going to look at a 2002 ford ranger supercab 4x4

[4x4TILL_I_DIE]

I'm going to look at a 2002 ford ranger supercab 4x4 on Wednesday. I belive it is the fx4 can't tell from the pictures. It is a 4.0 5spd with brand new tires and 108000 miles they are listing it for 6995. It's at a dealer so I imagine that i can negotiate with them a little but probably not much. What are some things to look for on these trucks to be wrong or cause problems as my current ranger is a 96 I'm sure there's some differences. Thanks

 

[Mac]

Not sure if you checked out this link but a lot of issues are covered here.
Dave
http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/showthread.php?t=19690

 

[4x4TILL_I_DIE]

I did not thanks.

How are the clutches in these I know on my 96 they were around a 100000 mile clutches. Would the newer ranger clutches last longer if not this one will probably be needing one.

 

[AgPete139]

Most clutches wear out around this time. It's worth asking if they have service records on the truck, or search for a report on the VIN.

If it's on it's way out, you'll be able to tell that it's starting to slip. But, other than that, you really can't tell.

Good luck. Post pics if you end up getting it!

 

[Bronco638]

Ask them to run a CarFax report on the VIN. It may not be comprehensive but it will give you a general idea of the number of owners, any recalls and some service history. Ask them to put it on a lift so you can look under it. Take it for a ride. Have the salesperson drive it back (so you can look/listen for problems instead of concentrating on driving). Ask about a warranty. Check KBB, NADA and Edmunds for values of Rangers in similar condition. Do not be afraid to walk away if something seems amiss. Your "gut feelings" are more accurate than you know....

 

[gw33gp]

I replaced my clutch at 100,000 miles because the throw out bearing was making a strange sound when first letting out on the clutch. It ended up being to much clearance (worn) between the ID of the TO bearing housing and the shaft it slides on. The clutch itself was still in good condition and had at least another 100,000 miles left on it. I did a complete clutch job anyway (including the slave) since I already had it apart and bought all the stuff before taking it apart.

Some people can't get the ball joints to last very long but mine are still the originals at over 175,000 miles. The upper ball joints are beginning to show signs of wear and will be replaced soon. The A/C condenser was replaced due to a crack and was slowly leaking Freon. Shortly after that the radiator sprung a leak and I think it was damaged when they replaced the A/C condenser.

The timing chain tensioner problems in 02 was not as bad as in 01 but did still happen. Listen for any unusual rattle in the engine at start up and at around 2,500 rpm. Mine is still good.

 

[4x4TILL_I_DIE]

Oh you can bet I'm going to crawl all over that baby I'm even bringing a flashlight lol.

 

[straycat]

Ask for all service records as well. If it has not been maintained I would not buy it. Also ask about how owners it has had and ask for a Carfax. Best to be sure than sorry as soon as you drive it off the lot and have issues the next week. Ask about some kind of warranty as well. Cain't hurt to ask.

 

[4x4TILL_I_DIE]

Well the truck was a no go total POS guy was telling me about how hard it is to find and all that but I wasn't buying it. Said the clutch was great got in it and drove it and I could have pushed it too the floor with my finger and it was just starting to slip barely though but it was. It had been in a wreck and they just pounded the dents out with a hammer. The rear drivers door had been replaced and the paint didn't match. The drivers door was filled with water on the inside like GALLONS and the transmission made a clicking noise when shifting into second and sometimes third. The armrest was snapped off. Must have been a teenager who smoked who ownedit cause the truck was covered in air fresheners. And last but not least 3 of the 4 center caps was gone.

 

[AgPete139]

So you bought it? :rofl:

Anyways, yea, that wasn't hard to wlak away from. Dude, keep looking. There are some great Rangers out there. Just keep an eye out.

If I were buying another Ranger (already had two), I'd look between 1996-2007.

96-97 had the revised 4.0L and updated interior, 97 had the 2 piston calipers, and they had the TTB suspension.

98-00 still had the 4.0L OHV with the new IFS suspension (less camber issues/alignment issues). This is nicer for a mainly 4x4 street driven vehicle, I think, with a very mild lift and tires. New face.

01-07 would be reasonable for a used vehicle and the SOHC has the above-mentioned issues.


What other vehicles have you looked at? Post them here...

 

[4x4TILL_I_DIE]

The only other vehicle besides a ranger I would want is a jeep wrangler Rubicon or a regular cab dodge diesel stick. I just really want the ford ranger fx4 with the manual shift transfer case.

 

[AgPete139]

Swapped in a manual BW1354 next to my M5OD-R1 tranny. Looks stock.

 

[4x4TILL_I_DIE]

How hard is that

 

[AgPete139]

Can you prepare a bowl of cereal?

 

[4x4TILL_I_DIE]

I can in fact