2008 Ford Ranger FX4 Review: Pickup truck Miata!
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 1 окт 2024
- I spent some time driving the Ford Ranger and discovered it has some striking similarities to another vehicle I quite enjoy! But is the Ranger to the truck world the same as the Mazda Miata to the car world?
This describes me perfectly - "Non-materialistic single person...Don't have much stuff with them...Can pack it to go camping with two people but have to plan for it...I don't need a big vehicle so I didn't buy one...You don't buy a ranger to be cool, you buy it because it fits what you need it to do." Great review sir! Can't wait to find one I'm ready to pull the trigger on!
Well said. I totally agree. They are definitely more meant for working hard and playing outdoors.
Hell yeah 🔥 who needs those 30k payments , to all the people who got a truck without payments 🙏🏻🫡
@@Kaindemetriyeah for real! I bought a 2004 Ranger XLT 4X4 with 85K miles for $4,200 from the original owner and in great shape.
@@TowMan127damnn that’s a good deal! How’s the body and under body? Any rusting
It does look cool tho
Had a 2010 Ranger XLT 4x4 super cab. Put just over 200,000 miles on the clock. Never gave me a minutes trouble. Sold it to my friend who uses it for a work truck and it's still rolling along at over 300,000 miles.
“The Ranger is the pickup truck world’s Miata.” Love that quote. Have a 2009 Ranger and a 1995 NA Miata. Pretty perfect “budget” combo if you don’t have to haul kids or your buddies around. Cost me less than $7k for the both of them and they’re both cheap and easy to maintain. Great video!
That's a car I'd really like to get my hands on! I drove a Miata in holland years ago and really didn't have enough time to get a good opinion on it, so I want to get back behind the wheel and do a proper drive!
Great pair! Thanks for watching!
Wasn’t the stereotype for the miata that it was the car for hair stylists?
Personally I have always like them.
@@robertt9342who cares about car stereotypes
@@steveng507 compared to a miata, absolutely negative. In comparison you might as well be driving a freight train lmfao
No! I buy a ranger because it is cool 😎
He'll yea
Unfortunately, like Miatas, the market has completely blown up. We're entering a weird phase of history where there just aren't any fun and "cheap" vehicles.
They are out there, though. Just picked up an ‘11 4.0 2wd with 102k miles (always driven in the West, no rust) almost-flawless exterior in red for $9200 , talked down from 10K. Older couple who didn’t know the market rate just put some new shocks on, Replace the tires, and I feel like I made a deal. I camped out on craigslist for two months, learning all about Rangers, and jumped at this minute after the ad was live.
I also got a ‘93 Miata five years ago before it blew up (in a similar manner), so this video felt just about right.
@@Yowzoe You just proved his point...
@@superluminal51893 actually I just showed two exceptions to his point, right? His point is spot on for the majority of people who are lazy mofos. I got these deals by focusing and being patient. It took a lot of attention and learning and time. In most of my life I can’t manage this, but when it comes to vehicles, because they’re so expensive and I’m so poor, I managed to score through my efforts and through a whole lot of luck.I got two fun and cheap vehicles that are reliable, so it is possible.
@@superluminal51893lol nothing of good value is cheap anymore tho? The mfers that would love to have a nice Tacoma but don't want to overpay are going for rangers (me)
You can still find one cheap tho that's not 4x4 pre 2010 and especially one thats not in good shape
@@superluminal51893got my ranger for 3 grand, 4.0 sohc 5 speed 4wd. Was a steal of a deal though on my end
I just inherited my Dads 2011 Ranger XL super-cab. 2.3L -4 with 5sp manual. I'm actually excited that it doesn't have the bigger engine with what gas is costing now. Perfect for two people and taking fun stuff to places like the lakes or mountains, plus handy to have for hauling. I liked your review and recognized the locations
the 3.0l and 4.0l get better real world MPGs than the 2.3l. Speaking from experience.
@@MrSagerific95According to Ford, 2.3L Manual gets 22 mpg city/27 hwy. The 4.0L Manual gets 16 mpg city/21 hwy, if you believe the brochure.
My 4.0 V6 in my 2007 ranger.. Gets better gas mileage than my 2.3.. For cylinder ranger...
@@shawnlibby675 good thing you don't own a 2011 than
My 1999 3.0 5 speed 4x4 extended cab step side does really well on gas I can go on a 2hr drive and the file gage does not move
I've never been a Ford guy but last year I inherited a 2008 Ranger Sport 4x4 with the 4.0 and it's got the 8.8 limited slip from the factory. It's got less than 50k miles and looks almost new. I love it and will be keeping it for sure.
Its a 5 speed auto not a 4 speed.
They are just "good". They're practical, reliable, handle abuse like a champ, and you can modify it however you wish.
Ford could’ve sold them for so many more years if they gave em a v8 or even just a bigger v6 like a 4.5 and if they made them 4 door or just gave this truck a better back seat
Right? I was even thinking this generation came in crew cab in other markets which would have sold great! It was the stupid chicken tax making them too expensive.
lamest thing about them is that the explorers got the 5.0 and the rangers never did, even though they were a direct bolt in...
The single overhead cam 4 l engine makes about 220 at the crank . If you need more than that in a 3000 lb truck there's something wrong with your way of thinking . Hell that's more than what the fox body Mustang made with the 302 V8 .
@@Shadowband72 . You also start hitting other limits once you add more power. The V6 makes sense, the V8 is not really necessary. At some point you’d need to start upgrading the the frame, transmission, brakes. Feels like if you NEED V8 power then you’d be better off getting a F150
Lol I've always wanted a ranger actually but then again Ive always wanted one because I've always been able to appreciate the reliability and simpleness of them and am actually buying one today in the exact spec I've always wanted
Edit: got the truck and absolutely fell in love with it she's a 94 splash, single cab, short bed, 3.0, five speed and yeah its the miata of trucks even made by mazda in the earlier days mines gonna be a daily driver with 70s era muscle car mods (ansen sprint wheels, side exit exhaust, cowl induction hood and slight rake with it higher in the rear than it already is)
bro I feel cool on my Ford Ranger 2001, more than ever now that I restored it, it looks like new hehe, great truck you have buddy.
Greetings.
Love my ranger…. 15yrs working as a ford tech… this is my 3rd one!
2002 4x4, 4.0 sohc, 5speed manual with a manual transfer case.
Awesome trucks!
So how rare is the twin stick level 2 ranger?
@@garybaugh8302 that’s a great question I’m not really sure. The truck would have to be ordered as a Fx4 manual then optional manual t-case. I’ve seen a few online but never in person.
@@RangerShop1 how can u tell da difference between a 2.3 and 2.5?
The 2.3 L has more horsepower more torque and better fuel economy! As long as it’s made from 2001 upward to 2012.
Bro sick Ranger.. my 2011 only 33978 miles on it .. today may 10 2024 😂.. same color.. but you grill was black my was chrome .. it's just like new every time I drive ..
Had an 03 for 10 years I regret selling it. Ford shouldn’t have gotten away from this, new ranger sucks
Yea I'm not as big of a fan of the new Ranger in terms of styling, but I haven't driven it so I don't want to cast my judgements yet until I'm behind the wheel.
Bought a 97 for $500 changed plugs and plug wires shifter linkage is bad but it runs and drives and will pass inspection. Not upset
I used to drive an older ranger and it could drift wit the four cylinder no problem.
2011 sport 4wd, put 130k km on it so far. In western Canada I have actually taken a quote a bit of trash talk from massive truck owners, but this video hits the nail on the head. I've driven my ranger through blizzards with shin deep snow on the highway, up mountains, etc etc etc. It's just a basic 4wd that hauls people and things from a to b and doesn't have too many things that can fail. It's great.
I love love love my B4000. No modern electronics, no electric windows or seats. Just base stock reliable go anywhere pickup. Tows a 1ton trailer with no probs and is easy to use and drive. You can have your Toyota. I'll keep my money and drive a better truck🤠
We are on our 4th Ranger.
Our current one is a 2011 XLT super cab, 4.0 V6 and auto transmission, LSD rear differential, tow pkg.
I’ve had some mods done for the intake and exhaust. I added adjustable air shocks for the rear, Line-X spray in bed liner, custom 2 tone paint and interior, skid plates, etc.
It’s mainly a work truck for around our property and getting to my local fishing hole.
It’s almost 12 years old and only has 35K original miles.
My wife and I are in our 50s and plan on letting our relatives fight over it when we’re dead and gone
😂
I think a lot of people would agree that nice Ford ranger is cool!
My old man had 2 rangers when I was little, and I knew how they were like a tank and I love the simplicity. So, I got one 20 years later same Gen as he had. Nostalgic. It's a tank, it won't quit.
I searched for quite awhile for a level ii fx4. I couldn't find any that had low mileage. I ended up going with a 2011 4x4 sport with 17,000 miles. These trucks kick ass and parts are cheap and plentiful. These things can get into some pretty heavy snow and pull thru with good tires. I flushed all fluids, new belts, plugs, wires, thermostat. I will drive it until it won't go anymore. The only thing I don't like is the 2011's come with traction control which is useless and annoying.
Yesssir got an 05 and love it
Just bought the same truck. Why is the traction control annoying?
@@iannelli2448 buzzkill when you want to go sideways ;)
Inherited my dads 04 Ranger Tremor v6 4L with 49k on the odometer. Thank you for the review. Been thinking about some easy off road trails, nothing extreme and hopefully finding a little camping spot.
I’ve never heard of this package before. Apparently it’s the “Tremor” package for its audio system. It’s actually a pretty rare truck too. I’d keep it on the hard ball. Keep it clean. It’s got a good value to it. Is it 4x4?
@@Ornelas11B pretty much the highest trim they made on rangers besides the fx4 alone the tremor was the nicest and most came with a full center console and buckets better gears in the axles.
I want one wish they still made them this size
Its a very intimate truck. Wish they could bring it back. This body style worked for so many years aghh!
I really enjoyed the truck and always thought if we got the South American crew cab ranger of this bodystyle. It would be sweet!
They kind of did. Today's Ranger is the Maverick. But of course in today's world, nothing can be simple. So it has to be a hybrid or at least have gadgets galore.
Did the FX4 have locking diffs? It looked like, but was not sure.
@@jked7463 limited slip on the level 2, not sure for the base fx4
I have two of these trucks 1995 ford Ranger 3.0 and a 1997 4.0 love them both great little trucks
I have an '04 FX4 and I didn't buy it with any ethos in mind, I just bought it because I needed a truck and it was $2,500 with 78k miles on it, lol.
I wasn't too enamored with my Ranger when I first got it, but over the 3 years I've had it I've come to appreciate it more - particularly during the Colorado winter snowstorms. I've seen so many gigantic compensator trucks getting stuck or sliding about in the snow and ice, but the Ranger is so light and nimble it just glides up and over the snow.
You definitely have to accept that you have to fit yourself to a Ranger if you're a taller person, though.
I'm 6'2" and I need to have the seat slid as far back as it can go, and I still have to slouch or my head constantly rubs against the liner, and I'm constantly shifting my legs about while driving because there just isn't enough legroom and the seat depth is too short.
@@johndoe-zb8bm Height =/= proportions, I could very well have longer legs than you.
That, or you must have very poor posture.
@@johndoe-zb8bm limb segment ratios can vary greatly person to person. a person with long femurs and torso will have much more trouble fitting than a person with taller shins and smaller torso etc.
I have a 02 fx4 with 4 in suspension lift 285/75/16 with 280k and a 04 xlt 4x4 with 4 in body lift 33/12.5/15 and 75k. Bought the 02 new got the 04 a year ago. I think the body lift is better and much cheaper by like 800$.. don't have quite the suspension travel with the body lift but have the same clearance..
2:35 "or a five cylinder, CHEVY"
Yes. Its a SOHC engine. But its design is derived from an OHV V6 that goes back to the seventies and used with German Fords, and prior to that, an OHV V4. The SOHC V6 is the final member of a long V6 family.
I have an 06 Ranger 4X4 regular cab with the 4.0 V-6 and a 5-Speed manual. It is the perfect weekend truck.
Nah the ranger good looking. You can make that shi look cool
I have a $500 ranger slowly fixing up. Lots of people say cool truck so not sure if they just super uncool people from this review. Lol
Love it. What style and how is its condition??
@@mikefromoh2925
2003 body step side box with 2011 fx4 frame and engine. Manual transmission. Disk brake rear end and technically supercharged. But it’s not tuned yet and no methonal injection yet. So still work in progress. Eventually sas but I currently have 35/14r16 boggers on it.
I wish the new rangers were small . Nobody makes a small truck anymore
Yup, now they make everything big and over complicated… I hate new cars
@@kd_76 thank the EPA. emissions standards are far more restrictive for smaller vehicles, whereas larger trucks have exemptions.
They put a 4.0L V6 in the F150? Where? When?
The 4.0 in the ranger dates back to the German made Cologne V6, which was generally a car engine. The earliest offered in the American Ranger and Bronco2 was a 2.8 in the mid 80s. Then came the 2.9 EFI, then 4.0 OHV, then finally the 4.0 SOHC. All based on the same Cologne V6 design.
The only real weakness of the later SOHC engines is the milti-chain timing set suffering premature failures that require engine removal to repair. The most reliable of the lot is generally considered to be the 4.0 OHV, but is under powered by today's standards.
Other then that, the ranger is excellent. Tough axles, tough frame, and generally simple layout that is easy to maintain. And yes, they're great off road.
Yea that’s my bad, I confused the 4.2 and the 4.0, someone else pointed that out as well.
Great little trucks though! Thanks for watching and I’ll double check my stats next time!
Cheers
@@200degrees No worries, I thought maybe you knew something I didn't.
I have a 1999 Ranger ....... it came with rear fusion locker and I put in a front Lock Right lunch box ........ it ain't as beloved and sexy as a Taco ...... but it has a great work ethic 😄
Damn she’d go anywhere
I have a 2000 Ford ranger XLT single cab 2.5L Inline 4, 5 speed manual converted (by me), I love the darn thing, it does what it needs to do and it's super fun because of the transmission I put on.
I love it! Ive got a manual swapped Grand Marquis so I know that feeling of enjoying something once you’ve built it!
Cheers!
well it quite literally is a mazda b series truck.
bought a regular cab 2.3 2006 with 215k, a straight up beater but hey, she's going strong! also has a 4.10 diff and i love it, upgrading here and there don't think i'll ever sell
I love my ranger but my tie rods hate me.
The fact that they call it a single overhead cam is possibly the dumbest thing about it . What they do call a dual overhead cam has four cams . The SOHC engine has a cam on one Bank of the engine and another on the other bank , that's two cams . Last time I checked dual meant two , And single meant one . I have the same engine in my 2003 Ranger Edge .
I see where you're coming from, but isn't it also only a Single cam over each head? Thus the SIngle Overhead cam. While it has two, it doesn't have more than one per head. But I get where you're coming from, my own car is a "SOHC" with two cams aha
I've got three Mustang V8 gt cars and i have a 2004 gto t56 6spd v8 car and i also have the 2007 fx4 off road.. With the Adjustable bolstein shocks factory.. Is 410 gears front and rear.. And a 5 speed manual...4.0..and i have laid down somr really nice.. Posi..track...smoke shows... It's not real fast... But I can shift 1st and 2nd gear dumping the Clutch... And drift up the street.. Is on bear tar... My buddies laugh their butts off... They are like leave the Mustang.. at home.. Bring your ranger... We want to get a video of you doing a Mustang smoke show.. Is with your Ford Ranger... L o l...
Dude the only 6 cylinder engine they used in all f150's were the 4.9 300 straight 6 or the 4.2 v6 never used the 4.v6 they should have instead of the weak ass 4.2v6 I've had a 91 ranger 2wd 4.0 v6 and I drive a 2008 ranger 4x4 5 speed 4.0 v6 it has 207hp and I think around 215 220 torque it's a beast it's got the same power as the 4.2 v6 they put them in everything the v6 mustang explores that spot track thing alot if stuff buy not f150 atlwast to my knowledge if I'm wrong prove me wrong
HA! That's hilarious! I started out with a '91, drove it several years, loved it. Only wish it had four wheel drive. So I bought an '08 with 4WD, love it even more. Both are 4L automatics.
Love the video but the automatics in the 2008 are 5 speeds. Also the 4.0 SOHC was the LAST engine they used. The top of the line engines started as 2.8 carb'd Cologne V6s. Then a slightly bored out 2.9 MPFI V6 (*cough* dog shit *cough*). Then they introduced the 3.0 Vulcan V6 as a mid tier engine with the Cologne coming back as a 4.0 OHV. Then the last engine they brought out was the SOHC 4.0 V6.
I have this same Ford Ranger with the colors switched around and it has the 5-speed manual transmission and I love it.
Damn never got stuck in a 4 speed ranger getting wood crossing a arroyo the heavy duty dodge Cummins too much horse power or toque couldn’t even make it through with out cuz of awful wheel hop had to throw it in 4 high to get out
It’s the nxs of trucks
None of this push button start or rotary dial shifter nonsense The shifter on the steering column where it belongs. The shift on the column gave it alot more leg room.
Awesome video. I picking one of these up. And for all of the same reasons you stated at the end. And I can’t wait to get it
That’s awesome! I hope you enjoy it!
I just traded my motorcycle Enduro for a Ford ranger 2000 2.3 leader
Very well made video..pleasing to watch..thumbs up
As kid i always see this running around my place, this was my first car i ever fell in love wit
I got my ranger as my first car as a hand me down from my grandpa. I love my Ronnie the ranger, and he is my bestie ❤️
Love my 08 fx4. Sure the bed is rotting, the fenders are falling off and it's odo has 330k km on it but the frame still has the original paint and looks like it's 3 maybe 4 years old with almost no rust.
It's small enough I can cram it down some atv trails but big enough it doesn't feel like a death trap.
I always get compliments on my 2003 ranger edge. Small lift with 33s and a 4.0 power plant.
Small cab for only 2 people? I fit 6 of us in mine + a 12’ box right in the back center lol. If there’s a will there’s a way
This is why I bough an old Ford Ranger....not to drive a big truck....but to have a truck that serves my needs (and looks cool) Ford Freakin Ranger!
I love my 07 Fx4 Ranger. I want another one, maybe a 4 banger manual
Hi, your post just randomly popped up.
Nice surprise.
You can put a lot of stuff in the bed of it! Especially with the tall top over it!
Where's that Ford fucking ranger song ???
What do you get with the FX4 package? Asking for a friend.
Limited Slip and some interior trim pieces, I don't remember off hand, unfortunately.
@@200degrees Thanks!
Should be a locking rear though an lsd does sound right, I have the level just below this and I’m only jealous of the rear end that Fx4 has… but I prefer my manual
@@razgriz4118 i have a fx4 manual :D
Fx4 got a better rear axle (8.8 ring gear, 31 spline axle shafts, limited slip) bilstein suspension, skid plates for the front diff, transfer case, and fuel tank, and red cloth seats. I think the Fx4 trim was the only ones that got the 2 tone paint job like shown in the video. Also had 4:10 gears but I don’t think that was specific to fx4’s.
Had a 2000 loved it could fill up on Monday drive till Sunday
"The tailgate doesn't take 2 fingers to make it turn blue, it's a tailgate" lol
I own a 1997 ranger 4x4 4.0 5speed and a '93 miata, great cars for people who don't care about flexing and just want something they enjoy.
Awesome review 👍😁
what tires and rims are those . nice! Lots of good info here .
Twin locked ranger vs the world the answer is always ranger
Idk about yall but I got my Ranger to be cool
I’m cool
I got a truck
Just this week picked up an ‘11 4.0 2wd Sport supercab with 102k miles (always driven in the West, no rust) almost-flawless exterior in red for $9200 (negotiated down from 10K). Older couple who didn’t know the market value. I put some new shocks on, replaced the tires, and I feel like I made a deal. I camped out on craigslist for two months, learning lots about Rangers, and jumped at this the minute after the ad was live.
I also got a ‘93 Miata 5 years ago before prices blew up in a similar manner (knowing *exactly* what I wanted and pouncing as soon as something was available).
This video feels just about right. The Ranger does share characteristics with the Miata.
Hello. I have a 2010 Ranger and I want to paint it black like yours. I have looked everywhere for the black and gray color code and have had no success. Could you give me the codes for both colors, black and grey? It would be of great help to me. Thank you
Hi, unfortunately it was my friends truck and he sold it a year or two back so I can’t check the door code. Good luck on your search!
I just bought a 2002 ranger and looking around at videos of them to see what im gonna break first and saw this lmfao, i bought my 96 miata 3 years ago. I got both chillen in the driveway next to each other. you are 100% correct.
Lol, 2008 V6 has a 5 speed auto.
My name is Mark, I have 08 ford ranger I got up no start no click no dash light. Replaced batt,starter and s .tested all fuses replaced relays,the day it no start in bulb cluster no lights to dash but I have head l,blinkers,tail lights everywhere.but no dash or chimeing what am I missing here
This is exactly what I need…
I have it
What F-150 ever had a 4.0L?
F-150 didn’t have a 4.0
Okanagan Valley in British Columbia by any chance ?
Yep, Kelowna!
Hello can someone tell me from I can buy fenders for the ford ranger 2008 safari offroad
Funny because Mazda took a ranger rebadged it and sold it for years
Oh thats the 4wd version
I'm pretty close to buying a used ranger but it just doesnt have 4x4. Other than that it's perfect. Is 4x4 really that big of a deal? I go camping occassionally but I'm not driving verticle up any mountains like in this video lol.
For cruising around in the woods you’d be fine, it’s really just the snow where you’d want to throw a lot of weight in the bed. But you could make do with good tires!
@@200degrees Ya that's the other thing, I live in central Canada where there can be snow on the ground 6 months a year. Been looking last 3 months and haven't seen one decent 4x4 so might not have a choice. Appreciate the info!
@@tfriesen7872 yea I live in bc Canada and the only thing I drive in the winter is my rwd crown Vic. Nokian Hakkabilita r3’s. Probably spelled wrong but hands down the greatest winter tires, I’ve never been more impressed with what a rwd can do!
In my experience the 4x4 makes a world of difference in the snow and ice, but you could also get a Shurtrax bladder for the bed and that'll help a ton.
Got a 2000 single cab, 4 wheel drive, 3" lift, 5 speed manual 6 banger. Love it!
@@AutismDude32 nah but I have the style side bed.
Just bought my first Ranger. This was a fun video!
You say the head room is hard for tall guys? How tall are you
I’m 6ft1, but I find I have a taller torso than normal so headroom is usually my issue.
Still got my 2002. Original owner.
cool review man! now, im kinda leaning into it now..
I bought a 04 Ranger Edge about 2-3 years ago, it is the best decision i had ever made
No one cares. This is a 08 review
@@KB-cp9ds I care
It’s the same truck from like 93-2011 so…
@@KB-cp9ds it’s basically the same thing
Hey man what size are those tires?
Off hand I'm not sure, was my friends truck and he since sold it.
31x10.5r15 I bet, that was the stock size on fx4s
I am planning on getting this one a😊
First truck I ever owned was an 05 ranger fx4 level 2. 3 inch lift on 32’s. Up here in Canada it was an ice fishing/off roading beast. I miss that truck. Looking for another one.
I have the exact same one
i have the exact same spec from 07. love it, the lift makes oil changes easy af
@@SonsOfDeForest nice. I ended up getting another 05 level 2. Fuckin love these trucks
I will say I love my ranger
Love these trucks!
It's a 5speed automatic not 4speed
So it is, my bad! Thanks for letting me know!
mine is a lifted 2007 FX4 lvl2 5speed manual. unironically a cool truck ;D
How tall are you?
6ft1
@@200degreesinteresting I’m 6’2 I don’t really have that issue. But Tbf. I don’t think I’ve even tried sitting all the way straight 😂😂😂😂
Ford Ranger 4×4=Disposable Toyota
Disposable Toyota + actually available in the Eastern US + 4 grand more in your pocket
What suspension/wheels/tires were on that truck? I really dig the look and might try to build that out
Stock suspension with the front keys turned up, ko2's or Goodrich's on steelies. Simple build really!
Cheers
@@200degrees what do you mean by the front keys turned up?