it with a warm engine and go up a hill, listening for the knock. Use it for a reason to lower the price, realizing that the fix is generally simple.
Check the operaton of the parking brake while engaging it. It should not skip teeth. If it does, it's no reason to panic, but rather it's a reason to lower the price. There was a TSB on this issue, and the fix is very simple.
Neither of these issues are solid reasons to avoid the truck. Tens of thousands of people have had these issues surface and neither is an issue that will leave you stranded. The parking brake thing, well, if you press the parking brake pedal and it goes to the floor, what might a reasonable person think could happen? Therefore, prior to the repair release the pedal and re engage it to ensure positive parking brake engagement.
The 4.0 is prone to engine knock and there are three very common fixes for it, each of which are easy to implement and very inexpensive. Drive it with a warm engine and go up a hill, listening for the knock. Use it for a reason to lower the price, realizing that the fix is generally simple.
Check the operaton of the parking brake while engaging it. It should not skip teeth. If it does, it's no reason to panic, but rather it's a reason to lower the price. There was a TSB on this issue, and the fix is very simple.
Neither of these issues are solid reasons to avoid the truck. Tens of thousands of people have had these issues surface and neither is an issue that will leave you stranded. The parking brake thing, well, if you press the parking brake pedal and it goes to the floor, what might a reasonable person think could happen? Therefore, prior to the repair release the pedal and re engage it to ensure positive parking brake engagement.
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Elder User
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From: Cypress, CA
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Junior User
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From: Tampa Bay
I had a '93 RC STX 4.0 Auto. Loved it sold it @ 120K. It ran great. Everything still worked when I sold it...even the cruise control. It started to knock a little @90K so I used 89 octane...it went away. If its solid it is worth painting. Best of luck whatever your decision.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Eastern WA
Originally Posted by tbiker99
about that Knock,,, What are the fixes?. Mine knocks a little on up hills, I wouldn't mind getting rid of that...
thanks
tom
thanks
tom
1) dirty MAF sensor
2) carbon build up (TSB issued by Ford)
3) lower intake needs retorquing
If you look in the stickly titled technical info, you will find how to decarbon the 4.0L V6. You will also note that the TSB advises against increasing octane as this promotes carbon build up.
Junior User
Joined: May 2004
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From: Topeka, KS
I have a '93 3.0L V6, 104k miles, and I love it. Bought it from my grandparents, who didn't take the best care of it, but the truck is still in excellent condition, mechanically and cosmetically. One hell of a truck, and if you get yours, I hope you enjoy it!
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Elder User
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From: Cypress, CA
Well, I am taking ownership of the '93 today. Previous original owner took and had it detailed!
Thanks for the tips Bill, no engine knock and the parking brake works just fine. I would like some more information regarding the retorquing of the lower intake manifold bolts hopefully to avoid a challenge.
Thanks for your support and encouragement. It is hard to give up my '90 Ranger as we have been buddies for a very long time.
Russ
Thanks for the tips Bill, no engine knock and the parking brake works just fine. I would like some more information regarding the retorquing of the lower intake manifold bolts hopefully to avoid a challenge.
Thanks for your support and encouragement. It is hard to give up my '90 Ranger as we have been buddies for a very long time.
Russ
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Elder User
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From: Cypress, CA
Felix: The new(er) truck does not seem to need attention. It runs very smooth, oil and filters are clean, engine is reasonably clean and the interior is immaculate. As I mentioned, the previous owner had the truck detailed and it has been sitting outside so it needs a good wash job. Will take care of that tonite.
Russ
Russ
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From: MARYLAND
in my opinion the Rangers are a good small truck no matter what year as long as they've been taken care of. I've owned 85 and 91 and now have a 86, 93 and 96 Ranger...all over 100K and still driving as good as the day I bought them. I do the regular maintance on them and keep them clean and can't complain.