Retired Insurance Man with more tools than most tool trucks.

[Rummie]

Old guy with not enough time. 1928 Chevy Capital truck, 1930 Model A Ford, 1991 Ranger 2x2 3.0L 5 speed seats 2 or 3, 1997 Ranger 4x4 4.0 automatic seats 4..maybe 6 if they are kids...small kids. Love the web site. I have been peeking at the Forums and I will bet that it took more than a 6 pack when you folks did one super job putting this Web site. AND I like it that you have so many people working in the background to keep it humming.

Buying the 97 for seating and 4x4. I will bet that tranny and differentials need re-built and I am totally expecting the timing chains to be ready to be changed. (230,000 miles what do you think.)
Mr. NAPA is my friend and this forum is a resource. Through this site and your participation is amazing and absolutely essential for me.
I live in Hanover PA and if you are driving here and see a Pole Building with stretch marks, that's where I am most of the time. So stop in and have a coke. Overalls are not required but strongly suggested.

 

[RonD]

The 1997 Ranger 4.0l will be the 4.0l OHV engine so never had timing chain issues, that was the 2001-2003 4.0l SOHC Rangers(or 1997-2003 Explorers)

The 4.0l OHV did have issues with cracked heads if overheated, weak spot in casting between valve seats, so NEVER allow this engine to over heat

1997 4.0l Ranger should have the 5R55E automatic(4x4 version), yes 300k can be nearer the end for bands and clutches in automatics so rebuild would be in the cards
Front or rear differentials were never a big issue with Rangers, everything wears out but these seems to last the life of the vehicle if serviced
Manual front locking/unlocking hubs are a good upgrade, if its not already been dome

It will have a BW1354 transfer case, fluid can be changed in this as well, very hardy transfer case with few problems

The electric 4WD shift should be used once a month, just sitting in the driveway, shift to 4high then 4low, then back to 2WD, this will keep the motor contacts clean and the worm gear lube spread out, inside the shift motor
And better to find out 4WD is not working in the driveway than when you really need it, lol

 

[Curious Hound]

 

[Shadowrider6661]

Welcome to the club.. Here's a little unsolicited information. I also have a 97, when I first got it 11 years ago, it was hard getting it in and out of 4lo. In the owners manual it tells you how to use the electric transfer case shifter, it just leaves out the most important step, you have to have depress the clutch and brake simultaneously to get it to work properly. Since finding this out, I have not had any problems with shifting in and out of 4lo.