I have a 200k kms 4.0 auto with everything you could get 1997 long bed supercap and 4x4 and then electric windows and shit. Love it to bits never af problems with it
Just got my 1996 Ranger XLT 2.3 5 speed manual (240,000+miles) out of the shop today. Had a couple of coolant leaks, needed some fresh radiator hoses, odometer fixed, and coolant temp sensor to fix a high idle problem. Simple stuff I used to do myself when younger and had more time. Great little truck. It just runs and runs (knock on wood). Bought it brand new in June of 1996 and can't part with it. Lots of sentimental value. Was my primary vehicle for many years, now the past several has been my backup vehicle and fills that role well. I have thought about possibly getting a new Ranger or maybe a Maverick, but with all the turbos and modern extras waiting to go wrong, the simplicity and reliability of my old Ranger just wins out. They truly don't build them like they used to.
Hey, do you know any place that would have a Ford 96 xlt transmission rebuilt explanation? If so, that would be awesome :) i got an opportunity to try to rebuild one but an explanation is not included in the Ford manual- any info or leads are appreciated
@@thatonellamawhoissoobsesse8138 Man I sure don't, but I'd be surprised if there isn't something on RUclips that could help you. I'm pretty sure from 93 on up to about 1999 the mechanics of the Ranger were pretty much the same, engines, transmissions (if not beyond that), so you have a wide range of years to search to try to find info for.
Your cultural commentary is as meaningful as the car reviews, showing how the machines we value are entirely connected to who we think we are and the stage of decay we are at. Brilliant, and thanks.
Unfortunately I’ve been the second type of owner to my inherited (formerly) pristine 80k mile 97 Ranger, my first vehicle. After 5 years and 130k miles of driving it rough and barely doing the bare minimum maintenance, I’m just now slowing down to appreciate it and take better care of it. Finally learning how to fix it myself, know what to look & listen for, keeping it cleaner, driving more gently. It has never done me wrong, even after abusing it all these years. Long live the Ford Ranger
I bought my '97 2.3L 5-speed Ranger XLT in '99 with 50k miles on it. It's still my daily driver, just over 190k miles now. Up until this spring, it had never once not ever left me stranded anywhere; alas, the ignition cylinder's pot metal housing failed and a crucial bit snapped off. Once replaced, it of course kept on going. I give it non-ethanol gas now and typically gets 27-28 mpg on the mix of moderate town and open road driving I do. Every couple of years I buy a bunch of parts to replace normal consumables and pay a local garage to install them all at once to cut down on labor charges. It went 127k miles on the original timing belt, and I replaced it before it failed; it's gone 190k miles on the original clutch plate and throwout bearing, and while it still works fine that is next on my list. I bet if I have all the seals and gaskets replaced in the A/C that will work once more. New shocks and suspension bushings will probably quiet it down dramatically. No one else likes this truck. There are frequent recommendations that I replace it. I just smile and nod, knowing my well-worn little truckling has already outlasted the Toyota compact, the Toyota SUV, the KIA SUV - and I bet it will outlast the new Toyota SUV as well. It's paid for and it runs well, it's fun to drive, I like it - and it's MINE, dammit. They were built to be work trucks with an eye to government agency and commercial fleets, simple, no-nonsense vehicles for 1-2 people and relatively light payloads going from point to point to point with a minimum of fuss and expense. Ford kept their assembly line going past the planned shut down date because Orkin put in one last order for them. Eleven years after they went out of production they're STILL the most common company truck at auto parts places around the country. Long live the original Ford Rangers!
Just picked up a 97 2.3 five speed, shifts better than some new cars I’ve driven, zero features but the old guy I bought it off of said it’s never let him down in 230,000+ miles
I have a '96 Ford Ranger 3.0 automatic, for my first car. Great truck and still running strong and allowed me to save money and I have bought an '02 Camaro V6. Love these trucks on many levels
I have 2 '95 rangers I need to sell 1 is driveable lots of new parts. Bed is shot 2.3 manual high miles runs really good. Needs power steering pump and a few cosmetic things. The other is a parts truck 2.3 manual. Nice bed. Nice trans for the driver. The driver trans syncros are going in 1st and 2nd. Need to sell. $1000 for both. I live in mich near Detroit
I have a 1999 Ford Ranger . It has the 3.0 with a automatic transmission. Great truck, easy to fix, and parts for it are cheap. If you take care of a Ford Ranger, it will take care of you. Good job on the video. 👍
The 4.0 OHV is a pushrod engine. Very different from the one mentioned in this video. They also fixed the SOHC 4.0s in later years. So don’t be too scared of the 4.0s. Loved the video btw. What song is that in the intro?
My first vehicle. Finally. After working on hundreds of and hundreds of vehicles, I’ve finally got an all original 1993 ranger. White with blue interior. Low mileage. My favorite thing ever. Hahaha (2.3l 5 speed)
Probably should mention the 4.0 SOHC wasn't a motor you could get in this generation of ranger. These rangers had the 4.0 OHV which was a decent motor. But still your points are quite valid, and it's a good commentary on these work horses.
Those 2.3 Lima engines are slow but they just run and run. They use a timing belt but are non-interference design so you won't bend any valves in case the timing belt ever breaks
UH, WTF! THAT WAS AN AWESOME VIDEO! KIND OF LIKE AN UNDERGROUND, BACKWOODS, SPEAK- EASY FORD COMMERCIAL THAT ONLY COMES ON WHEN THE KIDS ARE ASLEEP! BRILLIANT!
My grandpa just gave me a 1997 ranger that is a retired plumbing truck for free!! It runs really smoothly and im most happy with it. It literally has no bells or whistles though what so ever.... Other than the tool box in the back and the pipe rack that was attached to it. It never had a power steering system or an AC unit... I dont know much about it other than its been sitting in his barn for the past few years but was recently tuned up.
I picked up a 2000 3.0 5 speed 4 wheel drive with 116 thousand miles for 400 dollars, on the road after a new starter. Best car deal I have ever had. Bumpers a bit dinged up, other than that a pretty straight and clean truck. It is a fleet model.
Just got my 2006 3.0 sport back on the road and legal in california (check engine light meant no registration) after sitting for a couple years. Truck fired right up like nothing had ever happened. It's stupid how happy this old beat up truck makes me when I drive it around town now. People who know, know; those that don't will never understand and are missing out.
Have a 96 Ranger 4x4 single cab short bed 5 speed 3.0 vulcan. Replaced cluch 250000 and heads at 300000. Now it has 333000miles on it. When I die please bury me in it🏴☠
I have owed 4 of them. (Well, one wore the Mazda badge) 1986 2.8L / auto 2wd hand me down. 1985 2wd 5 speed with a 4cyl Diesel ( slow af), head gasket blew on that truck and got a 1988 2.3L 5 speed. Then many years later in 2000 I bought a 1998 B2500 5 SPEED. LOVED that truck, but let the (now ex) wife talk me into trading it in on a GMC Envoy. 😑 My uncle bought a brand new 1991 2.9L V6 5speed ext cab 2wd XLT pkg. And he drive that truck right up to 2007. It was parked and left to die @ just OVER 360,000 miles on it because the bearings in the Transmission went kaput. And in all those miles & years the engine never once ever had the heads or oil pan off! And still ran good as new at 360k miles! Yeah, Tacomas are good trucks, but the old Ford Rangers gave em one hell of a fight!!!!
that definitely is the consensus among reviewers, actually the unanimous opinion. I'm looking for a clean second or third generation to replace my 93 3.0 which now has 220,000 miles and, although the engines fine, the body looks like warmed-over 💩
@@2H2521 thanks. Amazingly, I did after camping out on craigslist for the last few months, willing to travel from San Antonio to the Yukon to bring it back to Washington State. I picked up an ‘11 Sport 4.0 2wd auto with 102k for $9200, a rust-free cream puff in red. I got a PPI and it passed with only minor things to do. I was lucky, I got it from a retired professor in eastern WA who was itching to get to Alaska for the summer, and I talked him down from $10,000. Love everything about it. New shocks made a lot of difference in ride quality. The 207 HP supplies torque that inspires confidence in such a light vehicle, and though I drive gently most of the time it’s good knowing that it’s there to use. Mileage is not great, but I’m not gonna be putting a lot of miles on it, I just wanted to last as long as my last one. I definitely don’t miss all the complicated and breakable *crap* in the latest gens of trucks, or their size. My only complaint is that I can’t figure out how to get rid of the warning *chimes* , the many nanny chimes. I'm not sure it's possible, but I hear that some techs have the codes to achieve this, I just need to find the right person, I hope.
Have a 2004 XLT 4x4 with the 4.0 in it. 230,000 and going. Im younger but man oh man do i appreciate the little truck. Hauls when I need it to, will climb dirt hills with my friends, can pull my friends dodge home when it snaps a driveshaft for the third time, and can get from salt lake to lake Powell in 2 tanks. Just can't fit 4 people it it. She gets oil changes every 4k, and ATF every 8k, always will love the little Ranger.
Got me a 95 xlt, 3.0 w/auto, it slips a little, but she fires up every time and goes takes you there and back, same issues as other rangers, speedometer is broke, was told it has over 300k on it
I just bought the 2.3l 4 cyl 96 ford ranger with the long bed. It has over 350k miles and thats when the odometer stopped its the manual verison and the thing is a tank i like the truck alot its my first pick up and im hoping that it will run for even longer
The 92-94 4.0 in the explorer and ranger were the best years of the 4.0. He is mentioning the sohc 4.0 in the later model explorer and ranger. The year ranger you have is good for the 4.0...yours is the ohv, hence the reason it's better than the sohc 4.0.
I lived with a 3.0 Vulcan in my 02 Ranger. Has it's share of quirky problems: squeaking serpentine EVERY time it rained or was humid. (Finally tried a belt made by Continental that worked pretty well) Replaced the cam synchronizer twice, replaced the coil pack twice. Running my third Ranger now (2010) with 4.0l ; my first was a 99 with the 4.0l
The 2.3 L starting in 2001 has 143 hp! That’s way better then the 112 in the 2.3 liter from 1996! It also produces 154 foot pounds of torque at 3750 RPM. That’s pretty good compared to the 3.0 6cylinder! Especially when accounting for the miles per gallon!! Also when accounting for the fact that most people never pull much more than 2,000 pounds anyway!
I got a 2010 ranger Sport with the 4.0 and the 5 speed. Gots 142k so far, runs perfectly. The only problem is there is some rust on the bed, I plan on taking it off cutting off the rust and welding on some new steel. Honestly love this truck, wouldn't trade it out for anything. Hope to hit 500k some day with it
I am the second owner, lower class, public housing ritalin kid who somehow made it I to the middle upper class, beautiful family, decent chunk of land and wonderful home. My 96 ranger RWD, 3.0 five speed has never felt more at home now. Second owner BTW lol
Dude, man, I had a white 96 I called Denver after Denver Pyle from dukes of hazzard, I bought for 800$ that used to be a chicken truck, I found it at a hot water heater company and had it for over 2 years 110 mph everyday from Chesterfield to the upper half of Richmond and shortpump with over 500,000 on it, nothing worked, radio, fast motion ok wipers, brakes locked so I had to mash the brake pedal a few times at the start of the day, but damn he could run, I raced him, jumped him burnouts, I loved him replaced the cooling system, suspension, steering column, wiring front back and center, lights, bulbs, mounts and all out the door for 1500$, the windshield leaked so I put duct tape on it and it actually kept the water out, the ac didnt work and actually heat came out all the time and I couldn't turn it off, duck taped the whole dash except the defrost body was too rusted and I didn't wanna put a new cab on just to pass inspection for the when the windshield cracked so had to sell it for 500$ didint wanna sell it but the guy seen me driving it and wanted it I tried to talk him out of it but he wanted it even after I explained the brakes and why I couldn't keep it I.E. the windshield cracked and the cab need to be replaced for a new windshield but he wanted it anyway, I miss that truck and want a new one so bad
Heat came out all the time because the blend doors in that era were notorious for failing - and were expensive in labor to replace. Only bad thing I have to say about them. I have a 97 that had that same issue.
@@Last_one_before_I_go Blend door actuator is easy to replace. It's right behind the glove box and you just pull it off. You're thinking of the heater core. Now that's a bitch on 95 and up.
The Ranger configured as a 2.3 I4 4x4 is an exceedingly rare truck; I have a 1995 regular-cab, long-bed Ranger configured as a 2.3 I4 4x4. All 2.3 I4 4x4 Rangers of the 95-97 generation had a regular cab, M5OD, BG 13-54, and 4.10 gearing.
It is the same sentiment with my 2003 F-250; though, not quite as rare, a 6.8 V10 mated to a ZF6 is difficult to find, too. A manual transmission, manual-transfer case and manual-locking hubs for the 4x4, and XL trim with manual-window cranks and vinyl upholstery is the unabashedly simple and quintessential, 'work truck'.
@@josephdepre4513 that’s nuts! It’s nice to have a rare truck like that. I do know in the first and second gen rangers they only had a few 2.3l 4x4 XLT like mine. But same with that 2003 Ford F-250 you have. I never heard of those!
I've had to change 11 of the 4.0 Single overhead cam engines, I absolutely hate them, third timing chain on back of motor goes bad, knocks and flaps about, headgaskets, now I learned it was cheaper to replace the engine than do the headgaskets, so I don't DO the headgaskets, but they come in burning coolant. Also transmission, for some reason, and I think it's the horsepower, but the 4.0 eats automatic transmissions, namely in the Explorer, maybe that's a different transmission, but I absolutely do not like the SOHC 4.0 engine, too much trouble, not enough positive things to say.
@@GrumpyMonkeyGarage I'm asking cuz I'm genuinely clueless, I didn't really research the $1500 beater before I bought it... But with that said I've put another 50,000 miles on top of the original 200,000... Mine is a manual, and like I said it has never given me any problem other than some EGR code, it's has a rough start if the engine is around 180 degrees... Full cold and it starts fine, full hot and it starts fine... But when it has cooled down about half an hour it likes to misfire upon startup. Other than that, the thing has been a dream to drive! But all that you said is definitely good to consider, I'll look into!
@@SatanAzerath No, we don't get to many of the old pushrod 4.0s around anymore, I'm talking about the 4.0 Single overhead cam engine, perhaps you have a good one, I hope it does well for you! I'm just sharing what I've seen in my shop and shops I've worked at.
@@GrumpyMonkeyGarage Ahhh mine is the pushrod, we might have our answer. That's good to know for anything I might purchase in the future! Thanks for the awesome video and the conversation as well, made my day. :)
The 4.0 engine makes pretty good power for towing compared to the other two. If you need to toe a lot and need to toe 5,000 pounds all the time. The 4.0 engine can handle pulling up to a maximum of 6000 pounds!
Id disagree on the 4.0, ive seen plenty of accounts of it being extremely reliable if you take care of it, but the 3.0 gets not much better mpg then the 4.0 yet not much more power than the 4 cylinder engines
How do you like it? I'm thinking of getting a 4 cylinder to replace my 3.0 But I hear the 96' 2.3 is much weaker than the later 2000's ones. I found a 96 for sale but should I wait till I find a newer one with the higher hp 2.3?
@@mckricks1 I love my 2.3L. I live in a mountainous area, and the 2.3L with the manual does alright - there's only a couple of big hills that I need to drop down into 4th gear to maintain 65 on the highway. I average about 22 MPG, and I'm generally hauling all of my tools and gear for work. 220 on the odo. The 3.0 is noticeably stronger, but I'll stick with the 2.3. Replacement engines are cheap (I can have one delivered for $500, or pull it myself for half the cost) and plentiful. I'm not a speed demon; I want dependability, and when I must wrench on the engine, parts are dirt cheap and it's easy to fix. I've had vehicles with the 4.0; I don't consider the 4.0 a dependable enough for my needs, and it's a pain to work on (changing head gaskets was a two-day ordeal and space was tight). In the end, going with the 2.3L Duratec (which was available 2002-2011) would probably be the better choice if you're doing a conversion; if you're buying a truck to run, enjoy the 2.3 in the 1996 (112 vs 135-143 HP). Evaluate how you plan to use the truck; if it's going to be a grocery or parts-getter, you'd probably be happy with the earlier version; if you're wanting something more, like towing, you might want to consider going with either a larger engine or step up into an F150. I'm not saying that the 2.3L won't tow (I plan on adding a tow hitch so I can use my smallest trailer) but you'd probably wish that you had a little more oomph if you do it regularly.
The ford ranger with the 4.0 OHV is a good engine. It's the SOHC. I have the pushrod, and it's a truck sounding engine. Love the thing, manual everything, and 4x4
The best little truck ever made. I have a 96 with a 4.0 manual transmission and it's unstoppable. 190,000 miles and runs like new.
Only 190k that’s cute
Mine has 370k
I have a 200k kms 4.0 auto with everything you could get 1997 long bed supercap and 4x4 and then electric windows and shit. Love it to bits never af problems with it
@@hansenfabrication3761 I got the same I love it
Mine has 250,000. I regularly tow a trailer loaded with up to a ton of material, my "little truck that could" does it all the time, no problems.
Just got my 1996 Ranger XLT 2.3 5 speed manual (240,000+miles) out of the shop today. Had a couple of coolant leaks, needed some fresh radiator hoses, odometer fixed, and coolant temp sensor to fix a high idle problem. Simple stuff I used to do myself when younger and had more time. Great little truck. It just runs and runs (knock on wood). Bought it brand new in June of 1996 and can't part with it. Lots of sentimental value. Was my primary vehicle for many years, now the past several has been my backup vehicle and fills that role well. I have thought about possibly getting a new Ranger or maybe a Maverick, but with all the turbos and modern extras waiting to go wrong, the simplicity and reliability of my old Ranger just wins out. They truly don't build them like they used to.
the new rangers disgust me, especially how they are almost the size of an f150.
And they never will again. Do not sell your Ranger.
Hey, do you know any place that would have a Ford 96 xlt transmission rebuilt explanation? If so, that would be awesome :) i got an opportunity to try to rebuild one but an explanation is not included in the Ford manual- any info or leads are appreciated
@@thatonellamawhoissoobsesse8138 Man I sure don't, but I'd be surprised if there isn't something on RUclips that could help you. I'm pretty sure from 93 on up to about 1999 the mechanics of the Ranger were pretty much the same, engines, transmissions (if not beyond that), so you have a wide range of years to search to try to find info for.
2024 here, how's she running ? Still strong??
Your cultural commentary is as meaningful as the car reviews, showing how the machines we value are entirely connected to who we think we are and the stage of decay we are at. Brilliant, and thanks.
Don’t get me wrong I loved every second but this is not a review, it’s a love letter. Good work
Buying a 2.3L 95 5speed manual in the next few days. Just waiting on the title. Pretty damn excited
you should get the 4.0 OHV, I've had the 2.3 it aint that fast or strong but still gets the job done
I own a 2.3 5 speed. It brings out the worst in people! Drivers HATE me cause I'm slow. I kinda enjoy it ngl
@@TheStevester2 , Glad I'm not the only one 😂 I enjoy it too...
Garrett Puentes hey bro how is it I’m thinking about getting a ranger as my first car would you recommend it?
Jonathan Hardee, Yes, but get one with a 4.0 v6. The 4 cyl is for a slow driver...Also look for a Mazda B4000,
it’s the same truck...
Unfortunately I’ve been the second type of owner to my inherited (formerly) pristine 80k mile 97 Ranger, my first vehicle. After 5 years and 130k miles of driving it rough and barely doing the bare minimum maintenance, I’m just now slowing down to appreciate it and take better care of it. Finally learning how to fix it myself, know what to look & listen for, keeping it cleaner, driving more gently. It has never done me wrong, even after abusing it all these years. Long live the Ford Ranger
I realized one day my 2.3 ranger was a pinto turned into a truck. 3600 pounds 76 horsepower.
I bought my '97 2.3L 5-speed Ranger XLT in '99 with 50k miles on it. It's still my daily driver, just over 190k miles now. Up until this spring, it had never once not ever left me stranded anywhere; alas, the ignition cylinder's pot metal housing failed and a crucial bit snapped off. Once replaced, it of course kept on going. I give it non-ethanol gas now and typically gets 27-28 mpg on the mix of moderate town and open road driving I do. Every couple of years I buy a bunch of parts to replace normal consumables and pay a local garage to install them all at once to cut down on labor charges. It went 127k miles on the original timing belt, and I replaced it before it failed; it's gone 190k miles on the original clutch plate and throwout bearing, and while it still works fine that is next on my list. I bet if I have all the seals and gaskets replaced in the A/C that will work once more. New shocks and suspension bushings will probably quiet it down dramatically.
No one else likes this truck. There are frequent recommendations that I replace it. I just smile and nod, knowing my well-worn little truckling has already outlasted the Toyota compact, the Toyota SUV, the KIA SUV - and I bet it will outlast the new Toyota SUV as well. It's paid for and it runs well, it's fun to drive, I like it - and it's MINE, dammit. They were built to be work trucks with an eye to government agency and commercial fleets, simple, no-nonsense vehicles for 1-2 people and relatively light payloads going from point to point to point with a minimum of fuss and expense. Ford kept their assembly line going past the planned shut down date because Orkin put in one last order for them. Eleven years after they went out of production they're STILL the most common company truck at auto parts places around the country. Long live the original Ford Rangers!
well said 🎉
I'm a proud owner of a 1995 Ford Power Ranger...my Ranger has almost 300,000 miles no leaks and just keeps going and going...just change oil and go...
Just picked up a 97 2.3 five speed, shifts better than some new cars I’ve driven, zero features but the old guy I bought it off of said it’s never let him down in 230,000+ miles
Best car review ever IMO
I like the hub caps on my 95. 650000 miles still spinning!
Congrats. Love it till it dies.
The Ford ranger is becoming a classic!
Just wanna say i'd appreciate a good transmission rebuild guide on the 96' Ford XLT- any info or leads would be awesome
"Feeling the sting of obsolescence". Very well stated and so true!👍
I own one, and I will not go quietly into that good night.
The day I sell my 96 ranger 3.0 auto I'll cry. Great running and very useful for a back up truck. Drives like new and 98% original .
I have a '96 Ford Ranger 3.0 automatic, for my first car. Great truck and still running strong and allowed me to save money and I have bought an '02 Camaro V6. Love these trucks on many levels
Please say the Camaro was standard
I just turned 16 and bought my second vehicle a 1996 Ford ranger and slapped 33s on it and I love this little truck it gets it done
Just wanted to say that i'm looking for a transmission rebuild guide for a 96' ranger IXL. Any leads would help tons (automatic)
What a fucking add. I love it and I’m literally going to nc to buy one tomorrow
I'm 20 years old and own a 2004 Ranger 4 cylinder with 217,000 miles. I've used it as a work truck and have taken very good care of it.
I’ve had a 97 ranger xlt 2.3l single cab long bed as my first vehicle still drive it everyday all day
I'm buying me a 1995 ranger with the 5 speed 2.3L. wish me luck!
@Locust Hypnosis first vehicle! Its a steal too with 113,000 miles on it!
Well I was, but the dude sold it from under me.
I have 2 '95 rangers I need to sell 1 is driveable lots of new parts. Bed is shot
2.3 manual high miles runs really good. Needs power steering pump and a few cosmetic things. The other is a parts truck 2.3 manual. Nice bed. Nice trans for the driver. The driver trans syncros are going in 1st and 2nd. Need to sell. $1000 for both. I live in mich near Detroit
I got a 99 with a 2.3 stick .it's been bullet proof I'm impressed .Good luck brother .change your oil
I have a 93 2.3 2wd 5sp with 478000 and still gets me to work everyday. Has been as reliable as a hammer!
"Dying quietly... Ford Ranger"
I haven't laughed at a video in a while thank you for that
Yeah it was hilarious.
Dad handed this down to me as my first car at 16. I turned 21 this past march & proud to still drive this truck everyday.
Damn I’m 16 and just got handed down it 😂
My 98 4L 4WD w/auto has 230K. Still runs great. Pulls my 18ft 3500lb boat just fine. Great little trucks.
I have a 1999 Ford Ranger . It has the 3.0 with a automatic transmission. Great truck, easy to fix, and parts for it are cheap. If you take care of a Ford Ranger, it will take care of you. Good job on the video. 👍
The 4.0 OHV is a pushrod engine. Very different from the one mentioned in this video. They also fixed the SOHC 4.0s in later years. So don’t be too scared of the 4.0s. Loved the video btw. What song is that in the intro?
My first vehicle. Finally.
After working on hundreds of and hundreds of vehicles, I’ve finally got an all original 1993 ranger. White with blue interior. Low mileage. My favorite thing ever. Hahaha (2.3l 5 speed)
Probably should mention the 4.0 SOHC wasn't a motor you could get in this generation of ranger. These rangers had the 4.0 OHV which was a decent motor. But still your points are quite valid, and it's a good commentary on these work horses.
Best old truck
I got 1994 xlt 7 foot box 4x4 3.0 5 speed 95,000 great shape no AC perfect winter vehicle!
This guy is awesome, he really gets it!!!
My 83 runs like a top. My first vehicle, 5 speed and 2.8 with a cam and 4 barrel. Done many rev limiter burnouts and field donuts😂
98 4X4 XLT extended cab 4.0 5 speed manual here. Only 105k. I get so many positive comments on this old pickup.
🇺🇸Love my Rangers🇺🇸
I owned two Ford Rangers a 1996. & 2000 4x4 4.0 engine 5 speed great little trucks.
I have a '96 XL and I love it... I don't want any of them computers on wheels
Any leads on a 96 rangers IXL transmission rebuild guide? Anything helps (automatic)
Buying a 96 2.3 5 speed for a couple hundred bucks and it runs! And it's absolutely going to be just a good ole work truck
Those 2.3 Lima engines are slow but they just run and run. They use a timing belt but are non-interference design so you won't bend any valves in case the timing belt ever breaks
Proud owner of a 1999 Ford ranger XLT...
That's the same as mine I've got the 4.0 with the supercab 4x4 rare colour to
Dude you nailed it.
Thanks .I love my little Ranger. Not 100 % perfect, but takes me where I want to go and brings me back!
I have a clean 97 XL 6 cylinder ranger. Love mine engine very quite. Runs great 👍🏻 100.000 miles
UH, WTF! THAT WAS AN AWESOME VIDEO! KIND OF LIKE AN UNDERGROUND, BACKWOODS,
SPEAK- EASY FORD COMMERCIAL THAT ONLY COMES ON WHEN THE KIDS ARE ASLEEP! BRILLIANT!
I just got a 97 ranger with 50,000 miles and I love working on it actually I do on all my cars working on your own car is the best thing ever
Loved this video and I even hate Ford. But a Ranger is a truck I’ll always love.
I just bought a used 3.0 ranger 2001. Pls do you have any link on how to turn my ranger into a mobile mechanic workshop?
Got a 2010 Ranger with the 4.0 SOHC with over 240,000 miles on it. Still going to work every morning. Unreliable?
How often do you change the oil and what types do you use?
My grandpa just gave me a 1997 ranger that is a retired plumbing truck for free!! It runs really smoothly and im most happy with it. It literally has no bells or whistles though what so ever.... Other than the tool box in the back and the pipe rack that was attached to it. It never had a power steering system or an AC unit... I dont know much about it other than its been sitting in his barn for the past few years but was recently tuned up.
I got 380,000 on my 4L
I had 220k plus on my 4.0 and I beat the shit out of it everyday. That Thing was loyal af
My 4L is at 290k...owned it since brand new in 2004
@@TheAverageUSGamer I'm about to buy an 04 4.0 v6. would you recommend it? 270 miles. any advice?
@@buzrash Yes! It has been trouble free since new. Just regular maintenance done (oil changes, alternator, belts, etc.)
@@TheAverageUSGamer Thanks man
That was a fantastic vid!
I picked up a 2000 3.0 5 speed 4 wheel drive with 116 thousand miles for 400 dollars, on the road after a new starter. Best car deal I have ever had. Bumpers a bit dinged up, other than that a pretty straight and clean truck. It is a fleet model.
Your commentary is spot on.
96 ranger 2.3l 5 speed 320k miles, drove it during a move from washington state to alabama a few months back. burns a bit of oil but still going.
I like the smaller wheels too, they can carry the same load but are sometimes around half the price of the larger wheels of today.
Just got my 2006 3.0 sport back on the road and legal in california (check engine light meant no registration) after sitting for a couple years. Truck fired right up like nothing had ever happened. It's stupid how happy this old beat up truck makes me when I drive it around town now. People who know, know; those that don't will never understand and are missing out.
HEY CHAD YA LIKE MY FLAT BILL 😂😂😂😂 incredibly accurate
04 ford ranger edge 4x4 3.0 5 speed. Absolutely love it
Just got a 97 2.3 5 speed and its awesome, runs like it just rolled off the lot
Aaaaand.. sold.
Bought a 97 xlt, 3.0, auto,w/ std cab, step side bed 72k original miles and looks like new. ❤ 🛻
Have a 96 Ranger 4x4 single cab short bed 5 speed 3.0 vulcan. Replaced cluch 250000 and heads at 300000. Now it has 333000miles on it. When I die please bury me in it🏴☠
I have owed 4 of them. (Well, one wore the Mazda badge) 1986 2.8L / auto 2wd hand me down. 1985 2wd 5 speed with a 4cyl Diesel ( slow af), head gasket blew on that truck and got a 1988 2.3L 5 speed. Then many years later in 2000 I bought a 1998 B2500 5 SPEED. LOVED that truck, but let the (now ex) wife talk me into trading it in on a GMC Envoy. 😑
My uncle bought a brand new 1991 2.9L V6 5speed ext cab 2wd XLT pkg. And he drive that truck right up to 2007. It was parked and left to die @ just OVER 360,000 miles on it because the bearings in the Transmission went kaput. And in all those miles & years the engine never once ever had the heads or oil pan off! And still ran good as new at 360k miles! Yeah, Tacomas are good trucks, but the old Ford Rangers gave em one hell of a fight!!!!
I love that intro man!
Solid review, the 4.0 is an excellent engine though. I trust it far more than the crappy 3.0 Vulcan.
that definitely is the consensus among reviewers, actually the unanimous opinion.
I'm looking for a clean second or third generation to replace my 93 3.0 which now has 220,000 miles and, although the engines fine, the body looks like warmed-over 💩
@@YowzoeHope you can find a good replacement, especially in this market.
@@2H2521 thanks. Amazingly, I did after camping out on craigslist for the last few months, willing to travel from San Antonio to the Yukon to bring it back to Washington State. I picked up an ‘11 Sport 4.0 2wd auto with 102k for $9200, a rust-free cream puff in red.
I got a PPI and it passed with only minor things to do. I was lucky, I got it from a retired professor in eastern WA who was itching to get to Alaska for the summer, and I talked him down from $10,000.
Love everything about it. New shocks made a lot of difference in ride quality. The 207 HP supplies torque that inspires confidence in such a light vehicle, and though I drive gently most of the time it’s good knowing that it’s there to use. Mileage is not great, but I’m not gonna be putting a lot of miles on it, I just wanted to last as long as my last one.
I definitely don’t miss all the complicated and breakable *crap* in the latest gens of trucks, or their size. My only complaint is that I can’t figure out how to get rid of the warning *chimes* , the many nanny chimes. I'm not sure it's possible, but I hear that some techs have the codes to achieve this, I just need to find the right person, I hope.
i own a 97 3.0 197k miles all original i love my little truck with no options but A/Cand hope to own it tell i die
Have a 2004 XLT 4x4 with the 4.0 in it. 230,000 and going. Im younger but man oh man do i appreciate the little truck. Hauls when I need it to, will climb dirt hills with my friends, can pull my friends dodge home when it snaps a driveshaft for the third time, and can get from salt lake to lake Powell in 2 tanks. Just can't fit 4 people it it. She gets oil changes every 4k, and ATF every 8k, always will love the little Ranger.
great video about the old Ranger
Got me a 95 xlt, 3.0 w/auto, it slips a little, but she fires up every time and goes takes you there and back, same issues as other rangers, speedometer is broke, was told it has over 300k on it
By any chance, do you know any place that would have a Ford 96 xlt transmission rebuilt explanation? If so, that would be awesome
My 1997 Ford Ranger has 235,000 miles on it, and despite 25 Ohio salty winters there is no rust. I love this truck 😊
That was awesome !Well Put!
I just bought the 2.3l 4 cyl 96 ford ranger with the long bed. It has over 350k miles and thats when the odometer stopped its the manual verison and the thing is a tank i like the truck alot its my first pick up and im hoping that it will run for even longer
Got my subscription. Good quality edits and everything man
You said the 4.0 SOHC motors aren’t very good, but is the 4.0 OHV offered before a good engine?
wow realy cool review, didn't expect that, lets see more.
ofcourse i find a 129k mile 1993 ford ranger 4x4 manual but gots the 4.0, is the 4.0 really that bad
The 92-94 4.0 in the explorer and ranger were the best years of the 4.0. He is mentioning the sohc 4.0 in the later model explorer and ranger. The year ranger you have is good for the 4.0...yours is the ohv, hence the reason it's better than the sohc 4.0.
97 2.3 5 speed extended cab 🤘🤘🤘still going strong
My 1996 ford van just died and I think that I’ll get one of these haha
I own a 97 3.0 and a 2006 2.3. Love them both.
I lived with a 3.0 Vulcan in my 02 Ranger. Has it's share of quirky problems: squeaking serpentine EVERY time it rained or was humid. (Finally tried a belt made by Continental that worked pretty well) Replaced the cam synchronizer twice, replaced the coil pack twice. Running my third Ranger now (2010) with 4.0l ; my first was a 99 with the 4.0l
The 2.3 L starting in 2001 has 143 hp! That’s way better then the 112 in the 2.3 liter from 1996! It also produces 154 foot pounds of torque at 3750 RPM. That’s pretty good compared to the 3.0 6cylinder! Especially when accounting for the miles per gallon!! Also when accounting for the fact that most people never pull much more than 2,000 pounds anyway!
Good to know. Because I'm looking to get a 4 cylinder to replace my 3.0
I got a 2010 ranger Sport with the 4.0 and the 5 speed. Gots 142k so far, runs perfectly. The only problem is there is some rust on the bed, I plan on taking it off cutting off the rust and welding on some new steel. Honestly love this truck, wouldn't trade it out for anything. Hope to hit 500k some day with it
I am the second owner, lower class, public housing ritalin kid who somehow made it I to the middle upper class, beautiful family, decent chunk of land and wonderful home.
My 96 ranger RWD, 3.0 five speed has never felt more at home now.
Second owner BTW lol
Proud owner of a 2000 Ranger 3.0 V6 4 speed auto. Bed gets a beating like a red headed step child. Build Ford Tough
What is the intro song?
Dude, man, I had a white 96 I called Denver after Denver Pyle from dukes of hazzard, I bought for 800$ that used to be a chicken truck, I found it at a hot water heater company and had it for over 2 years 110 mph everyday from Chesterfield to the upper half of Richmond and shortpump with over 500,000 on it, nothing worked, radio, fast motion ok wipers, brakes locked so I had to mash the brake pedal a few times at the start of the day, but damn he could run, I raced him, jumped him burnouts, I loved him replaced the cooling system, suspension, steering column, wiring front back and center, lights, bulbs, mounts and all out the door for 1500$, the windshield leaked so I put duct tape on it and it actually kept the water out, the ac didnt work and actually heat came out all the time and I couldn't turn it off, duck taped the whole dash except the defrost body was too rusted and I didn't wanna put a new cab on just to pass inspection for the when the windshield cracked so had to sell it for 500$ didint wanna sell it but the guy seen me driving it and wanted it I tried to talk him out of it but he wanted it even after I explained the brakes and why I couldn't keep it I.E. the windshield cracked and the cab need to be replaced for a new windshield but he wanted it anyway, I miss that truck and want a new one so bad
Heat came out all the time because the blend doors in that era were notorious for failing - and were expensive in labor to replace. Only bad thing I have to say about them. I have a 97 that had that same issue.
@@Last_one_before_I_go ooooohhh still awesome trucks, I'd love to get my hands on one or two of em again, that ugly bastard was like a marine
@@Last_one_before_I_go Blend door actuator is easy to replace. It's right behind the glove box and you just pull it off. You're thinking of the heater core. Now that's a bitch on 95 and up.
Mine smokes when i drive from the engine. Is it a bad head gasket or oil. Amd do you have a fix
Sounds like gasket and overheating, i know it's like a year+ ago but still
@@thatonellamawhoissoobsesse8138 thanks
Just got an 87 2.3 4x4 5 speed. Man love this little truck. Of course I got my nice nice 2016 Silverado for the weekends lol!
The Ranger configured as a 2.3 I4 4x4 is an exceedingly rare truck; I have a 1995 regular-cab, long-bed Ranger configured as a 2.3 I4 4x4. All 2.3 I4 4x4 Rangers of the 95-97 generation had a regular cab, M5OD, BG 13-54, and 4.10 gearing.
@@josephdepre4513 it is rare. Everyone wants to buy this truck of mine. I’m like no way lol
It is the same sentiment with my 2003 F-250; though, not quite as rare, a 6.8 V10 mated to a ZF6 is difficult to find, too. A manual transmission, manual-transfer case and manual-locking hubs for the 4x4, and XL trim with manual-window cranks and vinyl upholstery is the unabashedly simple and quintessential, 'work truck'.
@@josephdepre4513 that’s nuts! It’s nice to have a rare truck like that. I do know in the first and second gen rangers they only had a few 2.3l 4x4 XLT like mine. But same with that 2003 Ford F-250 you have. I never heard of those!
My 1996 2.3L 5M (although the knob says 0) is my old reliable. Right now it's getting a new clutch. But then, booohaw, another 100K miles.
The 2.3 L can pull about 2300 pounds!
Most people don’t even need that much typically.
Where'd you get your opinion from the 4.0? I have a 4.0, my buddy has a 3.0, neither of us has had one single problem with the engine.
I've had to change 11 of the 4.0 Single overhead cam engines, I absolutely hate them, third timing chain on back of motor goes bad, knocks and flaps about, headgaskets, now I learned it was cheaper to replace the engine than do the headgaskets, so I don't DO the headgaskets, but they come in burning coolant. Also transmission, for some reason, and I think it's the horsepower, but the 4.0 eats automatic transmissions, namely in the Explorer, maybe that's a different transmission, but I absolutely do not like the SOHC 4.0 engine, too much trouble, not enough positive things to say.
@@GrumpyMonkeyGarage I'm asking cuz I'm genuinely clueless, I didn't really research the $1500 beater before I bought it... But with that said I've put another 50,000 miles on top of the original 200,000... Mine is a manual, and like I said it has never given me any problem other than some EGR code, it's has a rough start if the engine is around 180 degrees... Full cold and it starts fine, full hot and it starts fine... But when it has cooled down about half an hour it likes to misfire upon startup. Other than that, the thing has been a dream to drive! But all that you said is definitely good to consider, I'll look into!
@@GrumpyMonkeyGarage You're talking about the pushrod version before they went to SOHC?
@@SatanAzerath No, we don't get to many of the old pushrod 4.0s around anymore, I'm talking about the 4.0 Single overhead cam engine, perhaps you have a good one, I hope it does well for you! I'm just sharing what I've seen in my shop and shops I've worked at.
@@GrumpyMonkeyGarage Ahhh mine is the pushrod, we might have our answer. That's good to know for anything I might purchase in the future! Thanks for the awesome video and the conversation as well, made my day. :)
Regular car review?
Proud owner of a 1990 Ranger work truck 2.3l 5 speed 👌🏽
2001 4L 354k is my everyday driver great little trick
The 4.0 engine makes pretty good power for towing compared to the other two.
If you need to toe a lot and need to toe 5,000 pounds all the time. The 4.0 engine can handle pulling up to a maximum of 6000 pounds!
That's is one of best ranger video it should be tv commercial
Mines 98, 3.0L 5 speed and it’s amazing only 66,500 miles and it’s amazing
Id disagree on the 4.0, ive seen plenty of accounts of it being extremely reliable if you take care of it, but the 3.0 gets not much better mpg then the 4.0 yet not much more power than the 4 cylinder engines
I bought a 96 2.3 5 speed last week with a shell for $2000… and a 2001 3.0 yesterday for $500. And I’m the guy that owns an F350 with the touchscreen.
How do you like it? I'm thinking of getting a 4 cylinder to replace my 3.0 But I hear the 96' 2.3 is much weaker than the later 2000's ones. I found a 96 for sale but should I wait till I find a newer one with the higher hp 2.3?
@@mckricks1 I love my 2.3L. I live in a mountainous area, and the 2.3L with the manual does alright - there's only a couple of big hills that I need to drop down into 4th gear to maintain 65 on the highway. I average about 22 MPG, and I'm generally hauling all of my tools and gear for work. 220 on the odo.
The 3.0 is noticeably stronger, but I'll stick with the 2.3. Replacement engines are cheap (I can have one delivered for $500, or pull it myself for half the cost) and plentiful. I'm not a speed demon; I want dependability, and when I must wrench on the engine, parts are dirt cheap and it's easy to fix. I've had vehicles with the 4.0; I don't consider the 4.0 a dependable enough for my needs, and it's a pain to work on (changing head gaskets was a two-day ordeal and space was tight).
In the end, going with the 2.3L Duratec (which was available 2002-2011) would probably be the better choice if you're doing a conversion; if you're buying a truck to run, enjoy the 2.3 in the 1996 (112 vs 135-143 HP). Evaluate how you plan to use the truck; if it's going to be a grocery or parts-getter, you'd probably be happy with the earlier version; if you're wanting something more, like towing, you might want to consider going with either a larger engine or step up into an F150. I'm not saying that the 2.3L won't tow (I plan on adding a tow hitch so I can use my smallest trailer) but you'd probably wish that you had a little more oomph if you do it regularly.
@@bodhiench By anychance do you know where i could find a detailed transmission rebuild for a 96 ranger XLT? Any info will help a ton
I love ford rangers
I bought one drove it home next morning it would crank but would not start no fire to coils and feul pump chasing grimlen.
Who's grimlen ?? yer wife ?
The ford ranger with the 4.0 OHV is a good engine. It's the SOHC. I have the pushrod, and it's a truck sounding engine. Love the thing, manual everything, and 4x4