Im looking to get back into rangers again and trying to decide if I want a regular cab, or extended. I had a Regular cab ranger a couple years ago and didn't have a problem with its size but thought it was a little small though. I was originally planning to get an extended cab this time, but then I came across a really nice 04 reg cab. Its got a 3.0 5spd, 6" lift and 35's with 70k miles for 8k. Im almost willing to sacrifice the cab size just because of how much I like it...im just really torn between the 2 because it would be nice to have a little extra room if i need it. Its just that this truck is already good the way it is, where as if I bought a different one with ext cab, I would end up with an extra $1500-2000 in it for the lift and wheels and tires. (I found a couple ext cabs for about 8k stock). I need some help deciding.

 

i dont know that i could personally live with a reg cab after 15 combined years of 2 rangers with the super cab. its darn handy to have that extra space. i even have a small homemade tool box behind the seat with a lock to keep stuff in. doesnt tie the bed up with a toolbox that way either. i 'spose if the price was right id make do with a reg cab, but it wouldnt be m prefered choice.

 

I will tell you the same thing I tell everyone who comes on here asking about buying a truck. Never, ever, ever, ever, ever but a 3.0. It has the 2.5L power that I'm sure you know about and the 4.0 gas mileage. Not only that buy running 35s on is not exactly fun. I always say if you don't care about power and want good gas mileage go for a 4 cylinder Ranger, if you want a V6 and don't care much about mileage get the 4.0, as far as I'm concerned the 3.0 isn't even as option unless you have a 5.0 sitting in your garage waiting for a home. Another thing you should look at in that 04 is what axle gearing it has. If he's got 35s on it and it has 4.10s or even 3.73s you gonna hate it. It should be running 4.88s. As far as regular vs extended, it's really personal preference. I've never had extended so I can't compare but having regular cab for these past 2 years there have been many times when I could have used it.

 

Hey long time no see! I loved that reg. cab you had back in the day. I would personally go with an extended cab, more room in case you wanna put something in the cab.

 

between my 03 supercab and my grandpas 98 reg. cab...go with the extended cab...not only more room for storage but im 5'8 or so and find the reg cab too small...also avoid the 3.0 at all costs! go with the 4.0 if you want a v6

 

like b*tches and hoes

 

Its got 4.10 gearing. I was thinking though if I got it, at some point put 33's and different wheels on it and take the body lift off, and maybe it would get a little better gas mileage, but then its almost pointless to buy it in the first place if im going to do that. Im 6ft so a reg cab is pushing it. Its all because that truck looks so nice. If I got an automatic and lifted it, would that kill the gas mileage even more than with a manual?

 

I dont know what experience that guy had with his 3.0, but mine isnt bad. I have plenty of power for driving the speed limit, its not fast by any means but its not terrible (5 speed definetely helps). As for gas mileage 19-21 mpg average isnt bad for a lifted 4x4 with 33's is it? As far as regular cabs go, i put a locking toolbox in my bed for all my extra stuff and that works out fine. Its up to you though, good luck!

 

The biggest thing is I cant find a 2.3 extended cab around here that isn't white (even then, theres only like one)...they're all reg cabs. And its hard finding 4.0 extended cabs with under 100k miles and atleast a 04 that isn't under like 10k. Mostly all im seeing is 3.0's for the ext. cabs. Right now I have a 4dr car and I rarely ever have anything to put in the back seat or truck. I only found one 4cyl ext cab (nice color and all) but its a bit more than I can afford.

 

yeah 35s and 4.10s are a dog. the auto would make it worse for sure. with an auto you actually need higher gearing than a manual. ie) I have 4.10s and 31s on my stick 4cyl Ranger, another dude has 31s and 4.10s on his auto 4cyl Ranger. he gets worse has mileage than i do. he is going to 4.54s because it is a dog.

as far as trying to find a Ranger that fits your specs it's gonna be a challenge for sure. some people look a long time before they get exactly what they want. it's all a matter of how long you are willing to wait.

 

I like the ext cab for going on trips with the bed full of dirtbikes or a snowmobile. Gives you some room for luggage/gear. Ext cab is also nice in the winter, you can just throw your coat and other stuff in the back for quick warm storage.

After owning my reg cab f-350, I would rather have a reg cab with 7' bed though.

 

35's seem pretty big for 3.0, 4.10. Mine has same and was gutless with stock size tires on it, I'm planning on getting 33's whenever I find a cheap set, but I accept that I will take off slower and pick up speed slower than a geo metro only firing on 2 cylinders. Oh...and ext cab is the way to go.

 

I agree that the gearing/motor combo probably wouldn't be the most fun to drive, but it would be doable. If you were to step down to 33s the 3.0 handles them fine with 4.10s at least in my experience. Also, though some people badmouth it, the 3.0 is not a bad motor at all. Very dependable, and almost unkillable. And the torque is low in the rpms.

 

I settled on a 2 door extended cab Ranger...and I wish I would have waited to find a 4 door.

In my opinion, if you're going to spend money on a truck that you plan on having for awhile, find one with all the options you want. If you think you might need an extended cab, or it would be nice to have an extended cab, then wait for one. The right truck will come along. If you rush it, and buy one that you're doubtful about, you will be kicking yourself after the initial new truck high goes away.

 

i say ext. cab, i had a regular cab back in high school and found out quickly there was no room at all for hauling things in the cab. my 4 door supercab now is great, i absolutely love the room and the ability to store things inside.

 

Well i hope some one didnt already say this lol I would go with the ext for the ride .Longer the truck the better it handles.The 4.0 isnt to bad on gas and its been a great motor.If u plan on doing alot of off road go with reg cab . Reg cabs turns around in tighter spots.I like having the room in my truck great place to carry my saw amp speakers etc etc.

 

I've had a 2wd Super Cab Ranger with a 4.0 (caugh GAS PIG caugh) and currently have the same with a 3.0 and the difference in HP is hardly noticeable but the 4.0 was a 94 and my 3.0 is a 2002 and I have had both the extended cab and reg cab and I would go with extended. My kids Tauras has 170,000km's on it's 3.0 and the car purrrrs like a kitten, it's going to take me 5 or 6 years to get there with the Ranger.

 

Seriously? Sounds like your just a big baby lol. I'm 5'10 close to 300lbs and I found a 95 regcab plenty comfy. Sure they are small, but not bad. Plus the 98+ gained some room in the regcab. Only time an extcab really comes in handy is when traveling.

 

lol easy now...i guess im too used to my extended cab lol

 

I will second waiting for the perfect truck that you want. I waited to find a decent level II twin stick and I wont give it up for anything... well, other than a diesel crew cab lol.


also, I rode in my first reg cab ranger about a month ago and perfered the extended cab. The guy who owns it, had an extended cab and Im sure he hates it.

 

Yeah except that pesky Cam Syncro Sensor. Besides that little 70k-120k issue that will bring the Vulcan to it's knees and leave you stranded with only a few hundred miles of light clicking as a warning of the destroyed engine to come.

I believe they also have issues with the MAP sensor and another sensor as well.

 

cam cyncro doesn't go out on all of them. Mine never had that issue and was a great motor. If the motor is taken care of it'll easily last 300k miles or more.

 

That's true, not unlike 01-02 4.0 timing chain problems. Not everyone has them but many do. You can ask Shane about that though. It's defiantly a gamble.

 

Id only go with a supercab, which has the 4 doors. I wouldnt even bother with either the reg or plain ext.
and dont listen to the naysayers about the 3.0, yes, they lack in HP but have more than adequate torque, and as far as Ive been able to see (and read) are more reliable with a better chance at longevity.
just my 2 pennies.

 

Yeah every motor has its faults. The 3.0 gets an unecessary bad rep imo. My buddy (ericranger) has a 3.0 that he beats the hell out of and it now has over 200k miles and the only thing he has done is change the plugs and oil. Just now the rear main seal is getting bad on it. But holy crap his truck is fun to drive.