Hey all,

Sorry for the newbie question, but I am not completely familiar with Ford trucks or Rangers, and felt this would be a great place to ask a question. Anyhow, somebody locally is selling their 1994 Ford Ranger 2.3 5 Spd, 2WD. The truck has VERY, VERY, high miles (270K+), but has many new parts, including new brakes, new timing belt, several engine parts, starter, and a few other things, I don't have the entire list in front of me. The truck is dirt cheap, as you'd expect, and the only immediate replacement needed is a headliner. The question is, when checking out this generation of vehicle, what are some of the common issues to look for in a used one. Also, with the high mileage, can it still be a reliable vehicle to drive to and from class and work with, or should I avoid it like the plague?

Thanks

 

Welcome to the forum

There never was a bad year for a Ford Ranger, but we may be a bit biased here :)

All joking aside, things to check on any pickup truck is the rear shackles, what the leaf springs attach to, the rear ones rust out.
Not too hard to replace just time consuming

2.3l Lima engine base model was first used in a Ford Pinto in 1976.
It was built in the Ford Lima, Ohio engine plant so was called the Lima engine, there were 3 versions, 2.0l, 2.3l and 2.5l(1998-2001)
1983 - 1988 T-birds and Mustangs got a turbo charged version of the 2.3l Lima

This engine was used from 1976 to 2001 in a few Ford Models, a good reliable engine.
Heavy and under powered but still a good reliable engine, lol.

1988 and earlier used a distributor, from 1989 to 1994 they use an Ignition Control module(ICM) for spark(distributorless), these ICM modules did go out and needed to be replace.
In 1995 the ICM was removed and computer took over spark control, 1995 was also when ALL Rangers got the newer(still used today) EEC-V computer.
So 1995 and up Ranger electronics are completely different than 1994 and earlier

Manual trans is an M5OD-R1, used from 1990 to 2012(last year of Rangers), also very reliable, it uses ATF, yes automatic transmission fluid!
So don't use gear oil in it, Mercon V ATF is what Ford used in these.

Silicate based coolant, usually the Green Stuff, it needs to be changed every 2 years.
Heater core should be back flushed each time you change coolant.
If heater is not blowing hot then it may be clogged up, new core is $25, and 4 screws to change it.
Thermostat is a 195degF, NOT 180deg, engine will last much longer with 195deg.

400k miles is not unusual for chassis, most Rangers go "out of service" from accidents, because their resale value is not high enough to warrant the high labor cost now for repairs, so insurance totals them, especially 4x4s

It is a 23 year old vehicle and will need up keep, but a Ranger will last you.