Guys great forum you have going. I started the search for a small pickup a couple weeks ago and have settled on a ranger 4x4 of some variety. I've been commuting in F350 mason dumps and rack bodies for 3 years now, and am really looking forward to switching it up to something smaller for the daily driving...and doubling my MPGs

I'll be doing my first ranger test drives tomorrow (one of my little brothers had one a few years back that I remember really liking, so looking forward to seeing how they feel). Wish me luck, and feel free to spout off with any advice that comes to mind. I'm in CT, so if you, or a friend, or a cousin's friend's brother's friend etc. has a low mileage (under 50k or so) 4X4 you think might be a good fit, let me know.

 

If you want optimal MPG you need to get a 2.3L. The 4.0L get decent MPG but in the big picture its kinda poor for the size truck. I get 16-17mpg with some mods.

In my opinion I would never own a Ranger that wasnt a 4.0L. I would get a 5spd, and look for a FX4 trim package. Those seem to be the most popular.

 

When I say I'm looking forward to doubling my MPG's...I'm starting at about 8 to 10 in the dump trucks I'm currently commuting in. The 4.0L is all I'm looking at. Anything in the 15 to 20 MPG range is going to feel pretty nice.

I'd like a 5spd, but may end up with an auto so I'm not worried about the wife driving it to work on snowy days (she drives a civic that is barely safe on a windy rainy day let alone in the snow). I taught her to drive stick in the work trucks...but it never really took if you know what I mean.

Does the FX4 package get you much other than trim? I've tried looking up the differences in the packages in a few places but haven't had much luck finding the specifics. Is there a componant or quality difference in anything significant from one 4X4 package to another, or pretty much just trim and options?

 

The FX4 will get your better shocks, some interior pieces will be better such as the seats, it might have skid plates, udgraded tow hooks etc...

 

Thanks man - better shocks, skid plates, and tow hooks would be worth holding out for. Both the test drives I have scheduled tomorrow are in regular XLTs...have to see how it goes I guess. Only one FX4 in my price range with low enough miles for my taste that I can find, and the dealer doesn't have any pics of it up.

 

I have a XLT and I have been happy with it. The tow hooks really dont make a difference, they just look better. The shocks are Bilsteins which are pretty sweet. Some of the FX4's depending on year came with a front skid plate, and a few others. They also have a rear tow hook too.

 

The reason i got my fx4 was for the lsd witch all fx4s have and the skid plates. The lsd has been sooooo nice this winter and when offroading and such, definitely worth it to find one with the lsd.

 

Welcome!

 

Welcome to R/F!

 

welcome to R-F, Jim!

 

Thanks for the welcomes guys. Deposit down and will be picking her up tonight if all goes smooth. 2005 4 door edge 4X4 w/ 28k miles.

I looked into the FX4, but a part of the reason I am getting it is so my wife will have something to drive to work on snowy days or if she has an emergency and needs to get somewhere while I'm out plowing. I've never felt great with a limited slip on snow and ice...guess if I end up wanting to do any serious off roading I'll have to look into a lockable, but I have a feeling the regular 4X4 package will do what I need it for.

Thanks again for the forum - people's projects and pics are great. I'll be convinced I need to add stuff to this thing in no time.

 

Welcome to R/F

 

Welcome

 

Welcome to R-F!

 

Welcome and congrats on the new truck, post up some pics when you get the chance!

 

Hey thanks a lot - I will get pictures up eventually...nothing but cell phone pics yet but I'm sure I'll get the camera out eventually. It's all pretty stock for now...added some bushwacker bed rail guards and a little tool box, but other than that I think it will stay like it is for a while. Wish it was manual with a manual transfer case and manual hub locks - just doesn't feel right not shifting and flipping switches to get into 4X4...the wife loves it though.

 

welcome