So I'm looking at a 2x4 ranger step side from 1st owner who passed away due to age. Well my question is, are they decent on MPG and reliable trucks? Lots of upgrades / aftermarkets?

Does have a slight left to right motion in the steering wheel but I'm thinking its tires due from sitting, I did drive it and she is really peppy, crisp throttle, and super clean.

I have an expedition 5.4 v8 and SUCKS down gas... need something easier on the wallet...

 

What year is it? and what size engine?

For comparison, I have a 2005 4x4 ranger with the 4.0L engine. I get about 20mpg highway, and 16-17 city. Last time I filled up, I had 19mpg average. About 80% of my driving is highway miles.

 

To my knowledge its a 1998 2x4 3.0, might be 4.0 I forgot to ask but I'm leaning towards 3.0 100% of my driving is town but very few red lights and mostly 55 mph + zones.

 

Ranger has the aerodynamics of a brick, but MPG for a pickup truck is better than full size.

Yes, lots of after market do-dads.

3.0l is a reliable engine, it does have one thing that should be changed every 80,000 miles or so and that is the cam synchronizer, it is in the old distributor hole.
It has bushings that can wear out, usually they will start to squeak when this is happening but not always.
This unit has the CPS(cam position sensor) but it's more important purpose is that it drives the oil pump.
If this shaft fails the engine doesn't stop running(but you will wish it did, lol), the oil pump stops and if you don't get engine shut down quick enough you will be looking at a total rebuild.

It is not an expensive part and not hard to install.

 

It does have 150k on the clock, so I'll change that if I get it. She will give it to me for 2k for being part of the family. Is that decent for a 1998 3.0 / 4.0 (which ever it is) Reg cab step side, auto, manual windows / locks. Or should I spend the extra grand for a nicer newer one.

Not to picky honestly, just want something to pull my boat and throw my poles in lol

Also is the 4.0 different from the 3.0 ( what I mean is the CS)

If I replace the camshaft position sensor is just just take out and put new in? That's it?