This is topic Question about rangers? in forum General Talk at Northern California Ford Owners  .


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Posted by Blue Oval (Member # 2548) on :
 
Im considering buyin a Ranger probly from 03-06. and was curious if there any paticluar engines to stay away from and how are the auto's they put in them?or would i be better off with a 5-speed? thanks for the help
 
Posted by Joooestang66 (Member # 2828) on :
 
The Ranger is probably one of Ford's top 3 most reliable vehicles. 03's to 06's are good, any one of those years, engines or transmissions will be ok and last a long time. The 3.0 could develop an oil leak from the oil pan gasket but there's an updated gasket that will solve that problem. I think I've only done one open recall on newer Rangers (adding the transmission fluid additive) and thats about it. Thats pretty good considering if you buy an 06' F250 you've already got atleast two open recalls that need to be done.
 
Posted by 92stangLX (Member # 3252) on :
 
I love my '97 Ranger. I haven't had any problems with it. I have just had to do regular maintainance. I would get a 5 speed over an auto just 'cause you will have more power and better gas milage. Also, don't get a 4 cylinder get a V6. The 3.0 V6 is adequate but the 4 cylinders are dogs.

I would stay away from 4WD's unless you really need one. My friend has had issues with his.
 
Posted by Chris C. (Member # 1949) on :
 
I have a 94 ranger with the 4.0 ( i know its the bigger engine... [Confused] ) and has 123k miles on it and it runs like a champ. The only thing wrong is the A/C clutch went out. But other than that i'd say they are reliable.
[Whoo Whooooo!] for rangers.
 
Posted by 93venom (Member # 778) on :
 
i have an 03 4x4 ranger with the sohc 4.0 and auto. buddy of mine is a ford mech and told me the auto's are garbage and are basically the same tranny behind the 2.3l 4 banger. 5 speed would be more reliable- pm me if you have any more questions about them, this is my 3rd ranger
 
Posted by Blue Oval (Member # 2548) on :
 
thanks guys exactly what i was looking for!
 
Posted by Luke87GT (Member # 21) on :
 
My 94 Ranger 3.0 has 175K.

It gets 22-24mpg, AC works, smooth, reliable, etc.

I could not be more pleased
 
Posted by BlueOvalRacing (Member # 1531) on :
 
The 5R44E/5R55E trannies aren't that bad, they have a valve body gasket concern that isn't that big of a deal. Once a new valve body separator plate is installed, they don't have a high failure rate.

If you go to buy a used Ranger, see if it has engine braking in manual first gear (below 30 mph) when the fluid is warmed up. If the truck doesn't slow down, there is a blown gasket. Or, see if there is an RPM flare on 2-3 upshifts under light/medium throttle.

Either way, the gasket is blown out, just 2 different locations.
 
Posted by 94gt (Member # 3060) on :
 
I have had my 98 since 99, and I love it. the hardest part was replacing 8 plugs on a 4-cyl... I want to install A/C on it and power windows in the future... but the Ranger is a champ
 




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