Brand new to Rangers- looking at 2000 Ranger

[Eighteenninetytwo]

Hi all
Brand new to this Ranger business. Looking at a 2000 for my daughter. Saw one today which seems really cool (I’m kind of sold on the Ranger as a project and vehicle) but pulls to to the right pretty badly. It had a minor accident front right last year - the right front fender is wrinkled and door / panel spacing is narrowed. I am wondering how much play / adjustment there is in a Ranger’s steering components, and whether it’s something that rings HUGE alarm bells or whether it’s something that can probably be worked around with time and a bit of effort.

 

[JoshT]

That wouldn't be too alarming, but I would consider getting it checked out before comitting to buy. Could be as simple as a tie-rod got knocked out of adjustment, to more difficult like a control arm got bent. Both are items that wouldn't be too difficult to fix.

Of course it could also be more serious like a bent frame rail or bracket which would be a lot more problem. There's really no way to tell 100% without knowing how it was hit and/or without a thorough inspection, especially not from the other side of a computer screen.

 

[97RangerXLT]

I agree with JoshT. likely a tierod, but definitely have the frame checked. might be why they are offloading it.

if the frame checks out and you get adecent enough deal on it, tie rods and control arms can be replaced fairly easily. if it is the rack itself, a little more involved but still not horrible.

AJ

 

[Eighteenninetytwo]

Owner said he’s changed the tierods - So I’m think that it IS more serious and a result of the crash. Bent frame is what I’m worried about. What is best way to get it checked ? Actual ford mechanic or should I get specs online and measure / check with straight edges / lines / angles etc etc

 

[pjtoledo]

aside from the drivability issues, does this Ranger have a 3.0 engine setup for Flex Fuel?

only the 3.0 engine models have flex fuel. when the module fails replacements are over $600-$700 just for the part at discount sellers.
Rangers a couple years newer don't have that part even though they may have flex fuel.

 

[Eighteenninetytwo]

Has a replacement Jasper 3.0 V6. I was completely unaware of this flex fuel business. More research required!!

 

[MaicoDoug]

Frame shops can do a whole inspection, perhaps better than the corner mechanic. Then give you an estimate. I trust frame shops. Godfathers of what rolls down the road.

Flex fuel on a 2000? Don't bother.

 

[pjtoledo]

Has a replacement Jasper 3.0 V6. I was completely unaware of this flex fuel business. More research required!!

alcohol has less energy by volume that straight gasoline, so more fuel is needed for the same power output.
for the years close to 2000 an electronic module, the FF sensor, was used to calculate the alcohol content in the fuel.
starting a couple years later the computer just looked at exhaust gases, via oxygen sensors, and add more fuel as needed.
with that system the FF sensor was eliminated.

interesting tidbit: the power ratings for FF Rangers are specified with E85, regular gas produces slightly less power.