buying a new truck please help me choose

[motocross]

well it looks like in the next month or two i will be buying a new ranger around a 2007+
the things i want in the truck is 5 speed is a must and i would like it to be a 4cyl. i think if i get the 4cyl i can only get 4x2 correct me if i am wrong?
also i was looking at aftermarket already! i cant do anything extreme to this truck just rims tires and tint basically. so if i get a 4x2 can i fit 22" wheels without rubbing, what offset and backspacing will i need
should i go 22s or 20s by 8.5 all around or should i get 22x10 in the back.
what can i expect for MPG out of the 2.3L and is there any common problems iwth the engine?
thanks

 

[kaskirov]

all i can say is that the 4cyl only comes in 2wd regular cab.

 

[Maverick]

all i can say is that the 4cyl only comes in 2wd regular cab.

No, it comes in a 2wd extended cab too. As far as fuel mileage goes, my 05 got a best of 27.5 MPG and a worst of 16.4 (rodding the hell out of it around town). I averaged 18-22 around town/short trips and 24-26 on the freeway. None of the roads around here are flat though. I bet it could have pulled close to 30 on a good flat interstate. My truck was a standard cab 5 speed 2.3 with 3.73's.

 

[kaskirov]

No, it comes in a 2wd extended cab too.

oh, well not in canada (www.ford.ca).

 

[Gizmo]

I just bought a 2008 Ranger XL Supercab with the 2.3l and 5 speed automatic with overdrive. My best in town mileage has been 23mpg so far, and 25.6 on the highway loaded and 28.2 mpg coming back from the trip empty. The auto allows 700 lbs more towing capacity than with the manual tranny. I am pleased with the acceleration and overall performance of the drivetrain. I bought it for the mileage and reliablity. Congratulations, I hope you find just the combination you want. I initially specified a 5 speed manual but to get the truck that I wanted in the color and with tilt/cruise, and a/c I had to take the auto, now I am glad that I did. Gizmo