Most durable, and least expensive 01-05 Ranger

[LearjetMinako]

I would vote to get him an older Ranger. Like around 96-2001, and get him one with the older 2.3/2.5 engines. It will be slow, but will last and take a beating. But if thats not option, than go with the 3.0L. The 3.0L has been very dependable and will take some beating. The new Duratech 2.3L have yet to prove that they can take a beating, but given a few more years for a verdict.

 

[86ford]

I would vote to get him an older Ranger. Like around 96-2001, and get him one with the older 2.3/2.5 engines. It will be slow, but will last and take a beating. But if thats not option, than go with the 3.0L. The 3.0L has been very dependable and will take some beating. The new Duratech 2.3L have yet to prove that they can take a beating, but given a few more years for a verdict.

nah, just give me the duratech motor in a wheeling rig. 4-6 months you will know how much abuse it takes.

86

 

[Sevensecondsuv]

Don't write off older truck either. 97 and down rangers had far better front suspensions than any thing built since them.

As for engines, the 3.0 and 2.3 are great reliable engines. Also the old, all iron 4 bangers (2.5L 98-2001, 2.3L 83-97) are more than indestructable, albeit a bit anemic.

As for trannies, the 95+ autos have progressively gotten better, but a manual is still the best bet in a ranger. A manual will really make the most of any of the smaller engines too.

 

[Bryan22]

with the way some of you talk about a 3liter i am tempted to swap one in to replace my dieing 2.9, but i anticipate my wheeling style taking the 3.0 out quickly.....

86

good luck killing a 3.0! I really abused mine off road and drove as a delivery driver for it's whole life pretty much. I had it for like 6 years only thing i had to replace majorly was a clutch, and IMO that's a maintinence item with the milage it had. Even then I drove it around for a few days without the clutch, using the starter to get me going until I had time to fix it. Awsome truck for sure.

 

[truckmanson]

I like my 3.0, my 97 had the older 2.3 and I loved that motor, both are equally reliable, the 4.0 though I have not owned one, I have been told that it seems to have a higher upkeep than the 2.3 and 3.0, and I say you get the kid an auto and find a way to teach him a manual on another vehicle, all my friends at 16 with manual transmissions liked to race them to much, more so than the autos at least, at 16 he will no doubt want to race the vehicle no matter what it is.

 

[rangerbum]

Im 17, have a 97 2.3 2wd 5-speed and LOVE IT! I couldnt begin to tell you how tough this engine is. It's been in my family since 97, and we run the piss out of anything we've got. Its very peppy, great on gas(Just filled up and pulled out the calculator: 26.6666 MPG!, while rodding it), HAS NEVER BROKEN DOWN ONCE. Never needed to replace any internal, never needed repair to the engine in any way.

 

[truckmanson]

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couple images of my 97, taken about 5 years after I sold it, had the 2.3 and a 5 speed, ran great I miss it, ony changes I made when I had it was bucket seats, k & N air filter, dual exhaust, and 235/75 r15 bfg all terrains.

 

[exbass94]

The new Duratech 2.3L have yet to prove that they can take a beating, but given a few more years for a verdict.

I drive a 2.3 Duratec Ranger at work. It has over 220k miles and has been beaten on every day of it's life and still runs beautifully. It has already proven itself to me 10 times over. Also, the amount of inactivity in the Duratec forum on here indicates to me that there are very few people having problems with them. I would buy one without hesitation. In fact, if Ford offered them in 4wd, I would have bought one instead of my 4.0.

To the OP: I would buy him a 2.3 truck. They're peppy and fun to drive even with an automatic, get awesome gas mileage, and have really good handling with the newer suspension.

 

[aogden001]

Another vote for the 2.3l. I'm on my second, an 08. First was a 02. My 02 got the snot beat out of it every day for 6 years, sold it, and it's still going strong. Usually averaged 28 mpg and would still surprise the other red light racers out there.
Not sure how they drive with an auto, as I've always had 5 spds. Definately make sure he learns how to drive a standard. HELL of a lot more fun than an auto.

 

[RangerRocker]

Well I had a 2.3 in my '05. I really like the mpg's, and it had some decent power. But my newer ride, an 02 edge has the 3.0 and I absolutely love that thing. Plenty of get up and go. I'm 18 so i know the mindset of your son. Go 3.0. I am getting 18 mpg as of right now. Good Luck.

 

[Danger FX4 Ranger]

Another vote for the 2.3l. Not sure how they drive with an auto, as I've always had 5 spds.

Not very well at all, unless you like accelerating from 0-60 in 9.8 minutes.

 

[exbass94]

Not very well at all, unless you like accelerating from 0-60 in 9.8 minutes.

Have to disagree. I've driven the Duratec with auto a few thousand miles and I'm impressed with how well it accelerates. It sure won't beat any Mustangs, but it can definitely get out of it's own way. If you step on it hard, it stays right up in the 4-5k rpm range from 1st-4th gear, right in the powerband. It would beat the hell out of the 95 S10 manual we also have.

 

[bmxryder]

with all these decisions dont cut short on an extra-cab. i have a few friends who are kicking themselves in the @$$ for settling on a single cab.

i vote 4.0liter btw

 

[woodyedmiston]

DAD to DAD - check the insurance on the different trucks before you decide. My 16 year old hit our insurance pretty hard. The engine and body style can make a difference.

A regular cab truck with a 4.0 and a stick or auto will give you performance similar to an early Mustang V8 (65-66 w/289) The super cab is heavier and has space for stuff - i like mine a lot for that reason. The 3.0 is no slouch but is less tempting to punch, spin the tires, etc. than the 4.0.

The XLT upgraded version will usually have the 3.0 in my experience, but the I4 that the Sludgeman recommends is a fine choice too. My opionion is that there is no "bad" Ford motor if it is properly maintained. The V6 has a lot more "street cred" for your high school aged son if you care about those things.

 

[Danger FX4 Ranger]

DAD to DAD -A regular cab truck with a 4.0 and a stick or auto will give you performance similar to an early Mustang V8 (65-66 w/289)

+1. I had a 90' XLT single cab ranger with a 4.0 OHV, and it had NO problem pegging the speedometer rather quickly.