I was wondering what other people thought was the best year and model Ford Ranger ever made? I have a black 2008 XLT 4x4 and love it but to me a red 2006 FX4 Level II would be the holy grale of Ford Rangers. What are yall's opinion?

 

A longbed!

 

I can't decide on one but I've got pieces from the STX and thunderbolt on my truck its more of a street truck but i just pick and chose what i like.

 

Twin stick lvl 2

End of thread. lol

 

Thanks man. Good to hear other peoples prespective. I like the way you are thinking and good to see that I am not the only one that still has interest in these trucks that are no longer made unfortunely.

 

I had a 2002 EDGE reg cab. Thought that would be hard to beat, but now I have a 2010 Sport. I am loving this truck. I know a lot of people do not like the lowered height but I think it really improves the handling. Both super reliable.

 

1997-2002 Ranger EV, only 1,500 made, never sold only leased but some were purchased after the lease was up and can be bought now, most were destroyed on lease return.

Nothing special in looks, all were regular cab and 2WD.

Nothing special in performance.

But what they were was a Ford Factory ELECTRIC Ranger.

You can pick them up for $5,000-$6,000 and add a battery pack for $10,000-$15,000

 

I'd say a twin stick level 2 was the "best", its at least the most desired for people but i personally have driven two 5 speed rangers with the 4.0L SOHC and absolutely hated them both.

Those electric rangers are so weird! I saw one at the junkyard a few weeks ago

 

If there was more parts avail I'd take an old mitsubeastly diesel.

 

Either a 2003 FX4, LvL II

or

A built Ranger, of course this can vary but jack it up, modify it, make it your own !

If FORD had only put in a 5.0L when they did the Explorer, that would have the #1 item.

 

I agree, in my current truck that's the only thing I really want. A 4.6L would make for a great little ride.

 

youd think so... but id bet a 97 4.0 with a 5 speed and a 1354m would give it a run for its money.. TTB!

 

I have a twin stick 02 FX4 which is equivalent to the L II. It works great off-road but my 89 STX (factory hi-rider) with 5 spd manual and TTB was a little better off-road. The problem with the STX, it was a little low on power with the 2.9 L engine. If it had the 4.0 SOHC engine it would have been great.

I could have gotten the 89 STX with twin sticks but went with the one that had the electronic shift because of some other options. I was always concerned the electronic shift would fail me. The only time I had a problem with the push button shift, in the almost 200K miles I owned it, was when I forgot to reconnect the switch after doing some other work in the dash.

It would be hard to decide on which one I liked the best overall but the extra power sure is nice because I tow my race car a lot.

 

I would say the SEMA Ranger or the Lightning Bolt are the actual holy grails, since they are each 1 of 1 Rangers

 

Yeah the SEMA ranger is my inspiration for my truck now if only i could get my hands on a whipple kit then my little 3.0 would really surprise some people lol

 

I forgot about the Lightning Bolt ranger. I'd LOVE to own that thing. Lightning powerplant in a ranger....insane

 

Pics of sema truck?

 

More Info

 

Decent ride but not the end all for Rangers.

Wheels are decent, hood stands out but the rest is all bolt on, most of which you can buy from other Ranger models.

??? Was thenLighting Bolt Ranger power by a high powered engine ?

I am thinking no.

Like the old saying goes, You can't buy a Ranger, you build one !

 

Yes the lightning bolt concept was the lightning engine supercharged 5.4 shoehorned into a ranger. It never went into production though it was an SVT one of for show. Kinda like the old ranger SHO from the early 90's.