Pretty much what the title says! I have wanted a Ranger for years, and finally found what I wanted from a local dealership. This is the first little pickup that I've owned, but I'm fairly handy and have done basic maintenance on all my vehicles. Planning to do an oil change today and replace a couple of burnt bulbs, but what would you experienced Ranger owners recommend checking out in the near future? I've gotta fix some rust spots, and replace that little airbag bulb as I have the 2-7 code flashing, but I'm curious as to what issues I should be looking for, and what to keep an eye out for. If you would recommend checking anything out, or doing any routine maintenance, I'd love to hear your advice. Thanks in advance!

 

Welcome to the forum

2004 has a 4.0l SOHC engine, you should change the 2 timing chain tensioners at each 100k miles OR when ever you get a used 4.0l SOHC, lol
They were a known failure point and engine must be pulled out to fix it if one fails
Easy to change these 2 tensioners now, versus pulling the engine later

O2 sensors are the only sensors that wear out, 100k miles or 12 years which ever comes first, 2004 is 18 years old, if you are not sure if they have been changed then plan on doing that, it will save you hundreds of dollars in fuel over the next 100k miles
Older O2s show FALSE "lean" so computer adds more fuel than needed making MPG lower and lower and lower over time, no codes will be set until they fail completely and you are poorer because of fuel costs, lol

2004 was the first year for the Digital dash in Rangers, the HEC(hybrid electronic cluster)

2004 was also the first year for the SJB(smart junction box), its behind the passenger kick panel, cab fuse box is part of the SJB, the SJB is the Body computer, runs all the electrics in the cab, from dome light to wipers, these could get moisture intrusion, corrosion on wiring connectors, causes "odd" electrical issues, easy to clean