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My father inlaw is giving or gifting us his 2004 4.0 liter V6 4x4 Ranger Edge, he is 91 and no longer needs it. It has 54,000 original miles on it since he bought it new.
I am new on this forum hoping to learn all I can about this truck. Is there anything that I should have checked out after we pick it up?
It’s been serviced regularly and is in great condition.
I would appreciate any maintenance thoughts or suggestions or knowledge anyone can pass along that owns a 2004 V6 4x4 Ranger Edge.
Edit - I updated this post to show that actual pic of the new to us Ranger.
Thanks for any thoughts or advice.
2004 4.0 liter V6 4x4 Ranger Edge - Sonic Blue 2004 4.0 liter V6 4x4 Ranger Edge - Sonic Blue
Looks nice! Do you know which V6 it is, 4.0 or 3.0? I've got an 05 3.0 Edge, not 4x4, and it's been great to me so far - maintenance heavy (though I blame this on the previous owner) but good to me nonetheless.
Looks nice! Do you know which V6 it is, 4.0 or 3.0? I've got an 05 3.0 Edge, not 4x4, and it's been great to me so far - maintenance heavy (though I blame this on the previous owner) but good to me nonetheless.
Great question, it’s a 4.0 V6.
Last edited by Patriot1; Sep 30, 2022 at 10:49 AM.
You should have Ford 8.8 rear diff, Dana 35 up front, 5R55E tranny. 4:10 gears.
I have 174,000 miles. I JUST NOW had to do the thermostat housing.
Over the years, I did rear axles, seals, bearings, and spider gears cross pin. Limited Slip clutches still take 30 ft lbs to overcome.
I think I changed the transfer case fluid. Rear diff fluid with the LS additive.
Both front bearing hub assemblies. And last week the right front again. Rear door latch cable ends, both sides.
Always use the slick oils like Penn Platnium. Important to keep those timing chains slicked up.
Last edited by EF Hutton; Sep 30, 2022 at 02:49 PM.
You should have Ford 8.8 rear diff, Dana 35 up front, 5R55E tranny. 4:10 gears.
I have 174,000 miles. I JUST NOW had to do the thermostat housing.
Over the years, I did rear axles, seals, bearings, and spider gears cross pin. Limited Slip clutches still take 30 ft lbs to overcome.
I think I changed the transfer case fluid. Rear diff fluid with the LS additive.
Both front bearing hub assemblies. And last week the right front again. Rear door latch cable ends, both sides.
Always use the slick oils like Penn Platnium. Important to keep those timing chains slicked up.
Thanks gents for your thoughts on the helpful info posts to maintain this truck. Keep the info coming as I am learning want to keep this truck for a long time.
I think it has a lot of life in it with only 54k on it. Really appreciate the advise.
Driveshaft slip joint. Special grease from the Ford dealer. Must use the special grease. And the boot kit. Use a plumbing PEX clamp squeezer to squeeze the clamps.
I think i got my grease from Amazon. The Spec Motorcraft grease. It's blue. The boot kit came with a different grease made by Spicer. I am sure it is good too, but i gave it way.
Last edited by EF Hutton; Sep 30, 2022 at 03:22 PM.
It seems that you are missing the 4X4 decal on the tailgate.
One of the tranny services
The pics I posted are not my father-in-law’s actual truck which I mentioned in my OP. My wife and I are picking it up this Sunday
and I will post pics when we arrive back home. I really appreciate all your helpful pointers! 👍🏻👍🏻
Please do the Pennzoil Platnium 5w-30 and Wix filter. The regular Wix, not the fancy one. The regular Wix is a Napa Gold. Very important to keep those timing components very slippery.
Don't fall for the Mobil 1 bandwagon.
I have been thru several brake jobs, and ALL of the wheel cylinders and calipers. The absolute best front rotors and brakes I have ever used, are from RockAuto.com. The Heavy duty Tow kind, that they sell. I really do not tow, but figured it would be good stuff. and it is. I sometimes tow my 4 wheeler and trailer to the hunt camp, but not alot. I mostly leave it at home and walk.
I also replaced the front brake lines the short rubber ones to the caliper. Got those at the Ford dealer. Do not cheap out on this type stuff.
Please do the Pennzoil Platnium 5w-30 and Wix filter. The regular Wix, not the fancy one. The regular Wix is a Napa Gold. Very important to keep those timing components very slippery.
Don't fall for the Mobil 1 bandwagon.
Solid advice I will roll with the Penzoil Platinum 5w-30. How many quarts for the 4.0 liter? Wix filter #?
I bought my truck new weeks before Hurricane Katrina came. Had to drive to Montgomery to get it. I had an 02, but it was stolen, and flipped and rolled. Fully insured. And I had bought it outright. And the thief was hurt, so the Columbia, MS sheriff picked him up. So i got a nice check and went shopping.
Last edited by EF Hutton; Sep 30, 2022 at 03:46 PM.
I bought my truck new weeks before Hurricane Katrina came. Had to drive to Montgomery to get it. I had an 02, but it was stolen, and flipped and rolled. Fully insured. And I had bought it outright. And the thief was hurt, so the Columbia, MS sheriff picked him up. So i got a nice check and went shopping.
Nice Tires! It’s always nice to get new shoes! Sorry to hear about your 02..but sounds like it worked out. 👍🏻
the boat pic I took for a review on etrailer.com
where I bought the roof rack
i also have upgraded headlights. New headlight assemblies too, from A1 Auto. The LEDs I got out of California. I had to do this because I hunt in agriculture rich woods, and there are many deer that run to the highway at 3:30 am. That front grille was replaced too. I hit a deer before I had the intense headlights. Grille from A1 Auto also.
Last edited by EF Hutton; Sep 30, 2022 at 04:30 PM.
You're gonna need to look the truck over with a fine-tooth comb. I inherited my great uncle's 2002 Ranger with 70k, and it has needed a ton of work to make it reliable, even though they took it to the shop regularly for maintenance. Trucks with low miles wear out as well from sitting, so things like suspension bushings, sway bar bushings, ball joint boots, etc will all be worn and possibly cracked. All of these need to be inspected for damage and replaced if damage is found.
You're gonna need to look the truck over with a fine-tooth comb. I inherited my great uncle's 2002 Ranger with 70k, and it has needed a ton of work to make it reliable, even though they took it to the shop regularly for maintenance. Trucks with low miles wear out as well from sitting, so things like suspension bushings, sway bar bushings, ball joint boots, etc will all be worn and possibly cracked. All of these need to be inspected for damage and replaced if damage is found.
Yes, you are right, all great points, I am planning on really checking it over after we arrive home. I will likely take it in to my dealer and have a full service and inspection done.
Do you still have your 02?
Thanks!
A few actual photos of our new to us Ranger Edge that we are picking up tomorrow. It will get a good detailing inside and out and oil change and under carriage inspection.
How is father in law doing ? I guess he has a car, to go to Dr appointments, etc .
Thanks for asking. He and my mother-in-law are really doing great. 91 and 89 yrs young. They live in a nice retirement community and still have a 2004 Honda Accord that they drive occasionally. The retirement home has a shuttle bus that will take them grocery shopping or to Dr appts so it works out well. 👍🏻
the boat pic I took for a review on etrailer.com
where I bought the roof rack
i also have upgraded headlights. New headlight assemblies too, from A1 Auto. The LEDs I got out of California. I had to do this because I hunt in agriculture rich woods, and there are many deer that run to the highway at 3:30 am. That front grille was replaced too. I hit a deer before I had the intense headlights. Grille from A1 Auto also.
That is a great looking Ranger you have there. I like that matching Leer topper with the rack in it. 👍🏻 I see you bow hunt. I deer hunt with an Excalibur crossbow and have taken two nice doe so far this season.
Today is our opening morning. I did not go. Camp is 4.5 hrs drive, and my best area does not open till Nov. plus, the squirrel opened today too, and the moon is up at night. So, i will head up later in the month.
