Ah its been some time sense I've thought about driving a ranger. Orginally my parents had a 96 ranger 3.0L 5 Speed 4x4, had a locker up front, shackels and 31's. Great truck, I got it when I graduated from high school and loved that thing. With the start of my career I had to get something more reliable (engine blew at 170,000 of VERY hard miles), so I picked up a 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP. Still have that car but its coming to end of paying off that car and I'm getting bored of driving such a large car. Car has a lot of power (mods: 3.4" pulley, headers, intake, tune, built trans (3.29 gears 15/16 chain, 2500 Stall converter, ect). Its just not enough though, I don't even use the power all the time but I find I hate sitting so low and the car handles like crap.

So the time draws close where I'm looking for something new. Needs to be good on gas yet still have power. Thought about getting a car but HATE driving them......not sure why but they just don't feel good. I looked at larger full size trucks, Dakotas, Tacoma's, ect ect. But all either too expensive, not enough power, or just ugly....

So I'm looking at an 04ish Ranger, 4.0L SOHC (oh I loved my 3.slow but...), 5 speed preferred but I know it will most likely be an auto. From what I've gathered and remember these are IFS systems up front and the 8.8 out back. I want 4 doors and nice set of seats. Is there anything else I should look out for in theses trucks? I would love a FX4 Level II but I doubt I'll get that, nor an FX4. Are there any new skid plates, or lockers for these trucks?