time for a new ranger

[bandit]

i have owned rangers since i started drivin, but nothing newer then a 89' and have never had a 4.0 has well. only the 2.9's. But now i have a new job that pays enough that i can look in to getting a new ranger in the next few months. i still cant buy a new one so i am going with a used. i was thinking in the range of a 2000-2005 with 4x4, and a 4.0. But with having no experince with a ranger this new or with this motor and newer drive train i feel lost. so i am wondering if you guys can help point me in the right direction. with what year might be better, any comon problems with different parts of the truck and so on. plus which everone that i go with will get a lift. I thank you for any help you can give.

 

[Shran]

The new Rangers have a different front suspension and a different 4.0 than what you're probably used to. Old Rangers were TTB front susp. while the new ones are SLA (independent). Lift kits are more expensive if you're going over 1-2 inches. The nice thing is, you can crank the torsion bars for free and get some blocks for the back, and buy the expensive lift later.

The new 4.0s are OHC, vs OHV for the old. Both good motors though. You will also have the option of a 3.0. Some love it, some hate it...I have no opinion, never owned one.

Good luck in your search.

 

[LearjetMinako]

Even with you owning an older Ranger. You'll feel right at home with the newer ones. Different style, but everything got a little better. Also, try to aim for a 2001 or newer model. 2001+ has the 4.0 OHC. Back that motor to a 5-speed manual, and its really fun to drive.

 

[bandit]

how much of a difference is there between the 4x4, the fx4 and the level 2 fx4. would i be better to start out with one of the fx4's?

 

[LearjetMinako]

The 4x4 is like the basic start. FX4 is the next step up, it usually includes skid plates and the decals. FX4 LII is the final step, it includes full skid plate coverage (forward, mid, & aft), the decals, Blisten shocks, and a Torsen Limited slip rear diff. And the rear axle is a 31-spline 8.8 vs the standard 28-spline 8.8.

 

[bandit]

i know that the motor in the new ranger will do fine. but just in case i want more power how hard is it to put a 302 in it. has anyone tried to do this yet, or looked into it?would the v8 and harness out of a explorer fit in it with little mods. or would i be better off to supercharge the 4.0 and do bolt on type stuff.

 

[alaskan155]

if you want to put a 302 in get a 98-2000 that combined with and explorer v8 almost plug and go
http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/5_0_swap_in_newer_ranger.html

 

[bandit]

thanks alaskan155 didnt even see that wright up on the subject, and it helps a lot. Now i guess my next question is what if i dont want to use the explorer trans. in stead i have a aod and a 205 case that i would like to mate up with the 302 so there isnt as much elec. that could go bad. and since i am in MI i dont plan on running any of the egr junk. how bad am i going to have to mod the wire harness to acomadate the lack of egr?

 

[badblue]

I would look for a 02/03 lvl2 4x4 they had some that where manual trans and tranfercase. they have a pos diff front and rear. the newer ones then that don't have as much 4x4 goodies.