What to Look for When Buying a Ranger?

[JaySherm]

Hello, so I'm interested in a 1999, v6, 4x4, step side, automatic. I'll be wanting to lift it and put bigger tires on. However, I'm curious to know what to look for when buying it as to keep the purchase cheap. What could help me talk the dealer down on price without being dishonest? Is there a common thing to look for on Rangers that could help me lower the dealers asking price? I'm sure I won't have more than 4k to spend because I'm not going to want to wait long. Thanks for advice.

[cowboybilly9mile]

Don't buy a 16 year old vehicle from a used car lot, do a private sell on your current car, don't trade it, and patiently save and pay cash for a 1999 Ranger.

*If that 99 Ranger is on a name brand dealer lot, it had better be a pristine jewel with low miles and receipts to back up it's history.

$.02

[gcextreme]

No..if your wanting to lift a ranger..buy a 95-97 ranger. They have the ttb suspension and are cheaper/easier to lift than the 98+ with torsion suspension.
Unless u want to drop another $1600 for a suspension lift.

Look at the frame and rear leaf spring hangers for rust and rot.
Listen to the engine run and test drive it...and test the 4x4.
Check for overspray from repainting from damage from a wreck, etc.

[JaySherm]

Originally Posted by cowboybilly9mile

Don't buy a 16 year old vehicle from a used car lot, do a private sell on your current car, don't trade it, and patiently save and pay cash for a 1999 Ranger. *If that 99 Ranger is on a name brand dealer lot, it had better be a pristine jewel with low miles and receipts to back up it's history. $.02

Alright that makes sense. Thanks.

Originally Posted by gcextreme

No..if your wanting to lift a ranger..buy a 95-97 ranger. They have the ttb suspension and are cheaper/easier to lift than the 98+ with torsion suspension. Unless u want to drop another $1600 for a suspension lift.

Alright. It's just from what I've seen, they look a little different. I like the way the 99s look maybe they are smoother/rounder corners.

[SavageSalad]

Frame rust, rear spring hangers, body panel alignment, also make sure the odometer works and the check engine light comes on when you turn the key. I learned the hard way.

[gcextreme]

If u like like the way the 98-00s look thats one thing..but the 97 and olders are easier and cheaper to lift.

----------

This is my 99 i converted it to the 01-03 style.

[djfllmn]

which v6?

3.0=4cyl power 4.0 mpg

4.0..decent power but v8 mpg

[cvar]

http://www.therangerstation.com/resources/index.shtml

[JaySherm]

Originally Posted by gcextreme

If u like like the way the 98-00s look thats one thing..but the 97 and olders are easier and cheaper to lift. ---------- This is my 99 i converted it to the 01-03 style.

So basically I can buy a 97' and then swap newer parts onto it? How many parts are interchangeable? I have read about side mirrors and explorer seats being interchangeable. Btw I really like the transitions of your ranger. The hood and lights on top are two things I'll be implementing as well.

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Originally Posted by djfllmn

which v6? 3.0=4cyl power 4.0 mpg 4.0..decent power but v8 mpg

I guess that's a question I need to ask myself. I want power for sure and I thought a v6 would provide proper power? That's why I opted out of the 4cyl 2.3. I think I may want the 4.0 if it provides more power; I'll just take the mpg loss.

[JaySherm]

Originally Posted by cvar

http://www.therangerstation.com/resources/index.shtml

Ty for the link

[33's&5 speeds]

Other than 5 speed my truck sounds like what you are wanting. I get 16.5mpg in town and 18mpg on the highway. 99 3.0 4x4 5 speed stepside extended cab

[JaySherm]

Originally Posted by 33's&5 speeds

Other than 5 speed my truck sounds like what you are wanting. I get 16.5mpg in town and 18mpg on the highway. 99 3.0 4x4 5 speed stepside extended cab

Was it expensive for your lift? And yeah your truck looks clean, what makes your wheels bend like in your pics? I'm diggin the wheels. I like the 4.0's a little more for power though.

[33's&5 speeds]

Dont be misled according to some people on the forum my truck is not lifted.
That being said. What you need......

Belltech 6400 shackles = $60.00


Crank factory torsion bars = FREE


Front end alignment = $60 to $100 (my friend works at the dealer so I got mine done for $30)


$60+$60+$FREE=$120

Not real sure what you are talking about when you say "what makes your wheels bend like in your pics?." I assume you are talking about suspension flexing.

[JaySherm]

Ohhh yeah I mean it definitely looks a little lifted or those wheels make it look it. And yeah (excuse my apprentice lingo lol)I am talking about suspension flexing like in those pics that they're on uneven ground. Does that make it more bouncy or uncomfortable ride?

[33's&5 speeds]

The tires are roughly 5 inches taller than the stock tires and it is raised 2 1/2 inches in the front and 2 inches in the back higher than stock. From ground to fender well it is about 4 inches higher than stock.