Looking to buy another ranger but I need some help...

[nodrocker]

Hey guys im new to this site but I gotta say this site has been a huge part of my decision to buy another Ranger. The amount of knowlege and how everyone pools information is invaluable to keeping everyone running down(or off) ther road.

I had an 88 ranger 5-speed with a 2.9, bought it with 215000 miles and loved this truck! Had issues with both differentials but after replace I still got 26 MPG on 33x12.50 tires. Unfortunately it has passed went to a 99 f150 and havent had much luck with that. So, I'm looking for another bulletproof Ranger. Now I was looking at the page on what to look for when buying a ranger and is says the best 4x4 trucks are 1990-1997. I've researched enough to understand why that much is true but what changed in 1997 that changed the integrity of a 4.0 L 5-speed 8.8 rear end and dana 35 up front?? Shouldn't this driveline have the same integrity of the previous years?

Im asking because there are rangers out here from 1990-1997 that fit but I'm really considering a 1999 4.0 5-speed 4x4, just like the body style better and its a pretty good deal. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

-newb again-

 

[Snoranger]

Simple answer:

IFS

 

[nodrocker]

Ok IFS with the torsion bars did cause me some trouble on my 99 ford. I'm assuming a very similar setup. I also just talked to the owner of this 99 ranger and he was mistaken when he said it had a 4.0 its actually the 3.0

As I look more into the engines available, it doesn't appear that the 4.0 was even offered in this model year. Either way i'll trust you guys and try for a 1990-97

 

[Snoranger]

Ok IFS with the torsion bars did cause me some trouble on my 99 ford. I'm assuming a very similar setup. I also just talked to the owner of this 99 ranger and he was mistaken when he said it had a 4.0 its actually the 3.0

As I look more into the engines available, it doesn't appear that the 4.0 was even offered in this model year. Either way i'll trust you guys and try for a 1990-97

Yup, very similar IFS set-up. Its not bad, just not as off-road friendly.

The 4.0l (in some form or another) was available from '90 till the end of the Rangers production.

 

[Dune Runner]

I have a 99 4x4 with a 4.0. It does fine but the front suspension is limited. There are ways to mod the front end out but it isn't cheap. I good set up is thousands. If I was looking for a good long travel trail rig or prerunner I would go 97 or older. What are your plans for your future truck? What do you want to do with it?

 

[nodrocker]

Well right now I just need a commuter that has a solid driveline and is dependable. But in the future I would like to lift it enough to put 33x12.50's, lockers and taller gears to go with the tires.

Just test drove a 94 with a 3.0 and it would be fine for commuting, but the 3.0 just didn't seem to have enough torque to make it through these mountains without really beating on it. Especially if I were out put any kind of oversized tire on it in the future. Though he said it would get about 27 MPG on the highway....tempting.

 

[Dune Runner]

I have owned both a 3.0 and now a 4.0. The 4.0 has a lot more power and they both get around 18-20 mpg. 27 mpg is very hard to believe. Now that I have owned a 4.0 I would never go any smaller. I ran 31s on both trucks and have no need for anything bigger. Oh and with the IFS taking the front sway bar off lets it work a little better.

 

[adsm08]

I can believe 27 MPG out of a 3.0 with manual trans and 2wd. You can get great mileage out of the 3.0 if you drive it right and keep it in the power band, but that peak point is up pretty high.

 

[Dune Runner]

I can believe 27 MPG out of a 3.0 with manual trans and 2wd. You can get great mileage out of the 3.0 if you drive it right and keep it in the power band, but that peak point is up pretty high.

When I had my 3.0 my foot was to the floor 90% of the time. Though Im not sure what my gearing was with that truck. My current truck has 3.73, 4.0 , 31s, 5r55e and pulls real good.
I don't have to give it much gas at all to get it moving down the road or to pull a steep grade.