Ford Ranger - long term reliability

[Dr. Zaius]

I've seen a post on the frame construction, and how some people have said that the boxed frame is superior to the C channel frame from a durability standpoint. I've also seen some diehard Toyota people say the C frame is better for articulation. Quite honestly, I am thinking that I would rather have the stronger frame as my daily driver. ..

Someone arguing that Toyota used a C-channel frame because it articulates better instead of as a cost cutting measure is really grasping for straws. But then they will also argue the superiority of drum brakes, so...

If Toyota was so concerned with articulation why didn't they do a solid front axle? I'm going to guess that the parts bin already had the stuff for the IFS and that was the cheaper route.

Though I have to admit, this looks to be articulating pretty good...

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[bbuoni8]

Someone arguing that Toyota used a C-channel frame because it articulates better instead of as a cost cutting measure is really grasping for straws. But then they will also argue the superiority of drum brakes, so...

If Toyota was so concerned with articulation why didn't they do a solid front axle? I'm going to guess that the parts bin already had the stuff for the IFS and that was the cheaper route.

Though I have to admit, this looks to be articulating pretty good...

ROTFL!!!! Well said.

 

[RangerTime]

Can you compare maintenance ownerships costs between the Tacoma / Ranger? Are they pretty equal at this point?

Ranger won the KBB 5 year to own lowest cost award. There is a post on here (that you can find on the main page) that talks about that.

 

[pbethel]

Maintenance, maintenance, maintenance.
I'm good with 10k miles service but the day I start pulling or using it more as a
truck is the day I will do maintenance at 5k.
As of now, my wife uses it to commute, about 5/8 miles one way, so not hard use.
We love the truck.

5\8 mile each way is about the worst thing you can do to your oil. And engine.
That type of use is where three months or three thousand miles apply.

 

[GhostStrykre]

Someone arguing that Toyota used a C-channel frame because it articulates better instead of as a cost cutting measure is really grasping for straws. But then they will also argue the superiority of drum brakes, so...

If Toyota was so concerned with articulation why didn't they do a solid front axle? I'm going to guess that the parts bin already had the stuff for the IFS and that was the cheaper route.

Though I have to admit, this looks to be articulating pretty good...

I've watched the product launch interviews with Toyota brass for the Tacoma. Your post reminded me of the drum brakes, specifically. The head of Toyota Product Development North America was basically like, "we feel that from a sales standpoint, our consumers are still supporting the decision to stay with drum brakes."

Translation: if people keep buying these things in such high numbers, why spend the money to apply the better disc brakes?

Tough for me to fault them. It's a very good point. If people keep handing them money for their trucks (which they are), then why change? I think this is changing now, however, as all the domestics are improving their designs and consumers are taking notice more now than ever.

 

[RedlandRanger]

I've watched the product launch interviews with Toyota brass for the Tacoma. Your post reminded me of the drum brakes, specifically. The head of Toyota Product Development North America was basically like, "we feel that from a sales standpoint, our consumers are still supporting the decision to stay with drum brakes."

Translation: if people keep buying these things in such high numbers, why spend the money to apply the better disc brakes?

Tough for me to fault them. It's a very good point. If people keep handing them money for their trucks (which they are), then why change? I think this is changing now, however, as all the domestics are improving their designs and consumers are taking notice more now than ever.

Said another way "we didn't have much in the way of competition, so why invest money in upgrading things?"

Competition is good for all consumers - it keeps manufacturers on their toes and forces them to be better, otherwise they will eventually lose sales.

 

[Jrel209]

Seems like the use of a catch can is something that anyone that has a Direct Injection engine wonders about??

I feel like the verdict is still out on that….. for one depending on where you live, those catch cans may and imo likely will freeze over. Although Not sure what the impact of them freezing are. I also believe our local ford engineer said theres no need for one, but to be fair he also feels you shouldnt mod your truck in any way.

But thats a big concern I personally have. Will i have gas in my oil (definitely smells like it) and how will that impact it long term. Luckily ive always changed or had my oil changed every 6months or 5k miles. In addition, direct injection engines are known to have issues with the system clogging and carbon buildup…… again, i just cant see the argument the ecoboost will outlast a na v6. But im not a mechanic im just going off what i can find online.

 

[MountainGoat]

What worries me about the Ranger is being a turbo with high boost, these types of engines always required premium years ago. Regular gas would destroy it. However Ford didn't require it because it would kill sales, instead using tech that retards timing based on mics that pick up pre-detonation noises as regular gas enters the system. Will it work? Time will tell.

I started using premium shortly after learning this but can understand many won't want to especially if they're putting on a lot of miles.

Edit: Oh and the 10k oil changes too. Get outta here with that bs, I change mine every 5k.

 

[Jrel209]

Man i say dont over think it, the ranger is a better truck in every category (imo) except potentially longterm reliability.

 

[JohnnyO]

Seems like the use of a catch can is something that anyone that has a Direct Injection engine wonders about??

Apparently a catch can traps oil vapor before it gets to the engine. Because it has direct injection you don't get fuel washing over the intake valves to keep them clean and they can get coked up over time (no, not THAT kind of coke), like at 100K, and the head has to come off to clean them. There is already an oil vapor trap devise on the engine but a catch can might be better or at least additional insurance. That said, I saw a post elsewhere from a guy who had one for a year and said that he'd have to empty it in the winter but in the summer there was never anything in there to dump out. Also my opinion is that if you use synthetic oil that should minimize deposits on the intake valves.

 

[JohnnyO]

What worries me about the Ranger is being a turbo with high boost, these types of engines always required premium years ago. Regular gas would destroy it. However Ford didn't require it because it would kill sales, instead using tech that retards timing based on mics that pick up pre-detonation noises as regular gas enters the system. Will it work? Time will tell.

I started using premium shortly after learning this but can understand many won't want to especially if they're putting on a lot of miles.

Edit: Oh and the 10k oil changes too. Get outta here with that bs, I change mine every 5k.

It appears I get the best mpg running 89, enough that it actually costs less to use 89 than 87. No difference between 89 and 93.

 

[bbuoni8]

Man i say dont over think it, the ranger is a better truck in every category (imo) except potentially longterm reliability.

Literally just went to the local Ford dealership and drove one with the FX4 package. By far, this is the best riding, most comfortable truck in this category. I guess time will tell about long-term reliability. It's encouraging that so few owners seem to have any significant problems.

 

[VegasRanger]

Apparently a catch can traps oil vapor before it gets to the engine. Because it has direct injection you don't get fuel washing over the intake valves to keep them clean and they can get coked up over time (no, not THAT kind of coke), like at 100K, and the head has to come off to clean them. There is already an oil vapor trap devise on the engine but a catch can might be better or at least additional insurance. That said, I saw a post elsewhere from a guy who had one for a year and said that he'd have to empty it in the winter but in the summer there was never anything in there to dump out. Also my opinion is that if you use synthetic oil that should minimize deposits on the intake valves.

IMO, if you use quality gas, do oil changes every 5K, you don't need a catch can.

 

[VegasRanger]

I feel like the verdict is still out on that….. for one depending on where you live, those catch cans may and imo likely will freeze over. Although Not sure what the impact of them freezing are. I also believe our local ford engineer said theres no need for one, but to be fair he also feels you shouldnt mod your truck in any way.

But thats a big concern I personally have. Will i have gas in my oil (definitely smells like it) and how will that impact it long term. Luckily ive always changed or had my oil changed every 6months or 5k miles. In addition, direct injection engines are known to have issues with the system clogging and carbon buildup…… again, i just cant see the argument the ecoboost will outlast a na v6. But im not a mechanic im just going off what i can find online.

I think any DI engine is going to have fuel smell in the oil. Case in my point, my wife's Tucson. When I do the oil changes on her, I can definitely smell it in the oil. Not as strong as my Ranger, but it's there.

 

[Dr. Zaius]

Literally just went to the local Ford dealership and drove one with the FX4 package. By far, this is the best riding, most comfortable truck in this category. I guess time will tell about long-term reliability. It's encouraging that so few owners seem to have any significant problems.

If you ike the ride of the factory FX4, just wait until you swap the shocks out for Bilsteins or Eibachs.

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