General Ford Ranger Discussion General discussion of the Ford Ranger that does not fit in any other sub-forum.

Ext Cab??

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Old Aug 9, 2007
  #26  
dpc1192's Avatar
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From: sarasota,fl
Yeah.. But not uncomfortable right??

Hows like the turning radius. On the expedition you have a hard time making U turns etc..
 
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Old Aug 9, 2007
  #27  
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From: san antonio,tx
check it out dude, i'm from driving a 2000 mustang gt to a ranger and its like day and night!!! but the ranger i gain to come to love!!!! i hate driving people around cuz they never throw in for gas so me its great!!
 
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Old Aug 9, 2007
  #28  
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From: sarasota,fl
ya its just like not all my friends will have there licenses by the time i do so there will probably be a period were i drive a few kids around...

sucks for them they can ride in the jump seats hahaha. that is IF i end up getting a ranger
 
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Old Aug 9, 2007
  #29  
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From: Charlotte, NC
No, Rangers are not uncomfortable, just a little bouncy. Regular cabs ride worse than Super Cabs. I have driven Rangers from NC to VT (800 miles one way) and from NC to AL (500 miles one way) many times with no problems. In fact, they are not bad vehicles in travel in at all. I never feel fatigued or anything after a long trip in one.

The turning radius is very good in these trucks, much better than an Expedition.
 
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Old Aug 9, 2007
  #30  
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From: sarasota,fl
It sounds like most people like their rangers which is very reassuring.

I really appreciate all the insight
 
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Old Aug 9, 2007
  #31  
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From: Raleigh, NC
personally i think our turning radius sucks. and it sucks even more sitting in those damn jump seats.
but, i still love driving my truck every day.
 
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Old Aug 9, 2007
  #32  
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From: Charlotte, NC
Maybe it just seems really good to me compared to the other trucks I usually drive (Super Duties, G35 1 ton box van, S-10 with no PS).
 
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Old Aug 9, 2007
  #33  
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From: sarasota,fl
hmmm...

tommorow i think im gonna go check out some rangers... hope in test out the jump seats for size etc.

ill let u know what i think tomorrow!
 
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Old Aug 10, 2007
  #34  
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From: La habra, CA
Originally Posted by dpc1192
hmmm...

tommorow i think im gonna go check out some rangers... hope in test out the jump seats for size etc.

ill let u know what i think tomorrow!
Good Luck and have fun. Make sure you have someone who knows how to drive a manual go with you in case you do find a manual ranger that you really like.
 
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Old Aug 10, 2007
  #35  
05edge's Avatar
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From: campton/milan nh
Originally Posted by pacodiablo
The jump seats are fine for short trips. I am 210 lbs. and about 5'8" and I am more comfortable in the back of a Super Cab Ranger than I am in a Club Cab Dakota or extended cab Tacoma.

I would recommend the manual. I honestly feel that I am a better driver because of my truck (which is my first vehicle) having a manual. I think it makes you more aware of what other people are doing, when traffic lights change, etc... I got my truck when I was 16, and am now 19 (almost 20) with no wrecks at all. Not even a minor parking lot paint swap. Most of my friends with automatics can't say the same. After about a week, you won't be stalling it anymore. In a month it will be second nature.

As for cloth, most Rangers since 1998 have woven cloth (the slicker cloth you were reffering to). However, Rangers with bucket seats all had velour (the softer cloth) through 2000. Leather was an option on 2004 and up trucks, but it is a very uncommon option.

As for modifications, you save a lot of money by doing as much as you can on your own, and by ordering parts online. Chances are there will be some things you are not able to do on your own either because of the difficulty of the install, the need to use specialty tools, etc... I have done everything except having my bedliner sprayed and my wheels mounted in my driveway with basic hand tools. That includes installing my exhaust, changing my speakers, changing my radio, installing shocks, installing a trailer hitch, almost all maintenence, and some other stuff. Definitely get parts online though, stores have to mark up parts a lot, where as online places don't. For example, a tire store quoted me close to $700 to order and install my wheels. I got the same wheels for $350 online and paid Firestone about $50 to mount them.

As for trim levels, XL is the most basic. They have a plastic floor covering, a bench seat (vinyl or cloth), manual windows and locks, and gray bumpers and grille. Most do have A/C, but some do not.

The next level up is the Edge (2001-2005)/Sport (1999-2000,2006-current). These trucks have body color bumpers and grilles, cloth, A/C (usually, not always up North), a CD player (not always with older Sports), and a plastic floor covering (most older Sports have carpet though). Edge models and 2006 and newer Sports have a torsion bar suspension (4WD ride height) regardless of if the truck is 2WD or 4WD. Power windows and locks are optional.

There was also a 2WD Trailhead model in 1999 and 2000. These also have a torsion bar suspension, cloth seats, and CD player. All Trailheads have the 3.0L V6 and a regular cab. All of them have the plastic floor covering.

The next trim level is the XLT. The XLT has carpet (with some rare exceptions in 2004-2005 with 4WD Value package models), cloth seats, a CD player, A/C, and most have chrome grilles and bumpers (some have gray trim starting in 2003). Power windows and locks are optional.

Then you have the FX4 and FX4 Level II (2002-current). These will probably all be out of your price range. All are 4WD, have power windows and locks, Torsen limited slip rear axle, and some other goodies. Early FX4 and all Level II models have Alcoa wheels, BFG A/T tires, and bucket seats. Some have carpet, but not always with newer ones. Early manual transmission ones also have a manual transfer case. These also get Bilstein shocks.

There is also the Tremor model. It is an Edge with a nice Pioneer sound system. You do not get jump seats though because the subs take up all the room behind the front seats.

There was also a Splash model from 1993 to 1998. These are 2WD or 4WD. 2WD models are lowered an inch or so. They have body color bumpers, grilles, mirrors, and with 1998 models door handles. All have carpet, and most have power everything and bucket seats. A CD player was a common option.
actually the edge is the next step up from the xlt, not the other way around. and the grills arent color matched to the truck. they are black.
 
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Old Aug 10, 2007
  #36  
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From: Charlotte, NC
Originally Posted by 05edge
actually the edge is the next step up from the xlt, not the other way around. and the grills arent color matched to the truck. they are black.
My mistake on the grille. I was thinking about 06-07 Sport models where the grille is color matched.

The Edge and Sport have a higher starting price than the XLT since you have to get a V6, but content wise they are not as well equipped. They have XL style interior door panels if you don't get the power package and the plastic floor covering. Early Edges even had vinyl covering a lot of their seats.
 
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Old Aug 12, 2007
  #37  
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From: Yukon, Oklahoma
Hey, i got mine when it was 1 1/2 years old for 7500!! LOL, 2002 Ford Ranger 24k, edge plus...3.0L 4X2 Loaded!!!! But the guy was from another country and was an idiot! I wrote the check for it and got the hell out of there!
 
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Old Aug 12, 2007
  #38  
Underwear Gnome's Avatar
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From: Coeburn va
Go 4.0 IMO , and ext cab is nice to throw your junk in if you have a passenger. Just mine 2 cents
 
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Old Aug 13, 2007
  #39  
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there are some positives and negatives to the ranger. the biggest one that comes to mind, is plan on spending anywhere between $35 and $60 a week on fuel if you get the 4.0 Gas mileage is kinda crappy. Your in a warmer climate tho, so you should average about 17mpg Which still isnt the greatest.

Rangers are also VERY safe vehicals. I would much rather be in my ranger during an accident than a car. Seriously. You have 6+ ftt of crumple zone behind you, and 4ft of crumple zone in front of you. Of all the accidents this board has seen, I have yet to see one accident where the driver and passenger didnt walk away. this includes flipping the ranger end over end at high speed. Rangers ARE very safe trucks if treated with respect. dont forget, its a truck, albeit a little truck, but still a truck. Its not a car, and it will flip easily. Kepp that in mind. When I got mine ,dad INSISTED i get the 'biggest engine' the 4.0 I am glad i did. Its got the ***** to have fun, the power to move, and good enuff mpg if your easy on the gas.

As far as room for extra people, this is one area I am glad I got the ranger. I can only seat 1 other person comfortably. Most often, thats my GF. this is good cause this means YOUR not the taxi! Forget about them jump seats. im 6'1 240lbs. all my friends are fat 200+ (except my gf whose 97lbs) and there is NO WAY any of my friends can fit in the back.. wont happen. My gf could prolly squeaze back there, but that would be uber uncomfy. Tho, i have fit 4people on my bench seat before, tho very cramped, still crammed us all in...

I say get the bench seat over the bucket seats. Its a smal cab. and bucket seats with the console was a bit cramped for me when I was looking at them. Not to mention the fact that the bucket seats were about as comfortable as sitting on a 5 gallon bucket. I say get the bench seat...

the other major problem you will come to realise is the fact that you will LOVE your ranger. very few people actually hate their ranger. everyone who has owned one, was glad they did and MOST miss their ranger. they are capable little trucks, can haul alot, and reliable. Dont forget, its a ford ranger, they are a dime a dozen. so parts are cheap, and their not high on anyones 'steal' list. so insurance is reasonable. If you get a 4wd, u will offroad with it.

Just remember tho, if you do get a ranger, people will automatically assume u can haul their **** around. At first this sounds good, till its time to filler up.

Also, the stock Good year wrangler RTS tires SUCK seriously, and have been blamed for multiple accidents.

If you can get a 4door, go for it. I wish i had a 4 door. oh well. 2 door is nice, 4 door is alot easier when it comes to accessing the ext cab, tho the 4 door option was a $2500 option.

all in all, rangers are good little trucks. and if youd like to browse pictures of alot of rangers that have been modified, go here: http://www.buffalo-rangers.com/meets thats my site... its got over 2000+ pictures of rangers on it, with out the bs of car domain

Also, it doesnt take much to go from a plane jane ranger, to a uber nice ranger alittle bit of effort, alil bit of cash, and you will have a nice vehical u can be proud of, and will stand out from the rest.
 
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Old Aug 13, 2007
  #40  
Steve_O113's Avatar
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From: Albany, OR
who needs jump seats when you can fit 12 plus bodies in the bed!
 
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