Planning trip with older Ranger - What to worry about

[red99naz]

I have a 99 2.5L 4 cylinder 5 speed ranger that I am planning to take a trip in - 3000 miles or so. In general, it works fine, but it is 13 years old, and has just over 100,000 miles on it. I know that the engine is pretty bullet-proof, with the timing belt being to one significant item. In my case, that was done < 5K miles ago, so that's not an issue.

I do have some concern about the clutch. It doesn't slip now, but since it is hydraulic, I know that there is no way to know if it is nearing end of life or not... unless one of you knows a way... And I am pretty sure it is original.

What should I worry about?

As I said, in general everything works fine. There are a couple items though:

1) The truck does have the wiper gremlin from time to time (random wiper sweeps with the wipers turned off)

2) When hot, it is hard to put into 1st gear. It doesn't creep, but it usually requires starting with 4th, and working down to 1st. Once in, I can go to neutral and back easily as long as I leave the clutch out, so I don’t think it's the notorious slave issue.

Thanks!

 

[Observer]

I have a 99 2.5L 4 cylinder 5 speed ranger that I am planning to take a trip in - 3000 miles or so. In general, it works fine, but it is 13 years old, and has just over 100,000 miles on it. I know that the engine is pretty bullet-proof, with the timing belt being to one significant item. In my case, that was done < 5K miles ago, so that's not an issue.

I do have some concern about the clutch. It doesn't slip now, but since it is hydraulic, I know that there is no way to know if it is nearing end of life or not... unless one of you knows a way... And I am pretty sure it is original.

What should I worry about?

As I said, in general everything works fine. There are a couple items though:

1) The truck does have the wiper gremlin from time to time (random wiper sweeps with the wipers turned off)

2) When hot, it is hard to put into 1st gear. It doesn't creep, but it usually requires starting with 4th, and working down to 1st. Once in, I can go to neutral and back easily as long as I leave the clutch out, so I don’t think it's the notorious slave issue.

Thanks!

Wipers is usually a dirty contact in the switch but it's not likely to strand you.


-Check tire pressure, bring air pump and indicator with you.

-Check bulbs and maybe get a few extras. (mostly because of tickets if something is out )

-Fuses too. Sparkplugs if you can/ maybe i'm paranoid..

-Check fluids, bring a jug of coolant, water and oil and funnel if you burn any you can top it off..

Some basic tools- multimeter screwdrivers etc (jumper cables are very handy and maybe a tow rope)

-Sunglasses for the eye strain on long trips the road reflects quite a bit.

-Other than that food and water for emergencies maybe. Unless you are far from any towns you can always call for a tow so it depends..


It's the basic stuff that will make you angry at yourself for not being ready!

I assume you have a cellphone? Don't forget it and someone in the 21st century will come find you eventually.


Add:

99 is NOT old!! >

 

[bobbywalter]

get a trip check at a decent shop


try not to run out of gas....

your driving a baby tank.

 

[--weezl--]

get a trip check at a decent shop


try not to run out of gas....

your driving a baby tank.

probably the best idea right here... i'm having an alignment done tomorrow afternoon in preparation for my trip, just to make sure there's nothing wrong with my suspension components, plus my camber is out

 

[red99naz]

Thanks guys.

@Observer - good list for any car for a trip. I'll be on major US roads, so getting lost isn't too big concern. I have a small electric pump - my '07 Miata has no spare (no room!) so it comes with a pump and can of fix a flat!

@bobby - Just had the oil changed by my long term shop - they recomended serp belt and one of the hoses. I'll do those, but not at their prices - $160 for the belt?? YIKES!!!

@weezl - alignment check is not a bad idea. My daughter used the truck for the past year. Hits curbs from time to time, and where she is (U of AZ in Tucson) has horrible roads.

I should note that the tires are near new high end Toyo's - I learned years ago not to cheap out on tires - That costs less to start but far more per mile, plus I wanted my daughter safe.

And Yes, I expected the comments like "your driving a baby tank" - but while I don't replace cars too quickly, this is getting old compared to what I am used to, but an unplanned divorce left me this way.

 

[killj0y]

I take offense to this post when you posted older ranger I thought 1st or 2nd gen....mine is a 96 and I don't consider it old :/

 

[red99naz]

My apologies

@ Killj0y - I guess I should use the term – Well loved and broken in

 

[--weezl--]

i don't even think it's that... my truck (2007) has close to what yours has on the clock...

 

[FritzTKatt]

My current truck is 11 days older than I am haha. But I'm the one in charge...

Definitely do that serp belt and hose. Maybe flush your coolant system, and carry a gallon of mix. Check the spare tire for air pressure/holding pressure. Make sure you have your ball hitch or a clevis hooked up on the hitch (you do have a hitch, right?)

I'd carry a small (1 gallon to save space) gas can. Sta-bil it...

 

[doorgunner]

probably the best idea right here... i'm having an alignment done tomorrow afternoon in preparation for my trip, just to make sure there's nothing wrong with my suspension components, plus my camber is out

yeahhhhh.....haulin that BANNER....you need to be safe....

 

[red99naz]

You guys are pretty reasuring here.
Belt, hose... easy stuff.

 

[pontiacfieroguy]

wouldn't be a bad idea to run a can of seafoam through it, both through the gas and oil and some through the intake wouldn't be a bad idea too. if nothing else it should save u a good bit of gas , not a bad idea to do a general tuneup, plugs /wires /air filter both for peace of mind and gas savings

 

[FritzTKatt]

Remember when you get back it'll be time for an oil change too.

 

[--weezl--]

fwiw, for getting ready for my trip next week, i had an oil change done yesterday, then today, in the space of just over an hour, i checked my coolant, topped up washerfluid, checked front and rear diffs, manual trans and transfercase fluid (all mostly full, and still clean looking) i also replaced my fuel and air filters, my power steering fluid is a little low, but i can't for the life of me remember what fluid to use... is it still ATF, or did ford switch to another fluid?

 

[bobbywalter]

hmmm.


generally a 100k is less then 2 years driving for me.

on a 4 whizzer stock truck with decent oil changes i would have no fears.

spare belts hoses fluids is mandatory for me for anything over 40 miles....as they dont take too much room.