Looking to buy 98 ranger

[RumpRanger98]

Hi all, I am currently looking at 98 v6 4.0L automatic 4x4 off road ranger. 200k miles. Im just curious as to how reliable these trucks are and if they are expensive to maintain. I know some cars/trucks certain years/makes have known major defects. Should I be worried about anything like that for any rangers in the 90's?

Thanks

 

[bmxryder]

well 98 is the first year of the a-arm suspension but they didnt change anything for a few years and i havent heard of any problems. rangers are usually good vehicles but of course there is always a few lemons so just be careful.

welcome to TRS btw

 

[RumpRanger98]

The body/paint is very good condition. Has a bed liner. used dealer is asking $2999. Is 200k pushing it on the 4.0 motor and auto tranny in the 98ranger? Or can I expect at least another 100+k out of it? of course with proper maintenance, and hoping this ones been maintained.

Any tips for me to look for, Ive never owned a truck before. Thanks to all for your input.

 

[RumpRanger98]

Ive been reading things about the 4R44E transmission for the ranger and its not that great of a tranny? What transmission does the 4.0 v6 98 ranger 4x4 have? Also Ive read things about power steering pump whine? is this on all rangers, just some, can it be fixed? Also, well Ive never owned a 4x4 or a truck, there is a drive shaft clunk when accelerating from stop, or coming to a stop? How hard is that to fix,(wallet wise too) ?
Thanks guys, I think I will be test driving this truck within the next few days depending on information I find from you and researching the net.

 

[cr_the_machinist]

They usually have the 5r55e for the auto 4.0 4x4's. If it's made it that long your probably going to be fine if your nice to it. I rebuilt my 5r55e at 79k cause it had a ready bad 2 to 3 flare and a valvebody gasket didn't fix the problem. As for the drive shaft noise, mine has done that ever since i bought it used and it has not gotten worse so i just dont fix whats not broke.

 

[RumpRanger98]

how can I tell if its the OHV or the SOHC? what is OHV anyways?

what tranny is stronger/better the auto or the 5spd? 98 v6 4.0 4x4

I will be using this truck mostly for running stuff to the dump, and picking stuff up from lowes/home depot. I already have a daily driver.

 

[JohnnyO]

SOHC means the engine has a Single Over Head Cam. It is more efficient and puts out more power. OHV means Over Head Valve, basically the old traditional type of engine. OHV has the advantage of making more torque down low. 4.0 SOHC is rated at 207 hp, a 4.0 OHV is rated around 155 hp.

With 200k on it, odds are the tranny has been rebuilt already. Just get a flush every 25k and it will be fine for a while.
I'm partial to manual trannys but the auto will hold up fine as long as you change the fluid (or the previous owner did). I'd get it flushed right away if you don't know when it was last done. The tranny takes Mercon V ATF.
I'm pretty sure the 4.0 SOHC wasn't put in the Ranger until 2001. For certain a 1998 will have the 4.0 OHV. Only weak spot is the head gaskets, again with 200k on it they may have been replaced already. So either look at the oil if you change it yourself or get a used oil analysis.
I would change the lube in the axles and transfer case as a preventative also. The transfer case isn't hard to do yourself if you get a suction gun to fill it (it takes plain Mercon ATF), the Valvoline Qwicky-Lube near me does axle lube with a suction machine for so cheap that it's not worth the bother of doing it myself. It's really the only way to do the front diff anyway.