Well I'm looking at new ranger, and I'm looking at 05ish rangers. They will have the 4.0L SOHC engine and be 4x4. My only concern is weather or not its automatic or manual. I have one lined up that's manual but after looking it doesn't have any of the creature comforts. I WANT these, but not at the cost of a good reliable truck. I have a 96 ranger that's 5 speed and I love it, its nice and strong and even runs for a few days without fluid . I planned to pretty much do a shift kit as my first mod if I get an automatic. I don't like them but if they are strong and won't screw up on me I'll consider it. (My fear is that I'll have to deal with this just like I am with my GTP now, trading it in to get rid of it lol). I will be using it, I will be having fun with it and won't always be grandpaing it. Any concerns and things I should look for in these trucks?

 

Get 04 or later to avoid timing chain problems. I would stay away from a manual as well.

 

03 and newer do not have timing chain issues. maybe super early 03s but i doubt it. mine was made nov 02 and is timing chain free of issues.

mine has been through everything, sucking in water, WOT runs, towing 5k + pounds with over 20k miles logged towing 2500lbs. Ran 33s, 35s, 37s, long trips, supercharged, sitting for weeks on end, the cold, heat, over heating a few times, you name it.

been on Synthetics since first oil change, doesnt burn oil, runs like a top at 111k miles. (still on a supercharger) i have some sensor issues. (likes to die at idle (IAC))

other than that I like it for what it is. mine is an auto too btw.

 

Mine is an 03 and it makes the noise. I'm not sure when it was built but I can check. Also I remember FMD saying he got the noise on his 04.

 

I think some have the noise confused with something else. Or my hearing sucks.

 

Ok. Mine was built in March of 03. It makes the noise at 2800ish RPM until the engine warms up.

 

from my understanding the timing chain would make the noise all the time (warm or cold)

 

I have been in Alon's truck and his make the noise all the time. My noise is exactly the same but quieter. Maybe mine makes the sound all the time and I can't hear it since I usually have music playing but I know it makes it when cold because I won't start with the music until I get out of my neighborhood so I don't wake anyone up.

 

timing chains are always a bit noisy, its pretty typical. now the 01-02s were really bad, IMO, and they broke!

 

Yeah. Alon's truck is an 01 and it sounds really bad. I'm surprised one hasn't snapped on him.

 

My '03 didn't make the rattle. Had it for 18 months and put 47k miles on it. (69.5k-22.5k) Not really old but I ran it hard and never heard the ticking. If I had a need for a ranger I would not hesitate to get a 4.0 again.

 

I have no timing chain problems 105k strong.. just tuned her up. I do here my injectors and things but those are noisy on our trucks from what i am told.

 

mines an 01 and its had the rattle since i got it with 10,000 miles on it. ive since changed oil types and its almost completely gone away. it only did it between a certain RPM range. i love my SOHC though, i would take it any day over the OHV 4.0.

 

I've got and 06 FX4 w/auto tranny. 55k miles and a decent amount of 60-70shot of nitrous use on it. Always used 10w-30 mobil 1 and have zero issues. Doesn't rattle or use a drop of oil.

Rich

 

Injectors make a distinct sound. They sound like someone is clicking a pen really fast. The timing chain rattle is completely different than injector noise.

 

luckily all i hear is a clicking pen

 

ok cool, so far I have my sights set on one particular truck.

2004 Ford Ranger in Agawam, MA 01001: Truck Details - 265121799 - AutoTrader.com

and there is this one: (its an edge, not sure what makes it better?)

2005 Ford Ranger in Agawam, MA 01001: Truck Details - 264869499 - AutoTrader.com

 

Find a 2003 Twin stick FX4 LVL II haha. I know someone will say something.

 

The Red 04' FTW! im just partial haha

 

personally i think quality was down at ford in 2004. id shoot for the 05

 

Well I looked for an FX4 version but there aren't any. I like the red one quite a bit. I can't comment on ford being down in quality in 04. I guess I can look around but I can only tell when I get there and take it for a drive.

Do you think there is any factory warrenty on that truck? Or an extended warrenty from ford that I can get on it?

 

No i would tell you its like 3 yrs 30k or something close to that. i dont think its 5yrs 60k.

but im an idiot most days

 

edit

 

yeah I have an '03 4.0 automatic fx4. and I've been mudding hill climbing, towing vehicles out of mudd, carried 4-5 thousand lbs, several miles and I have only replaced a hub assembly, when I bought the truck the sale'smen said that he had one just like mine and at 70,000 miles his tranny went out, I don't know if it helps but I live in the country were I don't have to stop and start all the time and my truck can get through all the gears with out haveing to all of a sudden stop at a light. I really pleased with it.

 

x2! on my 03 FX4 II auto.

Only problem was the oil pump blew at 60k but ford rebuilt the engine after the pump blew, becuase it was a factory error( sand in the engine from assembly)