Hey all,

Well, the time has come. I was driving through the Ford lot after dinner tonight and came across a seemingly mint 1996 F-150 Supercab 4x4 long box, with the 5.0 and 3.08 rear end. I'm wondering what advice you guys have to look for? I don't know much about the older F-150s except that my Grandpa wouldn't buy anything else.

I've heard the '96 is the last of the great old Ford F-150s and they are very dependable and can be powerhouses if that 5.slow gets some updating?

What do guys think I can expect in maintenance costs and mpgs? It has 4 brand new shocks and tires on it (I don't know if it's hiding an alignment or something). I couldn't get inside (locked) or pop the hood, so I couldn't get a good look at it. It would go to my cousin to determine body repairs (owns a pro body shop) and my trusty mechanic for a full pre-purchase inspection before any money traded hands. I'm trying really hard to see past the shiny paint and low miles (116,xxx).

I need advice and suggestions and things to look for gang, go!

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2000 Ford Ranger XLT 4x4 Supercab
4.0, 5-speed
Live axle 4x4 - 3.73 gear ratio - open diff
Stock (or OEM equivalent) everything except
Gibson Cat-Back Dual Extreme exhaust system
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