What to be aware of.

[broncoitis]

I just recieved a 2003 Ranger XLT as a gift from my sister.(She's obviously an angel) It has 153,000 miles, runs like a top and seems to be in almost new condition.
What are some of the mechanical and other issues should I be on the look out for with a truck of this age and mileage.
Thanks, BTW I'm new on this forum

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

The first things I do when I get a new-used vehicle is to do a complete tune-up (plugs, wires, air filter, fuel filter, oil filter, oil change, PCV valve, change fluids in the diffs, change t-case fluid (if applicable), trans fluid, trans filter if it's an auto, dump 2 bottles of cheap fuel injector/carb cleaner per 1/2 tank of gas (usually I have to add to the tank to get to a half tank), and check the brakes.)

Then I check all the shocks, check the steering for slop, check the balljoints, etc. Then I run it till the tank gets down below a quarter, fill it up, and dump another bottle of fuel injector/carb cleaner.

Other than that, enjoy.

 

[broncoitis]

Thanks, all good suggestions. Will do those things as the time and money allow.
Again, thanks

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

what motor does the truck have?

nothing big to look out for on the 4 banger.

the 3.0 will eat its cam position sensor someday, which can cause the oil pump to stop unexpectedly.

the 4.0 has a crappy timing chain tensioner setup and likes to throw chains.