Ford Ranger 4 down?

fighterpilota wrote:
Well, I'm getting there. 92s are out. 93,94,and 95 yet to be determined. Was the 1994 a remake year for the ranger?

'93 was the styling change to slightly rounded corners and edges, and an increase in the width of the cab.

Sometime between '93 and '01, there were two more major body changes:

The twin I-beam (swing axle on 4x4) was scrapped in favor of unequal A-arms, as used on the Explorer at the time. 4x4 and 4x2 in high ride height trims (like Edge, and later Sport) got torsion bars up front, other 4x2 got coil springs.

The length of the regular cab was increased a few inches, allowing for a bit more leg room, and more seat recline when seat is all the way back.

These did not necessarily coincide with running gear changes. Over the life of the truck model, Ford used at least three different V-6 engines, at least four 4-cylinder engines, four or more manual transmissions (three different 5-speeds), at least three automatics, and more than three different transfer cases. I haven't tracked axle changes, but I know four cylinder trucks did not always have the same axles as the largest V-6.

My 92 and earlier shop manuals went with the truck when I sold it; my shop manual covering the 2001 was published long before the end of production, and there were a lot of very late changes, including imported drivetrain components, towards the end to meet MPG goals.

fighterpilota wrote:
RayChez, was your ranger a 2 0r 4WD, manual or auto tx? Do you recall what your owners manual said about towing 4 down? Thanks

Mine was a two wheel drive and it was standard shift. Just put it on neutral and tow. I had a ten thousand mile trip one time all the way around the country towing the Ranger. One thing though, I did have to start the Ranger every six hours and charge the battery. But other then that it was a good toad.

RayChez, was your ranger a 2 0r 4WD, manual or auto tx? Do you recall what your owners manual said about towing 4 down? Thanks

Moved from class A forum

I can not remember what year my Ford Ranger was, I believe it was 2002, but I never could feel it on the rear of my coach. I would load up a four whl drive quad on it and go deer hunting in Utah or Colorado with it. I really loved that little truck. I would tow it at 65 and even 70 at times with no problem. I use a Blue Ox Aventa II tow bar.

Well, I'm getting there. 92s are out. 93,94,and 95 yet to be determined. Was the 1994 a remake year for the ranger?

Depends on what model year, which transmission was used. The Ranger was made for a very long time, components changed over the years.

I'm towing my 2001 Ranger. Limits listed in manual are something like 55 MPH, 500 miles. It is not too bad up to about 60 mph but it can get twitchy if too fast on curves, and at more than 30% of the weight of the motorhome, I feel the truck when it wants to wag my tail. A tall pickup (4x4 or Edge) does not tow quite the same as a low CG compact car. Ford limiting the speed, after building towing experience, is probably more about handling safety than transmission lube issues.

I had an 1992 Ranger, 5 speed. It had towing limits (speed and mileage) that were too low for useful recreational towing for most people, but I could have towed it the 15 or 30 miles to the two closest campgrounds I use. I would not have towed it very fast, the swing axle front end was even more squirrely than the unequal A-arm suspension on later Rangers.

Looking at the older models, mid ninty's, and found ford manuals for 96 and up. Seems to indicate 96 and 97, Ok, but after that they want to limit the speed. Only check up thru 1999. Still trying to find out what the owners manual says for 1993s, 4s and 5s., but seems like it is possible in the older ones as well. Thanks.

I tow a 2011 Ranger ext.cab 4WD Automatic. No problems...but I did have to buy a (Ford Only) "Transfer Case Neutral Kit". Installed....400 bucks.

It's a rip...but only Ford has it...and I needed it.......

Oh, yeah..BlueOx baseplate

I tow a 2010 Ranger, manual 5 speed four down. Blue Ox tow bar. In 3 years no problems yet. The owners manual says not to tow over 55 mph, we travel at aleast 60 to 65 mph.