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Greetings R-F! After owning other trucks, I finally got my first Ranger. So, meet "Roy," a 2003 XL 3.0 auto with 73k! I bought a few months ago from a buddy who works for the golf course that owned it its whole life. Body is in sad condition and the suspension is in need for repairs (project for this weekend), but it runs solid. I would have liked to have the 4-door just so I can get to the rear cargo area behind the seats, but overall its been a good runner so far. I've already repaired/upgraded the PVC hose assembly, and upcoming repairs/updates include: rear shocks; front shocks, upper control arms, stab links, tie rods, and lower ball joints; 1" leveling spring spacers; cruise control switches; 08 mirrors. I would like to get better seats (I'm 6'4) and the Explorer center console, and later this year, when it's not so hot, I want to bedliner the body. Eventually slightly larger tires will come too, and maybe different wheels. It won't go off-road since it's not 4x4, but something a bit taller and beefier would be nice. The Mrs. and I use it for house projects and my DD so the Mustang can stay in the garage. I used to be a service manager and technician, so I try to do as much stuff as possible, and although I am new to the Rangers, I am always willing to lend help and support when I can.
2003 was last year of the analog Ranger, and GEM body computer, 2004 got Digital dash and SJB, so you are lucky, lol, actually digital is not all the bad
3.0l Vulcan engine, Ford use it 1986 thru 2008 so a good reliable engine, Rangers had them 1991 thru 2008
Likes to leak coolant on the front metal elbow on lower intake, rusts out, also front engine cover has 2 coolant passages for water pump, pain to fix leaks here
So change the coolant as specified, old coolant causes galvanic corrosion, which also eats away at gaskets as old coolant passes thru
Also reverse heater hoses at firewall every 2 years, helps keep heater core clean, back flush while you drive, lol
You have a 5R44 automatic, service it as specified, should get 250-300k before a rebuild
LMC truck is a good place to look for replacement body parts, they have a Ford Ranger section
car-part.com is good for used parts of any kind, searches local wrecking yards for you
Heads up on the side mirrors
(1993-1997, maybe) but 1998-2005 are for sure the same model mirrors, 2006-2011 are mounted different, but can be installed in 1998-2005 Ranger with some drilling and washers, looks way better with these mirrors so worth the effort, just not a plug and play swap
Well, I have been noticing a slight coolant leak, so I will have to check out those locations and find how-tos. I had not thought of backflushing the core regularly, so that's a good tip!
I typically like to do trans services every 30-40k or so, does that seem right or overkill for the 5R44?
And I misspoke on the mirrors: I have 06 mirrors, that require a slight modification but no washers (according to TRS).
Looking forward to a long life with this truck. I have heard great anecdotes of the 3.0 going the distance, so I am hopeful that, with proper care, it will last us a long while. After all, it spent most of its life at sub-25 mph around a golf course. :-D
07-19-2022
