Hello all. I'm a member of an F150 forum coming here because I'm looking to buy a Ranger now. I was going to get an F150 but couldn't make ends meet.
About me:
I just graduated from high school and I'm working part time at a fast food restaurant making $7.40/hr. I just started this job a few weeks ago. I was looking for an F150 but since they drink too much gas and I would be broke all the time I decided not to go that route. I'm looking to buy a ranger as a daily driver/toy. It should save me a lot on gas since I need to save up for future purposes and college in the fall. I will like to jack it up just for fun and looks. I live on a ranch and the 4x4 will come in handy. Also for fun any suggestions about what year, engine, miles or about anything else you all could suggest me about? Please and thank you!

 

Your idea is contradictory, you want a gas saver (a 2.3 or 2.5 5speed 2WD would be a good choice) but you want to jack it up and have 4x4.

Here's the problem. A little 4cyl 5 speed 2WD Ranger would get around 23-25MPG while a jacked up 4x4 will get around 15-16MPG on good days.

Once you jack up a 4x4 Ranger you would be in the same situation as you are in the F150.

 

Pre-1995 Ranger 4x4 with V6 would be best bet, they are easier on the budget to start off with and can be easier to work on with EEC-IV computer system, in '95 they switched to EEC-V which is a good system just has more "stuff" to go wrong.
4.0l OHV(1990-2000) is a reliable engine but it is a V6 so MPG will be what it is
3.0l Vulcan is also a good engine but not much better on MPG so go with the extra power of a 4.0l OHV

If you want a newer model then go with what budget will allow and normal things apply.
Manual trans is best but does need a clutch now and then
3.0l V6 is OK but avoid 2003-2006 models unless heads have been fixed
4.0l SOHC started in 2001 and until 2003 the timing chains were and issue.

Regular cab with get better MPG because of the weight

 

Okay sorry when I meant jack it up I meant putting a level or 4 inch lift nothing major. Also some mud tires line toyo MTs or trail grapps and aftermarket rims. More than likely I'll just level it and put mud tires on the stock rims. I don't know if that will affect my mpgs so much? I'm not knowledgeable on the Rangers. I would say a lifted (level or 4 in) Ranger would save more gas then a lifted(level or 4 in) f150? Also the F150s are more expensive to buy then a ranger? I don't know if you understand that? I'll be open minded so please give me suggestions or fix me where I'm wrong. Thanks

 

I lost 3 MPG with a 4" lift and 33" tires.

Gearing will help though.

 

Hmm and I was looking for the newer ones like 2000 and up. A friend had told me about the 4.0l and 3.0l. Suggested me to go for the 4.0l also because of the power. Also there's not many pre-95s out there. If I do find one wouldn't it have too many miles? I also don't want a truck that has too many problems with the drivetrain and/or with the interior and exterior. I don't know much about Rangers sorry

 

Your truck is nice. Is that a huge loss in mpgs? How much was your setup(lift, tires, rims)?

 

No doubt about the miles being high on older truck, but an older truck can often be found with a rebuilt engine, and with the kind of tires and lift you want for a decent price.
Ranger chassis' tend to reliably go past 300k

For newer models either stick with the 2000 4.0l OHV or 2004 or newer with 4.0l SOHC, if 2001-2003 then make sure the timing chains have been upgraded.
The SOHC engines themselves were OK they just had a poorly designed chain guide system and failed early, once upgraded to the new(2004) system they lasted.
You have to pull out the engine to do this upgrade.

And shop for trucks that have the tires and lift already done, costs you about 30-50% less than doing it yourself, lol.

 

It's not terrible, some people lose more.

I think it's between $3000-$3500. I don't keep very good track of all that.

 

mine is worse than a 1 ton on gas lol.

you should find an early 90's ranger with the 4cyl and 4x4. just dont rush and wait for a clean truck to pop up

 

Damn. Decisions decisions.

 

Also, if you have a local Ford Dealer they offer a used Ford inspection, call for price.
It is called the 172 point inspection.

Even if you don't do it, the fact you know about it, and then ask the seller if he would agree to have it inspected, at your cost, before purchase, can tell you alot about the truthfulness of what the seller has said about the truck.

 

Well I found a 2000 ranger. Theyre asking $2,450 for it. Minor details that could be fixed. It has 186k miles! My uncle is gonna go see it some day this week. He is a mechanic and loves buying and reselling trucks as a hobby so he knows what to look for and how to negotiate real well!

 

What engine?

 

It has the 4.0

 

Ive got a 2000 Ford Ranger XLT Super-Cab for sale. Has a cracked head. I'd fix it but im working on other projects at this moment.

Automatic Tranny
Engine: 3.0
It can be yours for $500.00

 

There is only 1 way to learn, get a Haynes Manual and start removing parts in the sequence that is being recommended., if you get into a jam, get on the internet and research that problem.
Rangers are fairly easy to work on, its the troubleshooting that at times can be a pain in your tail.