i have the opportunity to buy a 1996 Ranger 2.3L 4x4 5sp. I've heard good things about tht little 4 banger, and this particular one only has 80k miles on it. however, i've also heard it can be woefully underpowered, especially when paired with the heavier 4x4 drive-train. Basically, does this truck have any balls at all, or can it barely get out of its own way? Also, what kinda mileage should i expect? Any tips, recommendations, or knowledge about this truck would be appreciated! i know theyre fairly uncommon.

Do you have the opportunity to take it on a test drive? You will know right away if it's underpowered. Definitely not a 3.0 or 4.0. Do you know what gears it has?

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1998 2.5 Ranger XLT 2wd...with a cap

Yeah i will drive it sometime next week, just looking for a heads up i guess. Im not expecting v6 performance. And its got either a 4.10 or 3.73 rear axle. Most likely the 4.10 as tht is standard.

I have never driven a 4 cyl 4x4 ranger, but they are rated at 112 HP. My dad had an 1981 'yota hilux with 4 cyl and 4x4 and it had 105 HP and it managed fine but it had 4.56 gears. I imagine with 4.10 it would fine.

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Thanks Andy. How do you think the 4.10 would effect mileage?? And i posted a pic of it.

it might actually be better on gas then if it had 3.73 since the engine doesnt have to work as hard. i have spoken to a fair few of people that have 4.10 with the newer 2.3L duratec 4 cyl in the ranger, they prefer it to any other gearing. I would prefer to have 4.10 on my V6 as well.

Interesting. Thanks for the insight.