rangers and explorers as dd/expowheelers

[4x4junkie]

It's a smart move on Fords part. The Rangers only sell to fleets too cheap to buy F150's. The new F150's feel like small midsized trucks to me anyways. There really isn't any real advantage to the little trucks anymore except for up front cost. And in many cases the 1/2 ton sized trucks offer similar sticker cost unless your buying a dozen little trucks.

No, Ford was too worried about possibly losing their precious F-150's #1-selling truck crown after the sales of Chevy & GMC trucks (when combined) overtook the F-150 for a year or two not too real long ago. So in their infinite wisdom they decided to let the Ranger languish away until the only ones interested in it would mainly be those fleet buyers, hoping anyone else deprived of a viable smaller option could then be pressured into buying the F-150 instead. Had Ford kept the truck up to current trends, we would be seeing MPG figures like 19/25 on the V6s and probably 24/30 MPG on the I4s, more comfortable interiors, and an all-out more updated feel to them (it's funny how Toyota still seems to sell plenty of their Tacomas).

Even in spite of all that, I actually came this close > || < to buying a brand new one a couple years ago, but the truck had been stripped of too many of it's major options to make me want it anymore. I will buy an older used Ranger long before I buy a damn big huge F-150 though. I just do not need that much truck to haul an ATV or a couple bicycles around.

 

[just jose]

now i have a bias opinion that all fords will blow up and just be crap, and with that being said i'm thinking about getting an explorer or ranger. probably a ranger cause i find me need for a truck more then more glass and things to smash when being a turd. anyways there is alot of parts from the XJ/MJ platform that i can bring over. (sas lift things, bumper ideas blah blah blah)


anyways, what is the expo communities thoughts on a early 90's explorer/ranger?


-Ian

I just acquired a '91 Ranger 4X4 Super Cab with the STX package. The previous owner, a construction company, outfitted the truck with a small shell and installed some Rancho shocks. The truck is very rough riding so I will be installing some Bilstein shocks to smooth out the ride a bit. This truck has the 4.0 motor and I would suggest you stay away from the 2.9L engine. They tend to crack the heads as they have a poor web casting design. If you do purchase a truck with 2.9L, you can replace the cracked heads with heads made by World Racing Products. World primarily builds heads for drag racing V8 Chevys and Fords, but they have V6 2.9L heads listed in their catalog.

Power is not that great in the 4.0L as someone pointed out. However, it is supposed to get better fuel milage than the Toyota V6. The Toyotas are also known for head problems on many of the early 90's V6 engines. The Toyota 4 cylinder motors are great little work horses on the other hand.

I used to drive an early 90's Explorer at work. All of that was offroad driving. The ABS was junk, the 4X4 was not working. The Explorer tended to crack flex plates too. Not sure if a beefier 5.0 flex plate could be substituted, as they can take much more punishment. The company did not want to invest anymore money on the Explorer, it was a hand me down from the company's VP, so it was falling apart.

I guess it all depends on how fast or rough the terrain you will be driving in is. Most of my off road driving has been work related, so speeds were kept slow compared to desert racing. All of my 4X4 work trucks have been either Fords or Toyotas. The one I got stuck in mud the worse was a F150. Maybe it had something to do with the longer wheelbase, not sure but it was always fun trying to get out of a mud bog.



Jose

 

[Quill]

Either you like them or don't. They are a great vehicle. Look on the Ranger Station and see how many hate them. As for them needing modified, it has become a fad to mod everything. People forget what the original was for. I enjoyed my Rangers and Bronco IIs. I also liked my Ford Courier. I went into a lot of back country with that 2WD Courier. I rarely need a full sized trucks hauling capacity. Truck box is empty more often than full. The Ranger took care of my needs. That may not be the same for all people. No need to trash talk if it doesn't cover your needs. When then Ranger was first introduced, you could buy one cheaper than a car. That was awesome in the early to mid 80s.