Hi all! I may be acquiring a Ranger from my grandpa. It's a 2004 Ranger XLT supercab with the 3.0L V6 and 2wd. It has just about 24,000 original miles on it. It's always been garaged, although the body is a little rough (dents, scrapes...things you'd expect on a vehicle driven by an 87 year old )...it's not my favorite color combo (tan on tan), but it is what it is.

Anyways, I have a few questions before I buy it off of him.

1.) How are these things in the snow? I live in the northeast and it's got 2wd and the original Continental tires. I've always driven FWD vehicles (most with traction control). My current DD, a Mazda 3, doesn't have traction control but with dedicated snow tires, it's virtually unstoppable (except on ice lol). I'm thinking that throwing 250-400 lbs. of sand bags would help...I don't have the money for new tires or a dedicated set of snow tires atm...

2.) Most of the miles he has put on it happened during the first few years he owned it (2004-2006ish)...they don't drive the truck anymore. I have taken it for a 4-7 days twice a year since 2009 just to keep the fluids going. Last time I had it (Feb 2011), I had the oil changed and fluids topped off. What other maintenance should I do or items I should check to make sure it continues to be reliable (no problems yet)? It could probably use new tires, though last i checked, the sidewalls look good...not cracked.

3.) Are there any how-to's on adding an aux input to the stock radio (single CD)? I have a Sirius radio receiver I want to take out of the Mazda?

I think that's it for questions for now. Since I'm a car down (the wife's VW needs a new tranny and don't wanna put the money into it) and my grandparents are just going to donate it by the end of the year, I figure I may help them and buy it off them if it'll continue to be reliable. I'd love an F-150 with Ecoboost, but that's a little out of my budget right now.

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2009 Mazda 3i Touring Sedan - 2.0L Auto
2004 Ford Ranger XLT Supercab - 3.0L 2WD Auto

They do okay in snow if you add some weight into the bed. 400 pounds is a good amount. Also you can shift into 1st and 2nd (after drive) to help out

I would change fuel filter and air filter. Fuel sitting that long is not really good.

http://www.fordrangerforum.com/how-s...ht=fuel+filter


http://www.fordrangerforum.com/how-s...light=aux+port

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I'd probably go with a more aggressive tread than the stock tires unless they are all terrains.

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94 Splash 2WD, 5sp, 4.0L, Custom paint, Black-n-Red interior, Lots of go fast goodies!

93 XLT Ext Cab, 4x4, A4LD, Cayman Green / Tan, More or less stock for now.

X2 on 300-400 in the bed. works for me in winter and i have the OEM tires. Welcome to frf as well.

Lighter the better. Shorter stopping distance.

Stopping wont matter when you can't go anywhere.

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Thanks for the info everyone!

I think we're going to pull the trigger on the Ranger. They seem to be pretty reliable and if it snows, I can either work at home or commute with my wife in the Mazda.

Although, I'm going to need to do a few things to it to make it look a little more my style (small lift, new rims/tires, possible brush bar, etc., etc) and less like an old man's truck.

Thanks again!

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2009 Mazda 3i Touring Sedan - 2.0L Auto
2004 Ford Ranger XLT Supercab - 3.0L 2WD Auto

Not sure how much snow you get where you live, but I definitely agree with the different tires than stock. I have the OEM Continental's, and although not horrible, you can definitely do better. There are plenty of threads on this site about tires, and you don't have to go in debt to get a good set. Overall, the Ranger is a great vehicle and should last a while.

I don't live in Springfield. Nonetheless, more weight on ice will keep you sliding longer or hit something harder. Word.