Thinking about getting a ranger, need advice.

[sledneck800]

So I'm thinking about picking up a second hand ranger 2wd between the years of 2003-2006 for hauling around my dirtbike, mountain bike and possibly a sled a couple times a winter, as the civic is no longer cutting it. So I have a few questions:

1. Whats the best year/model/engine size for my intended use and as a daily driver?
2. This will be driven in the snow with a studded set of snow tires, do the 2wd come with 4.10 gears and posi's?
3. I do intend to try to get 2-4 inches of lift for as cheap as possible (Tbar crank, shackles, body lift) whats the best route to go and how cheaply can I do it? (I'm a helicopter mechanic by trade, no problem spinning wrenches)
3. Is the 3.0L that much better on gas than the 4.0L?
4. Anything else I should know?

Or Should I start looking at fullsize trucks for the difference in cost/gas mileage/operational cost?


This is the look I would love to go for, except skinnier tires that will actually work in the snow.

 

[Will]

They all have to pass the same emissions standards which means they have to use the fuel without waste--which is what contaminates the enviroment. The larger motor gets worse mileage because people use the power. If you like to zoom, get the 4.0. If you don't care about it, get the 3.0. I would get the 3.0 because it's a pushrod motor with a lot less to go wrong and its just as capable.

I wouldn't contemplate a 2wd. A 4wd is a 2wd with a 2" lift and the ability to power the front tires.

 

[Zorro]

1. 4.0 stick shift and make sure you have the rear mini-suicide doors. Why not 4x4?
2. No clue.
3. t-bar crank and shackles will yield the 2" lift you want. It will ride like crap up front, though.
3. Nope, it's just slower. Get the 4.0. Lots of torque down low, can't be killed. My 130k 4.0 gets 18-19mpg. Unless it's the newer 4.0 HO, never looked at it.
4. Get a 4x4 ... you want to lift a 2wd and are concerned with traction. Just get a 4x4.

The pic you posted has far more than 2" of lift. More like 4-6", and 33x12.5 tires(?). a 4"+ lift is spendy.