Im starting to save for another ranger first, the the first essentials (BL, Tires, Wheels).
This is going to be a WEEKEND warrior not a machine!!
Now I want to know what you guys think are the Gen's (with advan/dis for each model),
Which engine is best overall with Advantages/Dis for each engine(3.0, 4.0. OHV, or SOHC)
Which trans (Auto/man)...etc.
So its up to you guys to help me pick the ultimate ranger with after market parts (lift, tires, gears..etc)

If anyone has any other input feel free to share

 

get the 4 liter. transmission is up to you, i prefer manual but there is a lot to be said for having an auto. manual transfer case is a step up from the automatic/electronic switch operated one. i got an extended cab for the extra space. it also seems the 03 models and before are the easiest to mod and work on. thats about all i know though, im still new to all this

 

Welcome back!

Definitely go with the 4.0. I would get an older model so lifts and stuff would be cheaper.

 

Hey Matt how those gears treat you??
well this isnt helping...lol
Like what years the 97 models with ttb suspension? THey seem pretty easy to mod.

 

1997 4wd 4.0 Auto. The manual is trash and the SOHC 4.0 in the 01 and up trucks is trash. Plus with a 97 you still have the TTB suspension.

 

x2 except for the trash part. lol

 

95-97 4.0L, but I'd rather have the manual I think, just my personal preference.
It is much easier to get more travel from the 97 and earlier TTB versus the 98+ IFS. 95 is when they started with the current interior (I believe).

 

How is the SOHC trash?

 

Overly complicated timing system with 3 timing chains(one on the back of the engine), problems with the 01 to 03 timing chains tentionors and low power output compared to other v6 engines with similar displacement.

 

Well... it is a 12 year old motor. In 1997, it out more power than a Chevy 4.3, a Dodge 3.9, and a Toyota 3.4. The new Toyota and Nissan 4.0's are DOHC. Ford needs to update their decade old ****.

 

Yes sir they do. It is long overdue for an update.

 

97 4.0 i prefer manual but have heard they are a weak link to the truck. skid plates underneath and change up the steering in front because its easily bent. i would probably run 33's for the weekend warrior part and re-gear the axles to a 4.56 or 4.88 to keep power the same. bumpers front and rear for greater approach/departure angles and a place to mount lights and a winch. don't cheap out on weak parts because they will come back to get you! and minor engine mods to help out with the power department

 

They wont update it because they are trashing the only small pickup on the market and one of their highest selling vehicles...

 

Well this by far helps me the most, seems overall the 97 is the way to go..
SO 1997 4.0 OHV Manual, got it....Now the lift????

 

The Ranger is far from the highest selling vehicle, do you have proof to back that up?

 

I think your confused. In 1997 the Ranger 4.0 was OHV, not the SOHC.

Anyway, this question is somewhat generic... but I'll guess I'll take a shot at it.

If your trying to build a good trail rig, I'd agree with the others. 1997 4.0 OHV. As for what trans, that is entirely up to you. It complete depends on what you want.

For a lift kit, too many variables. How strong do you want this to be? How much money do you have? Obviously the best solution for a trail rig I see is a SAS, but you need lots of money and time.

 

my 4.0 OHV took a beating.. REAL hard, its down now cause i overheated it for like thr 6th time and it finally blew a head gasket..

no other problems it alternator, w/p, p/s, ac, NOTHING that wasn't a direct influence of my right foot and its got 150k.. I'll probably get another one to rebuild eventually.

 

Totally. I love my OHV. That thing never had a single problem. I somehow smoked a tranny at 36k, but the '99 has 123k on it now and never had a single problem with the engine.

 

i wouldn't say it's the highest selling, but it'll have been around three decades when they pull the plug. that's pretty god in my book with minor changes over the last 15 years.

 

Oh yeah I mean look at every auto parts store, they all have Rangers. Super reliable truck, great for what it was made for.

 

In the magazine Four Wheeler they listed the 93'-97' Ford Ranger as the 2nd best buy in compact pickup trucks. Toyota was first. This for the besy used buy in pickups that are fairly easy to modify and won't cost a ton of money. I'd agree with them that an older TTB 4.0L would be a nice setup that won't cost a lot of money to get it tricked out for wheeling.

 

Did you see whose Ranger they used for the picture lol

 

cool deal guys, thanks for replying

 

Yes I did! Isn't his an 01' or something? I don't think it's an 93'-97'

 

Haha I think its a 2000. Its not a 93-97 though for sure, I laughed a little when I saw that