So I'm looking for a ranger 4cyl manual for work commute mostly highway. So my question is can the 93-97 ranger maintain 70mph on the highway? Or am I better off finding a 2001- 2.5 duratec? I don't wanna ride 4th gear to maintain speed. I don't care for 3.0 or 4.0 with terrible gas mileage and less reliable.

I'm debating on a great older one or a newer ranger.

Maybe a silly question but does any of they have posi or a higher rear end final drive? I'm not looking to tow just would like all the cards in my favor for a decent truck.

Thanks!

My '07 4.0 has been stone cold reliable the entire time I have owned it. Going on 6 years.

And equally outside of your parameters, I had a '98 2.5l lima engine Ranger that ran on the highway at 80 no problem.

As far as I know, all 4cyl Rangers will have open diff rear ends, no limited slip. FYI, positraction is a GM specific application. Limited slip is industry wide.

I can attest to the open diff and no traction control. If you're going 90% highway, then my 2008 Ranger 2.3l 5speed can handle 70-85 all day long no problem without ever having to downshift to 4th. Not even with my bed full of firewood. At 70 I'm about 3-3500 rpms I think, and it's right in the middle of the powerband (stops at about 5000) and I get 25 combined highway.

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2008 XL 2.3l 5speed 2inch rear drop shackles. 15x8 rims on 235/75r15

I found the axle codes for limited slip. And I guess I should have mentioned on only spending 3-4 Grand on a ranger. So if the 90s ranger could chime in and give there two cents that would be great. Thanks all

Picked up an 09 ranger last December for 3200. 167K miles. 4 banger 5 speed. Runs 70-80 mph no problem, but only gets around 17mpg. If I keep it at 60 mileage goes up to 27-28mpg. Running at 50-55 it returns mileage of 28-30mpg. Not bad, not great for a 3400 lbs vehicle, but not bad.

I find it funny that the OP chose the supporting lead actor of the Fast & Furious franchise for a Screen name yet is seeking great MPG/above average performance from a truck platform that has the co-efficient drag ratio of a cinder block with radiused edges...... LOL

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i drive 70mi round trip. about 6 months ago i got a 2013 honda fit. 5spd. 49xxx miles for $9100. complete maintenance records, clean carfax, etc. counting the $4500 on trade for the old ride, and i got a 38mpg commuter that should run forever for $4600. its ugly and spartan, but its cheap, efficient, reliable, and it even has an aux input.

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It seems, in fact, as though the second half of a man`s life is made up of nothing, but the habits he has accumulated during the first half.
Cheers, Diceus

I already own a cinder block 09 300c hemi with 130000 miles. Still gets 23mpg @70

I'm expecting a little better with a ranger. Not much more. Just something to put miles on other then a vehicle I'm paying on.

A Honda Civic will get you great gas mileage and every auto zone has plenty of parts to rice it up. If you get 23 mpg with a dodge hemi then why buy a Ranger that will only improve mpg by 3-4. Not economically sound.
Your hemi is getting way more mpg than anyone I know who has one.

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You mean the aerodynamics of a dumpster.

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Dvrich.., I bet you play an amazing back row player in beach volley ball.. [introduce the setup]

And I didnt want to say dumpster as my truck is blue, also a Ranger, and just missing the "Republic" recycle logo as of this conversation would be concerned.. lmao

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My Build Pg. Threads
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+ 94' Ranger Bed Overlanding Trailer Build
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2010 2.3 stick reg cab XL 4X2.

248 thousand miles. Mainly highway miles. Im the original owner. It can handle 75mph no problem.

IT WANTS MORE !!

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2010 2.3 Stick Reg Cab XL - Maxtrac 2 inch coils - Bilstein 5100 front shocks - Bilstein yellow rear shocks