Buying. questions.

[87anger]

I am currently saving some money to get me another Ranger. I am looking for a 93-97 ex cab 4.0 4x4 preferably manual. I have a couple questions though.
Any specific advice or recommendations?
I was also wondering about when they changed over to the obdII diagnostic setup.
I also got to thinking about a/c. What years have the newer refridgerant? I would like to have the newer style(i forget the names) to make it easier(no conversion or anything required).
Also is there any distinctive features visually between the 3.0 and 4.0? People always list "v6" and i cant tell the difference.

I have rc lift brackets(for an 87) and am going to get the springs and shocks etc.. Will those brackets swap on to the newer ranger(ie d35)?

 

[EMB1230]

Nothing really to tell you, you have a ranger so you should know a bit about them. 1996 was the first year of OBDII, 1994 was the first year for R134-a refrigerant. the intake would probably be the best way to tell a 3L from a 4L. if you really want 4x4, get one with a 4L.

 

[87anger]

Nothing really to tell you, you have a ranger so you should know a bit about them. 1996 was the first year of OBDII, 1994 was the first year for R134-a refrigerant. the intake would probably be the best way to tell a 3L from a 4L. if you really want 4x4, get one with a 4L.

I do know about Rangers, just thought if I am getting another I should ask the experts.
I wouldve thought that I could tell the intake difference, but its hard to tell in craigslist pics. Like does the throttle body face different ways etc.
Yes I definitely want a 4x4 4L. Just most people do not specify.
Im pretty sure the brackets will swap but would hate to find out the hard way, ya know?

 

[nitrofan1]

The best sellers on CL will either list everything they can about the vehicle or be glad to answer questions. The ones that evade or give less that expected answers avoid at all costs. I have my 93 on CL right now and I may have over did the details but it's gotten me 25 responses so far.

 

[Bennybooster]

The 3.0 says 3.0 on the top of it. Your brackets will work

 

[87anger]

The 3.0 says 3.0 on the top of it. Your brackets will work

Okay not saying your wrong, but I havent seen any 3.0 pics with 3.0 on the top. But more than likely i could have missed it ... many times

Awesome about the brackets tho. I just wanted to be sure.

 

[EMB1230]

now that i think about it, 3.0's have "3.0 V6" on either both or just the pass side valve cover. Oh, 3.0 has round intake ports, 4.0 has square intake ports. you could also look at the 8th digit of the vin, U is 3.0, X is 4.0.

 

[William Spitzer]

most of the time the 3.0 will have it on the valve covers as mentioned above, also some have it molded into the radatior fan shroud

 

[87anger]

Ya I figured each engine would have badges on it somewhere, but its hard to tell in the pics. Just was hoping I could weed out the 3.0 posts instead of calling every one of them.

 

[Rose2300]

Nothing really to tell you, you have a ranger so you should know a bit about them. 1996 was the first year of OBDII, 1994 was the first year for R134-a refrigerant. the intake would probably be the best way to tell a 3L from a 4L. if you really want 4x4, get one with a 4L.

ObdII began in 95. My 95 b2300 was obdII.

 

[87anger]

Do you guys prefer the obdII because of the obvious diagnostic benefits, or is it beneficial to have less emissions, sensors, etc? Im assuming obdII would be better but maybe there are some benefits to not having it.

 

[armadillon]

It has always been my opinion that OBD2 and the extra sensors has been worth it and it can save you some troubleshooting. I have OBDI in my vehicles and I wish I had a Warp Whistle to get to level 2. Also, I just recently converted to 134 because I have a 93 Ranger and that was frustrating. You may also want to consider that 93 and 94 have the older dash. So you either get older dash and OBDI, or you can get the newer dash and OBDI on the 95, or you can get the whole shebang with a 96 or 97.

 

[87anger]

It has always been my opinion that OBD2 and the extra sensors has been worth it and it can save you some troubleshooting. I have OBDI in my vehicles and I wish I had a Warp Whistle to get to level 2. Also, I just recently converted to 134 because I have a 93 Ranger and that was frustrating. You may also want to consider that 93 and 94 have the older dash. So you either get older dash and OBDI, or you can get the newer dash and OBDI on the 95, or you can get the whole shebang with a 96 or 97.

converted to 134?
Ya I think I decided on a 95-97, depending on whether 95 had obdII. Seems to be differing opinions on this. I know that all vehicles switched over in 96, but some before...hmm

 

[84bluebronco2]

I will have OBD2 on my next truck. It's a hassle sorting out what's going on with OBD1, and I don't really want to go buy a scanner for it... Guess I baked my own cake there...

 

[nutpantz]

Obd2 is great. But vehicles with obd1 have less computer control. Less sensors, less everything. Reading the codes are free on odb1. Read the flashes of the check engine light after jumping the circuit.
You need a scan tool for odb2 (mine cost 15$).
Obd2 gives you more info.
Ford obd2 can be quirky with cheap scan tools.
Good Obd1 scanners can provide a lot of info but are harder to find used.

I personally don't think there is significant difference once you know how to read the codes or have the right scanner.I like simple but I also like more info...