Hey all, just moved to Bragg and am looking at Rangers to get a small, capable truck to explore the backroads and launch my kayak/haul my wife's craigslist finds...

When I'm not in uniform I wield a camera much of the time - Alex Jansen Photography It's in serious need of an update, but that should give you an idea of who I am through my lens.

Also, the reason behind the registration is I need your sage wisdom. I took a look at this vehicle yesterday ( for ranger 2006 ) and I brought a mechanic/truck guru friend with me because, frankly, I'm not an expert in this subject matter.

It has 220k miles on it, original motor (V6), standard white Ranger (2006) with no extra anything (it's auto and 2WD) and the owner admits to doing a lot of work on it (replacing timing belt, pulling the engine, replacing fuel filter, pump, etc., and cleaning it, etc.). Took a look under the hood and under the chasis, and frankly, I was shocked to see what might have been a truck that could have just rolled off the dealer showroom - both under the hood and under the vic was damn near immaculate with zero rust/dirt/grease anywhere. Even my friend said he's never seen a vehicle that clean at that mileage.

The owner says it is so high in mileage because it was a landscape manager's vic that he used to drive around and supervise his minions.

Took it for a drive and it had plenty of power, good feeling behind the wheel. you can't really see it but there's pretty big cracks in the windshield, so I know that will have to be replaced ($200?), and I couldn't get him to do it before the purchase. The other main issue was a busted CV boot, and I talked him down to $3,700 with both boots replaced.

I have a few days to get over there and inspect it again, but knowing what I know, what are your thoughts? I've never purchased such a high mileage vic before and I'm reluctant. Am I being realistic in expecting another 100k out of it if I take care of it, or am I getting ripped off?

Sorry for the long intro and diving right in like that, but I really don't have experience in this matter and my buddy admits not knowing much about Rangers.

Thanks, and appreciate being here - much to learn :)

-Heie

 

Welcome From the Piedmont

 

when did 2wd rangers come with cv"s

 

Wow, you guys have been a tremendous help...

 

Well it is an odd post.

2006 Ranger V6, there are two different V6's, and neither has a timing belt...............
4.0l has timing chains and they do need to be replaced, 2.5l 4cyl has timing belt

As said 2WD don't have CV boots

220k is at the point where trans may go, engine should be good for 300+k if maintained

If it looks clean and you like it then go for it, but I would make a lower offer if you are on the fence.
With 220k he won't have a line up of buyers, and the price will be determined by the competition in the local market

 

Thank you very much.

I don't see what was odd about it - I stated who I was and my business here, but that's neither here nor there.

I honestly can't remember which he said, but it was claimed to be replaced, and judging by how clean that engine compartment is and how quietly the engine sounded, I'm inclined to believe him.

I was under the impression that where a tire connects to the axle is called a CV joint, and the "grease balloon" was called the boot. Is that not correct?

And I've been entirely on the fence about it - just wanted to know if my gut was sound (that it wasn't a good buy) or if it was solely because of my lack of knowledge/experience in the matter.

Thank you.

-Heie

 

CV"s are used to connect the axle to the tire , on front wd and the front axle on 4wd cars and trucks you stated that it was a 2wd therefor that can not be. 2wd trucks are connected to the rear axle which is stright

 

may have said u-joints were replaced

 

This may be a shot in the dark but you said it connects the wheel so I'm thinking you mean ball joints they have a "grease balloon" as you say but thats about the only thing it could be on 2wd. Those are known to go bad on rangers but its not a bad or expensive job and with access to a decent parts store you or your friend could handle it in the driveway. As for the trans thats where i would be concerned that is a lot of miles for these old school autos in these trucks so id pay close attention to that. If the motor has been replaced (assuming it doesn't have most of the 220k on it) then you would be ok buying it so long as the price is good enough that putting a used or rebuild tranny in it won't break the bank.

 

I think he's talking about the inner tie rods. I've heard people confuse them for cv's before.


anyway as others have said, the transmission may be the one to go next at that mileage.

 

Just a misunderstanding, people do post similar "pulling your leg" posts, lol, like replacing the flux capacitor on the "timing" belt(Back to the Future)
So you were the "victim" of other peoples practical jokes

If you have looked in the local "buy and sells" and the price seems reasonable then go ahead.
No one can predict the future, well unless you have a flux capacitor, so you could end up with a great truck that lasts to 400k or you could get a lemon.
But that applies to any purchase of any product, new or used.


Yes, front wheels need to turn for steering, so if you are driving the front wheels with the engine/trans then you need a "u-joint type" setup, to avoid confusion with the already existing rear drive u-joints, the front wheel axle connection was called the CV(Constant-velocity) joint, it also differs from a u-joint in construction.
My '94 4x4 ranger has u-joints on the front axle not CV joints, but that is because it is a solid axle setup on the front not independent suspension.
And rear wheel drive or 4x4 vehicles with independent rear suspension often have CV joints on the rear now