Hoping to get my 2nd Ranger. First is a 1998 standard cab, 5 speed stick, 3.0 with 205,000 miles. Looking to get a 2005 extended cab, 5 speed auto, 4.0 with 72k miles. On the list is a 2002 extended cab, 4x4, 4.0, 5 speed auto with 92K miles. Anything I should look for?

Thanks!

 

2005 4.0l SOHC is the better bet
2001 to 2003/4 4.0l SOHC engines had the older timing chain setup and did have high failure rate, need to pull out the engine to put in the newer design parts, so not an easy fix

Other than that check fluids for color and smell
1998 to 2012 were same generation so other than the 4 door thing not much difference in chassis or body

2004 and up Rangers got the HEC dash(digital), a good and bad thing, lol, it can be put in test mode to see any problems, but if it fails you can't swap it yourself, dash is married to engine computer, so Ford Dealer has to do the swap