Top High Mileage Issues 1998-2011 Ford Ranger Truck

These are all of the issues that you should check out or pay attention to when buying or owning and maintaining a high mileage Ford Ranger from model years 1998 to 2011. Sue points out many of the common wear and service items that can pile up over time, especially on high mileage vehicles. You'll learn what to inspect and what to prioritize for service if you have recently taken ownership of an older or high mileage Ford Ranger.

Check out this playlist for more great information from Sue and the rest of the 1A Auto team!

0:00 Top High Mileage Issues 1998-2011 Ford Ranger
0:20 Brake Master Cylinder/Brake Fluid
1:30 Power Steering Fluid
1:58 Battery and Wires
2:34 Engine Oil
3:33 Coolant/Antifreeze
5:01 Air Filter/Intake Hoses
5:42 Transmission Fluid
7:10 Spark Plugs
7:53 Front Wheels
8:45 Radiator and AC Condenser Fins
9:40 Front End
10:Front Differential Transfer Case and Drive Shaft
12:59 Fuel Lines and Brake Lines
14:59 Rear Differential
15:41 Drum Brakes
15:59 Leaf Spring Shackles

⚠ DISCLAIMER:
While 1A Auto strives to make the information provided in this video as accurate as possible, it makes no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or applicability of the content. No information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. All do-it-yourself projects entail some risk. It is the sole responsibility of the viewer to assume this risk. 1A Auto is not responsible or liable for any loss damage (including, but not limited to, actual, consequential, or punitive), liability, claim, or any other injury or cause related to or resulting from any information posted in this video.

[AAuto]

√ *Watch the Video*
√ *Do it Yourself*
√ *Save Money*

[ashleycampbell]

As a young female mechanic with my first 5 speed ranger edge it made my day to come across this vid. Thank you you e been a breathe of fresh air!

[Charlies_Corner]

I own a 2001 Ranger with the 2.5 I’ve had it since 124, 000 and it’s got 207, 000 miles on it now and I’ve never had an issue with it. I have the manual transmission, I keep mine maintained. I’ve got an 89 Ranger with 307, 000 never had an issue with it either..key is routine maintenance.

[ShikiKaze]

I got 4 things to do on my 03' Ranger.
1. Front main seal
2. Leaf spring shackle/bushing
3. Engine mounts
4. Power steering pump leak.
And it has 453k miles on it.

[ofwanko]

As a mechanic myself everything she did and said is true, and is the exact same thing I would check. Great video 👍

[yannkaloustian]

Just an outstanding piece of work here. Great pace, very well lighted and filmed and topped by a likeable, highly knowledgeable talent. Very good video.

[kevalb]

Incredible video! So thorough and such good explanation and walk-through of easy to fix yet important maintenance work. I just bought an 09 Ranger with 87k miles and I know I'm going to have to replace the fluids. Now I know exactly where to look and what to expect. Sue does such a good job!!

[Jsquad]

I just bought a high mileage ranger so this video is perfect for me.

[boufontleflamingoetta]

Please video all of your projects for us Ranger owners. You’re the best.

[charlesmiddleton]

My 2001 Ford Ranger Edge 4x4 is still going strong with 377, 000+ miles. The 4.0 L engine has been a work horse with no issues. Bought it used in 2003. Had to change out a starter and alternator but other than that it's been good to go. The Michigan winters have done a number on the old boy after all these years, but ill keep it going till he doesn't want to go any longer. Great informative Video. Love the content.:-)

[kmlgraph]

Excellent video. I bought a 2009 Ranger and spent $6, 000 for maintenance upgrades. Runs good now, but wonder if my mechanic knows as much as this lady. Informative and well done.

[OnToCamping]

I wish I could find a garage that cared this much when I pay for a pre-purchase inspection! Great information.

[full---movie]

Things I had issues with on my high mileage manual '07 4.0 Ranger:
1. Plastic thermostat housing began leaking like crazy. Replaced with aftermarket diecast aluminum one.
2. Both rear axle seals began leaking like crazy. Had to pull axle rods to replace.
3. Front diiferential pinion seal began leaking like crazy. Fairly easy fix with the right tools.

Other things ive replaced: spark plugs, fuel injectors, fuel pump, starter, door handles (they snapped off in the cold. replaced with steel ones), coil packs and cables, starter.

I have also fully deleted the A/C system and use a shorter serpentine belt.

Also note, the starters on these trucks on the 4x4 manual models are kind of a nightmare to change. You have to bring the starter out through the engine bay by disconnecting the driveshaft U-joint to make it squeeze through. It will fit through the bottom of the truck past the frame but if you try to do it the wrong way you could get it jammed in there and you will really be screaming.

[alsaysamone]

Sure glad you mentioned the dreaded "cam synchronizer" chriping. I replaced new belts, tensioner and idler. The chirping still ALIVE! A few years back, I replace new clutch and rebuilt the transmission. I might have some dirty spot or have some fork sticking out, it is a 4X4. Got tired of the dreaded chirping, removed the the drive lines and T-case, Y pipe and off the tranny. I decided to give a new clutch kit, installed and got everything back together. THE FRICKING CHIRPING still ALIVE!

Last weekend, decided to replace the leaky driver side vale cover. Interesting, the INTAKE had to come off. What a great time to check on the "CAM SYNCRONIZER", it was a paint to get it off (5.5mm or 7/32" at Home Depot). Squirted some oil between the pointer and let the oil sipped down the engine. THE CHIRPING IS DEAD! THANK A MILLION, SUE!

[douglassmith]

Original owner of a 1994 Ranger 4x4, 4.0L--has little over 240, 000 miles as of July 2021. Basically, rebuilding my Ranger piece by piece with the cost of new cars/trucks today. Already replaced the power steering gear box/seals, and master brake cylinder. The shop did those repairs. Manual transmission holding up--replace the clutch/slave cylinder regularly. This summer just finished doing a major tune-up. Alternator and starter replaced several years ago. BUT now have lots of maintenance projects to do this year--water pump, brakes, bearings, ball joints--that need replacement. AND videos like this are worth their weight in gold! :)

[richardkey]

I toss in a new fuel filter every year or more often, cheap insurance for keeping engine happy. Fuel is full of garbage, silt, anything

[melvinhunt]

I have a 2000 Ranger with 2.5, 4cly . 270, 000 miles and so far still uses 5w30 ! Never been in the shop except for timing belts and tune ups! I bought it new .

[earthtrailseco-adventures]

Great video 1A auto ! Can you do a video on upgrading from the vacuum type 4wheel hubs to manual locking hubs very much needed

[maxcinta]

There are a few of us old-timers who have heard of running kerosene, or diesel fuel through a high mileage engine to clean out all the old contaminants throughout the block. Is this a safe option? Did I say drain the engine oil first?

[delbertstratton]

Wow I am impressed with the walk around inspection. Very glad I found this video. Thank you for making it. I bought a 1999 Ford Ranger last year and this video will be very helpful in my maintenance procedures and log records.