What is the next Generation of Trucks I should be looking at?

[OilPatch197]

Ok, I admit it, I am damned tired of 1st gen rangers! I've owned Red 1st gen rangers since 1996, when I got my drivers license.

This is what I have:

1983 long bed, Originally a 2.0L with 4spd, short bed, 2wd, did a swap with a 2.8 with a Five speed. (and had to deal with the stupid five tooth starter gear problem!)
Bought it in '96 for about $1,400.

Retired that truck in 2001(using it for storage and a part truck), Bought a 1984 2.8, 3spd auto, explorer trim package, long bed. The truck is a real DOG with the auto, bought it in 2000, and it is right now my backup truck. Had to replace one head(cracked) rebuild the rear axle, and replaced a front suspension arm(I hit a side of a curb).

Paid $1,600 from a small dealer.

Just bought another one,
A 1987 Ford Ranger, short bed, camper shell with a 2.0L and a 5spd. Rebuilt the motor and I am the 2nd owner.

It was stored in the garage, paint in great shape, bought it for $500. The fuel savings have really helped.

Okay, so I know my Rangers, but damned if I just don't get TIRED of staring at the same old dash on every drive.

Right now my "fleet" should last me a good five or more years. What I want to know is when I start looking for my next vehicle, it maybe impossible to find another 1st gen, so do I need to be looking at the 2nd gen Rangers, or the 3rd Gen?

I basically want a truck that there are many of, because I usually drive things until they are in unrepairable shape, cheap to buy, and I can use my old truck for spare parts.

I am leaning toward 2nd gen Rangers, my dad had one, and I liked it, but they only made those for a few years, and could be fairly scarce.

 

[motohead771]

I really like my gen 3, but if you want to use your old trucks for spare parts I guess you would want a gen 2.

 

[RobbieD]

Hope you don't mind if I throw some thoughts your way.

I like the earlier models, 1st generation through 3rd generation, specifically up to the 1994 model. Why? I don't care for air bags, OBDII, and failure-prone interior accessory designs (i.e.- sticking door handle switches, breaking HVAC blend doors, GEM issues, ect., ect.).

Don't get me wrong; I don't dislike the newer models; they're sharp-looking, and they are good trucks in their own right. Air bags are great for safety, although expensive to repair and maintain; and OBDII offers better diagnostics, but with more parts. To each his own.

In my case, since I'm buying the parts AND doing ALL of the work myself to keep my truck serviceable, for as many years as I possibly can, I prefer the simple yet reliable over the sophisticated and complicated. To me, less parts and simpler, easier-to-work-with subsystem designs offer the best option.

My favorite year is the '94; the last one before OBDII, air bags and GEM. The exterior styling is somewhat comparable to the newer models (thanks to Ford's neglecting the Ranger for so long). The second-design interior carried over through '94 is a lot more modern than the '83-'88 first generation's interior, especially the dash. R134a was phased in during the '94 model year; already having a 134 system greatly simplifies keeping the AC going. Six digit odometers became standard, and side impact protection beams were added to the doors in 1994.

Just my own opinions, here, and I wish you great luck on finding a newer mount.

And don't discard those 1st generations you have too quickly; hang on to them if you can. The early trucks are getting scarce, more valuable, and are really nice rides restored.

Good luck!

 

[alain]

I had an 85, 90 and 94. I drive an 2003, all with the almost the same equipement, or the biggest engine available.

The 94 is a hand down winner and like RobbieD said, easier to work on. Also, the gauge in the instrument cluster really work. They are not "idiot gauge" as in my 2003

 

[OilPatch197]

Wow, looks like I'll be looking for a '94 model, no airbags you say? Now that is the shits!

(tho I thought all 3rd generation models had airbags, guess I was wrong.)

Thanks everyone, I'll keep one eye out for that model year!

 

[RobbieD]

Yep; "Look Ma, no bags!"

BTW, the 1993 and 1994 are basically identical, except for the R134a, the six-digit odo, and the beams in the doors. It was '95 that the dash changed (along w/ air bags), and OBDII was adopted.

Good luck on your hunt, man!

 

[Hahnsb2]

Personally I'd look for a 2nd gen with a 4.0 and 5 speed.

 

[dogboy]

I really like my 93. I never really knew a 93 and 94 were that much different, but I guess there were a few changes.

Personally, I like the 1st, and 3rd gen trucks. I don't really care for 2nd gen front ends at all.

'93 and '94's are defently a modern looking truck, yet are still somewhat simple. Just the way I like'em.


It must just be my area, but I see a ton of 2st Gen Rangers on Criagslist, and quite a few 2nd gens, althought not as manay as 1st. But, the cool things is, is that you see a shit ton of 93-97 Rangers.

 

[Shran]

Personally I'd look for a 2nd gen with a 4.0 and 5 speed.

x2. Or build your own. 2nd gen has a LOT of good, strong parts. The interiors are nice. My only complaint is the doors (especially with electric windows) get fricken heavy and take out the hinges, thus making the door impossible to close.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

To bad 3rd gens look like bloated Escorts with beds.

2nd gens dont look bad, but im sure there will still be plenty of 1st gens around when you get ready fdor another.

later,
Dustin

 

[exbass94]

What do you plan on doing with the new truck? If it's off-roading, of course go with a TTB truck. If it's just a DD that will be only on the road, Go with a 1998+. You get an excellent riding/handling front suspension, a newer truck, a better auto tranny, excellent engines to choose from (4.0 SOHC and 2.3 Duratec if it's 2001+), OBD II and airbags (which I think are GOOD things). Newer Rangers FTW. I prefer the newer Rangers, but get whichever one you want. You can't really go wrong, they all kick ass.

 

[low_five]

definetly get a front wheel drive truck cause you can put more crap in the bed.





just kidding. but the dodge rampage is cool cause its v8 FWD and the bed can come all the way into the cab

http://www.autoblog.com/2006/02/08/chicago-auto-show-dodge-debuts-rampage-truck-concept/

 

[BlackBII]

Personally I'd look for a 2nd gen with a 4.0 and 5 speed.

Same here.