Trying to decide on a new truck

[simpler=better]

Hello! Long time visitor, first time caller.
I used to own a 1993 Ranger 4L v6 Automatic; got it at 150k; kept it till 210 when I blew the headgasket and sold it for $300. Maybe I got a lemon, but just about everything on that POS broke or was breaking. Still, the seating/interior fit me perfectly (I'm 6'2" and squish to fit in cars) and the ride quality was pretty good for a beat-up truck.

Anyways, this is the criteria for my new ride:

#1-Reliability(duh)
#2-Ease of repairs/cost of repairs
I don't want nightmare modern car experience
#3-"Crew cab" with a short box. I need the extra dry storage space, but I also want an open bed
#4-MUST HAVE A FRAME (NO unibodies)
#5-Engine (See below)

Naturally aspirated fuel injected gasoline 4 cylinder inline engine
I only need 80hp/ft-lb torque; fuel economy&reliability are the goal.
Simple emissions controls-no AIR/smog pumps! PCV, O2 sensors, cat & EGR are fine by me if I can easily access them.
Hydraulic valves-I'm sick of removing my valve cover every 10k
Timing belt (Easier to change/less catastrophic failure than a chain in my opinion)
Self-tensioning serpentine belt for the accessories
R134a a/c system that will be easy to work on (If need be)

#6-Drivetrain (See Below)

Manual transmission, preferably with a hydraulic clutch
Hand operated parking brake is preferred, but not essential
2WD (Rear aka correct wheel dive)
Solid rear axle
Class II hitch(or available off-the-shelf)
Limited slip differential(or available off-the-shelf)
Relatively smooth ride when on the highway---low rpms in high gear and no vibration

#7-Interior (The part of the truck I will be most of the time)
Pedals are far away and the wheel is close to the driver(or can be extended)
I'm 6'2" with bad knees and like to have my legs stretched out, but I don't like to drive with my arms reaching straight out either. The seating/spacing in my 1993 Ranger was perfect.
Manual windows
Manual climate controls(Vacuum operated ones are expensive/hard to replace)
Factory-equipped cupholders that work!!!!!
Solid rear window(or off-the-shelf solid rear window available)
Sunroof(If it has the reputation for not leaking)-not at all essential
Light grey color is preferred(cooler in the summer) but I can live with anything.


Wish list:
Space for a second battery under the hood
ABS-but only if it's located in the engine bay
(Affordable) Off the shelf alternator upgrades into the 100Amp or higher range
Speakers in the dash(vs doors)
Heated seats(or the possibility of heated seats)


If you're still with me, thanks for reading through.

From what I can tell the 2000+ rangers look good. I'm leaning towards an extended cab 2.5L manual, 2wd, with a/c

Are there any known issues to look out for?


Will I have to worry about the stuff that failed on my '93?
Rusted through frame(in 2005)
Expensive brake/suspension parts
Leaky rear axle seals(even with a new axle)
Weird vibrations at all speeds
Loud front end on bumpy roads
15mpg
Rattling loose interior
Rusted-out bumper mounts
Weak headlights

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Will I have to worry about the stuff that failed on my '93?
Rusted through frame(in 2005)
Expensive brake/suspension parts
Leaky rear axle seals(even with a new axle)
Weird vibrations at all speeds
Loud front end on bumpy roads
15mpg
Rattling loose interior
Rusted-out bumper mounts
Weak headlights

Frame, bumper mounts - depends on where you live and how they treat the roads. My 1985 Ranger with 140k has a very solid frame and bumper mounts.

Brakes and Suspension - Brakes are pretty cheap, suspension depends on what you broke... like everything else.

Axle seals shouldn't leak, that isn't a normal thing for anything.

15mpg - not bad for a tired 4.0, you will have to seriouly thrash a 2.5 to hope to get that bad of milage... and I still don't know if you could.

Vibrations, rattles, loud front end - your old truck had almost a quarter of a million miles on it, it ain't new anymore. Tires could have played a role too.

Headlights - usually pretty good unless they get fogged over with age... I suspect your '93's where. Wheel polish will clean them right up.

I don't think extended cab four cylinders were available. And there is no Supercrew (full 4dr) Ranger available in the US.

Your low output non smog engine won't be available in anything. Ranger 4 cylinders have had a timing belt and hydraulic valves since the Ranger came out.

 

[simpler=better]

THREAD NECROMANCY TIME

Got my little big truck back in 2011. She's a 2.5L, xcab, stickshift, 2wd. Only mods I've done so far are side running lights, an inverter, a toolbox, and debadged it. 190k-ish and going strong

This weekend I'll be putting in a new exhaust, tonneau cover, (small) front lip, and some general maintenance.

 

[hoosier1104]

Holy thread batman! Glad you are happy with it.

 

[Road Angels]

Mileage, mileage, and mileage thats what to shop for, if you got to spend the money to get the lower mileage truck regardless of year, it will pay off, also don't get in a hurry and check it out from top to botton, look for rust, also look at pedal wear that some times can give away the true miles on it, as well as new pedal pads on an older 100k only speedos, if you can afford to have it taken to a shop to have checked out do it and never pay asking price unless its some old guy that has a cherry, and its worth every dime