Ok,I need some input from everyone.I have been getting the urge to buy a new truck.Mine has 139K but looks and runs great.It needs a few minor things to get it perfect,maybe $1,000 or so.I drove a 2005 FX4 Level 2 automatic in Dark Shadow Gray with black leather interior.It was a sweet truck but the sticker was almost $28K ! Mine will be paid for this coming June.The XLT does everthing I need it to including using it for work and towing the Mustang to the track.I wasn't really impressed with the FX4 over my truck.I think I have made up my mind to keep mine but just wondered what you guys thought.By the way,2 things I noticed about the 05: no PATS key for the ignition and the exhaust really sounded good,very deep and had a nice rumble for stock.Wowak was with me and he agreed.The few thing the XLT needs: Alternator....it is charging fine but is making a whining noise(kind of like Wowak...JK Brian)and it is driving me crazy.The evaporator core needs to be replaced...AC is working but it takes a long time to cool down.Also new floor mats and seat covers because they are getting worn from age.Other than a few more mods I would like to do , that is about it.

 

keep yours... the f2s imo are a bit over-rated... there cool trucks and i would love to have one but they are expensive...... i in no way shape or form am not trying to diss anyone here witha f2....

 

When I see trucks like yours it makes me want to keep mine.Older but very nice.Plus I am very attached to mine,I have alot of memories with mine.

 

Marc, you have a nice truck, heres your options, spend another 20 grand for a new one and have more payments, or keep this truck, put a couple hundred in to fix er up. Then spend the EXTRA money you would have had for truck payments for some new mods for it!

 

Be it via rebates or just plain horse trading you should be able to get a new Ford truck for 20 percent off the MSRP. 8)
A Level II adds some real usuable items to your stock off road package.
15" machined aluminum wheels, 31 inch tires, Bilsten shocks and only a locker is better than that torsen rear.
In fact judgement on if a locker is better than a LS is debatable for a off road truck also used as a daily driver.
Also, I do not know how Ford can sell the other 'off road package' Rangers with out full skid plate protection. :roll:
You are just asking for trouble if you do not have that front plate because there is a lot of important equipment under the engine that will get hung up on branches and rocks.

 

If it ain't broke don't fix it.

Personally I'm hating the payments on my truck right now and fixing up the old truck (that already has plenty of power as it is, yeah I know from racin ya) would be a good idea IMO. I'd drive it into the ground of course unless you plan on going offroading etc, but I think you're more into the strip then the mud with your stang so I'd jsut keep the good ol Ranger fix her up, give her a nice detail job, say thanks for the last X amounts of years you've been loyal and toast to another X amount ;-)
oh yeah and I don't care how much % off you can get on a new truck, they are so damn expensive to start with it's insane. $28k for a new Ranger? ucan get a brand new F150 sport for that I think.

 

Yeah, keep your truck, what you would be spending in monthly payments, you could do some bad *** stuff to your truck, plus if money gets tight, you can just not buy any new parts, but you always have to make that payment.

 

Sure that whine is the alternator? Could it be the IAC? My IAC howls like banshee...just ask anyone that's been within 5 miles of me...

Keep the truck. Ogle the FX4.

Your truck is like a loyal wife of 30 years and the FX4 is that hussy trying to tempt you away from her. She may be good for some fun but you're much better off with your loyal wife. 139K isn't all that much to a well taken care of Ranger.

 

I am pretty sure it is the alternator whining.I know what the IAC sounds like because mine does it from time to time when stuck in traffic for a long period of time.This whine definately coincides with engine RPM.I bought a new idler pulley and installed it and it didn't fix it.It was only $18 from Ford so I figured I would try that first,can't hurt having a new idler pulley.I is coming from the passenger side of the motor and doesn't do it with the belt off.Like I said,I felt that keeping it was the right thing to do.I detailed the inside today and will do the outside tomorrow.Thanks for all of the input and opinions.

 

My IAC only howls after it gets hot. During the summer maybe 10 minutes of driving in this cursed state and she's howling, scaring children away.

Oh well I hope you get it figured out!

 

yeh, even though i have a lvl 2, i have more respect for trucks that people mod out from the beggining, not having BFG's, LS, Shocks, and all that crap, then starting from scracth. If there isnt anything wrong with yours, keep it,

my .00000000000002 cents (maybe pesos?)

 

^trade me then

 

If I had an FX4 lvl2 I would trade you. I love your truck..but alas I have my truck...

 

The only thing I'll add to this is DO NOT pay $28k unless you're hell-bent on the color or something and need to special order. My dealer has LIIs in stock all the time for under $20k. I got mine for $19k and change. I don't fully understand why the sticker says $28k and they sell for $20k, but I wasn't about to argue.. Mabye it's different in Florida, but shop around to be sure man!

 

I love your truck Mark! Keep it!

 

Everything is different in this stupid state...FL sucks...

 

Apparently California too. Someone just got done telling me that $20k was a reasonable price for a slightly used '03 LII!! I oughta start running vehicles out to you guys. Could probably make a pretty decent living!

 

Now you're talkin! I want a cut of the action since I was..um..present while you...er...thought of it..