Tell me about 98+ 2wd Rangers/B-series

[AJMBLAZER]

Some of you might remember me. Was an active member on here 2003-06 when I had my '96 Ranger 4x4.

Looking to get a small 2wd pickup. Preferably a stick and extended cab. Wish like hell Ford made these things in a crewcab. Going for mpg more than performance as I have a 30 mile drive each way now. Only thing is I'd occasionally have to drive it at work and I need something that can get around in a fairly decent offroad environment. I'd consider a 4x4 but really need to get better than 15-16mpg like most of the 4x4 Rangers I've seen and been around got.

Looking for a '98+ as I want the A-arm setup.
What kind of gas mileage do these get? 4-cyl/3.0L/4.0L?
How do they respond to slight lifts like a spindle lift and 30" AT's or MT's? I'll need it to be able to get through ruts, slight mud, hill climbs, tall wet grass, etc. Probably get a locker as well.
What's the standard gearing for a 2wd with the various engines?
How's the suspension hold up to light/moderate abuse? 95% of the time it'd just drive me to work and then home but the other 5% when the company vehicle is gone/down I'd be depending on it to get me across some moderate terrain.

 

[Ranger Sport Honduras]

i have a 99 2.5, its 5spd
the truck gives a really good mileage gives around 21 combined
check this site so u can compare engines
http://www.fueleconomy.gov/

the IFS has been surprisingly stout to the use i give to my truck( work truck on a farm)
i did a 2" susp lift and put some 30" tires on it and the mileage drop is almost imperceptible.
power did had a slight decrease, but nothing too serious.

if u want better mileage and a bit more power go for a 01+ duratec 2.3

 

[AJMBLAZER]

Thanks man. Sounds good.

Dig your trucks by the way.

 

[02RangerXLT]

FWIW, My 2000 Supercab 4x4 had a 3.0 and I got around 18 regularly, 21 or 22 if we went on trips and didn't go over 70mph.

If you're going for mileage, get a 4-banger and 5spd manual. If you end up putting bigger tires on it, you may want to consider re-gearing. I know a guy who has a lifted 4cyl 5spd 2wd, and he has 33's and is running 4.56 gears. But for 30's, you should be fine.

Can't wait to see your truck, I like the look of lifted 2wd's.

 

[AJMBLAZER]

Now that's not bad for a 4x4.