'98 Ranger - Grandpa's Truck

[clarkbre]

Saying hello! Long time Ford owner, first time Ranger mechanic! Currently, I own a '16 Ford F250 6.2 4wd and use it to tow our travel trailer. I've also had a '11 F150 Ecoboost and '90 F150 5.8 windsor.

The Ranger:

I'll be taking delivery of a black 1998 Ford Ranger 4x4 extended cab in Sept.

The backstory on the truck is a bit bittersweet. My grandpa bought it new in '98, drove it 5+ years and then gifted it to my aunt before passing away in '07.

My aunt kept the Ranger and drove it throughout the years; however, it was diagnosed with a bad transmission in '19 and was parked (thankfully it was in her garage).

So, she is now gifting it to me as a project truck. My hope is that I can work through the systems of the truck and get it running and driving again....even if it needs a new tranny. I also have my 2 helpers, 12 & 9 year old sons that are wanting to learn to wrench.

 

[RonD]

Welcome to TRS

1998 Ranger 4x4 was first year for the SLA front axle and torsion bar suspension
They also used PVH(Pulse vacuum) locking hubs, which didn't work well, Ford switched to "Live Axle" in 2001
Most with 1998-2000 4x4s switch from PVH to AVG manual hubs at some point for better reliability

Also first year for the front driveshaft to have a propeller joint on transfer case end, this will make a "clicking" noise when wearing out, and they do wear out

In 1998 and up 4x4s only came with a V6 engine, 3.0l Vulcan or 4.0l OHV
3.0l will have a 4R44E automatic, 4x4 version
4.0l will have a 5R55E automatic, 4x4 version

Both used M5OD-R1(M5R1) manual transmission, 4x4 version
Transmissions come in 2WD or 4WD versions, not interchangeable

In 2001 Rangers got 4.0l SOHC engine, different engine than the 4.0l OHV, so "Ranger 4.0l" searches WILL get mixed results
3.0l Vulcan was the same engine from 1991 thru 2008 in Rangers

GEM Module behind the radio runs all the cab electric systems, its the Body Computer(BCM)
It is also the 4x4 controller(1995-2000) and speedometer controller(1998-2000)

 

[clarkbre]

Thank you @RonD Great info!

I've been learning anything I can about that era of truck.

With that 2.5 year only PVH system being finicky, switching to manual locking hubs seems like a very good option.

 

[RonD]

Good page to Bookmark here: https://www.therangerstation.com/tech/

Loads of articles on Ranger servicing

Check the Axle section for info on servicing the PVH system or swapping it out for Manual hubs