i just bought my 2001 ranger xlt 4x4 with 154,000 miles. it has a few little issues but i bought it cause it will be a whole lot more dependable than my dodge and i got such a good deal on it.

the first issues is that when i'm at a complete stop and hit the gas it kind of clunks a little bit. its hard to describe to anyone but the best way i can describe it is that it almost feels like there's a heave tool box in the bed and when i go it slides backwards and hits the tailgate. it just feels like something is loose. it could be a motor or tranny mount but idk. now i checked under the tuck and the drive shaft has some play in it. idk how much is normal but i can probably turn the driveshaft 1/8 - 3/16 of a rotation. to me, that seems to be the issue but idk what is wrong and how to fix it.

the second problem is just with starting the truck. it turns over a few times before firing up. it'll start every time and it sounds like its turning over strongly it just takes a few turns before firing up. is it the starter or plugs or fuel issues or idk.

give me your opinion on what to do!! thanks guys

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2001 Ford Ranger. 4.0L. 4x4. ext cab. stock. RED!

my ranger does the clunking thing too when i go from stopped to moving, i dont think its really anything to worry about. i guess its common in 4x4s. I would start with the spark plugs and get the battery tested (advanced auto will do it for free i think). A new starter is a bigger job that I wouldn't want to get into unless I really had to.

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2000 Ford Ranger XLT 4x4 3.0L

if i just bought a vehicle with 154k miles on it, i'd switch all teh fluids and filters...and then see if that helps. done any of that yet? fuel filter is cheap and may be cloggin the fuel line...

i had a series of bad ball joints and bushings, and the truck would clunk a little ... worth a look. click the 'Bad Ball Joints...Click Here...' link in my sig line to see how to check bad ball joints.

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and see if you can pinpoint the play in the driveshaft to a u-joint, or in the tranny or rear end.

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1999 xlt 2.5l 5-speed Supercab 159k
83 diesel 2.2l na
06 F250 6.0l psd
{click for lol}

I just bought my ranger as well, and had the same starting issues. mines a 93, and it ended up being a bad battery. 100 bucks sucks to shell out the third day you own the truck, but the peace of mind of knowing your truck will start is worth it.


-93 ranger xlt 3.0 w/ matching camper shell