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What do you consider the best ranger? #: 633

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Posted: Mon Feb 19th, 2018 10:37 pm

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Dusten
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If you could only have one US spec, factory stock ranger, what would you have? Why?

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Posted: Mon Feb 19th, 2018 11:18 pm

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JAMMAN

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88 2.9 4wd with the 5 speed, reg cab. Been in love with them since 88.

Why I really don't know.

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00 XLT 4WD RCSB 3.GO! JalapeÃ±o
01 XLT 2WD RC Steppie 3.0 auto Silver
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black06xlt

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Posted: Tue Feb 20th, 2018 01:39 am

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MaDMaXX

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Not sure on what's available, but, mid 2000's FX4? or similar, 4.0 and 4x4.

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Posted: Tue Feb 20th, 2018 07:20 am

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Ordinary Biker
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One that is paid for

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squirrelhunter

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Posted: Tue Feb 20th, 2018 10:08 am

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Dusten
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Ordinary Biker wrote:
One that is paid for
I wasn't looking for snarky replies. I meant what's your best idea of power train and looks. Assume the damn truck is free of you must

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squirrelhunter

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Posted: Tue Feb 20th, 2018 10:12 am

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Ordinary Biker wrote: One that is paid for

The best answer I have seen.

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Posted: Tue Feb 20th, 2018 10:59 am

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aroundincircles
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The one in my driveway. I wanted an extended cab, low miles, rust free 4x4. That's exactly what I got.

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squirrelhunter

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Posted: Tue Feb 20th, 2018 02:58 pm

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Dusten
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I know in some parts of the country that rust free part is hard to find.

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Posted: Tue Feb 20th, 2018 03:52 pm

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Ordinary Biker
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Dusten wrote:
I wasn't looking for snarky replies. I meant what's your best idea of power train and looks. Assume the damn truck is free of you must

Not snarky at all. Sorry you were offended. If you have never been in the position where you had a paid for vehicle, wondering if you wanted to take on a payment in order to get something else or not, then you probably don't understand. Yes, if money is not a concern, that can change things.

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Posted: Tue Feb 20th, 2018 04:32 pm

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Dusten wrote: If you could only have one US spec, factory stock ranger, what would you have? Why?

If I was looking to buy a Ranger now I would look for a low mileage extended cab 2011/2012 XLT with a 4.0L. Back in 2012 a local exterminating company purchased 100 of the 2012 XL fleet vehicles and parked them. They would put 150k on a truck and sell it off, then issue one out of inventory. I last heard they were down to about 10 in inventory at the first of the summer.

If you look at all years the Ranger was made the best year to buy one new was probably the 1985 in an extended cab 4x4 XLT. You would also want to get the Mitsubishi-built 2.3 L turbo-diesel as they got good mileage and had good towing power. The manual transmission was better than the auto as it was more durable. They rarely come up for sale as a good portion of them have been driven into the ground as available parts dried up about 15 years ago. I have a buddy that put over 500k on one of these before he blew a head gasket and couldn't get parts to fix it about 10 years ago - it was more than just the gasket that needs to be replaced.

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Tony
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Posted: Tue Feb 20th, 2018 06:15 pm

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Mike69

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2000 4x4 extd cab 4.0 OHV w/5spd, p/w, p/m, p/l, cruise, tilt wheel, bucket seats, & shorty console. Pretty much how mine is equipped except w/5spd. I like the f/e of the 01 better then the 00 but I would rather have the OHV engine instead of the SOHC.

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Posted: Tue Feb 20th, 2018 06:54 pm

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john112deere
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I'm partial to the '95-'97s. Best looking Rangers, IMO, and I love the seats.

Make mine an extended cab with a 5-speed...I'm torn between a 4x2 with the 2.3 and a 4x4 with the 4.0. I do prefer the SOHC 4.0 to the pushrod motor, but not enough to outweigh how much more I like the older trucks.

Where I live now, 4x4 is kind of necessary, but if I could get by without it, I really prefer a 2wd truck.

Options-wise...XLT, but without the power equipment group. Rear slider mandatory; cruise and A/C optional.

Last edited on Tue Feb 20th, 2018 06:54 pm by john112deere

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Posted: Tue Feb 20th, 2018 08:41 pm

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2004 fx4 level II
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04 fx4 level II 4.0. love my truck

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Posted: Tue Feb 20th, 2018 10:23 pm

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Scrambler82
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JAMMAN wrote: 88 2.9 4wd with the 5 speed, reg cab. Been in love with them since 88.

Why I really don't know.

X2, my '88 w/ 5.0L was by far a great little truck... BUT room in the Cab was minimum.

So I would vote for the 2003 Ford Ranger, standard Cab, Short Bed Steppie, oh wait, I own one !

Last edited on Tue Feb 20th, 2018 10:26 pm by Scrambler82

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Posted: Wed Feb 21st, 2018 04:16 pm

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NoPower

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The best Ranger is one that runs!! With that question, you will get multiple opinions. Whats best for others may not be best for you. Hope you get lucky and find one that will give you along life & service.

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squirrelhunter

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Posted: Wed Feb 21st, 2018 06:01 pm

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black06xlt
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i always liked the 06-11 rangers but for an unknown reason the 89-92 rangers have old yet still modern look to them but thats just my opinion. probably why i have an 06 and a 92. but the more i ponder on it the 98-00 trucks are nice looking and very over looked

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Posted: Wed Feb 21st, 2018 08:37 pm

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Dusten
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I'm torn. My current ranger is near perfect. I'd like a limited slip and green.

I loved the look of the fx4 level ii, but have no experience with the sohc motor to say is want one

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JAMMAN

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Posted: Wed Mar 14th, 2018 08:46 pm

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atikovi
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Would rather have a regular cab long bed because the proportions look better. Would have to be 4 cylinder 5-speed for ease and low cost of maintenance and best gas mileage. Would have to be pre-2001 to get the more durable Lima engine. Would have to be 3rd generation for the increased interior room, rack and pinion steering, bigger 2.5L engine and stronger front boxed frame. That leaves only 1998 to 2000 models.

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Posted: Sat Mar 17th, 2018 07:56 pm

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squirrelhunter
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Well being as the 2 we have now is all I've had,I really don't have much experience with them but I'd take my 1994 XLT extended cab 4x4 with OHV 4.0 over the 1999 XLT Supercab stepside bed with the 3.0 any day.The '94 seems to have more room behind the seats,cruise,tilt wheel,I like the console better and the mechanical auto lockers over the vacuum ones,plus more power. But like I said,that's just comparing our 2 not all years or models.

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Posted: Mon Apr 2nd, 2018 07:58 pm

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jeff18
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I agree with black06xlt. The 89-92 Rangers are the looking. Driving an 09 standard cab with manual tranny, but the 89-92 models have the best looks.

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black06xlt

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