will an '05 rack pinion work in '98 ranger? i need a new rack and since i replaced the heads this week i better replace the rack to steer my new beast around.

 

It will fit but the lines are different.

 

Can I get adapters or switch out the lines? Or is it not worth the hassle and just get one for '93 to '02?

 

The 98 has threaded holes and the 05 has holes that are just oring seal with a flange on top. You may have to have a hose made to make it work. Probably easier to get the right style.

 

I had to do the reverse of what you are suggesting because I needed to make a hose to mate my 2003 rack to my 99 5.0 PS pump and no production hose was the right combination of shape, length and fittings. I used most of the 99 Explorer hose, cut off the bottom few inches of metal tube and substituted the corresponding stub from the 2003 Ranger PS hose to match the 2003 rack. Then I joined both pipes with a stainless 3/8" SwageLok compression fitting which appears to be much heavier duty than the average brass compression fitting. Works great.

Since you are going Ranger engine to Ranger rack, I guess there is the possibility that simply switching the entire high pressure hose to match the rack and engine size MIGHT work. You'd have to investigate.

Unless you already own the rack, I think I would just look for a replacement rack from the correct range of years to match the 98 instead.

 

I don't own it yet but could and it only $30 plus shipping from a used car part dealer up north. It was just a cheap option but I think I'm gonna buy a refurbished one from carparts.com for like $160 and have warranties.

Is there a diff between 2x4 and 4x4?

 

I don't know if there is a difference between 4x2 and 4x4 or not. If so, it should come up on www.car-part.com.