In the market for a Ford Ranger

[rangerlust]

Hello,

I'm considering purchasing my first car (that I paid for) within the next year. The Ford Ranger is one of my top choices. I vaguely remember someone telling me that the second generations were very solid trucks, so that's where I've limited my search to. I'm interested in it being 4x4 with a standard transmission and the 4.0 v6.

Could someone suggest something better, or back up my want?

What types of problems should I look for on that generation?

Extended cab or regular; bed size?

Any other thoughts?

Thanks.

 

[02RangerXLT]

Go extended cab... I like how regular cabs look, but extended cabs have so much more room for any gear you need to bring with you...

Extended cabs are worthless for hauling more people, but great for gear.

 

[Ranger Sport Honduras]

basically all rangers are good and reliable man. not sure if the 4.0 came in the IInd gen tho

 

[Viva*the*Ranger]

With the second Gen you'll probably find a lot more 2.9L's then anything. It is a great motor, so don't be shy of it. My Dad has almost 500K on his original 2.9. The second gen is a pretty amazing truck, but I'll go ahead and say that all rangers (as long as they have been taken care of) will impress you with their capabilities, as well as longevity.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

basically all rangers are good and reliable man. not sure if the 4.0 came in the IInd gen tho

The 4.0 was available in the second generation trucks.

Cab and bed depend on what you do.

If I was on the market, a 96-97 4.0 4x4, extended cab shortbox would be the most appealing for a dd. Has the same interior as a 2011, better brakes than a earlier Ranger and OBDII to make troubleshooting easier.

 

[schaffer]

Just bout a 98 ext cab with a 4.0..5 speed 4wd.Couldn't get much better


I say go
for a ranger.

 

[lepp1892]

I had a second gen with a 4.0 and a 5-speed. Soon to be a second gen with a 5.0 and 4 speed. I don't know if you plan on keeping it stock but when I bought it I had no intentions of that. I drove it for about 6 months stock. It is a great truck and it never left me stranded on the side of the road. But I like the second gen the best. It had then older styling with the same power plant as the newer ones.

 

[sblake01]

If you do get a 2nd gen. make sure the brakes are right. It was their rather primitive first attempt at ABS and it's a bit of a pain to sort out if it's not right and a couple of the parts are somewhat pricey. Even when they're right they are somewhat mediocre compared to the later generation's brakes.

 

[AgPete139]

The 4.0 was available in the second generation trucks.

Cab and bed depend on what you do.

If I was on the market, a 96-97 4.0 4x4, extended cab shortbox would be the most appealing for a dd. Has the same interior as a 2011, better brakes than a earlier Ranger and OBDII to make troubleshooting easier.

Yup, very wise. And I'm very biased.

Just bout a 98 ext cab with a 4.0..5 speed 4wd.Couldn't get much better

I say go for a ranger.

Good, too. Large lifts are not as easy or cheap with the 4th Gens.




I think they fixed most of the bugs in the later 3rd Gens. The brakes & ABS got better with 10"+ drums in the back, the 4.0L motor is more stout and a couple things changed, and they are smoother styling.

The extended cab IS convenient. You'd be surprised with how much small piddly stuff you have that won't fit in your glove box. You get more room.

 

[Original_Ranger84]

I love the extended cab on my 99 (especially the 4 doors!) but I love the look of my 84 std cab. If you go with an extended ccab I would get a 93 -97, and if you don't plan on lifting it or anything major then go with a 98 - 11 ranger.

 

[4x4junkie]

My vote is for the '93, '94 models. This was just before some of the electronical wizardry that was the sticky dome light switches and occasional phantom windshield wipers (among other things) that tend to plague even trucks only a couple years old, while still giving you the wider wheelwell openings if you're planning larger tires and having some upgraded parts within the transfer case.

Agreed, bed and cab type is something you'll have to decide based on your own needs and what (or what not) you plan to be hauling.

 

[adsm08]

If you do get a 2nd gen. make sure the brakes are right. It was their rather primitive first attempt at ABS and it's a bit of a pain to sort out if it's not right and a couple of the parts are somewhat pricey. Even when they're right they are somewhat mediocre compared to the later generation's brakes.

Well it wasn't actually the first attempt. It was the second primitive attempt at ABS. The problem was that they used all the same parts as the first attempt.

Pretty much all Rangers are pretty good trucks, if they have been taken care of.

 

[nitrofan1]

My vote is for the '93, '94 models. This was just before some of the electronical wizardry that was the sticky dome light switches and occasional phantom windshield wipers (among other things) that tend to plague even trucks only a couple years old, while still giving you the wider wheelwell openings if you're planning larger tires and having some upgraded parts within the transfer case.

Agreed, bed and cab type is something you'll have to decide based on your own needs and what (or what not) you plan to be hauling.

+1! Course I'm VERY biased with the 93 / 94. OBD I, Super easy heater core replacement, Basic rear ABS, you CAN put aftermarket steering wheels on it and if ya feel froggy enough you can update it with later model stuff.

 

[AgPete139]

you CAN put aftermarket steering wheels on it

How many steering wheels do you have?!

All Rangers are good.


...up until 1997.







.