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Coyote
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Feb 28, 2010
- Messages
- 48
- Vehicle Year
- 1997
- Transmission
- Manual
It seems most of the replies here have to do with “well, I be a six-footer 'an I have no problem....”
Well I be a six-footer 2, and I can tell you that the 97 and down Ranger single cab was designed for a Japanese market and not ours. It is NOT a matter of hitting one's knees on the wheel, but that the seat just can't go back far enough! And the steering wheel - with airbag just waiting to smack me in the face - is so damn close, I hope I never hit anything.
My point is that Ford certainly was not thinking right: here is a truck that appears big; that is jacked up off the ground from the factory (to make it look bigger; compare to a nice low 2-WD 83 Toyota PU); and they couldn't figure out how to push the pedals a little forward, push the steering wheel in a bit, and make the cab a little longer! And what is with that clutch - right at the top?!? Now that is why folks buy Japanese...
Not until 98 (when Ford extended the single cab by 3”) did Ford clue in that the buyers in its target market where likely to be long lanky North Americans, and NOT short little orientals. And where are those darn cupholders....? My truck came with NONE!
The only reason I bought this Ranger, instead of another Toy, was the PRICE. And I have hated these issues ever since. At this time, after many trouble-free years with this bargain Ranger, I would not buy another Toy, as they have grown TOO BIG and bloated, like a F150.
I would buy a 2002 single cab or newer for three reasons: 1)- the cab is longer 2)- the 4-banger has been updated and has MORE HP! 3)-it is still a nice looking SMALL truck with a dependable Japanese engine!
For hot dogging, try to find an Edge, Splash or Sport with the 4.0 and lower it 5, 6 with bags and 17”.
But that is just my opinion....
Coyote
Well I be a six-footer 2, and I can tell you that the 97 and down Ranger single cab was designed for a Japanese market and not ours. It is NOT a matter of hitting one's knees on the wheel, but that the seat just can't go back far enough! And the steering wheel - with airbag just waiting to smack me in the face - is so damn close, I hope I never hit anything.
My point is that Ford certainly was not thinking right: here is a truck that appears big; that is jacked up off the ground from the factory (to make it look bigger; compare to a nice low 2-WD 83 Toyota PU); and they couldn't figure out how to push the pedals a little forward, push the steering wheel in a bit, and make the cab a little longer! And what is with that clutch - right at the top?!? Now that is why folks buy Japanese...
Not until 98 (when Ford extended the single cab by 3”) did Ford clue in that the buyers in its target market where likely to be long lanky North Americans, and NOT short little orientals. And where are those darn cupholders....? My truck came with NONE!
The only reason I bought this Ranger, instead of another Toy, was the PRICE. And I have hated these issues ever since. At this time, after many trouble-free years with this bargain Ranger, I would not buy another Toy, as they have grown TOO BIG and bloated, like a F150.
I would buy a 2002 single cab or newer for three reasons: 1)- the cab is longer 2)- the 4-banger has been updated and has MORE HP! 3)-it is still a nice looking SMALL truck with a dependable Japanese engine!
For hot dogging, try to find an Edge, Splash or Sport with the 4.0 and lower it 5, 6 with bags and 17”.
But that is just my opinion....
Coyote
