New (old) guy here.
Thought I'd chime in to get the proper hazing.
I will be picking up an older '99 but new to me XLT extended stepside 4x4 next week.
Why did I settle on this?
Couldn't find a Tacoma that they didn't want the same amount as the national debt or wasn't trashed within an inch of being totaled. Besides that, they really are overrated.
I was in the right place at the right time with this XLT I found. The reason for the wait is because the transmission is being rebuilt. That right there is peace of mind.
Hope to learn what I can that pertains to my new Ford and you can count on me to contribute to the forum in the best, sickest, funniest, informative ways possible.

 

Welcome to the forum

Taco's are pretty good trucks as well, but yes they seem to have a higher resale value than warranted IMO

Rangers are a good buy, even Mazda B-series can be less and same truck

1999 Ranger 4x4 will have either the 3.0l Vulcan V6 or the 4.0l OHV V6 both reliable engines(Ranger got the 4.0l SOHC engine in 2001 and up)

The 3.0l is a HIGH RPM engine, doesn't have torque/power until 3,500rpms, so you need to "drive it like a rented mule", lol, or you will think its gutless

4.0l OHV has normal power band, 2,400rpm, it does have delicate Heads, never over heat this engine, do NOT try to make it home after a hose breaks or coolant is low, a head will crack, firdt time and every time, so PULL OVER, wait for it to cool down refill and limp home as needed

The 3.0l will have a 4R44E 4-speed automatic
The 4.0l a 5R55E 5-speed automatic

They are basically the same transmissions, the 5th "gear" is actually a faux 2nd gear done with software

1999 was also first year of PATS(passive anti-theft system) in all V6 Rangers
PATS needs a key with an RFID tag(transponder) in its handle, no batteries needed
When you turn on the key in the ignition, PATS reads the key's unique number from the RFID tag
PATS module, above glove box, compares that number to a list of 3 or 4 numbers programmed into it at the factory, the keys the truck came with when new
If a match is found then starter motor can be used and fuel pump will come on, and fuel injectors will work

If no match then no crank and no start even if it cranks

So you FOR SURE want to have a spare key that works for this, or you will be stranded
Most locksmiths can cut and using a laptop add new PATS keys to the system
Or you can have the working PATS key "cloned", its cheaper, locksmith can "read" the RFID tag number on the working key, then he can "write" that number to a blank PATS key, and cut the key for the lock.
PATS just thinks the 2 keys are the same key, same number


4x4 system is reliable AFTER you change to manual front hubs
1998-2000 Ranger used PVH(pulse vacuum hubs) which didn't work very well when new, lol, Ford started switching to full-time "locked" hubs as early as 1999 on the off-road models, 2001 and up Rangers all have full-time "locked" front hubs

1998-2011 are considered 3rd generation Rangers
1983-1992 1st gen
1993-1997 2nd gen

2nd and 3rd gen are same size and most parts are interchangeable, but in 1998 fuel system and front suspension changed

 

Excellent information you shared. I will transfer most of that to my phone, you know... just in case.
I'm getting a little anxious to get this thing home. I don't want to bug or rush them about getting it done, though. Give 'em time to do a good job.
Besides getting the trans rebuilt, the poor thing needs a good detailing inside and out. It's been sitting for a year. Don't worry, there will be pictures a plenty.
All black with gray IIRC insides.

 

RonD.....if you were looking to buy a used Ranger 4X4, which would you prefer?

 

Red

I like Red Rangers, extended cab

Manual transmission and 4.0l OHV engine

 

Perfect answer. I found that exact truck. Would ya loan me $10,000?

 

For a 1990-2000 Ranger?

I like Red Rangers but not that much :)

 

There's a road trip involved. :) Thanks for the info.