Hello All! Fairly new here, but not to rangers entirely. I drove around an '87 with the 2.9 for two years, then my father drove it for another two, and it just wouldnt die. He sold it for all of $50 I think, and someone put it back on the road. I miss that truck.... Anyways, I just picked up a new-to-me 2001 Mazda B2500 with the 2.5l and the 5 speed. Its the SX model, so its a barebones stripper. Im just wondering where I should start with any items to check, maintain, etc. Its still young at 142,000, and looks like you can take at least 100k off the clock. Its still shiny, not rusted out (big deal here in NY), and has good pep for the little four banger. I figure someone used it as a highway cruiser, so it racked up the miles quickly. Aside from the normal used car things, is there anything I should look for with this engine/transmission combo? I see the plugs will be a real joy to try and change out eventually. I plan on a change out to full synthetic oil, air filter, and probably coolant change. I will probably also go for a transmission oil change to full synthetic once it warms up some. I did see that someone took the jack out of it, and the spare tire is gone, so those need to be replaced proto. Is there a guide about what sorts of wheels will interchange with the Ranger? Someone close is selling a set of wheels off of a Jeep, and I will just grab them for a winter tire set if they dont have any fitment issues. Thanks in advance!

 

Welcome! I'm not sure about the jeep wheels, but it sounds like you have a good list going regarding a tuneup and changing fluids. You might also consider cleaning the MAF sensor as part of the plan.

 

The bolt pattern isn't everything on a spare wheel, don't forget about the hole in the center. When I was looking for a spare wheel for my '98, a wheel off a '96 Ranger would not fit since that hole was smaller on the earlier model.

 

I figured that the holes may be more of a problem for those with 4 wheel drive instead of just me with the 2 wheel. But Ill be sure to try and fit one on there before I buy anything. Thanks for the advice!