1998 Ranger XLT Purchase Advice Please

[oldgeek]

Zero. 22 mpg with the 3.45:1 and 22 mpg with the 4.10:1. Mileage would probably improved if I had installed an axle with a 3.73:1 but around here, with the terrain, it needed 4.10:1 for acceptable performance.

Drawing from memory, I think Ford said it was supposed to get 27 mpg. I doubt it would have even seen that with 3.73:1. It might have gotten a 3 mpg boost but not 5.

Is that an axel swap or can it be a gear swap? I have the the 3:45:1. Some hills around here too, but get a good headwind....

 

[sgtsandman]

Is that an axel swap or can it be a gear swap? I have the the 3:45:1. Some hills around here too, but get a good headwind....

I did an axle swap. 7.5” with 9” brakes for a 7.5” with 9” brakes. Direct swap, no fuss no muss other than some new u-bolts. Just match up the year range so you don’t run into sensor issues.

 

[oldgeek]

I did an axle swap. 7.5” with 9” brakes for a 7.5” with 9” brakes. Direct swap, no fuss no muss other than some new u-bolts. Just match up the year range so you don’t run into sensor issues.

If I ever swap out, I'll wait till I need tires. I just put four new ones on. But then, putting bigger tires on would kind of negate the swapping gears, wouldn't it?

 

[sgtsandman]

If I ever swap out, I'll wait till I need tires. I just put four new ones on. But then, putting bigger tires on would kind of negate the swapping gears, wouldn't it?

It will depending on what size tire. The tire size vs gear ratio guide in the tech section will help you out with that some.

I wouldn’t go out of the best compromise region. If I remember correctly, with 225/70R14 tires and 4.10:1, that put the ‘98 at the bottom of the best towing and hauling zone. So, if I’m right, that will give you some room to play with tire sizes.

 

[kngelv]

Just a quick update. I picked it up a few days ago and plated it yesterday. Now begins the process of transferring some interior door panels, one door and the hood. May take out the trans and some other mechanical parts that are in good shape. I don't really have a place to store it as a parts truck.

James

 

[kngelv]

So..... When I drove it I never actually looked under the hood because it was pitch dark. I looked underneath with the flashlight from my phone and saw the clean frame and nothing dripping under the motor but did not look that close. It turns out that it is not a 3.0 V-6 but is actually the 2.5 4 cylinder. WTF? The guy gave me some bad info and I never bothered to look before I bought it. I guess the 97 really is a parts truck now since it has the same motor and trans.

James