Howdy,

I have a 98 ranger XLT extend cab 4.0L auto 2wd that's just a daily driver. It lives to give us a truck bed when we need one and get me around when my jeep is disassembled for a project, so I'm just looking to give it a good looking over given its age and do any required maintenance but not really to upgrade.

The previous owner was pretty good about filters, fluids and plugs but wouldn't have done maintenance beyond that. I'm a competent mechanic but all of my experience is in old trucks and jeeps.

So, what should I be on the look out for or replacing at 150K?

Any sensors that are known to be quirky or weaknesses in steering, suspension, driveline mounts, electrical pieces or the cooling system that should be addressed for example?

I've got a howl at idle I understand to be the IAC from reading around the forums, but I'm not really sure what else I should inspect at this point. And some quirks in the A/C I'm working on. I'm going to take saturday to give it and the '02 2.0L focus a good looking over, but I want to make sure I'm looking at any high-risk points for the ranger and advice is always appreciated.


Oh and if anyone has a strong opinion on reasonably priced shocks for the Ranger that'd be appreciated, too. They're stock and pretty much not doing anything at this point.