Hello to all,

Been a visitor here enough times since buying my Ranger two summers ago. I appreciate the community and would like to join in.

Was looking for a decent small pickup for my home owner projects back in mid 2014. Did my homework (part of it here) and saw how much people seemed to love their Rangers.

After looking and looking I found a 2002 that was very low miles (42k) and a one-owner. A very plane-Jane truck, but it has an automatic tranny and a/c, which were the two items I really wanted. Very basic interior, vinyl seats and floor, but it's cool with me. I have a car to drive every day so the truck is really just for the utility.

So far, I've put on new tires (Firestone Destination LE2) and added a tonneau cover (Truxedo). I've also replaced the tranny and differential fluid (rear only, it's a 2 x4), antifreeze flush/refill and a couple of oil changes. It just turned 50k miles. I'm only doing about 5k miles a year, so might be another 10 years before it hits 100k.

Muffler is starting to get loud. Had a mechanic look at it while getting an alignment recently and was told muffler has a crack. Am sure it's the original exhaust. Considering it's now 14 years old, guess that's not bad. Just hoping to avoid having to shell out for a cat. converter as I see Ford gets upwards of 2 grand for them! Yikes. Am sure you can do better elsewhere. Anyone out there care to comment on exhaust replacement work in general?

All in all am happy with my Ranger as it's seemed reliable so far. Not a perfect vehicle as the handling is kind of wallowy, but I realize it's a truck. At my last oil change I switched to Valvoline High Mileage as the main engine seal was showing signs of oil seepage. Am hoping this will help rejuvenate the seal.

One last thing. Truck has original running boards. They're starting to rust out (truck is otherwise rust free). They're tube-shaped and have a diamond pattern on them. Does anyone know if there are any NOS replacements available? I might just pull them off the truck and go without any.

Thanks for reading.

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2002 Ranger XL
2.3L 2x4 Auto

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welcome from down in pike county PA

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2000 XLT 4X4, 3.0, Auto, regular cab - throttle cable mod, K&N drop in filter, taylor thundervolt 8.2 plug wires, autolite sparkplugs, Accel coil pack, AVS Ventshades, Rampage LED tailgate light bar, BFGoodrich All Terrain T/A tires, Trail F/X toolbox, cruse control pod light fix, Cobra 19 ultra II CB, lil wil antenna, pioneer door speakers, expo woodgrain radio bezal, 06+ mirrors & tails, powerdome hood

2000 XLT 4X4 Offroad, 4.0 / auto, supercab - the project truck!

Peter, welcome to FRF. Check on craigslist, I found a used set there for a friend of mine at a very good price.

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2000 Ranger Extd Cab XLT, 4X4 Off Road, 4.0L, Auto, 8.8 - 4.10's, 01 grille & lights swap.
69 Mustang, modified 5.0, & 5spd.(project)
99 Explorer Sport, 4.0 SOHC, Auto, 8.8 - 4.10's, PW, PL, PM, Cruise, Tilt. (Wife's DD)
05 F-150 2WD Regular Cab. ( My DD)

Welcome, from Rhinebeck

Welcome to FRF

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Welcome Peter, Glad you found us. Have fun and enjoy FRF and your new toy.
From Don
Grove City, Ohio.

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Myrtle: & Danna
1999 Ranger 4x4 3.0 Stepside Ext Cab XLT
2000 Mustang 4.6 Roush Supercharged ( Show Car )
1984 Elcamino 350 330 HP ( Nick's Show Car )
1959 Wife ( Arm Candy )
Danna passed away 5/26/2016

Thanks for the suggestion Mike. Been looking. No luck yet, but might stiff find a set.

Pete

__________________
2002 Ranger XL
2.3L 2x4 Auto

Welcome to the forum! Sound like that truck is being babied! But that will be good if you ever decide to sell it! Again welcome!

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2005 Ford Ranger FX4 Offroad, Stock.