Thank you for not telling me I should be able to find a sub 5k Tacoma. Getting damned tired of people suggesting they’re a good “value”option. Nice vid!
One note. The Mazda B series trucks are the same as the Rangers and use A LOT of the same parts. My son has a 2004 B4000 (4L V6) and it is one hell of a little truck. Not the best on gas, but @240 lb-ft you can actually use is as a truck unlike a lot of the 4cyl. Like the Ranger you have to hunt to get one at this price point though, but for the dependability they provide def. worth the extra $. Thanks for the Vids!
6:20 My 1995 Ranger (door sticker dated August '95) is an OBD-II, contrary to what was stated in the video. I don't know exactly when the switchover occured from OBD-I, but I can use the modern connector, and my Harbor Freight OBDII reader can pull codes, live data, etc. just fine. 95-97 models have the same interior as the 98 and up. Reliability wise it's never left me stranded, though I did blow the heater coolant bypass valve on a 90+ degree day and overheat and crack one of the 4.0L cylinder heads (drove it over 1k miles on 4 cylinders). Thankfully parts are still super cheap. Got a plane and valve job on the one good head, bought one replacement head, and did a mild engine out refresh for less than $1500. My only real gripe reliability wise is I can't seem to get a clutch hydraulic system to last more than about 60k miles. I've been through two slave cylinders (that are concentric to the input shaft and require trans removal). They seem to be very sensitive to moisture killing the internal seals. Other maintenance/repairs have been no big deal - good used transfer case to replace worn out chain and shift forks - $140 from a local yard, Ford 3G alternator rebuild kit for new bearings and regulator - $30 online, wheel bearings - $15 a piece.
So my 2000 frontier crew cab is rare. Had help change out the water pump, which didn't need it. Turned out to be a hose which was in a tight spot.. I'll keep an eye out with that timing chain. Does need to get ball joint replaced. Runs great. Only thing is the a/c , does not blow thru the vents, only the defrost vents. No heater, don't really need it where I live. 207,00 miles 3.3l v6 crewcab for 4grand. Runs great.
Amazing brother, this is exactly what I wanted. Through and through detail on pros and cons, great quality. You are a master at your craft, looking forward to the full size one! Thank you so much.
You are right about the Toyotas being expensive, and thanks for pointing out that the Toyota pickups are different trucks than the tacoma. I have a 93 Toyota pickup that was my great grandfather’s. And I love that little truck, I may use and abuse it a little. And I’ve had to do some things to it cuz the 22re’s have head problems. Mine literally eroded away from the gasket so a “simple” head gasket job turned frustrating. They are not the easiest things to work on. For instance, there are 12 bolts holding the exhaust manifold on and another 12 holding the intake on. There are bolts on the back of the head to hold vacuum lines or some lines on the back. So if u are looking to do this job in cab, it may turn frustrating very quickly. But after that I’ve had little to no problems with it. It has gotten hot on me a few times but that’s probably cuz the guy that helped me, (and myself) did it the poor mans way and didn’t resurface the block. But I plan on sticking an LS1 in it with a 4L60.
Currently looking at small trucks and this video was super helpful, thank you! Any recommendations for a truck up to the ~$15k price range? I mostly just want a smaller truck.
I have a 98 ranger with 4100000 and still going good with moderate maintenance.easy to work on and parts are cheap.plenty of after market support and goodies lift or lower.great body and frame too.man.transmission will go a long time.stick with motorcraft parts especially the rac and pinion.also easy to drop a big motor.. mustang EcoBoost is a plug and play.also the explorer V8 classic swap. Just my opinion but the proof is there..mine has a ton of miles and still going.
I am, in fact it's already got new tires and has been moved up on the project list. Because it's my truck and needs a lot, I've kinda been waiting on funds to order all the parts.
Thank you! It’s not clear where exactly you would mark the 3.3l frontier… sounds like you were saying: 1) 2.4l frontier 2) 97 ranger 3) S10 4) 3.3l frontier 5) 98-04 ranger Can you verify? Looking for 4x4 and don’t need the extra haul that the s10 out 3.3l frontier offer. I just happen to have a 3.3l frontier 4x4 available locally. It is SO hard to find a 4x4 anything down south. Thank you!!
I noticed you stopped at a 2003 S10? Didn’t they make it one year more until 2004? Did something change drastically between 2003 and 2004? Thanks for the video….perfect because I’m looking for a mini truck under 5k.
Which has the lowest bed rails? Best truck ever: Datsun 620 Lil Hustler (I have a 74) Even my 1969 C20 CC CST Longhorn I could reach into the bed from the side and get pretty close to the center. So which is the lowest for best "Reach In?" NOTE: WHY are trucks so high? There wasn't anything wrong with the trucks circa 1970
My mother has had 2 Ford Rangers, she thinks they are great... they really aren't that great. at least all of the ones I have seen have had issues that something like a Toyota would not. hers both had the 3.0 engine, one was a flex fuel, which was supposedly worse than the regular. That engine blew up at just 160,000 miles. The second one is an 02 with the standard Vulcan V6, that engine cracked it's heads at just 180,000 miles. She had them rebuilt, it is still going, but it just runs like crap and I have never liked it, but she loved it. (and it is not like they have been abused, or heavily used) And if you ask me, they drive like a minivan and just look very cheap and generic. Honestly, only thing on this list that I WOULD own myself would be an old Toyota Pickup/Hilux. I would want one with the 22-R engine in it as well. If you ask me, any car or truck that us not beat up on or used heavily should last at least 250,000 miles without any major engine or transmission issues.
Almost all car reviewers claim they are 6 foot even. Don't believe it... 9:00 They could be 5 foot 8 and lie and say they are 6 feet even. I'm always waiting for it.
![BLACK BAG - Official Trailer [HD] - Only in Theaters March 14](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Du0Xp8WX_7I/mqdefault.jpg)
Thank you for not telling me I should be able to find a sub 5k Tacoma. Getting damned tired of people suggesting they’re a good “value”option. Nice vid!
Yeah Tacomas are overpriced and not worth it, stick to a ford ranger(well priced) or v8 Dakota
40 million Ford Rangers produced and every mechanic knows how to work on them and used parts are plentiful
One note. The Mazda B series trucks are the same as the Rangers and use A LOT of the same parts. My son has a 2004 B4000 (4L V6) and it is one hell of a little truck. Not the best on gas, but @240 lb-ft you can actually use is as a truck unlike a lot of the 4cyl. Like the Ranger you have to hunt to get one at this price point though, but for the dependability they provide def. worth the extra $.
Thanks for the Vids!
6:20 My 1995 Ranger (door sticker dated August '95) is an OBD-II, contrary to what was stated in the video. I don't know exactly when the switchover occured from OBD-I, but I can use the modern connector, and my Harbor Freight OBDII reader can pull codes, live data, etc. just fine. 95-97 models have the same interior as the 98 and up.
Reliability wise it's never left me stranded, though I did blow the heater coolant bypass valve on a 90+ degree day and overheat and crack one of the 4.0L cylinder heads (drove it over 1k miles on 4 cylinders). Thankfully parts are still super cheap. Got a plane and valve job on the one good head, bought one replacement head, and did a mild engine out refresh for less than $1500. My only real gripe reliability wise is I can't seem to get a clutch hydraulic system to last more than about 60k miles. I've been through two slave cylinders (that are concentric to the input shaft and require trans removal). They seem to be very sensitive to moisture killing the internal seals.
Other maintenance/repairs have been no big deal - good used transfer case to replace worn out chain and shift forks - $140 from a local yard, Ford 3G alternator rebuild kit for new bearings and regulator - $30 online, wheel bearings - $15 a piece.
So my 2000 frontier crew cab is rare. Had help change out the water pump, which didn't need it. Turned out to be a hose which was in a tight spot.. I'll keep an eye out with that timing chain. Does need to get ball joint replaced. Runs great. Only thing is the a/c , does not blow thru the vents, only the defrost vents. No heater, don't really need it where I live. 207,00 miles 3.3l v6 crewcab for 4grand. Runs great.
Amazing brother, this is exactly what I wanted. Through and through detail on pros and cons, great quality. You are a master at your craft, looking forward to the full size one! Thank you so much.
You are right about the Toyotas being expensive, and thanks for pointing out that the Toyota pickups are different trucks than the tacoma. I have a 93 Toyota pickup that was my great grandfather’s. And I love that little truck, I may use and abuse it a little. And I’ve had to do some things to it cuz the 22re’s have head problems. Mine literally eroded away from the gasket so a “simple” head gasket job turned frustrating. They are not the easiest things to work on. For instance, there are 12 bolts holding the exhaust manifold on and another 12 holding the intake on. There are bolts on the back of the head to hold vacuum lines or some lines on the back. So if u are looking to do this job in cab, it may turn frustrating very quickly. But after that I’ve had little to no problems with it. It has gotten hot on me a few times but that’s probably cuz the guy that helped me, (and myself) did it the poor mans way and didn’t resurface the block. But I plan on sticking an LS1 in it with a 4L60.
Great vid man! Can you do a full sized truck version?
Currently looking at small trucks and this video was super helpful, thank you! Any recommendations for a truck up to the ~$15k price range? I mostly just want a smaller truck.
Tacoma!
I have a 98 ranger with 4100000 and still going good with moderate maintenance.easy to work on and parts are cheap.plenty of after market support and goodies lift or lower.great body and frame too.man.transmission will go a long time.stick with motorcraft parts especially the rac and pinion.also easy to drop a big motor.. mustang EcoBoost is a plug and play.also the explorer V8 classic swap. Just my opinion but the proof is there..mine has a ton of miles and still going.
You can also find a Chevy S10 in a crew cab, not sure if it’s still in the 5,000 price point but they do have a crew cab
they are under 5k with transmission problems lol
Thanks for the look out
Are you planning on making another video of the 80s f150? I found it educational
I am, in fact it's already got new tires and has been moved up on the project list. Because it's my truck and needs a lot, I've kinda been waiting on funds to order all the parts.
My wife has a 4.7l Dakota and we get 8 mpg 😂 it’s absolutely terrible. And the Throttle position sensor goes out like crazy in this truck
#Toyota you should sponsor Grumpy Monkey Garage. Clearly he LOVES Toyota.
Thank you! It’s not clear where exactly you would mark the 3.3l frontier…
sounds like you were saying:
1) 2.4l frontier
2) 97 ranger
3) S10
4) 3.3l frontier
5) 98-04 ranger
Can you verify? Looking for 4x4 and don’t need the extra haul that the s10 out 3.3l frontier offer.
I just happen to have a 3.3l frontier 4x4 available locally. It is SO hard to find a 4x4 anything down south.
Thank you!!
I noticed you stopped at a 2003 S10? Didn’t they make it one year more until 2004? Did something change drastically between 2003 and 2004? Thanks for the video….perfect because I’m looking for a mini truck under 5k.
Nissan Frontier with the 3.3 V6. Probably the only one i'd consider in this price point.
i like my 2006 f159 xl with 4.2 liter v6....total base model but has a/c
Which has the lowest bed rails? Best truck ever: Datsun 620 Lil Hustler (I have a 74) Even my 1969 C20 CC CST Longhorn I could reach into the bed from the side and get pretty close to the center. So which is the lowest for best "Reach In?" NOTE: WHY are trucks so high? There wasn't anything wrong with the trucks circa 1970
Are the 2005 and above 2.4L frontiers good at the $5K price point?
Shit I still drive my 1991 ext cab s10 it’s great lil truck very practical for everyday use
My mother has had 2 Ford Rangers, she thinks they are great... they really aren't that great. at least all of the ones I have seen have had issues that something like a Toyota would not. hers both had the 3.0 engine, one was a flex fuel, which was supposedly worse than the regular. That engine blew up at just 160,000 miles. The second one is an 02 with the standard Vulcan V6, that engine cracked it's heads at just 180,000 miles. She had them rebuilt, it is still going, but it just runs like crap and I have never liked it, but she loved it. (and it is not like they have been abused, or heavily used) And if you ask me, they drive like a minivan and just look very cheap and generic. Honestly, only thing on this list that I WOULD own myself would be an old Toyota Pickup/Hilux. I would want one with the 22-R engine in it as well. If you ask me, any car or truck that us not beat up on or used heavily should last at least 250,000 miles without any major engine or transmission issues.
I had a 1996 Dodge Dakota that I beat the shit of and always ran well. It was my first truck
Chevy Colorado??
2000 ranger, 209 thousand miles
Almost all car reviewers claim they are 6 foot even. Don't believe it... 9:00 They could be 5 foot 8 and lie and say they are 6 feet even. I'm always waiting for it.
can you stop saying touched on
Was you touched on?