Comments: 1-15, 16-26
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.
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.
I have a 98 ranger 4.0 ext. cab 4x4 and now have 145,000 miles on it and have virtually not replaced a damn thing... it just keeps going and going like the energizer bunny or something...I don't know, but I have hauled a ton of wood...gravel...topsoil...and stuff from moving 3 times... sooooo I deem to correct you sir;rangers do last and I guess you got the fri. or sat. job!!! SORRY TO HEAR THAT!!!
I have to agree with the first fellow. My 4.0 liter 4X4 extended cab 1998 Ranger has cost me plenty. I had the engine cease at just over 52,000 kilometers, not miles. Of course I was beyond the time limit of the warranty so I had to pay for the new one. I've replaced a starter, both rear springs and had the brakes completely done, twice. The power steering cooler weeps and I think I also have a front wheel bearing that needs to be changed. The heater fan only works on high. The darned thing is that I treat this truck very well. I rarely even carry anything in it.
Never again will I buy a Ranger. Most likely I will never again buy a Ford.
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.
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?
I presently own a 1998 ranger xlt with 153,436 miles on it. I've replaced nothing, but the upper right ball joint, since my purchase. I've pulled 24 ft. boats and trailers, 3-Honda Accords, and hauled several thousands pounds of rock salt, sand and fire wood. It's a 2wd regular cab, with a tow package and 4 cyl, 4 spd engine. Till this day it is strong as an ox. The step sides are a beautiful edition to boot! I love my ranger!. - Nicholas Pirro, Newark, NJ 07103.
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.
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.
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.
I just bought a '98 ranger 4x4 xlt super with flare sides and off road package. came from a guy who lived in Montana. guess you don't need inspections out there. here in Pa. dif. story. any has 109,000k miles on it. dealer had to put front lower ball joints on front and rear brakes, front rotors and 2 tires. so this thing should last a lifetime. well I love ford trucks because I had am '86 and she ran like a champ forever. also had an '88 s10 and it sucked. gm puts their parts in the engine just about the worst places to get to. makes it almost impossible to work on. not to mention their rust buckets. fords rust too, but not like a chevy. no more chevy's for this ford lover.
I have a 98 Ranger xlt 4x4 and I beat the HECK!!! out of it you don't even under stand what I put this thing throught. and I have no problems with it. I have put all 4 new ball bearings just becuz it had 137,654k on it and was time and new brake pads that was it. when I go out mudding with my friend I am the only one that does not get stuck. I am pulling truck twice my size out with no problems I LOVE MY RANGER All I need now is a 4in sup. lift and 35's HAHAHA yes I love mudding.
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.
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.
I have a 98' for Ranger XLT Flareside with only 65,000k on it. Although it was my dad's and he gave it to me for my 18th birthday, I take it muddin all the time. I throw the 4-wheeler in the back and there I go..
The only problem we have had are the universal's, which I'm takin a break right now from fixing them.. Good truck, highly recommended.
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.
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.