Deciding on new truck

[RANGER_MARC]

Hello all,

I'm trying to do my research and find the best option for what I need. I need something to do light towing, maybe 5000# max, light off road forest trails, good around town/city. That being said, I've tried the Tacoma.. no go! My head was on the ceiling and you could not go lower! so claustrophobic. ZR2, no LED/HID headlights and no fog lights, no remote start or push button start (I like that feature!), Nissan... umm no. unless I wait for the revised model coming at some point. Gladiator, I am just not a fan of the looks. I've had 2 JKU's and I just don't like it. I don't mind the Rubicon Gladiator but at 60k they can keep it. So that leaves the Ranger. I wish we had the Raptor Ranger but I am sure that would be 60k as well however I don't mind the looks on teh standard Ranger, not bad. I drove one, but not on a long drive, and here are my concerns:

1. Transmission, seems there are vibrations at low speeds. I've heard that is an issue!
2. The 2.3 seemed good but not sure how it will do long term and towing 5000 lbs
3. LED headlights, are they good? I drove it in the daytime.
4. Would want better suspension.

Has anyone installed the Ford Performance leveling kit and the power upgrade? Are they reliable? Are the LED headlights bright and worth the top trim?

Thanks guy and gals!!

Welcome to to the forum. I have had no real problems with the transmission. It does lag at times at low speeds on acceleration, particularly on hills, as if deciding which gear to choose. The lag is only brief and most don't mind it. I do mind it, and so put it in Sport mode for those situations, eliminating the problem entirely. I have ordered the Ford tune (still waiting on delivery) and am thinking that even this minor issue will soon be fixed. Other members can speak to the towing issue, but as for longevity, this engine has been used for years in many other Ford applications previous to bringing the so-called "all-new Ranger" stateside. It has been amply demonstrated that Ford's modern turbos are nothing to be afraid of! The Lariat's LED headlights are great, very bright, no problems whatsoever, and the automatic system works well, in my opinion. (Other members may disagree.) Yeah, the stock suspension was a problem for me, but there are plenty of aftermarket solutions at various price points. I went with the Ford Performance two-inch Leveling Lift, and my truck now rides great. Very happy with the ride, the increased clearance, the higher stance. Ford has announced that, beginning in August, it will put the kit on for you before you take delivery, and finance it as part of the package, if you want to take that route. (The same deal will apply to the tune.) Whatever formula or brand you choose, aftermarket suspension for the Ranger is a must, in my experience. Overall, I am now delighted with my Ranger as is (but still looking forward to the tune and, of course, the next generation). My advice: go for it!

Sponsored

 

[Wbflyer]

Great feedback guys! After seeing the Fox lift that is the route I would go however, it seems I would need a little larger tire after the lift. I think the tune would be good as well however, I heard just using 93 will kick up your numbers. true?

 

[Frenchy]

Yes and no on the fuel. The stock numbers are with the 91-93 octane as atated on Fords website. For most of us we have found it to.be very beneficial to use premium fuel in the trucks with and without a tune.

 

[Chris M]

Great feedback guys! After seeing the Fox lift that is the route I would go however, it seems I would need a little larger tire after the lift. I think the tune would be good as well however, I heard just using 93 will kick up your numbers. true?

I don't know about the needing new tires thing. Many guys here change theirs after their lift/level. I just haven't seen the necessity.

As for fuel...here's a snapshot from yesterday morning. I run 91 octane from Costco and these numbers reflect my average driving which includes 5 days a week of remote start for at least 10 min a day.

 

[Wbflyer]

Ok, so using 93 is a little overstated on the HP and TQ ratings unless you get a tune.

 

[TitoW]

1. Transmission, seems there are vibrations at low speeds. I've heard that is an issue!

After 33k miles I can say that I've never had this issue.

2. The 2.3 seemed good but not sure how it will do long term and towing 5000 lbs

Ranger is rated for 7500lbs with a tow package. So an occasional weekend boat pull like you described should be fine.

3. LED headlights, are they good? I drove it in the daytime.

At the moment, only Lariat trim has the LED headlights - and they're wonderful. Mine is a Lariat. I never want to go back to non-LED headlights again. Definitely worth the extra expense.

4. Would want better suspension.

I hear you. Ford now offers an upgrade that should accommodate you.

I drive 40 miles to work and 40 miles home every day. After a leveling kit and 31" tires I'm getting 23-ish mpg. I love this truck. It's wonderful. Just the right size. Just the right amount of power. I don't need to tow anything really (until I snatch up an overlanding trailer) so that isn't a concern for me.

When I was in the market I was almost sold on a Canyon Denali. Solid vehicle, that one. But... the Ranger won me over.

My advice, test drive a bit more. You won't regret the extra time.

 

[RANGER_MARC]

I don't know about the needing new tires thing. Many guys here change theirs after their lift/level. I just haven't seen the necessity.

As for fuel...here's a snapshot from yesterday morning. I run 91 octane from Costco and these numbers reflect my average driving which includes 5 days a week of remote start for at least 10 min a day.

It is definitely true that many members changes tires (for the bigger) after lifting and/or leveling their trucks, but it is certainly not necessary. Given the way I use my truck, I do not see any need for bigger, heavier tires. I do plan to put on better tires once I put some serious miles on the stock ones, but that is just my personal preference.

 

[Tracy Bowman]

Yes I did. ?

I like that pin stripe on your ranger.

 

[RedlandRanger]

Hello all,

I'm trying to do my research and find the best option for what I need. I need something to do light towing, maybe 5000# max, light off road forest trails, good around town/city. That being said, I've tried the Tacoma.. no go! My head was on the ceiling and you could not go lower! so claustrophobic. ZR2, no LED/HID headlights and no fog lights, no remote start or push button start (I like that feature!), Nissan... umm no. unless I wait for the revised model coming at some point. Gladiator, I am just not a fan of the looks. I've had 2 JKU's and I just don't like it. I don't mind the Rubicon Gladiator but at 60k they can keep it. So that leaves the Ranger. I wish we had the Raptor Ranger but I am sure that would be 60k as well however I don't mind the looks on teh standard Ranger, not bad. I drove one, but not on a long drive, and here are my concerns:

1. Transmission, seems there are vibrations at low speeds. I've heard that is an issue!
2. The 2.3 seemed good but not sure how it will do long term and towing 5000 lbs
3. LED headlights, are they good? I drove it in the daytime.
4. Would want better suspension.

Has anyone installed the Ford Performance leveling kit and the power upgrade? Are they reliable? Are the LED headlights bright and worth the top trim?

Thanks guy and gals!!

Here are my experiences:

1. I've not experienced any vibrations at low speeds - I don't know if I just don't notice it or if I don't have it, but it isn't an issue for me.
2. The 2.3 coupled with the 10 speed is one of the best things about this truck. I'm consistently amazed at how well they work together. I've only towed a 2,000 lb trailer, but I literally couldn't tell it was behind me. I don't think it would have any trouble towing a 5,000 lb trailer (assuming you got the brake controller).
3. I've been very happy with my LED headlights - the auto high beams at first I thought were a gimmick, but I've found it to be a very useful feature.
4. While some hate the suspension on these, I really like it for a daily driver. At times it can seem a bit floaty, but overall, it is nice for a daily driver. Compared to my 2005 Ranger, it is MUCH less "trucky". I can see why some might want a bit firmer suspension, though. I've toyed with the idea of just replacing the rear shocks to see what it felt like. A tiny bit firmer would be just perfect for me, but I'm not unhappy with the stock feel.

I've not done any performance mods as I've been extremely happy with mine as is. I bought a pretty fully optioned Lariat and if I had it to do over, I would do the same thing. I've been very happy with my choices. I absolutely LOVE the push button start and keyless entry.

Good luck in your search! Let us know what you eventually decide.

 

[Skeletor]

I tow a 30' 7,000 lb travel trailer(loaded) full time. The Ranger does a damn good job! No transmission issues or overheating. Highly recommend 91 octane or higher when towing, very noticeable improvement in power. 3,000 miles on the trailer pulling so far.

 

[Extreme01]

I have 2300 miles and I'm still waiting for the adaptive learning on my transmission to figure things. out. Other then the rough transmission shifts I love the truck. First turbo I've owned with a very jerky transmission. NOT A HAPPY CAMPER!

 

[RedlandRanger]

I have 2300 miles and I'm still waiting for the adaptive learning on my transmission to figure things. out. Other then the rough transmission shifts I love the truck. First turbo I've owned with a very jerky transmission. NOT A HAPPY CAMPER!

You might take it to the dealer - there is a TSB around rough shifting that might help you. I don't have trouble with rough shifting on mine except for the first 1-2 shift on a cold morning. After that it is smooth as butter. Right now, all shifts are smooth as butter.

 

[Chris M]

You might take it to the dealer - there is a TSB around rough shifting that might help you. I don't have trouble with rough shifting on mine except for the first 1-2 shift on a cold morning. After that it is smooth as butter. Right now, all shifts are smooth as butter.

That TSB seems to be only for the earlier 2019 models...my dealer wasn't able to (or didn't want to) try and access it for me. That said, my shifting has improved with the mileage put on the truck. I'm at about 9K miles now, and things are significantly better than they were when I first bought it. Also, routinely using the 91 octane fuel helps with overall performance.

 

[RedlandRanger]

That TSB seems to be only for the earlier 2019 models...my dealer wasn't able to (or didn't want to) try and access it for me. That said, my shifting has improved with the mileage put on the truck. I'm at about 9K miles now, and things are significantly better than they were when I first bought it. Also, routinely using the 91 octane fuel helps with overall performance.

Some people have reported improvements when getting the TSB flash even though their truck was produced after it was "fixed". If your dealer won't do it, I guess that isn't an option. I've not seen any reports saying it made things WORSE so it doesn't seem like it could hurt to apply it.

 

[Chris M]

Some people have reported improvements when getting the TSB flash even though their truck was produced after it was "fixed". If your dealer won't do it, I guess that isn't an option. I've not seen any reports saying it made things WORSE so it doesn't seem like it could hurt to apply it.

You'd certainly think not, but even though I handed them the bulletin in print, they wouldn't even consider trying to do the flash.

Sponsored