New kid looking to buy a Ranger

[JCKustom13]

Hi I am 20 years old and I am looking to buy my first truck which will be a Ford Ranger.

 

[Heavyfire14]

1997 4.0l v6 extended cab 4x4 5 speed. best combo IMO

 

[RangerBoy94]

^^^^^Yes that is what you want!!!

 

[87anger]

Be sure to check out the resource section on here about buying a Ranger. Let us know how it goes.

 

[joecool85]

1997 4.0l v6 extended cab 4x4 5 speed. best combo IMO

I disagree, I vote 1998-2000 3.0L V6 extended cab 4x4 5spd. Those are the ones that are flex fuel, they look great, have a 8.8 in the rear and are generally just badass. I guess that's why I bought one. In fact, the 2000s frequently don't have those stupid pulse hubs either, just solid "always on" connection, I love mine. Only down side is the stupid electronic shift t-case. What the heck Ford?

**edit**
Oh yeah, gas mileage is great (I regularly get 20mpg), still tows stuff fine as long as its less than about 4,000 lbs and it's basically a bullet proof engine/tranny combo.

 

[jeffw920]

93-97 4.0l 4x4 ext. cab 5 speed OR...
01-11 4.0l sohc 4x4 ext cab auto or manual

 

[87anger]

1997 4.0l v6 extended cab 4x4 5 speed. best combo IMO

X2.
Depends on your preference (and your $$$). Just remember up till 97 they used the Dana 35 TTB front end and 98+ use the control arm IFS (correct term?). Just some things to keep in mind.