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TRUNK_MONKEY · Aug 21, 2007

i am a jeep nut at heart.but give ford it's due--some parts of the rangers are very stout.i like the jeeps for the awesome and huge aftermarket support.
so what do you guys all see as the ranger's strengths?
i see engine selection--is broad
rear axle is near bombproof.explorer even better
ranger trucks have a lot of simple and easy to find and common parts
thru the last 20 years+ of rangers.
xfer case seems very stout,but jeep has a edge(slight) with stock low range,and slip yoke eliminators(SYE) and gears.
how are the transmissions?
do the autos have converter lock up in cruise/4low?
thanks guys!
scott

rangernotlifted · Aug 21, 2007

umm depends on the trannys, like my 89 had an a4ld " shittiest tranny ever" thats why i took the motor out, my 88 has an FM145 and its awesome so far i like no having an overdrive

martin · Aug 21, 2007

The fords have an open channel frame which is much easier to work with when you have to change or modify anything on the underside. Especially on a truck that has spent the last twenty years in the rust belt.

ZSK · Aug 21, 2007

Why would you need a SYE when Ranger cases come that way from the factory?

TRUNK_MONKEY · Aug 21, 2007

ZSK said:
Why would you need a SYE when Ranger cases come that way from the factory?

i did not know they have fixed yokes.for 1350 u joints?
anyone make any internal goodies for the t cases?

kunar · Aug 21, 2007

parts interchangability between rangers/b2's/explorers

Sevensecondsuv · Aug 21, 2007

The BW 1354 in my sploder has fixed yokes front and rear with CV style drive shafts. I consider that a plus.

The 31 spline 8.8's are seriously beefy axles even with big tires and V8's.

The D35 TTB front end is much tougher than the SLA IFS that comes in the chevy's, dodge's, toyota's, nissan's etc... Just make sure you put some manual hubs on it. Some consider it equal with a solid front axle. Those that don't like it generally don't understand it or know how to make it work.

The 2.3 is a phenominal little engine. I'll take it over anyone else's 4 banger. The 4.0's are also an excellent engine. Then again so is the jeep straight 6.

The auto trans in rangers are usually junk, although I do know a guy whose A4LD outlasted the 4.0 it was attached to at 215,000 miles. The manuals seem better, especially the M5OD. The one in my explorer has 150,000 on it and is as good as new. Never evan had to do a clutch. The one in my ranger has 240,000 and while it's a little tough to shift between 1st and R it's still perfectly drivable.

That's what I can think of for now.

Jim Oaks · Aug 21, 2007

The 95 and newer V6 models have 4R55E 4-speed autos and the 97+ has a 5R55E 5-speed auto. They're better than the A4LD auto found pre-95. The C5 auto from a 83-84 Ranger/BroncoII will fit a 4.0. The C4 automatic transmission torque converter will work on a 4.0 factory auto flexplate engine. I know Redriverranger is using a 4.0/C4 combo. Not sure if he used a C5 bellhousing on a C4 or a C4 valve body in a C5.

Axles in a Ranger are really good and reliable up to 35" tires.

TRUNK_MONKEY · Aug 22, 2007

thanks guys---add more!! :icon_cheers:

Blackdog · Aug 22, 2007

I like TJ's. I looked at a bunch. Bottom line was the Jeep was just too small. I like to take my Labs with me, no way with a TJ. Even the Unlimeted was way too small. Needless to say I have a Ranger now.

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