Lookin at 02 Ranger what's the buzz on them?

[SixSh00ter]

1FTZR45E02PA19344 for starters would someone clue me on a vin link that'll decode it?

What's up with the 02 Ranger 4x4 with 4.0 and the automatic 5 speed tranny?

Got a lead on one it has 39500 miles on it. Carfax on it's clean 2 owners in 10 years. Been doing some reading on the forums about 02's and it don't look good.

Buddy of mine has one and he replaced the tranny at around 100,000 I think. And then he had a solenoid on the rebuild need worked on. And he wasn't abusing it. So the tranny seems to be a problem.

I read a post about the timing gear tensioner stretching in the 4.0's.
Are there other big ticket problems common in the 02's?

Is there more than one model of the 5 speed auto tranny in the 02's?
Is the tranny problem is related to a specific model? Is the problem caused by not having the right fluid in it? Or not having the tranny flushed and changing the fluid? Or low fluid levels?

What about the 4.0 did they modify it to fix problems in the trucks that came off the line towards the end of the production run? Is there maybe two different versions of the 4.0?

I've driven a Ranger since 92. I'm on #3 a 98 4x4 Supercab 4.0 5 speed tranny and it has 273,000 hwy miles on it. I drive it everyday a 74 mile round trip to work. I've had it since 2000. I keep the fluids changed and I don't push em hard.

All 3 have been very reliable, never had a tranny problem. I have had the typical problems, upper and lower ball joints, tie rods, sway bar links, etc up front. Door ajar switch sticking and dinging while I'm driving and the wd40 fix. Water pump, radiator, and alt. But wtf it's got 270.000 on it.

Are the 02's 4.0 5 sp autos to be avoided?

Anybody had good experiences with the 02?

 

[Rose2300]

there's only one auto transmission- the 5r55e. The problem with the autos is usually the valvebody gasket failing. this can lead to trans slippage. also around 03 they switched to a bonded gasket that was less prone to failure. You can buy upgrade kits for the trans that addresses most of the issues for around $150.

Also I think For the 03 model year they addressed the issues with the timing chain.

How much are they asking for it? If it seems abnormally low than don't buy it.

 

[superds]

Ford VIN Decoder:
https://www.fleet.ford.com/maintenance/vin_tools/default.asp

 

[SixSh00ter]

there's only one auto transmission- the 5r55e. The problem with the autos is usually the valvebody gasket failing. this can lead to trans slippage. also around 03 they switched to a bonded gasket that was less prone to failure. You can buy upgrade kits for the trans that addresses most of the issues for around $150.

Also I think For the 03 model year they addressed the issues with the timing chain.

How much are they asking for it? If it seems abnormally low than don't buy it.

A Chevy dealer has it and they're asking 11,500.

Found this link on the site.
http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/AutoTrans.html

Looks like it's the same tranny in my 98. I've had no problems with it.
Did they change something up in the tranny's for the 02's?

 

[SixSh00ter]

Ford VIN Decoder:
https://www.fleet.ford.com/maintenance/vin_tools/default.asp

Thanks bro.

 

[kemo]

I got to 103,000, and the tranny started to really slip. To describe how it would slip, imagine driving a stick. while at 65 mph, hold the clutch 3/4 to all the way to the floor, with your foot still on the gas pedal, then release the clutch as fast as possible. Had the truck for a little over 23000 miles, got rid of it yesterday because I need a guarantee that I can make it home (currently 260-270 miles from home)

 

[modelageek]

A Chevy dealer has it and they're asking 11,500.

Found this link on the site.
http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/AutoTrans.html

Looks like it's the same tranny in my 98. I've had no problems with it.
Did they change something up in the tranny's for the 02's?

I never understand why anyone buys a used vehicle form a Dealer.....that being said does it come with a warranty? is the Dealer a legit dealer?

$11,500 is not chump change. You should be able to fine a good truck for that.

I would setup a google alert or Craigslist helper for a ford ranger......I guarantee one will show up for a fair price on Craigslist....

Th only way I work with a Dealer is if I go to the Auctions with them and buy the car myself. I pay them a fee........$300-$500..........I know you would get a nice truck at an auction for $11,000

 

[kemo]

Dealer vehicles are often certified before sold... if they can't meet the requirements, they hand it off to the auctioneers, where you get your so called "nice trucks"

 

[modelageek]

Dealer vehicles are often certified before sold... if they can't meet the requirements, they hand it off to the auctioneers, where you get your so called "nice trucks"

I am not really sure what "certified" means. I equate it to the word "natural" on food products. it means something different to everyone I know in my state 99% of the cars that dealers sell they buy at the auctions! and resell them on their lots. I did ask the OP what type of dealer it was. I agree that some big new car dealers will keep a good trade in and resell it.... I sometimes go to those same auctions and buy a car........a lot of times there will be 100 almost identical cars coming off a lease.....you can get a nice car that way.......Don't forget the OP is looking at a vehicle that was born more than 10 years ago.......every state is different but some times dealers can sell cars over say 8 years and not have to warranty them.........as I said for me the best way is buy off Craigslist or at the auctions.......

 

[Grey_04]

modelageek,
Let me try to explain this a little clearer. When you trade in your truck the dealer will have a mechanic look over your truck. If it don't need much to be safe for the road and the "100 point inspection" looks good (no major rust on the body, no abnormal wear and tear, etc) the dealer will put it on the used car inventory.

On the other hand if it has major rust issues or has transmission problems etc they will take it to one of your " so called auctions" and it will be sold to the highest bidder...AT THOSE AUCTIONS YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR there's no warranty and 90% of the time all sales are finial.

My stepbrother has owned a used car lot here in Pennsylvania for 6 years and that's how it's done around here.. good luck with your purchase and as they say "buyer beware"

 

[Rose2300]

Looks like it's the same tranny in my 98. I've had no problems with it.
Did they change something up in the tranny's for the 02's?

Besides the updated valvebody gasket design it's the same trans. But yeah you can find a better deal on craigslist. Probably with more miles, but mileage isn't everything. Always have the truck checked out by your own mechanic before you buy.

 

[SixSh00ter]

I never understand why anyone buys a used vehicle form a Dealer.....that being said does it come with a warranty? is the Dealer a legit dealer?

$11,500 is not chump change. You should be able to fine a good truck for that.

I would setup a google alert or Craigslist helper for a ford ranger......I guarantee one will show up for a fair price on Craigslist....

Th only way I work with a Dealer is if I go to the Auctions with them and buy the car myself. I pay them a fee........$300-$500..........I know you would get a nice truck at an auction for $11,000

The subject is the 02's reliability. If you have something to share on the subject I'd like to hear it.

That being said how and where I buy is none of your business.

 

[SixSh00ter]

Besides the updated valvebody gasket design it's the same trans. But yeah you can find a better deal on craigslist. Probably with more miles, but mileage isn't everything. Always have the truck checked out by your own mechanic before you buy.

Updated design? That explains it. I've rolled back a lot of updates to a previous version that's stable and works well because the update was flawed.

I have been searching Craigslist also. I think a fair price for that truck is 8,000 to 8,500.

Thanks for the info on the tranny.