Need help

[BleedxBlue21]

Hey, my names Jerrad and a new member of the ranger station. I dont own a ranger actually just for the fact that Im 16 but I am looking for one. My question would be what generation would be best for me? I dont want anything older then a 93 but of coarse its going to be a project. If i get one thats not already lifted Im going to lift it so keep that in consideration. Any adive will be very helpful, thank you.

 

[84bluebronco2]

If you plan on lifting (and going off road) I would recommend a V6 (preferably the 4.0). Try to find one with a manual tranny. If you are set on only 93 and newer, it will be an M5OD (great tranny). If you want to have an "easier" lift, avoid a ranger with IFS (independent front suspension). I put easier in quotes because TTB (twin traction beam) front ends can do strange things.... Check out the gear ratio (The code is on the tag inside the driver's door, and the conversion table is on this site. Just search for it.). Try to find one with 3.73 or 4.10 gears already in it. Manual TC's (transfercases) are preferred, but not required. Plan to replace any automatic hubs with manual lock outs. I'm sure there is a lot more Ranger info you can get from everyone on here, but there's a start. It also depends on how much you plan to spend. The more info you give us on what you want and can do, the more we can help you. The search bar is your friend! Welcome to TRS!! 84BB2

 

[TheTopher]

They're all good trucks, but most people say the 3rd gens, 93-97 are the best because their TTB suspension is less expensive to lift.

But you really can't go wrong with any Ranger.

 

[BleedxBlue21]

Here's a little more info, not sure if it will help but ill throw it out there anyways. My dads a mechanic/truck shop maintenance for Wagner Equipment and also loves to work on the "family race car" 69 Fairlane (ill post pics of it if anyone else is a Fairlane enthusiast) so we would have all the right tools to work basically any project. Also money wise I don't think it would be a real big issue but of coarse I'm not going to be able to get a suspension lift, new 35s, and a set of 3000 dollar rims, it would be like any other middle class family's budget. Plus i might get a job working construction on weekend in Trinidad, Colorado for $12/hr and I don't spend my money on things other then my motocross bike (maintenance and gas mainly) so that should really help if i control money spending. Yes its going to be an off road type truck 4x4, the only other use would be hauling my bike to places for racing/riding my bike and occasional towing my dads car. Hope that helps, anything else just ask, thank you.

 

[Surrey]

If you dont want to go older than 93, get a 93-97 Ranger. 98+ they go to torsion bar front suspension, which sucks balls.

Personally, I like the 83-92 models, because there are a like 30 of them in every single wrecker around, and I love the older, big ass mirrors.

The 4.0 is a nice engine, for sure. Plenty of power for a little Ranger... If you are concerned about fuel economy, finding a 3.0 might be better, but that engine gets mixed reviews around here... Everyone loves their 4.0s (except the guys running v8s)

If you plan to use it for offroading, I would stay away from the 2.3l otherwise you will need to find some super low (like 5.13) gears to make it turn bigger tires. Otherwise, lots of people with 2wd trucks love their 4-banger engines.

edit - if you want to be towing a race car on a trailer, You are going to want that 4.0