[cxswqaaz]

Despite the huge success achieved throughout all three generations, the sale figures for the Ranger declined during the 2000s. This was in part because of the increasing competition from both domestic and import rivals. Another contributing factor was the arrival of SUVs and crossovers, which targeted similar buyers. While Ford was planning to unveil the fourth generation, the recession of 2008 put a stop to these efforts. Instead, they have dropped the Ranger and focused on F-series trucks only.

[akwala]

Ranger is Ford’s attempt in a crowded compact pickup truck, whose production spans for several decades and four generations. Throughout these years, it held a considerable market share and rack up respectable sales figures of over 7 million units sold. This story, just like many other things in the automotive industry, starts with a crisis. During the 70s, frequent conflicts in the Middle East hampered supply of crude oil and caused fuel shortages. This made buyers turn their focus from big, gas-thirsty vehicles to smaller and more efficient variants. This situation caught the Big Three off-guard, as they had only several models aligned with market demands of that time. When it comes to pickup trucks, only Japanese manufacturers were prepared for this environment. Vehicles like Datsun 521 and the original Toyota Hilux started gaining popularity. As a countermeasure, Ford resorted to stop-gap solutions, just like GM and Chrysler, who partnered up with Isuzu and Mitsubishi.

[midnightmagic]

Because of strong competition and conservative appearance, initial sales of the new Ranger were slow. As time went by, with additional trim levels and hidden virtues becoming a well known fact, and sales picked up. Towards the end of the decade, the Ranger became the best selling compact pickup truck in the US. more

[barbarousrelic]

Alongside with the Courier, which was a temporary solution from the start, Ford started developing their own compact pickup truck. Starting in 1976 under the codename Yuma, this project was crucial for Ford and their future role in the light-truck market. With the upcoming years bringing strict fuel economy and emission standards, all manufacturers faced challenges of downsizing. This called for lighter vehicles and smaller engines. To meet these goals, the focus of project Yuma was on flexibility, quality and overall efficiency. After several years of development, and a considerable amount of money, the first American compact pickup truck was ready for production.

[eedcvfrr]

Following the success of the previous generation, the new Ranger used the same basic recipe. With most of the chassis and mechanical underpinnings carried over from the old truck, the focus was on the outer design. Box-like shapes were a thing of the past, as the new car featured sleek and rounded body lines, with individual design elements that distinguish it from larger Ford models. Special addition to the lineup was Ranger Splash, which featured retro-styled step-side bed, chromed wheels and other visual improvements. Serving as an official vehicle in the hit series ‘Baywatch’, it soon became a popular choice among younger buyers. more

[ultrasonicsite]

The design and general layout of the interior focused on potential buyers who wanted more than just a work truck. Plenty of space with enough legroom and headroom, comfortable seats and various other details were some requirements it had to meet. Ranger was available only as a two-door version, with an extended cab coming as an option. Cargo bed, although smaller than those of full-size competitors, could still carry a four-foot wide sheet of material, which is an unofficial industry standard for measuring trunk space.

[Vasili Sviridov]

Additionally, oiling problems were common, and added to the poor reputation of the North American 2.9. Many poorly maintained or high mileage engines exhibit serious valve train noise. This problem is due to a number of design faults. Valve train oil pressure was entirely dependent upon a supply fed through the two center cam bearings. Even slight bearing wear could cause complete loss of oil pressure to the hydraulic valve lifters, rocker shaft, and rockers. Excessive internal “bleeding” through the half-moon camshaft thrust plate also contributed to this, though this can be remedied by reinstalling the thrust plate in an upside-down position. This condition is sometimes mistaken for ticking fuel injectors. This condition isn’t a cause for alarm unless it does it very loudly or after long freeway trips. If it does have the oil pressure checked, it could be low. [links]

[MH80]

The North American version of this engine suffered from several serious reliability issues over its lifespan. more

[cdb000]

Regardless of these problems, many of these engines are still on the road in the US, and when maintained properly, are highly reliable powerplants. Use of synthetic oil and proper cooling system maintenance is essential if owners of early-model 2.9s wish to avoid trouble.

[Comatus]

Bore was 93 mm (3.7 in) and stroke was 72 mm (2.8 in) for a total displacement of 2.9 L (2935 cc/177 in³). more

[oadriannadeleong]

Originally, the Cologne V6 was installed in cars intended for Germany and continental Europe, while the British “Essex” V6 was used in cars for the British market. Later, the Cologne V6 largely replaced the Essex V6 even for British-market vehicles. These engines were also used in the United States, especially in compact trucks.

[MrBurns]

For others however, the problem isn’t as obvious. In fact, we’ve seen people sell 4-wheel drive Ranger’s cheap because the 4-wheel drive wasn’t working when the only problem was with the automatic locking hubs.

[MartinaIgnatius]

If there is excess grease in the hub body, the cams cannot engage completely. Some people feel they need to pack the hub with grease. This can actually cause them to not operate properly.

[bijenu]

With automatic hubs, there is no need to stop or get out of the vehicle to lock them in. The spring-loaded hub automatically engages on the fly when the transfer case is shifted from 2WD into 4WD. The application of torque to the axle causes the splined collar inside the hub to slide on to the axles splined stub shaft and lock.

[Truth Prevails]

Ticking lifters can sometimes be mistaken for ticking fuel injectors. This condition isn’t a cause for alarm unless it does it very loudly or after long freeway trips. If it does, have the oil pressure checked. It could be low. A cause of the ticking is likely to be clogged rocker arm shafts that are restricting oil flow, thus causing lifters to wear out and tick because of poor oil circulation.

[dirtyfilthy]

Replacement Cylinder Head

[ianwgner1]

Dyno testing doesn’t test drivability or throttle response of the engine [links]

[hatice23]

Clearwater Cylinder Head Company more