Got a 2000 Ranger, what should I know?

[Lonesome7.3]

We just picked up this 2000 Ranger from a friend of ours and it is in relatively good shape. It has a 3 liter and a five speed, but I have not checked the gearing yet. It runs great even with 130,000 plus on the ticker. I think I have read somewhere the cam sensors go bad. He said he has replaced it twice. What else should I be aware of? What kind of issues do these trucks have and what are their fixes? I am planning some very minor mods but nothing big. This is just a daily driver that I hope will have a better life now.

 

[Zembonez]

SCORE!

130K is nothing on that truck. That engine is easily a 300,000 mile engine. It's the German built V6 little cousin to the 4.0 V6. Those are great little trucks, especially with a 5 speed. (The automatics are a weak spot). I really like the way the 98 and newer Rangers drive.

 

[Lonesome7.3]

So far I am happy with it. I have always loved Rangers just not this new. I plan to help it breath a little better and install an electric fan. Maybe if the engine goes I will drop in my 351W but who knows.

 

[Zembonez]

Looks to be in really good shape!

 

[mr_bots]

Rangers might not be the most modern or powerful small truck, but they sure are hard to kill. Will make a great and reliable DD.

 

[buRRp]

Looks like a good lil truck.

 

[PenguinLTZ]

Looks good, and should run forever.

My son got thr Mazda version as his first vehicle. We had to put 02 sensors and an IAC motor in right around 130K, and I did a ton of other stuff just as good measure for a kid's first car.

Congrats

 

[Stumpuller6.5]

Tough trucks, friend of mine had a reg cab mazda 4x4 version with manual trans. T-O-U-G-H!!!

With a winch they can go almost anywere!

Oh yeah and V8s fit.....

 

[Lonesome7.3]

Because this one runs so damn good I plan to leave the 351 on the stand. But as soon as a rod shoots out of the block it is game on.

 

[hotrodpc]

hahaha, I'd the leave the 351 alone and just drive it Lou. The work truck is a 2001 X cab ranger with the V6 and it runs just fine with 111,000 on it now. I am certainly more of a GM fan than I am a Ford fan, although I do own a Ford too, and have owned Fords in the past, but I will say, in that class of truck, I'd have the Ranger over an S10 anyday of the week. I'd just leave it alone as is, keep in maintained and have a depedable and fair on mpg vehicle.

I didn't know you hung out here too Lou. Did you ever get hired full time with the PD? Last I knew you were graduating from the Academy.