Problems/Issues with Rangers? (Buying Used)
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Senior User
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: W. Philly Burbs
Problems/Issues with Rangers? (Buying Used)
Hi, i usually post in the 6.0 forum but i am in the market for a late model ranger with either a 3.0 or 4.0 engine. Nothing fancy, just a run about truck to help alleviate some fuel bills (I have an 04 E-350 DRW with a utility box 6.0 and a 04 F-350 DRW CC 4X4). Basically something to drive around town in.
My salesman is working on finding a truck for me, he said when his dealership gets in rangers they dont stay around long, and today they didnt have a single one on the lot when i stopped by.
My question is are there any problems or issues i should look into before i by the vehicle?
Any answers would be greatly appreciated
Thank you
My salesman is working on finding a truck for me, he said when his dealership gets in rangers they dont stay around long, and today they didnt have a single one on the lot when i stopped by.
My question is are there any problems or issues i should look into before i by the vehicle?
Any answers would be greatly appreciated
Thank you
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,748
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From: Connecticut
Are you looking for a 4x4?
If so, a lot of people would tell you to stay away from the '98-'00 years which have the "pulse vacuum hublocks" 4x4 engagement system. The PVH system is more prone to problems than the engagement systems used in other years.
If so, a lot of people would tell you to stay away from the '98-'00 years which have the "pulse vacuum hublocks" 4x4 engagement system. The PVH system is more prone to problems than the engagement systems used in other years.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 6,940
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From: Eastern WA
Ditto on the 4.0L. But if gas mileage is the main reason for buying and all you really need is space for hauling things, I'd look into a little four banger. The 4.0 is rather had on gas compared to the four banger. Have a lookie in the mileage thread in here.
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From: W. Philly Burbs
Thanks for the replies, im just looking for any adivce/issues that i should look into. I dont know if any of you guys check out the 6.0 section, but if ya did ud swear every engine was prone to blowing up or leaving u stranded haha, but so far (knock on wood) both of my trucks are fine cept for the recalls (40,000miles combined in a year......the recalls tick me off but at least ford is taking care of it).
Thanks for any and all info
Thanks for any and all info
Senior User
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 343
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From: Sewanee, Tennessee
My little 96 Ranger was one of the best trucks I ever owned. I bought it brand new. NEVER left me stranded, always started on the first turn of the key, was a plain and simple work truck with rubber floor mats, a radio, and A/C. A 2.3 L 4 and a 5 speed manual pulled it around. I put 157,000 miles on it. I'd still have it if the garage it was in hadn't caught fire. It burned to the axles along with the garage. :-(
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From: W. Philly Burbs
Wowie, and i felt bad for getting ride of my first car for 100 bucks (actually i feel stupid, it was a 91 mazda 626 with 190000 on it, stopped running and i got tirred of working on it so i went to a local dealer and picked up a sweet 2002 nissan maxima with 15 grand on it, but i shoulda kept the mazda also. I hada replace the oil pump and saw that the cylinders were BEAUTIFUL, textbook cross hatch pattern, and little to no sludge in the pan. In driving 1000 miles non-stop at high speed it would burn little to no oil). But to have a good vehicle just burn to the ground i feel for ya, im sure it hurt.
Again, thanks for the replies
Again, thanks for the replies
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Senior User
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 343
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From: Sewanee, Tennessee
There's always a silver lining...
The bad news was I lost my Ranger in the fire. The good news was I also had another vehicle, an Explorer, that towed the boat I still have. More good news was that the Ranger was fully paid for. I still owed money on the boat. There was enough money from the insurance settlement to pay off the boat note. I used my utility trailer as a poor man's "pickup truck" until I got my Super Duty. The Explorer finally gave up the ghost.
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Joined: Sep 2005
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From: crete, illinois
good little truck
i used to be a die hard gm guy but now i'm a ford man and never looking back and thats due to my 2000 ranger 4x4. its got the 3.0, not very powerful and not great on gas like you might think but its got 82000mi on it and it has lost no power and i haven't herd anything bad about the motor. this may make you guys sick but i have never changed the trans fliud, t-case fluid, or rear-diff. fluid and i've got no thunks, missed shifts or anything. its been a great truck and i've got two of them and will by a third. don't worry, i'll be getting those fluids changed soon! i'd like to get 200,000mi out of it and i think i will.
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