Buying a used Ranger

[HD_Slim]

I'm sure you all get tired of this question - but here goes.

Going to buy a a '96 - '99 Ranger 2WD - 4 banger in the next week. There are several trucks in good shape ranging from 99K mi to 140K mi. on the market

When I buy an older used vehicle I just go in and change the water pump - all cooling hoses - all external belts - and of course flush the coolant (unless the vehicle comes with service records detailing such things). And replace all lubricating fluids engine - tranny - diff

The question though is of course the timing-belt - what is the spec'd max mileage recommended for a belt change ?

Lastly - are there any known trouble areas to look at or have inspected before I drop my cash on a truck ??

I have no preferences on auto versus manual tranny - any issues there ?

Thanks a ton - looking forward to having a dependable truck for commuting - camping - fishing.

 

[RobbieD]

I "think" that the timing belt recommended replacement is 100,000 miles, but definitely get more opinions/input on that. But, if you're pulling the water pump anyway you might as well put on a new good-brand timing belt, too, while you're at it. Welcome to TRS.

 

[scotts90ranger]

for those years, they are rated for 120K, the old square tooth belts were 100k

ask them the gas mileage (if buying from private party), should be in the 25mpg range, if it's not, might want to look at others, it's one sign of the engine's health.

I think by '96 they got the better auto tranny, so either tranny should be good

take care of these things and they'll take a beating and ask for more... I've been beating on mine for 9 years now, it has 170K on it, it doesn't get the best mileage (4x4 and short commute) but it is reliable as heck! the only time it stranded me it was my fault, and I was walking distance from Napa, $10 two minute fix