Hi guys,
Just bought a 2007 XL. Pretty much bare bones, except for CD Player, alloy wheels, rear sliding window, rear privacy glass. Its the 2.3, 5 speed.
Im pretty new to Rangers, but so far I love the way it feels.
A few questions (probly asked a million times already). the mpg is rated at 24/29. Is this accurate in your experience? I did some research and some folks say they get anywhere from 30-33 Hwy.
Will a tonneau cover help all that much with the mpg? Im sure I can get one for around 200-250, but is it worth it in the long run?
One more comes to mind, I am fairly new to driving manual in a truck. When I put it in gear or change gears, mostly into 1st and b/w 1st and 2nd, I can hear and feel a slight bump. Is this normal on a truck? Its not a jolt or anything like that, just I can hear it engage. On most cars Ive had a stick in, you cant feel anything. Maybe I just need to get used to it.
Thats all I can think of for now.
Thanks for the help, I look forward to talking with you guys.

 

Welcome to RF Tim! Prepare to get addicted and to start modding within the month! Only question I can answer for you is the tonneau cover, as I'm getting mine within the week. If you do the majority of your driving on the highway, get it. It'll be worth it in the long run.

 

For feeling it "pop" into gear, yes.. its usually normal, you'll feel it engage.. msotly especially if you are on a hill parked, and popping into gear to get going forward.


If it starts clunking anymore then that, then you may need to peek at the U-Joints at the driveshaft for causing a clunk sound.. seems to be a culprit for Rangers. Our trucks are actually pretty heavy for arig this size, runnign about 4200-4400 lbs for an extended cab 4wd... as opposed to half that weight on a little city car, so you'll have to get used to a little bit different shifts.. sometime syou feel it.. sometimes you dont =)

 

Well I love my hard tonneau cover for the added storage space underneath it, but definietly don't expect any MPG. Most of my driving is done on the highway and I've seen no difference.

 

Thanks for the replies fellas. Yeah, the shifting is definetly not clunking, just a bump, so Im glad thats normal and sometimes I feel it, sometimes not.
Ill tell you, I love the ride in this thing. i cant believe some of the reviews say that its a choppy ride, I love it, but then again my other car is a JeepWrangler witha 4" lift. Hahahaha. Keep the replies coming guys, I want to know all I can about my new Ranger.

 

Take a look on craigslist for a Tonneau. You can ussually find one for pretty cheap. I love my soft one. Just make sure you get one that velcros not snaps. Snaps are a pain in the a$$.

 

I had a 93 Ranger 4.0 with a manual and the trans is a little notchy when engaging gears. Never had a prob with the trans in 140,000 miles.

If i remember correctly the only time you will feel u-joints is when you first start the vehicle moving. Once the drive shaft is spinning there is no play in the u-joints.

 

Since you want more info here's a couple of great starter mods for you. Check out this thread too: https://www.ranger-forums.com/forum2...ad.php?t=51983

A Explorer Overhead console:



a domelight out of a Mustang:



Those 2 mods are easy and very useful. I know Malydeen has some OHCs and domelights for sale, you can PM him if your intrested. Theres a ton of info on here about installing them, just search for it or PM me if you want.

 

Oh, we almost forgot to ask...


PICTURES?!?! :-) We love you long time after you post pictures! haha