Goodbye rust bucket Ford Ranger!

I owned 2 extended cab Ford Rangers from 1996 till 5 July 2025, when I came upon my 2022 black Tacoma sport with only 4,345 miles on it! It was like going from a Pinto to a Cadillac! It will be the last vehicle for me, as I retired last year, and do very little driving. I am already going to upgrade the tailights to smoked LED's and put hood struts on. I will ponder my next move down the road. Thanks for the invite, I am sure I will have many questions! Cheers, Brett the vet

 

Congrats. I previously owned a 1999 Mazda B2500 SE extended cab 4 banger. I put over 500k miles, original owner. I blew a piston rod in 2023 and sold it for parts last year. In March, I bot a 2019 Taco, access cab, 4x4 with 166k miles on it. It is in super clean condition and runs smooth. No issues! The Mazda truck is basically a Ranger and it always had misfires, engine codes but it did last over 20 years!

 

My brother from another mother LOL! I had a a 99 B3000 with that vulcan 3.0 the thing had a knocking issue under load so up hills I was doing 40mph unless I put in premium or e85 but it lasted 20 years and sold it still running, got a 2019 taco as well haha =)

 

Welcome to the forum

Congratulations on the new truck & retirement

I had a 99 Ranger, 2wd, 2.5 four with a 5 speed, regular cab, short bed. It was a handy little commuter truck, not fast but nimble, thrifty and easy to drive.

 

Welcome to TW!

 

Welcome to TW!

 

FYI-both Rangers were the 4.0 V-6, which was a great engine-it seems Ford has done away with the 4.0-weird....

 

Welcome @F4phantom

Congratulations on the truck. Keep in mind that Toyotas are also known for frame rust. I suggest you spray the frame, including inside of the front boxed sections, with Fluid film, Woolwax, Amsoil HD Metal Protect, or Cosmoline. Note that Fluid film and Woolwax are more of an annual treatment. I have personally used Amsoil HD Metal protect. Whatever you choose is better than doing nothing. Best of luck with the new to you truck.

 

Well now that you all mention it my last lil truck was is (still have) 2004 B4000.