25th Jul 2005, 14:25

I have been a long time GM fan. I came across a great deal on a 98 ranger and thought I'd give it a try. I put a new engine in it. (4.0 V-6) I also put in all new wiring harnesses. (both engine and main harnesses) Since then I've also had to put in all new ball joints in the front. To replace the upper balls, you have to change the whole controll arms. Poor design! I sold my s-10 with 172,000 miles on it. Three of the four ball joints were original and still under maximum play specs. my ranger's went out at 120,000. My s-10 was a company truck that pulled a trailer all the time by different employees who beat the tar out of it. My ranger was a grounds maintenance truck at a school. Only one person drove it, and never pulled a trailer with it, and also washed it every week. My tie rod ends have now gone out. and I also have that a.c. hum. great deal? I wish I still had my s-10.

6th Oct 2005, 01:33

You stated that you pulled several trucks out with it. Out of the mud? Because that's probably where you screwed your self buddy. Ford made the truck to drive on roads not through mud holes. When you abuse the hell out of something expect it to break.I have a 98 4X4 that has had zero problems, and also had zero mud. see a connection?

7th Feb 2006, 18:45

I agree with the second to last comment. You went mudding and pulled out other trucks. Which means abuse and the Ford Ranger is not a serious off road vehicle. The 4wd is only for wet, snowy, nasty roads really, and not mudding unless you do some mods to it.

And the GM fan, your s10 may have some advantages, but I'd be skeptical of s10s because of inferior interior materials and the way little stuff is put together in those trucks. Just look at any of the s10 or s15 reviews.

27th Feb 2006, 21:22

I just bought a 98 Ford Ranger 4x4 ext cab (74,000) and I just put a 3in body lift and a 3in suspension lift, so I'm ready for the offroad. And I also put about $700 dollars worth of stereo system in it - I put two 12in MTX subs in the back, and an amp and a head unit, and it blows my ears off. So I'm ready for the road and the mud, so all you guys just get a lift kit if you ain't scared.

14th Mar 2006, 13:04

I have a ranger question, I have a 98 XLT 4x4 and love it. No problems yet, knock on wood. But I have created a small problem on my own. I LOCKED THE KEYS INSIDE. Moron I hear ya. But I still need to get them out. Thought I would try here to see if I can save the tow truck fee's.

Please let me know if you have any idea how I can get them out on my own.

Non practicing car theif...lol...

Take care all information is greatly appreciated.

10th May 2006, 22:05

I'm a devoted Dodge guy... Need a small p/u as my brothers 95 Dodge is too pricey to fill and commute with... Toyota's are too pricey for me.. Love the ranger's looks!!! Bottom line: is this a good deal??? Trading in my wife's Honda, she gets my 99 Dodge Van...

Make: Ford

Model: Ranger

Year: 1998

Trim: XLT SuperCab

Price: $6,150

Description: Red 2DR Truck, 90000 Miles, Manual Transmission, 4WD, 6 Cylinders, Excellent Condition. A very well kept truck that has just undergone extensive repairs to bring it to like new condition. The manual transmission performs well as does the engine, giving good gas mileage.

2nd Jun 2006, 18:13

ON the last comment, I got my 98 ranger xlt super cab 4x4 long bed with the 4.0 in it for 5400, had 150000 miles on it, but still runs like a champ, that sounds like a decent deal, but you could probably do better. And for everyone else, I love my ranger!!! Way better than my last rig, (which happened to be a s10)...going ford all the way. only problem this baby has had is recently the front bearing in the clutch has become noisy. Other than that if all maintenance is done, and you are off roading properly and towing properly and not being dumb with your truck it will last forever.

14th Jan 2007, 05:43

I've had a 98 Ranger for 8 years and no serious problems. I did have to fix the 4WD switch in the tranny because it stuck in 4W low. But I figured it out and repaired it myself. Great truck! Pulls like a horse.

14th Jan 2007, 11:26

I'm currently driving my 4th Ranger (a 2006 3.0 Sport, 2-wheel drive). I started driving Rangers in '92 and have never had a second's trouble with any of mine. I was very tough on them and took them off road occasionally even though none were 4X4's. They all were rugged and well built vehicles. My family has 2 companies that use Rangers as fleet vehicles, and they are very reliable.

24th Jan 2007, 13:36

I have had my 1998 Ford Ranger Extended Cab for just over a year now and I love it. The 3.0L engine gives me the power I need while at the same time being good on gas. I haul a lot of things with this vehicle including my two 500cc ATVs and it performs great. The 2WD is OK in the winter as long as you have a couple of salt bags in the back, it also pulls some great drifts. The automatic transmission keeps the engine in top torque range for nice smooth acceleration. I find the back seats to be a little small, but nobody really complains as long as they're not back there for more than an hour or so. I commute with this vehicle every day and would not trade it for the world. BEST INVESTMENT OF MY LIFE!!!

21st Mar 2007, 08:49

I bought my 98 Ranger brand new, I now have 170,000 miles on it. The only major repairs I have done on it were replace the transmission (5 speed auto) $1800.00 after core return and one upper right ball joint ($300.00) Everything else has been just general maintenance... I wouldn't give this truck up for the world, it barely even has any rust on it! I Love my Ranger!!!

27th Jun 2007, 21:18

Have had a ford ranger for not to long got it with 110000 on it. Over all it is a very good vehicle.

But then again it needs work, also, but then again what high mileage vehicle doesn't other than the 02 sensor going up which I fixed myself with no cost. And the 4 wheel low it got stuck in it, but anything can be fixed. So the 4.0L is the only engine they should offer. 2.5L Why bother? 3.0L Such a tease. And the 4.0L is just right.

Love the ranger!