So to get this started I was not to sure where to post this. I thought this was ok because this is my new Idea.
Lately my 99 ranger has been frustrating,I am sure that they all are at times. The one think I notice the most thoe is the spark plugs. When I first got the truck I did a "good tune up". Well at the time I did not know to much about spark plugs. For some reason the sales guy sold me Bosch Platinums. Well it was only a few months later and I got my first "CODE" The first time my CEl came on it was a miss fire code on #4. So I pulled the plug out and sure enough..The porcelain that is inside the threds around the electrode was totaly gone along with the electrode. So not 1/4 of the plug is in the cilinder. I went back to the store and got all new plugs. I ditched the bosch. So I got something else..Auto light..I know they are cheep as well.. I am still learning. Now a few more months have gone by and what do you know, the same thing happens. I all most think the piston in #4 is is hitting the top of the plug but, The metal tip is not bent at all. So now I have more plug in the cilinder.. I kepted the plug out and fired it up for just a few seconds hoping to blow the parts of the plugs out. This last time I learned my lesson and Bought Motorcraft =). They are working great so far.... But, Now a few more months have gone by and it is all most like I can hear some kinda "Knocking" at an iddle. I am not sure if that is what it is or not. My wife tells me I am crazy. But, I can hear it. So this is where the new Idea comes into play.
I have been thinking about selling my 99 and paying it off. I only owe like 5g's on it now,Maby less. Then once I sold it I would buy a new "Old" ranger. I was thinking about getting a 95-97 so I could have the TTB.(TTB right?) insted of the IFS. If I had that I think I would just run a 6" skyjacker.(also much cheaper then the IFS Lifts) and it would be payed off. So I was wondering with your guys help what should I do? Sell the 99.? What Ranger do you guys feel would make the best yet still nice looking trail rig. That I could still drive on the street every day?

 

get motorcraft plugs and a new coil, we have done a few here with that problem.

 

thats up to you to be honest.. i love my 99.. and am fully happy with it.. other than the fact it costs an arm and a leg to do a suspension lift.. autolites are good plugs, used em in all my cars and they do great. not quite sure what the knocking is.. could just be a light valvetrain noise.. unless its prominent where you hear it loud.. it should be alright. its up to you, wether you like the older body style or the newer one.. but you could of course change to the newer front end at the same time.. how much did you end up paying for you truck? i payed 2 for mine

 

EXACT same thing happened on my 99. I got a cyl 4 misfire code. Replaced the plugs and wires. All was fine for about 1 1/2 weeks. Then it threw the code again. I was stumped. I went out at night and sprayed the wires with water and noticed cyl 4 wire was sparking. I replaced the wires under warranty and cleared the code. Fine again! For about 1 week. I repeated the process and the exact same problem. This time I replaced the wires with Motorcraft AND replaced the coil (about $40.00 from advanced auto). This solved the problem. It's been running great for about 2 months. The coil was failing and causing the wires to overload (i guess). Anyway, once that was changed the problem was solved. If there is any doubt there should be a local shop that can test the coil. It is the other end of your plug wires in case you are unsure. I wouldn't buy it from Ford though, they want a fortune.

 

Hey Guys thanks for the help. I think I will try to change out the Coil. I have never thought of that . I guess it is just something you don't really think about to much. As far as the ranger goes I think I will keep it around for a while. Every time I think about selling it I just can't bring my self to do it. Plus if I went with a different older ranger I would have to start over and I have all ready done so much to my 99.