I was moving a year or so ago, and a pickup seemed like a handy thing to own for a month or two. So I bought a 2002 Ranger, 2WD, standard cab, manual everything, as plain Jane as they come. I'd never owned a truck and didn't know anything about Rangers but there sure were lot around; I figured that many people can't all be wrong.

Well, it turns out I REALLY REALLY like my pickup. (Probably preachin' to the choir here.) I also have a pretty new fully loaded top of the line Volvo wagon and I never drive it any more, I only take my little truck, plain though she be.

The thing is, I find a bit more cab space would sure be handy, especially since we're planning on adopting a second dog. Right now there's only room in the front seat for one.

But I don't want a bigger vehicle! For a variety of reasons, my current truck is absolutely as long as I can manage.

So, here's the question: is there a year and model where I can get an extended cab with a very short box such that it's no longer than my current vehicle?

I'm actually having trouble tracking this down ...

Thanks in advance.

Alan

 

Welcome to the forum

No, Rangers only ever had 2 bed sizes, 6ft and 7ft, 7ft was only used on the regular cab "long bed" models
Standard Regular cabs and extended cabs both have 6ft beds, they are interchangeable

Extend cab will be at least 1ft longer than your present Regular cab

Ford Explorer Sports Trac was a 4-door(full doors), with a 4ft bed, so short bed but its overall length is more than Ranger extended cab

 

Alan, I don't think you're going to notice the extra length, but I don't know your circumstances either...

Look for a 4 door and take a good look under the box where the spare tire is kept.
That area and its surroundings rot out.
Vancouver doesn't use as much salt in the winter, but enough.

Expect to pay around 10 to 15 grand from a dealer for a real nice one.
Private ones for sale are literally snatched up with in a few weeks or even days.

 

Extended cab would be nice but I have the standard cab as well. Just to add a little more insult I have the stepside 6ft bed. The saving grace is I have a ladder rack and a 2" receiver so I can pull a trailer loaded up to 2 tons or carry 16' of up to 300 pounds in the ladder rack.

I have always been a truck guy. I have had full sized, mid sized, and the mini trucks.