Hi all... I am a new member and would love to get my hands on a 4x4 Manual Sweet Ranger. I am actively looking and I would love to get some advice from you all on what to look for (model year preferred, must have options/features, differential/transmission etc...). I'm not fixed on a model year because its more important that I get my hands on mechanically proffered model year, keeper Ranger and feel good about investing / upgrading features in the future (if that makes sense). For example:

What year has an improved turning radius? I couldn't do a u-turn in my old 94 F150 in a 5 lane highway
Is a manual transfer case preferred over the dash switch type? and manual wheel locks over automatic (automatic so convenient but what is superior)
Engine V6 v V4 and which particular engine if there are different types?

Thank you all in advance... I have already learned a lot from you all on this great forum.

~Fred

 

Welcome to the forum

There were 3 generations of Rangers
1983 to 1992 Gen 1
1993 to 1997 Gen 2
1998 to 2012 Gen 3

1993 to 2012 were the same size, Gen 1 was slightly smaller
1998 and up had different suspension and fuel system, which is why it was considered a new generation.

2001 and up 4x4 came with Live Axle, so no lock or unlock for front wheels, they were bolted to the axles so always locked, like rear wheels
This was more reliable than the "auto hubs" used on 2000 and older Rangers.

Manual transfer cases in Rangers were not common, only model that came standard with manual transfer case was FX4 Level II, but that ended in 2003 or 4 I believe, after that electric shift only.

Good read here on the FX4 models: TRS Magazine - Ford Ranger FX4 Off-Road and Level II - By The Years

One heads up, you want the 4.0l SOHC V6 engine, 200HP, but the 2001 to 2004 models had timing chain issues, engine needed to be pulled out to fix the problem, but once repaired it would be fine.

So if shopping in that year range make sure it has been repaired

Manual transmissions became "optional" after 2000 or so, so you had to pay extra for manual trans, which many original buyers did not, so automatics are more common.
FX4 usually came with Manual trans

Only 3.0l and 4.0l V6 engines were in 4x4s, the 4cyl Rangers were 2WD only, there were some 1997 and earlier 4cyl 4x4s but rare to find


Any year has good turning radius, extended cab is a longer vehicle but can still make tight turns

The 2004 to 2006 3.0l Ranger engine did have a Valve recession issue, had to replace the heads to fix it

That and the 2001-2004 4.0l SOHC engine issue are the only "heads up" I can think of

 

Fantastic information! thank you RonD. Now to find a truck that fits all that... if you have any leads please feel free to share

 

IMO a keeper would be a rust free 4x4 short bed std cab or FX4 Level II

 

I'm making my own ideal Ranger.

I bought a fairly low miles (157,000) 1993 4x4 XLT Supercab, 4.0 V-6, white.

Bad thing is it had a leaking A4LD automatic transmission...no Bueno. I did a lot of reading on the lack of reliability and especially lack of reliability in rebuilds of that transmission and started my search for a manual 5 speed M5OD.

Luckily found one in a wrecked 92 4x4 4.0 (The engines must match 3.0 vs 4.0, different bolt patterns).....got all the supporting hardware and trans for $200 and swapped it all out and she shifts like a dream, so very happy with it!!

The last reliability issue in my opinion...was the electric transfer case in my new to me truck. Sometimes they work, sometimes they don't....do you feel lucky this time??

So the hunt began for the ever elusive and rare manual transfer case...after much hunting I found one locally and bought it.

Of course the goons that removed the manual case also removed the shift linkage from it and promptly tossed it all in the dumpster...unsellable they say, nobody wants that part!

So the hunt was on for shift linkage for manual xfer case...this was tough, but finally found one after a ton of calls to wrecking yards and parts guys running out to see if it was still in the truck. Most weren't and had been pitched..."no body wants that part" they'd say.

Once I found a linkage, I had to find a swivel bolt for said linkage...finally figured out that a 79 full size Bronco with NP205 transfer case shift linkage bolt was the size I needed and bought one off eBay.

My hunt is now complete and the last swap for my perfect Ranger is done (except manual hubs....gotta get some of those too!!).

Time to get her up on the lift and swap out the xfer case now!! ;-)

 

Look for a 96-01 4x4. Also find a a 96-01 Explorer with a 5.0 engine. Figure out the rest for yourself.