Faults:

I have had to replace a lot of things on this 1998 ext. cab 4x4.

To start with I had to get the ball joints replaced. They wore out at 55,000.

That was very costly. The next thing was a front wheel bearing. It went out around 65,000. It was also expensive because it was a sealed.

The water pump has just went out at 73,000. These are the problems made it where I could not drive it.

For the other problems that I just live with.

Sometimes I turn on the A/C I hear this bad grinding noise, then it goes away.

I also have problems with the lights on the cruise control working. Sometimes they work and then they don't.

The switch for the power windows on the drivers side works sometimes.

The mass air censor went out so my check engine is on.

The 4x4 high works every time, but it will not lock into 4x4 low since 54,000. I have no clue why it does that.

General Comments:

I bought this truck when I was 18. In the three years I have had this truck it has been nothing, but a pain. I hate this truck. I will never again buy a ranger.

The only thing on the truck that has impressed me is the receiver hitch. I have pulled out several trucks with it. I have put it to the test pulling the trucks out and it did not break. If you buy a ranger take off the receiver hitch and get the rest of the truck crushed. You will thank me later.

Faults:

Heads replaced at 100,000 miles.

Drivers seat is broken down badly.

General Comments:

The gas mileage was horrible from day one averaging 15-16 mpg highway at its best. Then at 100,000 miles it kept fouling spark plugs. So found both heads to be cracked and were replaced with new. Gas mileage instantly went from previous to 18-20 mpg highway. I found out through the mechanic that to repair the old heads was going to be more expensive than buying new. Why you ask, well I did too. It seems the original heads were not thick enough in certain areas, so to meet spec. material would have to be added and then machined to match what a new head would be. I bought the new ones of course.

Few other minor problems. Lights on cruise control buttons went out. Steering wheel shows wear, small stuff like that. But let me just say that I've drove the heck out of this truck for five years now and with 148,000 miles its went well beyond meeting my expectations. Its never left me stranded. Drinks regular leaded gasoline like its premium, it doesn't care how cheap the gas or what the octane. I've actually been looking at buying something else. But after reading things on this site. Maybe I should stick with what I know works.

THIS TRUCK ROCKS! NO RUST, and RUNS BETTER THAN THE DAY I BOUGHT IT!!

Don't have one? Get one!