3rd Gen vs 4th Gen

[alperin]

I'm looking to buy either a 96-97 ranger or a 98+. I was originally set on the 4th gen, but the guys over at the towing section are having me reconsider. I will only be using the truck to tow once a month max, it'll be my daily driver otherwise. I've decided on a manual 3.0 L 2WD model. Budget is around $3K.

Basically, any reason why the 3rd gen is better than the 4th?

 

[alaskan155]

2wd no 4wd yes, 2wd you get the beams on gen 3 gen 4 you get the a-arms

personally id go with the gen 4, a little bit better ride unless you plan on lifting it or modifying it in any way go with the gen 3

3.0 are pretty much the same

 

[svtranger04]

3rd has i beams
4th has one piece drive shaft

3rd has rack and pinion
4th has a ummm idk but the Ps is noisy if you turn the wheels while the truck is off the ground. i think its air bubbles.

IMHO 3rd looks better... chrome bumpers and grill!

 

[BeaterMan]

i personally am really glad i got my 99' 3 years ago. it is very good at towing small to medium loads, has been super reliable, the rack n pinion doesn't allow for the best of turing radius tho. there isn't as big of a market for the 4th gens as the previous ones, but mine is bone stock and i have no intention to alter anything. the 3.0 is a damn good engine in my mind. i had 2 dirt bikes in the bed plus gear and i wasted my buddy in a turbo toyota truck and he had an empty bed. he said he was just playn' with me and i asked "is that why you downshifted two gears to just watch my bumper fade off in the distance." either route ya go, i'm sure you'll be quite happy.

 

[Hypnotic Toast]

IMHO 3rd looks better... chrome bumpers and grill!

My 4th gen has chrome bumpers and grill, too? Everyone has pretty much listed the differences, I think it's just a matter of preference/looks.

If you do plan on lifting or modding the truck, I would suggest a 3rd gen. Parts for 4th gen are much more expensive. And the power steering is noisy.

 

[BeaterMan]

If you do plan on lifting or modding the truck, I would suggest a 3rd gen. Parts for 4th gen are much more expensive. And the power steering is noisy

+1 idk why them pumps are so damn noisy ??? i know ford uses a slipper- type pump and that is naturally more noisy but it seems that after 98' they got alot louder.