I picked up a 2000 Ranger XLT 4WD a few weeks ago, and have been very pleased with it so far. It seems like there is a great community here, and I look forward to becoming a part of it!

I have some plans for this vehicle already:
- Clean and paint frame, control arms, and other underbody components susceptible to rust
- Add factory cruise control
- Install custom bed insert with built in storage and sleeping/cargo platform
- Additional exterior lighting

I opted for a 2000 instead of a newer model for a few reasons:
1) Cost
2) I've heard the OHC 4.0s are prone to some timing chain issues, and I didn't feel like the extra power is enough to justify it
3) Thanks to the enthusiasm our legislature has for restrictive policies in my home state of California, I am prohibited from ever installing a motor from an older vehicle. Having a 2000 leaves the possibility of swapping in a 5.0 V8 from an Explorer if/when the 4.0 is no longer serviceable