I am back to the forums after a busy school year and this was after changing states and selling my 94 F150 300 5spd. Now looking for a more economical transport. I am looking at a Ranger for fuel economy and ability to haul camping gear (no towing) when I want. Years 98-04 are the ones I can afford depending on packages and options etc.

Here are my questions.

1. Any years to absolutely stay away from (ie transistion years for engines)?
2. Is 4x4 more a hastle than its worth? (i.e. low mpg, auto hubs etc.?) I wouldn't use it alot but it does have some worth on the backroads. But if it tanks mpg then I'll stay away.

3. How long do the engines last? I see some for sale with rebuilds that were in the low 100,000miles when they were rebuilt is there a problem? I always change oil at 3months/3,000miles and don't drive hard. I mostly assume an engine should go to 200,000 with no major engine issues are these Fords good to go?

4. How long does the automatic "generally" last (change fluid and filter every 30K)? I am use to the M50D and its weaknesses but am uninformed on the automatics of these years. Remember AZ is super hot and I would probably add a tranny cooler if not part of the trucks original package (I think 4x4 and tow pckges came with it). Do the autos rob power vs the manual?

5. Basically I want a reliable truck foremost and then mpg. I can do most all maintenence on my own and have the tools. Plus I have a good garage to back me up if I fail, but i haven't yet

So let me hear your opinions and mileage with your setup. Oh and I am in Phx so its alot of highway flat driving for 3/4+ of my driving. The rest is steep mountain grades when I would take it out hunting or camping. Thanks in adavance for any help you guys can give you have been great in the past!


P.S. I read the links in the tech stickie thanks for the new additions, I missed this place

 

Regardless of the year, Rangers are dependable. The 3.0 is rock steady Get one quick!~

 

Yeah been reading lots of posts and that seems to be the consensus most of my questions are answered by those. Still debating on 3.0 or 4.0 with the 5spd. Are the mpg that different? Probably will go with the 5spd; love manuals Thanks for the reply.

 

I had both a 3.0 and a 4.0 in 2 different 4x4 SuperCabs, both coupled with 5 speeds...and honestly I found no significant difference in fuel economy. I ran right around 15-17 mpg consistently in mixed driving conditions. Take into consideration that I'm in the mountains of Western PA (lots of up and down hill running everywhere) and I'm a little bit of a hard-charger when it comes to driving style.

I loved my Rangers. I'd have my 99 still if circumstances were different. Gave me excellent service and were really a joy to drive...didn't seem like trucks to me in some ways. Of course I was diligent about maintenance and never had anything I couldn't solve myself.

 

well the only thing ya godda worry about is with the 3.0's trany (ad4(somethin another like that) ) a.k.a slushomatic! i dont know why fird put them in these trucks but well there rubbish ( lucky me i got a motor trany(5speed ) and pc and swaped buttttt i had 300k miles on my ranger befor i did swap only thing that i swaped for was tranny and i blew cyl 1 ( but patched it with liquid glass got antoher 50k out of her go with the 3.0 if ya can i love mine ( but still am gonna drop a 351w in it :P when she dies again 47k miles on the new motor)

as for 4x4 get it because trust me it sucks gettin stuck so if ya lose a mpg her and there ya lose alot of gas trying to rock out of a mud hole ya didnt see

the rangers 91-99 i rate them a nice solid 7 if auto and 8 if stick

 

Thanks guys! These posts have been awesome. Yeah I am going to go with either motor and the 5 speed, just looking for a good deal now. Yes I will go with 4x4; AZ is a great state but you need clearance and 4x4 comes in handy for hunting and camping. Chillmiller thanks for the 4x4 encouragement have been in holes before and rockin to get out even with 4wd isn't fun. Buried a 98 lifted f150 with 31's to the frame and still got out. We though the 1/8 inch of water was on the top of ground (AZ has hard dirt the top layer is almost like clay) but the water tank had been really leaking for awhile.

 

Not sure if it is an option on those years, but I would find one with manual hubs if possible. Not spinning the axles should help with fuel economy. No matter what 4x4 is going to eat some more gas, but if you plan to go out on the weekends you are going to want it.

Allen

 

I like the 89-91's personally. The manual hubs are a plus. 4x4 or get a car...

 

The last year of the A4LD in the Ranger was 1994.

1995+ Ranger auto trannies are as follows:

4R44E - Electronic overdrive 1995-2000 (engines smaller than 4.0L)

4R55E - Electronic overdrive 1995-1996 (4.0L engine only)

5R55E - Electronic overdrive 1997-up (4.0L engine only)

5R44E - Electronic overdrive 2001-up (engines smaller than 4.0L)

5R55W - Electronic overdrive 2002-up Ranger and Explorer

 

4x4 or get a car... I like that

Another question, what mileage have you guys gotten out of your m50d r1 before needing a rebuild?