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Ford Ranger 3rd Generation (North America)

1998–2011 · truck

The third-gen US compact Ranger ran from 1998 through December 2011 with surprisingly few mechanical changes — Ford kept building the same truck while the rest of the lineup turned over twice. Engines: 2.3L Duratec I4 (143hp, 2001+), 3.0L Vulcan V6, 4.0L Cologne SOHC V6 (207hp, the FX4 / Edge engine). 5R55E 5-speed auto or 5-speed manual. Regular cab, SuperCab; no crew cab in this generation. Discontinued in North America after 2011; replaced by the global Ranger in 2019.

Watch out: 4.0L SOHC V6 timing-chain tensioner and guide failure is the well-documented engine killer — the rear cassette is buried at the back of the engine and a full repair is a $1,500-2,500 job (engine often has to come out). Catastrophic if ignored. The 5R55E automatic also has solenoid pack failures that mimic transmission failure and can be fixed for under $300 if caught early.

What your Ranger takes

The parts and fluids that fit this generation. Specs we publish are confirmed against two independent sources; the rest fill in as we verify them.

  • Wiper blades18" driver · 18" passenger✓ VerifiedView
  • BatteryGroup 59 · 540 CCA min✓ VerifiedView
  • Oil filterParts in catalogShop
  • Tire sizeNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Engine oilNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Engine air filterNot catalogued yetFind yours
  • Cabin air filterNot catalogued yetFind yours
  • Spark plugsNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Headlight bulbsNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • CoolantNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Brake fluidNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Transmission fluidNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Tire pressureNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Key fob batteryNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Power steering fluidNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Differential fluidNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Serpentine beltNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Brake padsNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Wheel fitmentNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Brake rotorsNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • ThermostatNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • A/C refrigerantNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Fuel filterNot catalogued yetFind yours soon

Full clubhouse — owner Garage Lineage, common problems, year-by-year notes, and product picks — is on the build list.

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