1997 Ford Ranger Keeping My Ranger Running

1997 FORD RANGER
178,000 MILES • 4 CYL • 2WD • MANUAL
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ROCKANDROLLPAUL
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  • 1 POST
Hello I have a 1997 Ford Ranger 2.3L Manual 4cyl with 178000 miles on it. I want to try and keep it running for a while still. Any thoughts on if I should change the oil more often, switch to synthetic or any other input? Additionally what about changing spark plugs or wires? The truck runs great, sometimes in idle it seems to sputter little but other than that it runs great and I want to keep it that way.

Thanks.
Mar 23, 2009 at 1:04 PM
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JOE BLOUGH
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  • 16 POSTS
You are ahead of me, I only have 143k on my 3.0 1995.
Maintenance is always a good suggestion. I had spark plugs that had about 1/10 inch gap and when I changed them it made no felt difference. Those things won't hurt it but the fluids and filters are extremely important. Especially oil, tranny, differential fluid, transfer case, flush the radiator. I had the originals in there for about 8 years when I bought it. Also the fuel filter. Mine had 130k and it made a huge difference when I changed it!
Apr 20, 2009 at 6:08 AM
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