what is the best ranger for me?

[R-D-A]

its going to be a daily driver so i need good gas milage id prefer a 4x4 and a 5 speed. i'm planning on adding a lift kit and turbo too. what year and engine would be best?

 

[ranger_mclaren]

I'm sure you want a newer ranger, so I'd say 3.0 4x4 but if you want to turbo it milage really can't be that imortant so why not get a 4.0. Where are ya live at?

 

[strvger]

either the 2.3 or 2.5 4 cylinder models. keep your tire size to no more than 32 inches and as skinny as you can. get either 3.73 or 4.10 depending on tire size. a light touch on the gas pedal. use the cruise control and keep speeds around 60-65 on the freeway. regular oil/filter changes along with air cleaner. and, as above, forget the turbo. do a body lift so there won't be any alignment issues. that lift will also preserve the original ride and handling for you. and the money you save over a suspension lift will buy you lots of gas for sure.
that should be a good start to a good gas mileage 4x4 dd. oh, Welcome to TRS!

 

[4.0B2]

4.0/md05/8.8/d35/4.10's/ext cab budget boost lift and small fender trim to put some good 31's or 32's a/t's.. and just drive.

 

[superds]

There's some good advice here already. A '93+ Ranger would give you the more aerodynamic body and should yield better fuel economy. Look for a standard cab if you don't need the room of an extended cab (can't fit many adults back there anyway) and this should also net better fuel economy (lighter weight). There's a few years available with 4x4 and 2.3L four cylinders, '93 and '94 for sure, possibly '95-'97 (but not sure).

If you must have a turbo, the 4 cylinder would be a better bet since you could swap the turbo bits onto it from a turbo Mustang or Thunderbird from the '80s with less work than the other engines available.