Buying a 2004

[Sidney]

I just discovered this site by chance a couple of days ago. I have a 1991 3.0 ranger but was looking at getting a newer one. I want a 4 wheel drive, I am not some hardcore four wheeler but at times it would be nice. I went to look today at one and was hoping that if I described it someone more knowledgable than myself could enlighten me if it would be a good truck. The truck was "XLT/FX4 OFF ROAD" The vin number is "1FTZR45E84PA12578". If I researched right this means it is a 4.0liter SOHC built is the USA(very good). Its an automatic. The inside door sticker said the axle was "R7" which had limited slip, 4.10 gears, and 31 spline axles. The tires were LT245/75R16 Uniroyal Liberators. The differential was a Borger Warner 1354. I climbed all over and under this thing and checked all the fluid levels and they all looked good. Are the 4.10 gears better for torque and towing verse fuel mileage. The truck was owned by an older gentleman, who just died, it has a hard bed cover(would be the first change) and no hitch setup so I think it probably had an easy life. There was a little oil around the front alxe. The asking price is 10,900 with 35,000 miles. I have never spent that much on a vehicle so I dont want to get a lemon. Would this truck be a good reliable one. Any opinions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[97ranger4x4]

Well first off, Welcome to TRS!

Now onto the truck. It sounds like the truck itself is in great condition. With 30k miles the truck is barely broke in. Assumming all the fluids looked good and had no bad smells I think you are looking at a well kept truck with very low miles.

The BW 1354 is a very strong transfer case. It is probably an electronic shift which is okay. Some people have issues with the sensors especially when driving through deep water.

The 8.8 rear end is also a very strong unit. With a LS and 410s you could certainly do a fair amount of towing with a class 3 hitch. Those are usually around $120 + a wireing harness. You will see a decrease in MPG with the 4.10s over the 3.73s

See if you can do a carfax report on the vin #. That might give you some more information. Is this being sold through a dealer or private party?

If its through a dealer, try and get them to get you a carfax. If its private party, see if they have any records/recipts for work done to the truck.

Good Luck.

ohh yeh, search the forums especially the 4.0 V6 for some general knowledge.

 

[Sidney]

Thanks for the reply so far, I had forgot about the Carfax thing I will check that out.

 

[Rembrandt]

Welcome to the forums!!

Sounds like a great deal to me man. Like 97 said, the 410s will get you lower gas mileage but not that significant to notice IMO. Plus they will help out if you ever plan to lift it or just get bigger tires.

2004 was on of the better newer years IMO. Great all around truck. Love the FX4 package as well.

Let us know how it goes. Hope you enjoy your new truck if you decide to purchase

 

[Sidney]

I just checked carfax and it was originally sold in michigan as a "corprate fleet vehicle" and and then sold in Illinois to the gentleman in 2005. Based on mileage reports the second owner only drove it 6,000 miles in about three years. I think I will be going to the bank here and see about it. Thanks

 

[Rembrandt]

Sounds like good news to me. Good luck!!