[DMCForum] attn Bill R: Farrar's Ranger [Off Topic]

[Farrar Hudkins <fhudkins@xxxxxxx>]

Bill:

Everything I can tell you about my truck without looking at it: My 
Ranger is a 1998, rear-wheel-drive, 3.0L V6, automatic (4 or 5-speed I 
can't recall), 111.5" wheelbase, 145hp@5000rpm, 178ft/lbs@3750rpm.

I found some specs for the 1995 Ranger on the Internet. Thanks to this, 
I know the 2.5L I4 Rangers before 1998 had a towing capacity of 2000lbs.

Therefore, I'm not sure about mine: 1998 had a bunch of redesigns, 
including the front-third of the frame having fully-boxed side frame 
rails. This no doubt increased the weight. They also stole the 
rack-and-pinion from the Explorer.

It's difficult to find specs for the 1998 Ranger on the Internet because 
it appears that every reviewer was given the most ridiculously priced 
one: SuperCab, 4x4, 4.0L V6, standard. Mine is none of these things. LOL

> Did you buy a little silver car without telling anyone?

No, I didn't. I'm just planning ahead. If I'm saving up for a DeLorean, 
I have to include price for transportation in the final estimate. But 
I'd rather have something close so I can go with a friend, and then if 
the thing breaks down on the back we can both hop into the truck and tow 
it back. But of course I could always rent an F350. LOL

> Don't know much about Rangers. Somebody once told me they use a Mazda
> engine of some ilk (have heard access for maintenance is a nightmare).
> You really should consider a full size, for the bed if nothing else.

They do use a Mazda engine. My particular truck is the twin of a Mazda 
B3000. (Mazda numbers them by engine capacity: B2500, B3000, B4000.) 
According to a review of the Mazda B-series trucks, the towing capacity 
is "between 4,800 and 5,900 pounds ... depending on the powetrain 
selected". I seriously doubt that my little 2-wheel-drive Ranger could 
pull that much, so Mazda must be doing something different.

> Aren't most pickup trucks at least Class II? The bumper bolts directly
> to the frame! If so, I'm sure you'll be OK, especially if your Ranger
> is straight drive. I've seen baby trucks pulling trailers on I-95. The
> weight limit you're most familiar with (1/2 ton for example) is for
> the rear axle. Check to see what the GTW is.  

I'll have to look and see if it is bolted to the frame. I think it's 
Class II but I wouldn't like to be quoted on this.

Or anything, for that matter.

GTW = Gross tongue Weight? If so, I'll look that up when I leave work. ;P

Farrar

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