X6StringerX - New Ranger... Maybe

[X6StringerX]

I'm no stranger to RBVs. I've had four 2nd gen Explorers and currently still have the 4th, which is a 2001 5.0 AWD (regeared with 4.10LS, 31s, etc. pic below).

With that being said, I have plans to go look at a new 2011 Ranger XLT Supercab 4x4 this weekend. I've been shopping around between F150s and Rangers for the last couple of months. I came really close to buying a 2011 F150 Crew Cab with the 5.0, but the price just wasn't where I wanted it to be and I really don't have a need for that much truck. The whole time I was shopping, I kept wondering why I couldn't find a Ranger with 4.10LS gears. They all had 3.55s with an occasional 3.73 here and there. As luck would have it though, I finally found one and there are $5000 worth of rebates available right now. There are only two things that are kind of bugging me and both involve the seats. I love leather/vinyl interior because it's so easy to clean. However, Rangers are no longer available with leather, so I'll need to look into having the seats reupholstered, which can be pretty expensive. Secondly, only the Sports come with the optional buckets and center console. All of the XLTs have the 60/40 split bench, which I absolutely hate. To make matters worse, the 2011 Rangers have airbags in the seats, so it won't be easy to find a replacement driver's seat.

I have much thinking to do over the course of tonight and tomorrow. Thoughtful persuading is welcome. Meanwhile, if anyone on the east coast wants to swap their 2011 Ranger Sport's bucket seats and console for a bench seat, let me know, lol.

Pay no attention to the rear squat. I installed an add-a-leaf when I did the gears.

 

[4.0B2]

welcome. nice ex!

 

[X6StringerX]

Thanks! The Ex has been great just as the previous three were. My first one was a '97 4.0 ohv. The last three were 5.0/AWD. I bought this one a little over two years ago when it had 127,000 miles. It has about 153,000 now and it's still going strong. That's another reason why I question myself as to whether or not I need a new vehicle, but those current rebates are really tempting and I won't have another chance to buy a new Ranger unless Ford brings it back to the US in some other form... which will most likely cater more to those who just want to haul groceries.