Stay old or go new?

[93rangemaster]

I have a 1993 ranger 4x4 ex. cab, I'm getting more and more into wheeling, just wondering if I should keep my truck or go for a newer ranger.

As far as lifts go, it seems like it's much cheaper to lift a 83-97 more than 3" and that there are more choices for lifts. I'm liking the newer rangers though because of the updated interior, as well as the back doors on the 2001-up. The ohv doesn't really bother me, I am happy with the power it makes, also my truck isn't too rusty, so corrosion is not a concerning factor. Any input?

 

[PanamaExpat]

You didn't mention which motor you have. I presume it is a 4 liter. If you are getting into wheeling my advice is stay with the older platform. Parts are relatively cheap and common and there is the fact that if you do wrap it around a tree you won't be as financially distressed. Then if you must have an updated interior buy a second Ranger for your daily driver.

Plus with the older one you could attempt Brinker's mod for fitting through trees easier. Check his build thread for details.

 

[adsm08]

You want the "updated interior" and rear doors? Find a 98 that got hit in the back and take the cab. The interior saw almost no changes between 1995 and 2011.

 

[bobbywalter]

if you have a 4.0 your in great shape for what you want to do.

if it is a stick your really in good shape


if your planning to go straight axle soon up front then a newer cammer ranger with a stick would be prime for power and creature comforts.


but for a pig like me, you got a perfect platform already in your hands....start hacking and slashing.

 

[93rangemaster]

Yep, I have the 4.0l standard trans...
thanks for the advice and input guys!
I was just thinking about a 4 inch tuff country lift and some 33's.
So far I've thrown some 2 inch spacers up front, and lift shackles in the rear.
Really want the front bench seat, its hard to fit people in the back lol.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Really want the front bench seat, its hard to fit people in the back lol.

It is hard to fit the crowd I hang around with three across even in a fullsize, especially with a shifter on the floor.

 

[FritzTKatt]

My buddies never even tried to fit on the bench seat in my other ranger. Besides it being so small, do you really want to get hit in the nuts every time the driver hits 4th gear?

 

[adsm08]

I've had 6 people in my Ranger when it still had a bench.

Me, my ex gf in the center seat (she was short and didn't have nuts that could get hit by the shifter) her new bf crouching in the middle of the back, her two kids (4 yrs and 6 months) and my gf.

 

[DRanger024]

Me, my ex gf in the center seat (she was short and didn't have nuts that could get hit by the shifter) her new bf crouching in the middle of the back, her two kids (4 yrs and 6 months) and my gf.

That was a little bit of a mind fack to read.

 

[adsm08]

That was a little bit of a mind fack to read.

It wasn't exactly easy to set up the original or remember and write it out.

 

[Dune Runner]

I'd keep the truck you have and mod it the way you want.