Best Ranger

[blkmazda90]

I was thinking about getting a newer truck when i get out of school and work full time. I love my truck to death but it has had the piss pounded out of it and I see no hope for it

I want a compact truck and I like the ranger. I was just curious which of the newer rangers is the best. Im deff. gonna have to get extended cab this time around.

I was also debating engine size. I like my little 4 banger. But I was thinking about the 4.0 or maybe being smart and getting the 3.0.

Any advice?

Thanks

 

[Simple_serf]

Don't forget, the newer 4 banger has more balls than our old Limas do!! The HP is almost that of the 3.0.

 

[alaskan155]

cant get a 4x4 4cyc though, is what i think

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

out of all small trucks available, the ranger is without a doubt still the best...however, lets not rule out used vehicles. you can pick up a decent, lower mileage gen 3 for only 2-3k these days. and what you save in monthy payments can go towards mods.

i think everyone knows what motor ill vote for

 

[Maverick]

If your gonna get a 2wd, get one with a Duratec 2.3 (01 or newer). Way better fuel mileage than either V6 and will hand the 3.0 it's ass. Plus those trucks (98 and newer) have a longer wheelbase (better ride/handling) more cab room and have a better front suspension. I've seen them as low as $4000 for one in good condition with under 100K, so shop around.

 

[blkmazda90]

im deff. getting 4x4 and not looking for a newbie. A used truck is what im looking for. So im gonna have to rule out the 2.3. 3.0 or 4.0?

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

then you need to figure out where you want to be in the horsepower/economy spectrum. a 4.0 will give you plenty of power, but will hit you at the pumps...where a 2.3 will sip fuel...but may leave you at the tail end of traffic. a 3.0 would be in between (and anyone who thinks a 2.3 will outpace a 3.0 doesnt know how to drive.....and i will put my motor where my mouth is).

 

[blkmazda90]

one of my buddies had a 4.0 and the power was crazy. I will probabaly get that then have to pay at the pumps but hey mine as well spend your money on something you like.

 

[blkmazda90]

what year rangers come with manual t-case and hubs. Well i could replace the hubs easily but the manual t-case is a must.

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

up untill 97 had regular manual locking hubs available. 98-00 had pulse vacuum hubs, which could be made to be manual with an AVM kit or by modifying the stock hubs. 01+ are live axle.

i believe all those years had available manual t-cases (though, an electric t-case can be swapped out just as easily as hubs)

 

[exbass94]

2002-up trucks don't have hubs, the front differential is engaged all the time, even in 2wd. I don't think they can be easily converted. I believe 2002 was also the last year for the manual t-case, I could be wrong though.

 

[Danger-Ranger96]

I'm biased, so i'm going to get a gen 3 4.0L, sure it burns a bit of gas but hell, the way i see it you don't buy gas to save, you buy gas to burn!

Honestly i love the look of the gen 3s and it's relatively simple to work on (i suppose this is the case for every ranger anyways) I have an XL so its manual tranny, manual tcase and manual hubs (warn to be specific)

 

[Black'03LevelII]

2002-up trucks don't have hubs, the front differential is engaged all the time, even in 2wd. I don't think they can be easily converted. I believe 2002 was also the last year for the manual t-case, I could be wrong though.

nope my '03 has a manual tcase! I wouldn't have it any othe way!

 

[Maverick]

I believe all those years had available manual t-cases (though, an electric t-case can be swapped out just as easily as hubs)

After 97 the only trucks to recieve a manual t-case were the FX4 Level II's.

 

[92_Ranger_4x4]

4x4 all the way

Go with a 4.0 wit four wheel drive you may pay at the pump, but you got lots of power and could go way more placeless than wit a two wheel drive