Looking at a 1999 Ford Ranger, 3.0, 4x4, Flareside, Automatic today. Had 182,000 miles. I’m wondering what I should look at while inspecting it. I want to get a good one. Owner told me “a few months ago the transmission made a grinding noise, but fluids are good and no problems since, it’s my daily”. That looks like a red flag to me. I’m trading my 97 Honda Accord Wagon for it so the price is right. I don’t want a lemon though. Any recommendations what I should look for/look out for on this truck? Thanks in advance!

 

No real red flags on 1999 Rangers

Automatic transmissions are what they are, so plan on rebuilding it sooner than later at 180k
It has a 4R44E model in 1999, same basic model was used from 1986 thru 2011 in Rangers, so a good design...............for an automatic, just expensive to repair/rebuild like any automatic, not a Ford thing, lol

3.0l Vulcan engines were used 1991 thru 2008 in Rangers, have a good reputation

4x4 system uses the Dana 35 SLA for front axle, has a "propeller joint" at the transfer case, these did wear out but not hard to replace
The front Auto locking hubs(PVH) were a bad idea, Ford dropped them after a few years(3), but they can be replaced by manual hubs, also not hard to do