goodlander
New Member
- Joined
- August 1, 2018
- Messages
- 3
- Reaction score
- 0
- City, State
- Milwaukee, WI
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 1997 Ford Ranger XL
Hello!
I'm looking for a midsize family hauler that can do double duty as an long distance overland rig. On paper the 3rd gen looks pretty good. It's still somewhat narrow for getting around in the city, available with 3 rows, real 4x4, and the awesomely reliable 4.6 V8 that manages to run forever in police cars, taxi cabs, and large trucks.
But after doing some research I have concerns. Apparently Ford saw fit to pair a different, much less reliable transmission to this 4.6. Apparently the suspension chews wheel bearings and rear diffs. Apparently the rear hatch is made of cheese or something.
How valid are these concerns? Anything that can be done to make a 3rd gen round-the-world worthy?
I'm looking for a midsize family hauler that can do double duty as an long distance overland rig. On paper the 3rd gen looks pretty good. It's still somewhat narrow for getting around in the city, available with 3 rows, real 4x4, and the awesomely reliable 4.6 V8 that manages to run forever in police cars, taxi cabs, and large trucks.
But after doing some research I have concerns. Apparently Ford saw fit to pair a different, much less reliable transmission to this 4.6. Apparently the suspension chews wheel bearings and rear diffs. Apparently the rear hatch is made of cheese or something.
How valid are these concerns? Anything that can be done to make a 3rd gen round-the-world worthy?