kinda shoppin

[hzzrdmnky]

hi i wanna buy a ranger but dont really know any thing about them. what year model is the best? what engine, transmission? the long term plan is build a prerunnerish truck on a small budget.

 

[strvger]

try reading here: http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=94

and here: http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/index.php

those 2 places should help you choose what will best suit your needs. your question would create months of debate. good luck to you, and welcome to TRS.

 

[adsm08]

Well, 3rd gen (93-98) seem to be popular for pre-runner projects. I'd look at 3.0 and 4.0s for that. A turbo 2.3 would be good too, but that doesn't really stick to your "small budget".

3.0 will do a bit better on fuel and they are quick engines. 4.0 is more of a work-horse.

The later auto trannies weren't bad, but I'd stick to a manual. I just prefer manual.

There are a few guys here who have pre-runner rangers who know a bit more about that particular style of build than I do though. I'm sure one of them will chime in eventually.

 

[Hopman]

First of all, welcome to TRS!

The best year is debateable, but many of us like the Gen 2 Rangers, 93-97.

The best engines are hands down the 4.0 V6 and 2.3/2.5 I-4's.

Transmission? Easy. The M5OD 5-speed manual. The automatic in the Rangers has always been a weak link. The stick is more durable and robust.

Of course, the BEST part about Rangers is that there's so many of them, finding parts will be a breeze. Many companies make lift kits and other stuff for them. But the coolest part is that nearly all RBV's (this includes the Bronco II and Early Explorers) share the same wheel bolt pattern as the Mustang, and oddly enough, Jeeps!

When you find a truck, give us the pics and info, and we'll try to help you make an informed decision.

Your question would create months of debate.

I think you mean EONS of debate!

 

[Ranger Sport Honduras]

the 98+ has ifs suspension, so it will be easier to make a prerunner-i think.
all rangers are good imo. just make sure u get a 5 spd and it will be almost unstopable.

a good thing is that u can interchange lots of parts between years.

 

[Hopman]

the 98+ has ifs suspension, so it will be easier to make a prerunner-i think.
all rangers are good imo. just make sure u get a 5 spd and it will be almost unstopable.

a good thing is that u can interchange lots of parts between years.

Yeah. Don't rear sway bar bushings fit 83-2000 or something like that?

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

the 98+ has ifs suspension, so it will be easier to make a prerunner-i think.
all rangers are good imo. just make sure u get a 5 spd and it will be almost unstopable.

a good thing is that u can interchange lots of parts between years.

For desert racing I don't think a SLA Ranger (98+) has much over the TIB (83-97) trucks with their forged I beams. They are both IFS.

I don't know of many real differences between the 2wds aside from the 4.0's have a light 8.8... and since they have the same axle shafts as a 7.5 I don't know how big of an advantage that would be.

TIB would be a lot cheaper to lift, and would provide a lot more axle travel.

Basically pick a first, second or third generation for the best prerunner potential. Of those pick the one with the transmixer, engine, cockpit, and outside style you like the most. Then after that you gotta sort thru all the 13 to 28 year old trucks that may or may not be beat within an inch of their life...

 

[adsm08]

Yeah. Don't rear sway bar bushings fit 83-2000 or something like that?

No, those are different. You are thinking of the frames which fit 83-2010.

 

[Hopman]

No, those are different. You are thinking of the frames which fit 83-2010.

You're kidding right? I never realized that ALL RANGERS have the same basic frame??? That's sick!

 

[adsm08]

Well there are actually apparently about 4 (well 6) different frames. One for Super cab, one for short bed, one for long bed, and then the same iterations in the 98+ IFS modular setup, but you can bolt any year Ranger body to any comparable frame from any other year and it works.

 

[Hopman]

Well there are actually apparently about 4 (well 6) different frames. One for Super cab, one for short bed, one for long bed, and then the same iterations in the 98+ IFS modular setup, but you can bolt any year Ranger body to any comparable frame from any other year and it works.

Son of a gun! That's really cool. I never knew that! Thanks for the cool tidbit of info!

 

[daniel3507]

The best year is debateable, but many of us like the Gen 2 Rangers, 93-97

Actually 93-97 is Gen 3. Gen 3 trucks make great prerunner trucks.

 

[Hopman]

Actually 93-97 is Gen 3. Gen 3 trucks make great prerunner trucks.

Sorry. Finger slipped. I DO know better.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

No, those are different. You are thinking of the frames which fit 83-2010.

The cabs bolt on the running gear, but there are several differences between frames making them NOT interchangable between different years.

For example, I would have nowhere to mount my bumper on a 2+ gen frame, and I would have a hard time trying to find a place to mount my front axle and suspension on a gen 4+ frame.

 

[mp3deviant721]

Gen 3s are the best for building into prerunners. The TIB/TTB suspension can be make into a killer long travel suspension.

You also really want to be looking for a manual as the automatics aren't the best. But if you want an automatic you should be looking for an automatic that is 95 or newer. Those were the better autos. There is only one manual that the third gen came with so don't worry about finding the right one.

Engine wise depends on what you are looking for. Fuel economy, go with the 2.3 4cyl. Power, go with the 4.0. Want a compromise, 3.0. But if you do get a 3.0 make sure it is a manual. I've heard that engine does better with stick.

I myself have a '93 2wd with a 4.0 and 5spd. This truck would make a great prerunner, but I live nowhere near a desert. So thats why I'm lifting mine.