New From Mazda B scene

Hey guys whats up. I just moved to alberta, and had to leave my mazda b series behind. I've always liked rangers... and so now I'm shopping for one.

So I figured you guys would know best about what changed over the different years for rangers. I understand 93-97 have beams up front... heh, i'm not used to that... i also here in 98 they went to torsions... which is what my mazda had, and what I am more comfortable with.

So yeah, basically I wanna buy a ranger and I want to know what years i should be looking for. It's gotta be a step side too i love the step. Engine? 2.3? or 3.0? which is more relyable?

Any input on the matter would be great!

oh yeah... p.s. she's definitly gonna be bagged eventually ... are beams more work? should i go 98+?

98 up have control arms expect for edge they have torsion bars

if you are wanting to bag it, look for a 98+. it is easier than ibeams but still not the best suspension design. if you want good power and pretty decent fuel economy, the 4.0 V6 is definitely the choice. For good mileage, get a 2.3/2.5. Everyone Ive talked to doesn't like their 3.0s, 4 cyl power w/ v6 gas mileage. the only 3.0 ive ever seen that was powerful was the one in jame's old daily driver, but it had some work done to it to make it run good.

ok, so... i havn't bagged a truck yet, ... i wanted to bag my mazda before i left...
here's a pic



so, i'm no pro... if it is a whole lot easier to go 98+ thats what i'll do, but I don't mind some work... thats half the fun. But again, i don't want to get over my head, i've never done it before.

does the body style change at all over the years? ... and whats the difference between a normal ranger and a splash? ... i'm a newbie when it comes to rangers but i love em...
thanks for your replys guys

93-97 bodystyle is what my truck is, then the 98-00 has a different front end and a switch to control arm suspension. 01+ has a different front end and i think there was another front end in 04 or 05. 95+ pretty much has the same interior. 93-94 models have the same dash as genII 89-92 rangers. the splash package is just colored matched bumpers and grill and comes 1" lower with different front spring and leafs.

thanks man, i'm gonna keep reading old posts and learn as much as i can

how do ibeams work? anyone got any pics they could show me?

uhh, ok i've been reading on streetsource... and I have a question about "z'ing the frame" ... is this only done on 98+ ??? and do you have to do it to lay out flat? or is it only for b/d trucks?

go back and get your mazda, ranger suspensions are crap.