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  #31  
Old 06-24-2012, 01:25 PM
dahlsmith03 dahlsmith03 is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by killj0y

Damn are you serious 4.60 for gas? It recently dropped to 2.89 or so here
It was 5.50 a few weeks ago in Montreal, Canada

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  #32  
Old 06-24-2012, 03:53 PM
Spidey2011 Spidey2011 is offline
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Default Re: Need honest advice! Is a Ranger right for me?.

Quote:
Originally Posted by CitySlick View Post
Two feet and you think we shouldn't be out in it? That's like a mild storm lmao. that's nothing.
I was thinking the same thing. I've driven through snow drifts that were over the hood of my 01' Silverado 2500. If I didn't drive when the snow was over a couple feet, I wouldn't drive during winter. lol.

My Dad had a 1990 Dodge Ram 50 2x4 with a 4-cylinder, and that thing went everywhere. He'd load a 4-wheeler in the back for weight and never had a problem. This was also in NC. In MT, where I am now, I wouldn't even consider it.

If you're only going to be driving through a couple inches, you'll probably be fine. I actually prefer to keep it in 2 wheel drive on snow or ice covered highways, and really only use 4x4 to get up my horrible driveway (the place where I had to drive through those drifts over the hood), or occasionally in town when I'm spinning a bit. Us it much more than that and you'll just tear it up.

It's really something that you have to decide for yourself. Do you really NEED 4x4, or will it just make you feel better in the snow? If you have trouble driving in slick conditions, go to an *empty* icy parking lot one night during a snowstorm and throw your truck around for a bit. You'll figure it out real quick.
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  #33  
Old 06-24-2012, 03:53 PM
Andy D Andy D is offline
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Default Re: Need honest advice! Is a Ranger right for me?.

Hey. I didnt buy the 94 4.0 for commuting. I stopped using my 12 mpg Grand Wags as DDs when gas went to 1.25 $ a gallon. My savings in gas paid 5/8 of the loan I used to buy my 528e. Much better commuter and with 4 cement blocks between the rear wheels and decent tires, it does fine. I keep a D handled flat shovel just aft of the blocks for parking. Driving in snow is more about technique than equipment. I want 4wd mostly for the beach and gathering fire wood out back.
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  #34  
Old 06-24-2012, 04:16 PM
sgtsandman sgtsandman is offline
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Two feet at one time is a huge deal here. We aren't equipped for it. At least we can recover from it fairly fast though. People in south shout down for days when they get a dusting. LOL
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  #35  
Old 06-24-2012, 04:37 PM
CitySlick CitySlick is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Fordfan444 View Post
Ok, If you really have 12K to spend then you're golden.
You should get a 2001-2006 extented cab Ranger(4-door if you can find one with the 4.0 SOHC. 2WD or 4X4 If you want a 2WD then you're going to be looking for a needle in a hay stack but it'll be worth the wait. The 4X4 trucks with the 4.0 will be a lot easier to find but they'll be a little harder on gas and not as fun to drive on dry pavement.
This.
I got a 4.0 4x4 it's an 07 FX4 level II with like 60k miles and I paid 14k. From a dealer. Could easily find a good 4.0 4x4 for 12k.
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  #36  
Old 06-24-2012, 07:43 PM
rickwinger rickwinger is offline
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Default Re: Need honest advice! Is a Ranger right for me?.

As far as it being a reliable vehicle, I don't think you can go wrong with a Ranger.

The big picture question then becomes, "how much Ranger do you want?" (Or put in other words, "how much can your budget stand?")

Given the length of your commute I think the smaller engine can do the trick.

Engine displacement, gearing, and foot issues will have the biggest impact on your mpg's. No Ranger is ever going to be a smart car or Dodge Neon in terms of fuel economy, so if you are looking for a Ranger as a commuter I suggest going with the most fuel efficient engine and 3.55 gearing to get the maximum benefit there. Foot issues, or driving habits are entirely personal. "Nuff said.

4x4 or 4x2?

A year ago I would have sworn my next Ranger will be a 4x4, but then I got to thinking back on my previous Ranger ('93 with a 4.0 engine, auto tranny, and L/S differential) and realized that it had gotten me into and out of everything I wanted to do.

At least one of those events was driving 10 hours from my home to central North Carolina after a major ice storm in 1996. I put several hundred pounds of top soil in the back of the '93 in 40# bags and took off. The interstate was basically at one lane with patches of ice, and snow was on the ground everywhere I pulled off for gas or to take a break, but I never got stuck and arrived in good order.

So, when a series of mishaps resulted in the rear end of my current Ranger having to be rebuilt, I had it rebuilt as a limited slip and may stay in it several more years now.

Bottom line?

If you think 4x4 is the only way to go, go for it.

Otherwise, opt for limited slip over open axle if you can find it. If you can only find an open axle in the engine and gearing you want, snag it and have a L/S or locker put in later.

Keep your goals in mind and buy what your budget can stand.

IMHO
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  #37  
Old 06-24-2012, 07:51 PM
sgtsandman sgtsandman is offline
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The only thing I might add to what rickwinger said is to account for terrain. If you live in a mountainous area like I do, 3.55 gears are too tall and 3.73 would serve you better. If you live in a relatively flat region, then 3.55 is fine. My '98 has 3.45 gearing and is always wanting for power on the hills around here because of it. 3.73 is a better compromise. 4.10 would be even better but for a long commute, 3.73 would be the best compromise of power and fuel economy.
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  #38  
Old 06-24-2012, 11:55 PM
Gridlock Gridlock is offline
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Default Re: Need honest advice! Is a Ranger right for me?.

Thanks again guys, there's a lot of useful information here. It seems like those who have 4x4 swear by them and those who have 4x2 or have had both think both are very capable. Anyways, I think you guys gave me the information that I needed. Mainly, that despite what some people around me have said since I have been looking for a Ranger... it would work just fine as a daily driver with a long commute and that 4x2 isn't "Impossible" to drive in the snow as long as your smart about it and know your truck. This is good because I don't think I could do 20 mpg, i'm fine with mid to high 20's though. Now I just need to find one... I'm getting impatient. Thanks again!!

----------

Also, is there an easy way to know which type of differential/ gearing a truck has? Is it based on year? If this is all covered in another part of the forum feel free to just direct me there.
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  #39  
Old 06-25-2012, 04:31 AM
rickwinger rickwinger is offline
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Default Re: Need honest advice! Is a Ranger right for me?.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Gridlock View Post
snipped some stuff
----------

Also, is there an easy way to know which type of differential/ gearing a truck has? Is it based on year? If this is all covered in another part of the forum feel free to just direct me there.
There is a link under Drivetrain Tech with a chart of axle codes. The axle code is on the inside frame of the driver's door sticker of the vehicle.

Link: http://www.fordrangerforum.com/drive...xle-codes.html
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- Current: 2010 Ranger XLT 4x4 in Redfire Metallic, 4.0 L V-6, 3.73 ratio final drive, Cooper Discover HT P255/75R-15's, automatic, all-power.
- Previous: '90 Ranger XLT 2WD, 3.0L 5 spd (traded), '93 Ranger XLT 2WD, 4.0L Auto (traded), '01 Ranger XLT 2WD, 4.0L Auto (traded)
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  #40  
Old 06-25-2012, 05:54 AM
Butterface Butterface is offline
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Default Re: Need honest advice! Is a Ranger right for me?.

Quote:
Originally Posted by huffa12 View Post
if you drive right and are smart and careful 2wd is very capable in the snow. I've never been stuck in snow in this ranger or my old 96 that had bald tires. good luck with your search.
I had a two wheel drive manual ranger and it was god awful in the snow...personally I would not recommend anything besides 4x4 for the snow
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  #41  
Old 06-25-2012, 06:11 AM
dahlsmith03 dahlsmith03 is offline
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I find 4x4 causes as many accidents as it prevents. I find it gets people over confident in heavy snow and on ice and people drive like they would on dry pavement. They get a false sense that stopping power is the same and that you can take a corner full speed. I live in Canada and have a 2WD. I've driven in very heavy snow with good winter tires. Having 4x4 would be nice and my next truck is going to have it, but with a couple sand bags in the back right over the wheels and being cautious I get around fine.

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