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01-29-2012, 03:53 PM
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Learning to use the forums
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Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 12
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A few noob questions
Well, i'm looking at buying a 93 to 97 Ranger, 4 cyl, 5 speed, 2wd.
I have experience and some knowledge with the GMs and Mopars but have never owned a Ford, none of my friend's own Fords, really know nothing about them.
So what i have to ask first is any common spots to rust, the one i'm looking at at the moment doesn't appear to have any rust on the body but haven't seen underneath yet.
My second question is the reliability of the 4 cylinder's in the Ranger's... don't know anything about them, just curious if they have any prone issues with the motors that it would be good to know about, or if they have a tendency to essentially blow up at certain mileage like the 4.3 Vortec in the S10s
AND FINALLY, i'm curious about lowering, i was doing some searching around for lowering kits but not sure exactly what i'll need and how much i should lower it, plan on daily driving but don't care if it scrapes here and there, have daily driven a lowered vehicle before so i know it won't be a problem.
I was looking at the DJM kit on Summit Racing, 3" front and 4" rear... wondering if anyone could show me how low that may be or a link to find some more details on it.
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01-29-2012, 04:01 PM
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Ford Ranger Driver
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Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,965
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Re: A few noob questions
Any vehicle can and will rust out, depending on road and element conditions, all engines will blow up, service and how you drive are major factors, the ford ranger 4 cyl engine has been around since the early 70's. If you get it, the first thing to check is the trans oil level, they were prone to leak from the shift cover rubber plugs.
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01-29-2012, 04:33 PM
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Learning to use the forums
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Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 12
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Re: A few noob questions
Well, as for rust goes, most vehicles have certain areas that if it's rusted, chances are, that's where it's going to be... like my Grand Cherokee the rear "frame" (unibody), is prone to rot out by the control arm mounts, as well as the "frame" is common to rot near the firewall. I know s10s are bad for rockers, cab corners, and bed sides. As for the motor issue, i've seen some motors that just don't seem to like making it past certain mileage. Friend of mine had an S10, i've never seen anyone that maintains a vehicle mechanically better than him, and at 200,000km it had to be rebuilt as the head gasket went and it collapsed a couple lifters. I know of a few other S10s/Sonoma's with the same issues around the same mileage. Just basic stuff like that, not necessarily will happen, but seems to happen on a lot of them.
The rust thing i'm mainly looking for if there's any little hidden spots that i should be looking for that i may miss if i didn't know to check there. I've seen the rad supports rot out on a few of them but that's really the only spot i'm aware of.
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01-29-2012, 05:39 PM
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Ford Ranger Driver
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Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 519
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Re: A few noob questions
the reason your friends s-10 only lasted to 200,000km...which is what, 124,000miles? is because he bought a chevy, he made a general mistake when he did that.
anyways, if you get the 4cylinder change the timing belt, if they snap, count on buying a new engine. Ive seen some 4cylinders with 200k. Far as rust goes, there was one guy on here that had some rocker panels rot out because a previous owner never washed them. Might want to check those out. I dont have rust problems in the south so I cant really help much on that topic.
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2002 3.0 Ford Ranger 4x2, Auto, 250k miles
Last edited by mopar9012; 01-29-2012 at 05:51 PM.
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01-29-2012, 06:04 PM
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Learning to use the forums
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Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 12
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Re: A few noob questions
Ok, they have a timing belt, that was one other thing i got thinking about earlier...
How big of a job is the timing belt on one of these trucks? I've done one on a Tiburon once and it was the biggest PITA i've ever seen, did one on a 92 golf at the track and had it changed in 30 minutes.
I guess i'll find out, if i don't feel like doing it suppose i could always pay someone else to do it. Change the timing belt about every 100,000km (60,000 miles) like most vehicles?
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01-29-2012, 07:23 PM
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Gun Totin' Cowboy
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Join Date: Dec 2011
Posts: 1,183
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Re: A few noob questions
Quote:
Originally Posted by mopar9012
the reason your friends s-10 only lasted to anyways, if you get the 4cylinder change the timing belt, if they snap, count on buying a new engine.
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Are the 2.3L's interference engines? The timing belt broke on my 2.5L a few years back, so I had the belt replaced and it was back to normal. I know for sure that the 2.5L's aren't interference engines.
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01-29-2012, 07:29 PM
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Ford Tough
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Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 235
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Re: A few noob questions
as for the rust look in the rear wheel wells, by the tailpipe,and the lip under the doors. Those are the spots that popped on mine
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01 xlt 3.0 extended cab
Kenwood speakers
JVC head unit
Fusion 12" sub and Fusion amp
Monroe coilover shocks in the rear
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Mustang Dome
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01-29-2012, 08:09 PM
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Ford Ranger Driver
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Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 519
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Re: A few noob questions
[QUOTE=mthomp1;734013]Are the 2.3L's interference engines? The timing belt broke on my 2.5L a few years back, so I had the belt replaced and it was back to normal. I know for sure that the 2.5L's aren't interference engines.[/QUOTE
I dont think they are after i searched it..... Im pretty sure one of the engines they put in the ranger is but Im not sure which one now.
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2002 3.0 Ford Ranger 4x2, Auto, 250k miles
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01-29-2012, 08:19 PM
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Gun Totin' Cowboy
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Join Date: Dec 2011
Posts: 1,183
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Re: A few noob questions
Quote:
Originally Posted by mopar9012
Quote:
Originally Posted by mthomp1
Are the 2.3L's interference engines? The timing belt broke on my 2.5L a few years back, so I had the belt replaced and it was back to normal. I know for sure that the 2.5L's aren't interference engines.
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I dont think they are after i searched it..... Im pretty sure one of the engines they put in the ranger is but Im not sure which one now.
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I believe that the 3.0L is. I haven't checked on the 4.0L.
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01-29-2012, 08:20 PM
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Ford Ranger Driver
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Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 519
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Re: A few noob questions
3.0s have the timing chain
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2002 3.0 Ford Ranger 4x2, Auto, 250k miles
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01-29-2012, 08:47 PM
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Lovin' the Ranger
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Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 412
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Re: A few noob questions
Watch out for the rear leaf shackles, I've seen quite a lot of Rangers no matter the model who've had leaf spring shackles snap completely off due to not being cleaned or checked on every once in a while. Other than that the Ranger has always been a fairly easy vehicle to maintain as opposed to the competition of any year. This is a great forum to find information on, do some research because like myself you'll always find more than one person who's had the same problem as you and has the know-how to fix it.
By the way, when referring to ''tape-line'' I'm assuming you're talking about the stuff on the rockers that sort of looks like either tape or sheet metal attached to the actual rocker? Just curious and sorry to hijack the thread, I just wondered about that because I found a small piece of surface rust the other day while washing it down and wondered if it was common.
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2001 Ranger xl 2wd 2DR with a 3.0.
Mods: CAI, exhaust, tune, ported/polished heads,, ported/honed intake manifold, 3.73 Limited slip differential, Pyle double din head unit, kicker TSV10 subwoofer, Hifonics 800W amplifier, 18'' Forged Ravage series wheels, Kumho tires, blue colored cluster, under dash interior lighting, Rhino liner, tow hitch and Pioneer door speakers. Hopes and dreams.
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01-29-2012, 10:35 PM
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On my 3rd Ranger
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Join Date: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,398
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Re: A few noob questions
Quote:
Originally Posted by mthomp1
Are the 2.3L's interference engines? The timing belt broke on my 2.5L a few years back, so I had the belt replaced and it was back to normal. I know for sure that the 2.5L's aren't interference engines.
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That 2.3 and the 2.5 are essentially the same engine so no, the OHC 2.3 would be non-interference.
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1987 2.3/TK5, 125K.
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01-29-2012, 10:53 PM
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I felt fear....
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Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 189
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Re: A few noob questions
1991-1997 have an SOHC 2.3 or 2.5 and They are NON interference. Meaning if It breaks its no big deal. To replace If you have all the tools About an hour and a half. Need all new coolant and power steering fluid but your engine isn't toast. The 3.0 and 4.0 Push rod engines... If the timing chain breaks you need a new one.
As far as rust. Check all the suspension shackles. The rear of the frame and the bottom of the doors (inside). The other thing that I have had trouble with is the Front steering knuckles come loose. Upper and lower ball joints should be looked at.
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1997 Ranger. 2.3l 4 cyl. 4 speed.
Single cab, step side bed. *sold *
1997 Ranger. 4.0l 6 cyl. 4 speed.
Single cab, reg. bed. *frame problems*
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01-29-2012, 11:25 PM
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Ford Ranger Driver
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Join Date: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,720
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Re: A few noob questions
i live in canada aswell and as far as rust goes that ive experienced was the front bbumper and alot underneath because of the temperture we have but every year i get my truck sprayed including inside the door panel and everywhere else where applicable but if you keep the truck clean you wont have a problem
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2003 Ranger Edge ... crashed
2011 sport 4x4 with a little modification
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01-30-2012, 03:39 AM
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Ford Ranger Driver
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Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 519
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Re: A few noob questions
Quote:
Originally Posted by EMB1230
That 2.3 and the 2.5 are essentially the same engine so no, the OHC 2.3 would be non-interference.
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Yeah you're right. See I was posting while playing Xbox so I'm sure nothing I said was rigjht. Lol
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2002 3.0 Ford Ranger 4x2, Auto, 250k miles
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