I need a new truck

[copracr]

After this winter, i think my old ranger will be ready for replacement. I have a 95 4cyl ext cab 5 speed 2wd. I like the MPG's, I like the manual, I like the back seat. Power sucks but no big deal there, no liimited slip is a deal breaker.


I'm leaning towards a 90's 4wd this time though. I know that kills the mpg's, but the snow is getting deep and it will be a backup/winter vehicle. I'm also considering a 4.0 manual.
My first question is what kind of mileage should I expect? is 17 mixed highway/city optimistic?

My next question is which years have the best 4x4 components? Ideally I think I'd want a manual shift transfer case, locking hubs, a good limited slip front/rear. I dont even know if rangers came with these options in the 90's, but do any come close?

Recommendations and comments welcome.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

With a 4.0 you get all the good stuff. D35 front axle, BW1354 t-case, M5OD transmission, 8.8 rear axle.

Most of this stuff is moot for just a winter beater though. The "lesser" stuff will still be fine in a stock application.

 

[Andy D]

I am a noob . Ive prolly driven my 94 less than 200 miles since I bought it. The clutch is 99.9997% done. The 4wd is necessary to drive around in the back yard. So light, a 2wd must be an adventure in any sort of snow. But with a good set of snow tires, not ATs , not all seasons, a limited slip rear end and 200 pounds of ballast between the wheels, you will be fine. Beyond that a 4wd will just get you stuck worse. My first little pickup was a '71 Datsun 2wd, I drove it year round . Use a light touch, forget you have brakes, steer gently. Keep the rusty side down.

 

[copracr]

I'm really most concerned about reliabilty. Vacuum hubs and shift motors are convenient but unneccesary for me. I dont think any kind of viscous coupling would be satisfactory ina higher mileage truck, which is what i'll be getting.

I do alright in the snow with my one wheel drive, but when the snow gets up to the floorboards there's no getting it to go.

 

[Captain Ledd]

If a limited slip is what the problem is you can swap in a different rear axle from a Ranger. It really is simple, if you can do the brakes you can swap an axle.

Plenty of Rangers used limited slip rear axles, and you can re-arrange the disks for even better lock-up with used clutches. Combined with some extra weight you should be able to get around for the most part. Having 4wd will not make you unstoppable, even with full locking diffs front/rear, and the bestest tires ever. You will absolutely still get stuck.

If the stock power is currently fine you can get an axle with the same ratio, or go deeper for a little more power, the mileage might even improve depending how you drive.

Any Ranger newer than 93 or so should have the "good stuff". I've heard a few 93's got the shady d35/28 hybrid, but they're VERY rare.

Limited slip front differentials pretty much didn't exist to the best of my knowledge.

Edit: No rangers had viscous couplings, 4wd is either locked, or 2wd.

Edit continued: Sounds like you're after a 95-97 model year Ranger. Manual shift t-case will be hard to find, but not impossible. all will have manual hubs (or easily swappable to manual hubs)