1998 Ford Ranger, 588132 miles

[Novascotia]

On December 5, 2024 an O‘reilly Auto parts 18 wheeler had yellow blinking left turn signal, while me and my 1998 Ford Ranger XLT that has 588,132 original miles, (original engine-no overhaul, original 5 speed transmission-no overhaul) had a green light. The rig blocked my entire path and my ranger hit it. Destroyed the ranger that I had for 23 years-bought it used with 52000 miles in 2001. On December 7, 2024, I bought a new 2024 Ford Ranger XL STX. Do ya’ll think the new , truck will outlast the 1998.

 

[Brain75]

Don't suppose you have a library of pictures. Day you bought it, shortly before accident, etc? We love pictures and that is a good/sad story... Since you are writing it I take it you are ok, did you get roughed up a bit? Love to hear rangers make it that kinda mileage, hate to hear when we loose one of the herd.

A bit morbid, but I'm curious, was the engine/trans salvageable or box or anything, how bad did the truck take it? (assuming insurance totaled it out and there was no point trying since it had a scrap title, but still curious if the engine ran afterwards).

 

[Novascotia]

By the Grace of God I am fine. The ranger is currently at road runner towing. Purchased it in May 2001 at Superior Ford in Zachary. I have several pictures somewhere. Tried to start it afterwards twice but it only started once for a second. The front end, windshield, passenger windows are demolished. The inside besides all the broke glass was not bad. The rear bed and transmission appear to be fine. Just curious, because everyone is asking me, do you think the new ranger will last as long as the 1998.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Unlikely it will last as long.

 

[Brain75]

Not even half as long. after the "cash for clunkers" mfg started treating them more and more disposable, designing in weakest links that will guarantee you are buying a new vehicle every 5-10 years instead of fixing it. Between the epa, crash test safety and so on and so on (all the "you must" restrictions), the focus is on repeat sales not longevity. Instead of a slow quarter they are counting on a fast dime over and over and over.

Look for the thread

One of the best things about 1st gens...

Is their abilty to take a hit... Smashed a massive buck this morning doing 45ish. Threw the deer about 35 feet. Luckly its all cosmetic. No fluids leaking. Now it really looks like rusty #1 According to carpart theres a grill close by for 50 bucks. I think i can knock the fender mostly...

www.therangerstation.com

.. .those vehicles can take a pounding... new car, 5mph bumper tap that sets off the airbags, everyone of em goes off trashing the interior breaking all the glass and instant total no matter how little actual damage.

 

[Novascotia]

Thank you.

 

[97RangerXLT]

I am assuming that the airbags deployed... the bad part of it is that with that many miles it probably is not worth messing with even if the airbags did not deploy. as for not starting up after the crash, you symptoms point to a tripped inertia switch that kills power to the fuel pump in a crash. reset that and it will likely start right up. it is in the passenger footwell on the lower part of the firewall.

If you come across a clean 98 with a blown motor, it might be worth swapping your drive train in to see how long you can get it to go. but only if you can do the work yourself if you have the tools/ place/ and time to do so.

gotta agree with the others on how long the 2024 will last. probalby get 300k out of it if you take care of it and maintain it properly (don't think you have a problem in that area considering the longevity of your 98)

Glad you are ok from the wreck, and welcome to TRS

AJ

 

[Novascotia]

Thank you, I guess I should take better of the new one cause it might not be as tough as the 98.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

For what it is worth... the vast majority of '98's won't last as long as your '98.

 

[Jazzer]

Sorry about that but you had a nice long run, didn’t you?

 

[Novascotia]

Thank yo. Yes, I think I got my money worth.

 

[Novascotia]

Thank you.

 

[19Walt93]

588,000 miles, that must be one of those American vehicles that don't last.
I would expect the new one to last longer than the 98. I worked in a a dealer service department form 1975 until 2017 and the number of repairs vehicles needed declined a lot. Rust was much less of a problem, too. Ford recommended 10,000 miles or a year for oil changes, I would do it 'At Least' every 5000 miles or 6 months. I'd also service the transmission with exclusively Motorcraft fluid every 30,000 miles or,as a minimum, at least every 60,000. Do the maintenance, keep the salt washed off and enjoy your truck.

 

[Novascotia]

Wow, good news that I wanted to hear. Thank you, I am enjoying it alread.

 

[Novascotia]

Already