Bill

Quick summary (one-paragraph TL;DR) The 1998 Ford Ranger Extended Cab is a compact/midsize pickup built on a simple ladder-frame chassis, offered with 4-cylinder and V6 gasoline engines (and rare EV versions), 2WD or 4WD, manual or automatic transmissions, and simple, workmanlike interiors. It’s light, easy to repair, and economical but has age-prone issues: rust in structural/fuel-tank areas, aging electrical connectors, thermostat/hoses on some V6s, and wear to driveline components. Specs vary by trim and options, but curb weights ~3,000–3,500 lb, payload ~1,200–1,600 lb, and typical fuel tanks ~17–20 gal. --- Factory trim, model overview, and what “Extended Cab” means Trim levels commonly available: XL (base), XLT (upgraded), and some special editions. Extended Cab (also called SuperCab on some pages) refers to a small rear seating area behind the front seats with fold-down or jump seats and small rear side windows — more space than a standard cab but not a full crew cab. Seating listed as 3–5 depending on bench vs bucket/console. --- Engines & powertrains (what was available and how they behave) Common gasoline engines in the US market (configurations depended on trim & market): 2.3L SOHC Inline-4 — the economical base engine (around ~119–120 hp depending on tune). 2.5L inline-4 (an evolution of the 2.3 in some specs). 3.0L Vulcan V6 — around ~150 hp, common option for better torque. 4.0L SOHC V6 — used in later Rangers and some trucks in similar years; in the Ranger family this V6 is known to have some plastic thermostat housing and coolant-routing weaknesses (see issues). Ranger EV — rare electric version sold/leased in limited numbers (90 hp motor, very limited range, heavy battery pack). Transmissions: 5-speed manual (popular on 4x4s and performance-minded buyers). 4- or 5-speed automatics depending on engine/option (older 4-speed automatics for base engines, some later 5-speed automatics for certain configs). 4WD models often had part-time transfer case with manual hubs or lever/push-button controls depending on equipment. --- Dimensions, capacities & performance (typical) (Vary by wheelbase/bed; these are representative numbers) Overall length: ~187–203 in (short/long bed variance). Wheelbase: ~111.6–125.7 in depending on cab/bed. Curb weight: ~3,000–3,600 lb depending on drivetrain and options. Payload: commonly ~1,200–1,620 lb depending on spec. Fuel tank: ~17–20 gallons depending on model. Typical combined fuel economy ~15–22 mpg depending on engine and 4x4 vs 2WD. --- Chassis, suspension, steering, brakes (how it’s built) Ladder frame with solid rear axle and leaf springs (typical pickup setup). Front suspension is independent (double-A or torsion-type MacPherson/strut depending on model year details) and rack-and-pinion steering. Ground clearance around ~6.7 in (varies). Brakes: front disc, rear drums on many models (upgrade options on some trims). ABS presence depends on trim/options. Drivetrain: RWD standard, part-time 4WD optional with transfer case and manual front hubs (older style push-button or manual). --- Interior, comfort, and ergonomics (what you get) Basic but functional dash: analog gauges, simple HVAC controls, an AM/FM cassette or CD player depending on options. Materials are rugged plastics and cloth — not luxury. Extended-cab rear area: small fold-down jump seats or a small bench with carpeted/trimmed sidewalls and net pockets; enough for occasional passengers or storage. Rear seat area often has storage cubbies in the side panels. --- Exterior and body (options, bed types) Bed lengths: short (~6 ft) or long (~7 ft) depending on cab/bed combo. Step-side variants exist on some trims historically. Bumpers: chrome or painted depending on trim. Grille and trim change with XLT packages. Aluminum/alloy wheel options available on higher trims. --- Factory options and packages (commonly seen) XLT package: upgraded interior trim, cloth seats, nicer grille, alloy wheels optional. 4×4 package: transfer case, locking hubs or auto hubs depending on the setup. Towing package: heavier rear springs, hitch receiver, wiring harness. Convenience options: A/C, power windows/locks (on XLT or optional), cruise control on some configs. --- Maintenance schedule / service basics (what every owner should know) Follow the owner’s manual schedule: oil & filter (every 3–7k miles depending on use), transmission/transfer case fluid, differential fluid, brake-fluid checks, cooling system flushes. Manuals and factory owner PDFs are available from Ford archives. For a truck this age, proactive replacement of belts, hoses, and coolant (and checking for degraded plastic housings) pays off. --- Common flaws, failure points, and age-related issues (the meat of “every flaw”) These are the problems owners/shops report most frequently for late-90s Rangers (and specifically 1998-era): Rust & body/frame corrosion Rust in the rear crossmember/fuel tank strap area, frame rails, cab mounting points, and pedal bracket rivets. The fuel-tank strap crossmember has been reported to corrode and allow the tank to loosen (safety issue). Rivets holding the gas pedal assembly have been cited as corroding and breaking. Check underside thoroughly. Cooling system & engine-specific 4.0L SOHC V6: plastic thermostat housing, coolant hard-line and hose cracking, leaking thermostat housings causing overheating or coolant loss. Keep an eye on water pump and timing-related items on V6s. Transmission & driveline Older automatics may develop shift concerns; 4WD transfer case linkage or hubs can wear or bind. Some owners report automatic transmissions that don’t shift properly (usual wear/age signs). Check for leaks at transmission and transfer case. Brakes & suspension Normal wear on brake drums and front discs; rear drum upkeep needed. Bushings, swaybar links, and shocks will be aged — expect typical pickup wear and possible noisy steering due to worn tie rods or idler arms. Electrical Age-related brittle wiring, failing switches, and corroded connectors (especially ground straps under the hood and in wheel wells). Older Ranger key and ignition switches can wear. HVAC blower motors sometimes fail with age. Interior wear Seat foam collapse, faded dash and cracked plastics in sun-exposed climates. Carpet and seat fabrics show wear in high-mileage units. Other oddities EV variants: battery degradation is a unique issue if you encounter an EV Ranger. Recall/TSB items over the years have covered pedal assemblies, fuel tank fasteners, and other safety-related aspects (check NHTSA for VIN-specific recall history). --- Specific parts that often need replacement (age checklist) Thermostat housing (especially on 4.0 V6), water pump, hoses. Fuel pump and filter (age & ethanol can accelerate failure). Brake shoes/pads, drums/discs, wheel bearings. Shock absorbers and leaf-spring bushings. Ignition parts: coils (if applicable), plug wires, distributor cap/rotor on older ignition systems. Headlight housings and tail-light sockets due to corrosion. Pedal assembly rivets/corrosion-prone fasteners (inspect & reinforce). Exhaust hangers, muffler — often rusty or failing. Transfer-case shift linkage and hub components on 4x4s. --- Safety & recall history (how to check) There have been safety service bulletins and recalls tied to rusted pedal rivets, fuel tank strap corrosion, etc. For any specific VIN, check NHTSA/Ford recall lookup or maintenance logs. Owners often find TSBs in service manuals or at dealer service departments. --- Buying guide — what to inspect on a used 1998 Ranger Extended Cab 1. Undercarriage: check frame rails, crossmembers (especially fuel-tank support), and bolt holes for severe rust. 2. Cooling system: pressure-test cooling system, look for coolant stains under plastic thermostat housings. 3. Drivetrain: test manual & automatic shifting through all gears; test 4WD engagement if equipped (both high and low where applicable). 4. Brakes/suspension: listen for clunks on bumps, uneven braking, or excessive play in steering. 5. Electrical: test all switches, blower fan speeds, and lights. Check for aftermarket wiring (common source of gremlins). 6. Service records: verify timing belt/chain history (where applicable), fluid change records, and any documented recall work. 7. Rust patches: surface rust isn’t fatal but structural rust is. Pry at questionable areas and inspect inside frame rails/pillars if possible. --- Repairability, parts availability & aftermarket Huge plus: the 1998 Ranger is mechanically simple, widely supported, and parts are abundant and cheap. Factory service manuals and aftermarket guides are available online, and local junkyards often have donor parts. Common upgrades are newer brakes, modern stereo swaps, and suspension lifts for off-roaders.