96 3.0 Mazda
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More Turbo
Joined: Mar 2007
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96 3.0 Mazda
Hello everyone,
This is my first post here in this section. I am normally down in the powerstroke section, but I have my eyes on a 96 Mazda with a 3.0 V6. Can anyone give me some advise on things to look for, like maybe trouble some areas that everyone knows about. I have read a lot here already, but I thought some of ya might have some last suggestions before I go to take a loot at it. Thanks
This is my first post here in this section. I am normally down in the powerstroke section, but I have my eyes on a 96 Mazda with a 3.0 V6. Can anyone give me some advise on things to look for, like maybe trouble some areas that everyone knows about. I have read a lot here already, but I thought some of ya might have some last suggestions before I go to take a loot at it. Thanks
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Joined: Oct 2007
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From: Ishpeming Mi.
Check the rear leafspring shackle brackets [the rear brackets]. Sand and other debris accumulate on top of them and rust 'em out. A very common problem, especially where they salt and sand the roads in the winter. The only other 'common' problem that crops up is not using double platinum plugs.
The Ford engineers got it right on the Ranger.
The Ford engineers got it right on the Ranger.
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More Turbo
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Good point I have seen that even on the full size trucks. I will definitly take a look, Thanks
I figured the long time owners would be a wealth of information, but no one is talking.
I guess the Ranger must be bullet proof and nobody knows of any problem areas 
except for the shackle mount bracket. Guess I will have to trust myself on this one. 
I figured the long time owners would be a wealth of information, but no one is talking.
I guess the Ranger must be bullet proof and nobody knows of any problem areas except for the shackle mount bracket. Guess I will have to trust myself on this one.
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2007
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From: Ishpeming Mi.
The Ranger IS that good. Other problems such as exhaust manifold bolts loostening are not something one normally checks on a lot.
You made no mention if it is a 4x4 or not. The vacuum hubs also cause problems.
Myself I'd sooner have a Mini Cooper ragtop then a full size truck.
I still miss my '66 MG Midget.
You made no mention if it is a 4x4 or not. The vacuum hubs also cause problems.
Myself I'd sooner have a Mini Cooper ragtop then a full size truck.
I still miss my '66 MG Midget.
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Joined: Feb 2006
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From: SE Michigan
Casey, If you're looking at a truck that is in Germany you may not have such a bad problem with rust like we do here in the States, but look it over good anyway. You never know where it came from. Some have also had problems with the front coil spring mount at the frame attachment point, rusting out and breaking off. Another problem that the early 90's Rangers had was broken leaf springs, but I don't know if any of that carried over to the Mazda line or not. Most I have seen break or crack around the axle mount pad area. A lot of times they break even if they haven't carried a very heavy load. Hopefully yours won't have some of these issues.
