JoesEdge

Sweet! Yeah, I heard that it smells like french fries when it runs. Is that because he's using reclaimed (used) cooking oil? You did mention it was cooking oil, but I wasn't sure whether it was new or used. Most likely, it's reclaimed oil. Yep -- I want one. Joey

Same here on a 2003 Ranger with a Vulcan. It's a known problem. I found the problem listed in one of those recall/trouble sites for cars. I forgot the site. Anyway, when I took the Ranger in for the squeeling. I didn't have to tell them much of the problem. It was like they were quite well aware of it and know what to do. The tensioner was replaced, and it hasn't squeeled since. This was a couple of years ago. Hopefully, I don't have to replace it again. Also, I thought I'd mention that it started squeeling after some heavy rains and going through some large puddles of water. After that, it squeeled whether wet or dry on startup. Although, yes it did go away once the engine warmed up. I too felt like a dummy with a squeeling Ford. Well, it's all fixed now. Just keep in mind that it's a known problem that affects alot of Vulcans. Joey

That's what I'm saying! I'd like to see a turbo-diesel in a Ranger (like Banks says, "There's no excuse for a naturally aspirated diesel"). It would have great torque, and fuel economy. Not only that, but the ability to run bio-deisel. Gotta love it. Joe

I pretty much agree with everything you said there. I currently own a Ranger, and if I would upgrade it would be to a CrewCab Ranger. Unfortunately, one does not exist in the U.S. It's only the lucky people in other countries that have that luxury. The Sport Trac doesn't do it for me. It's too "comfortable". It's too much of an SUV. I want a vehicle that I can abuse and go off-roading in. Rangers make highly capable off-road vehicles. California has many off-road shops that specialize in Ford Ranger suspensions for the fact that the Ford Ranger is quite capable. In my Ranger, I've hauled about 1200 lbs worth of cement bags, furniture, appliances, and more. Pretty amazing, especially when I have the 3.0L Vulcan (thank goodness I didn't have to go uphill). I'm sure you Vulcan owners know that it's not the most powerful engine, but at least it sure is reliable. As far as engines go, I know the 3.0L Vulcan is about to be retired. It'sa bout time. It's a reliable engine, but not the most efficient. From what I undestand, the 4.0L a Cologne engine (started out as a 2.9L). Perhaps that needs some redesign as well. More stroke, less bore? 24 valves? I don't know, but so as long as it keeps the torque numbers high. Should the Ranger have a V8? Hmm, a 4.6L 4V would definately be fun under the hood especially if it's mated with a 5 speed manual. A 4 or 6 cylinder diesel would be awesome if it can generate about 300lbs of torque. The thought of being able to run bio-diesel is quite compelling. Also, I hear diesels are pretty fuel efficient. If by chance the Ranger gets any bigger, the 2.3L 4-banger might not provide enough grunt. Perhaps, they can go with a larger 4 banger similar to Chevy's 2.8L 4 banger. Personally, I wouldn't mind if they made the Ranger the same size as an Explorer. The difference really isn't all that much. Make many of the parts interchangeable and possibly it could save Ford money and design time. Here take a look at this lin (apparently, I wasn't the only one thinking this): http://www.rangerpowersports.com/features/?p=8 That's look pretty nice. Put an extra set of doors in the back, and point me to the nearest dealer!

Kind of an old post to reply to, but what the heck! Here's a relatively new site for Ranger goodies: http://stuffforyourranger.com/store/ I am fixing to purchase the power pulley for my 3.0L Vulcan. I hope that helps it merge onto traffic a bit better. It's not a terribly bad engine because of it's reliablity, but it can use a few extra horsepower and fuel economy. It was already mentioned, but I wanted to vouch for Ranger Power Sports (http://www.rangerpowersports.com). It's a good site with alot of Ranger specific information.

My 2003 is a Manual with a 3.0L Vulcan. My next Ranger will be a Manual with a 4.0L or better. If I can't get a Manual, then I guess I'm not getting a Ford (that even sounds pretty wrong to me, ouch!). Although, I hear automatics are better at taking hits (i.e. after grabbing some air) when off-roading so that might change my mind a bit. Honestly, I just love to drive Manual cars especially when they are rear-wheel-driven. I just like the control. I like to tell the transmission when to shift, and when not to shift. It's the point where man and machine become one. Where you control the machine. It shouldn't be the other way around. That's just me. Joey

I agree with what you said about the Sport Trac. Is it a Truc, or is it an SUV? Personally, I think it's an SUV that dreams of being a Truck. Honestly, I'd love a 4-door Ranger. Right now, I have a 2003 Regular Cab Ranger Edge and if I had the ability to trade up to a Ranger with 4-doors I'd be at the dealers immediately! My little Ranger has been great. Even with the gutless 3.0L Vulcan, I've been able to haul loads loads cement bags (20 * 60lbs = 1200lbs) from Home Depot to home with no problems. I've hauled furniture, appliances, etc. It's been a great, little truck. The only thing I would want more out of my Ranger is power and fuel economy. Other than that, it's great. Sure, the 3.0L Vulcan is gutless but it fires up quick everytime I turn that key. It might not be powerfull, but it sure is reliable. For that reason alone, I think the Vulcan is great. I'd take reliability over a tire screecher if I had to choose one quality out of the two. For all of those reasons, I would buy another Ranger but only if it has 4-doors, the same reliability (if not more), and more power. I guess until then I guess I'm stuck driving a Regular Cab for awhile, which isn't so bad really other than the lack of tire burning power (gotta remind myself it's not a race truck), room and passenger space. It would be pretty great if they sort of unified the Explorer/Ranger once again (no, and not like the Sport Trac) so that most the parts are interchangeable (saves money for Ford, and us) and so that they have similar styling. Here, take a look at this link: http://www.rangerpowersports.com/features/?p=8 I think someone had the same day-dream that I had. Look that that photoshoped picture. It's an Explorer front end, with an F150 rear-end. I really like the squared off bed rails of the F150. I wish the Ranger had that. Anyway, the imaginary Ranger in that image looks beautiful! That's something I'd definately buy! As far as the diesel goes. A 4 cylinder turbo-charged diesel would be great. They have them in other countries. I know that International has a 2.8L diesel engine. It a 4-banger diesel can be put in there that put out around 300lbs of torque then I think it would be a winning combination. Anyway, that's my 2 cents for all it's worth. Joe