I just bought this 2.5L 1999 Ranger automatic with 65,000 miles on it. It has a slight vibration throught the RPM range but most noticeably right around 2,000 RPMs. Same vibration whether in park or in any gear running down the road. Sounds like a loud muffler, but I can't tell if it is just the muffler or if it is a vibration in the engine being magnified in the muffler. I have taken my mechanics stethoscope and again it is pronounced in the muffler and around the water pump, crankshaft area. I don't want to go chasing my tail by replacing the muffler as an experiment. Could the vibration from a faulty muffler be traveling back to the engine??? Seems to me that it would more likely be the other way around. Vibration is mostly heard but definately can feel it in the seat and somewhat in the steering wheel. Any ideas???

Also, the first tank of fuel I got 21.12 miles per gallon. Seems kind of low for this 4 banger. Mostly highway driving. Thanks!

 

I guess my concern is that it could be something more serious. If, say, it were the flywheel or harmonic balancer, or even a bearing, would there be other symptoms I would be seeing besides just a 'rumble'.