[vialajam311]

Very shortly i will be getting my first car and I am looking at getting a Ford Ranger... I'm looking at like a 1999 to a 2003 XLT supercab (4-door). Any suggestions on what i should get or avoid shuch as engine sizes, transmissions, anything like that?.... anything else will help too

thanks

 

[dixie_boysles]

Depending on your budget, id gor for the 01-03 style. they are most favored by everyone. If you can swing it, get a 2002-2003 FX4 Level II. like this one local to me:

They are fully loaded w/ 31x10.50 BFG A/T KOs. 15x7 Alcoa Forge Aluminum Wheels, Bilstein Shocks, 4.10 Limited Slip Torsen rear diff, special black interior, stainless shiny front tow hooks, . If you get a manual, they came with special NICE twin stick setups (manual transfer case). I should have gotten one, but didnt!! If you dont get one of these, at least get the regular FX4 package with the limited slip.

to find them in your area, just fo to Autorader and fill out the form. under years, put 01-03. under modify keywords, put fx4 and look through the list for similar Rangers. you can find them by the signature Alcoa Wheels w/ 8 holes

 

[rngrdanny22]

I love the 01-03 models! Welcome to the site!

 

[Demon-FX4]

yes i looooove my 2003 fx4 level II it is an amazing truck and i mean it i have never had issues with it easy to mod goes through anything and everything offroad y last weekend i pulled out a 7000 pound dodge mud truck at the mud run and i was super proud of the 2003 ranger

 

[Demon-FX4]

and if u have any questions about them just ask man we are the most friendly site and will help ya out with anything

 

[gerald1488]

Yes nice pick and welcome to the site. 8)

 

[vialajam311]

thanks for you guys help... ive been looking at the rangers for a lil while and i like the fx4 but its too expensive so do you know of anything else? Like, i know that all ranger models and years are known for their reliability and good quality but what about engines... should i look more toward the 4.0 L or 3.0 L? anything else...

thanks

 

[Demon-FX4]

well i have the 4.0 and it's a better engine in my mind very relieble. the 3.0 is a great engine also lol it all depends on if u want afew more horses or not lol

 

[vialajam311]

I mean, do you think its that much of a difference... because i ride atv's and will pull a small trailer with that around on the occasion...also do you ever use the little jump seats in the back?

 

[gerald1488]

I use the jump seats but the horse power difference should be a factor for a V8 not 3.0 or 4.0 even though the the 4 has more horses. I have the 3 not the 4 never drove one with a 4 but I have in a V8 and let me tell you a big difference there. I also had a 4 banger and when I got my 3.0 I could definetly tell the difference. The 4 cylinder is a bullet proof motor and my 3.0 has been alot of problems. I hope that helps...

 

[vialajam311]

wow...thanks... yeah, i definatly want the v6.... now what about storage? how big are the "extended cab areas" for putting things? and are the rangers pretty easy to get lifts on and modify them like that because thats going to be one of the first things I invest into it...


thanks

 

[Demon-FX4]

lifts are easy my 4.0 gives me monster tow power and with my 4.10 gears in the diff it helps and it's easy on my gas money too if i drive responiblely lol and as for space i took my seat out and put a sub box with 2 12 inch subs and 2 amps but i used them alot before that i'm about to take the sub box out and put the seats back in i miss them lol it sucks with only two seats and friends get mad lol

 

[DRKSHADOW]

welcome and I hope to see a new ride soon.

 

[plumcrazy]

If you ever plan on lifting it down the road do your self a favor and go with a pre 97 Ranger.

-PlumCrazy

 

[Demon-FX4]

yes 97 and earlier are way cheaper to lift my 2003 is gonna cost me around 2000 bucks so lol it sucks but it's up to u man

 

[vialajam311]

why is it so much cheaper to lift an older model? The older models dont have 4 doors though...

 

[West]

Its so much cheaper because it has the twin traction beam front suspension instead of torsion bars. You can just get front coil springs and other little various parts to lift the front end and keep the geometry correct whereas the torsion bar setup you can't lift it very far at all without getting the geometry way out of spec. To fix this, you either need new spindles, different designed control arms, or coilover shocks if you got the real big bucks.

 

[vialajam311]

ok thanks... so if i just took it to this shop by me that specializes in doing truck lifts and stuff like that, would that be alot easier than tring to find the right thing to buy since im new at this and have no clue what to get... i know suspension lifts are good but expensive and body lifts are cheap and not as nice... thats about it


thanks guys

 

[Demon-FX4]

well if u get a newer one than u could take it to a shop or do it urself u just need the tools and time to do it idk if shops near u would give u some kinda warrenty or something if they do that might be a good thing. and a body lift is an ok thing i have a 3 inch body lift and i want to get a 4 inch suspension lift a body lift is good to stop bigger tires from rubbing on the body lol

 

[vialajam311]

haha... i definitely want a lift so ill look around at shop prices and stuff... what about gas, like i know the ranger gets good gas mileage to begin with but mow much does the lift and bigger tires and etc. effect it? Like what kind of mpg do you get? (what size engine)

thanks