Am looking at a 1999 Ranger extra cab 4-wheel drive automatic, with 117,000 miles on it. Selling for $5700. We presently have a 1989 Ranger with a manual transmission. Are the automatic 4-wheel drive transmissions as good as, as strong as, and reliable as the manual?

In the automatic, the dash light does not come on when switched to 4-wheel drive low. The light is on for 4-wheel drive but does not come on for low. How can I tell if it is shifting into low 4-wheel drive.

I tend to shy away from electrical doodads and I'm scared of the 4-wheel drive automatic transmission. Any thoughts on this truck?

Thanks for any replies.
--Ken

 

you might be able to feel or hear it shift in to 4 low and i am pretty sure correct me if im wrong but i think th light comes on for 4 low i cant remember

 

my 4low light did not come on a while back, the 4hi light would blink on and off then stay on, i switched out the 4x4 switch and now it comes on, if its not coming on then it could be the switch.

 

I bought my '99 a year ago, 4x4, automatic, and it had 106,000 on it and works great. To go into 4 LO you have to come to a complete stop, put the transmission selector into neutral THEN switch into 4 LO, other wise it will stay in 4 HI. You have to do the same thing to get back out of 4 LO, stop, go to neutral, then turn the switch. 99's do have the auto-pulse hubs that are prone to failure to lock in, but are easy to fix:either by putting a lockout kit on, or there are how-to's on here that tell about other fixes.
If the truck is overall great shape and been taken care of I wouldn't hesitate to buy it, sure beats the price of a new one ... I gave $5000 for mine last March, which was a good price for around here... I see other Rangers equipped like mine going for much more all the time, especially 4x4's.

 

thanks for the reply.truck seems to be in good shape........does the power seem good to you .like I said.my 89 seems to be faster or maybe it's my imagination.anyway.thanks.....ken