Any issues with 1997 Rangers

RangerJ · Oct 19, 2017

I am looking to buy another Ranger,a 1997 one owner 4.0 auto trans 4x4 Asking to see if this was a bad year for Rangers.Any particular issues etc.Thanks

Hubs have been converted to manual.

griz700rocket · Oct 19, 2017

One of the best years IMO. Keep fluids changed and it will last a long time.

adsm08 · Oct 19, 2017

I agree that 97 was one of the best years. If I were to go looking for a new-to-me Ranger today 97 is THE year I would be looking for.

91stranger · Oct 19, 2017

Not sure about 97's but I had a 96 and a 99 now and I love them. My 96 was just a ext cab, 4 cyl, 5 speed and I got better gas mileage than most mid size cars besides the new ones that get crazy mpg. Never really had any issues with it other than rust. it was my moms truck and she drove it everyday for 15 years and probably never washed it, rain was the closet it got to a wash. By the time I got it the rust was too far gone and things started breaking. in my opinion you cant go wrong with a ranger. it all comes down to how well maintained it was before you get it.

RonD · Oct 19, 2017

1997 was last year of 2nd generation Rangers, 1993-1997
1998 was 3rd Gen

4.0l OHV was a very reliable engine, but NEVER overheat it or you will crack a head

1997 4.0l will use 4R55E automatic, a good trans but still needs service and rebuild when miles get high
Check fluid, if it looks fresh then seller could be hiding trans problem
Make sure it goes into Reverse quickly, slow Reverse engagement means pressure is getting low, first sign of trans issues coming

AgPete139 · Oct 19, 2017

I've had TWO 1997 4.0L ext cab Rangers. One auto 2WD, one manual 4WD.

450k miles between the both of them. I have never had any major issues with either of them.

Something else to note is the different front calipers for the 1996-97 Rangers, and the 8.8" axle (instead of the 7.5").

The reason why ASDM suggests THE year is because '97 was the last year Ford had the TTB suspension, which is easy to work on (although quirky). Ford had worked out all of the bugs, before they went to the IFS in 1998 and the SOHC motor in 2000 (different power band, chain tensioner issues...)

The only occasional issue I've had are dirty MAF sensors and dirty IACV's.

Give her typical maintenance, and she'll last damn near forever.

AgPete139 · Oct 19, 2017

The 4R44E and 5R55E are the automatics which have a reputation for not being the best. Sometimes, the solenoids go out, which are relatively easy issues to replace after dropping the trans pan. Sometimes the valvebody gaskets can be an issue.

I wouldn't worry about it.

adsm08 · Oct 19, 2017

RonD said:
1997 was last year of 2nd generation Rangers, 1993-1997
1998 was 3rd Gen

No.

Gen 1 was 83-88
Gen 2 was 89-92
Gen 3 was 93-97

Ranger Dave (B25) · Oct 24, 2017

adsm08 said:
No.

Gen 1 was 83-88
Gen 2 was 89-92
Gen 3 was 93-97

So what's 98-up?

Mark_88 · Oct 24, 2017

Ranger Dave (B25) said:
So what's 98-up?

Less than 20 years old... :dunno:

adsm08 · Oct 24, 2017

Ranger Dave (B25) said:
So what's 98-up?

IFS, so I won't own one.

AgPete139 · Oct 26, 2017

Ranger Dave (B25) said:
So what's 98-up?

4, which usually supersedes the number 3.

I think he got tricked by looking at the body styles, with 1983-92 being boxy and similar in shape.

Any issues with 1997 Rangers

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