Looking For The One...

[Crosscut_Drifter]

Definitely wanting a Ranger. Had a new 2003 Edge 4x2, but upgraded to a 2007 Chevy Avalanche. Great little truck which is why I'd like to go back to another Ranger. Would like to find a simple 4 banger with stick and extended cab. But with the over inflated used truck market pricing, may go to higher trims if price and history is attractive.

See what happens.

 

[Curious Hound]

 

[Ranger850]

 

[RonD]

Welcome to the forum


The 2001-2004 Rangers with the 4.0l SOHC engines had timing chain issues and you have to pull the engine to repair them, so heads up, and you should replace the two long chain tensioners ever 100k miles

2004-2006 Rangers with the 3.0l Vulcan engines had a batch of bad valve seats so heads up, need to change both heads if you start getting misfire codes

2001-2003 Rangers with the 2.3l DOHC engines had IMRC and heated thermostats, both bad ideas, if you want a 4cyl then 2004 and up

These are NOT 100% failure rates, just heads ups for each years issues

 

[Crosscut_Drifter]

Yeah, I'd prefer 2010-2011. Least amount of rust too.

 

[RonD]

And they have rear disc brakes, only years that did from the factory until the 2019/20 Rangers

 

[Crosscut_Drifter]

Didn't think about that. Thanks. That's definitely a bonus.

 

[8thTon]

2.3l DOHC engines had IMRC and heated thermostats

I drove a Duratec V6 with IMRC for years, it worked great - what's the problem with it on the 2.3?

 

[Crosscut_Drifter]

Seems like a simple fix on a 4 banger.

 

[RonD]

IMRC on this engine didn't add any power, 135HP, 2001-2003, and just one more thing to repair as it got older
2004-2011 with no IMRC was 143HP
So unless its a REAL good deal, I would stick with 2004 and up 2.3l Ranger

 

[Crosscut_Drifter]

USUALLY the last model year (of any vehicle) is the best one to get just because it'll have less "bugs" and it will have most updates.

 

[RonD]

Yes, that can be true, but it also may have all the left over, "questionable" parts, that were set aside in years past, lol

In think the 2nd to last year would be the best bet

 

[sgtsandman]

 

[Crosscut_Drifter]

Well, I dove in and grabbed this 2011 XL with 200,000 kms, no accidents, almost pristine, one owner, well rust proofed. 1 year warranty or 20,000 kms
all inclusive. 4 cyl auto and A/C.

 

[Ranger850]

AND blue ford Emblems.