I don't own a ranger yet . . .

[NoRangerDude]

You can buy an older Ranger, get a new engine, get it painted, buy new upholstery, new wheels and tires. And when all is said and done, your Ranger will be reasonably new again. All of this will cost less than half the price of a new one.

I know. I've done it. I'm not the only one either.

I like the older Ranger. It fits in my garage, parks in tight places, and holds a lot of stuff.

I like the old ones better too, or at least they are better for what I want (and my budget). Ideally I'd like a manual 4x4 4.0 or 3.0. Just something that I can off road and do some mild modifications too.

 

[Ranger850]

Are we just going to ignore the fact that @NoRangerDude has a lifted 2 door Focus on mud boggers?

 

[NoRangerDude]

Are we just going to ignore the fact that @NoRangerDude has a lifted 2 door Focus on mud boggers?

I wish!!!
Sadly that's a picture I got from the internet, BUT if I had the skill/space/money I would definitely try something stupidity wild like that!

 

[dirtymike]

TonKa trucks

 

[dvdswan]

I wish!!!
Sadly that's a picture I got from the internet, BUT if I had the skill/space/money I would definitely try something stupidity wild like that!
View attachment 76860

Frog on steroids...

Welcome to the site.

 

[qorray]

I wish!!!
Sadly that's a picture I got from the internet, BUT if I had the skill/space/money I would definitely try something stupidity wild like that!
View attachment 76860

Id drive that also, I bet those tires don't create any torque steer at all. CV axles screaming for mercy!!!!!

 

[Ranger850]

I wish!!!
Sadly that's a picture I got from the internet, BUT if I had the skill/space/money I would definitely try something stupidity wild like that!
View attachment 76860

 

[Lefty]

The extended cab has become a norm in recent decades. MORE space carries MORE people and holds MORE stuff.

But MORE comes with a real downside: about 500 MORE pounds which slows you down and needs more gas. MORE space is harder to garage and park.

Sometimes LESS is more: More mileage, More pickup and performance, More places to park; and if you travel on very rough terrain, you will have More ground clearance too.

Trucks are like shoes. Pick the size that fits your needs.

 

[NoRangerDude]

The extended cab has become a norm in recent decades. MORE space carries MORE people and holds MORE stuff.

But MORE comes with a real downside: about 500 MORE pounds which slows you down and needs more gas. MORE space is harder to garage and park.

Sometimes LESS is more: More mileage, More pickup and performance, More places to park; and if you travel on very rough terrain, you will have More ground clearance too.

Trucks are like shoes. Pick the size that fits your needs.

Wow, I didn't know that the extended cab added that much more weight.
I'd actually prefer the regular cab over the extended cab because I don't see myself needing the extra space.

 

[Ranger850]

Wow, I didn't know that the extended cab added that much more weight.
I'd actually prefer the regular cab over the extended cab because I don't see myself needing the extra space.

From a guy with 2 single cab trucks, (a 2001 Ford Ranger Edge, and a 87 Nissan D21) you're gonna want that extra space. If you go Single cab, get a tool box or something for storage.

 

[NoRangerDude]

What are y'all's thoughts about reliable engines? I know that the 4 cylinder Lima engines are good, but ideally I'd like more power. I've heard good things about the 3.0 and the early 4.0 OHV engines. Are the 4.0 SOHC engines less reliable?

 

[Uncle Gump]

No...

It's actually the highest power rated engine Ford has ever put in a Ranger.

They got a bad rap early with some less then stellar timing chain components. They also like proper maintenence.

 

[NoRangerDude]

No...

It's actually the highest power rated engine Ford has ever put in a Ranger.

They got a bad rap early with some less then stellar timing chain components. They also like proper maintenence.

Thanks, is there a particular year ranger 4.0 that I should avoid?
I like the idea of more power, especially since I want to run larger tires.

 

[Uncle Gump]

By 03 they all had updated parts.