Bought 98 Mazda work truck - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Diseasel300 · #16 05-25-2018, 11:05 AM

I had a 2.5 with a 5-speed, it got around good and returned mid-high 20s in fuel economy! It did not feel like a 4 banger, especially if you drove the 3.0V6 next to it (talk about gutless!). Sadly the rest of the truck was a total lemon, Ford replaced it with a 3.0V6 version which was worse. Since yours made it this long, I strongly suspect it's a better example than mine was.

Simpler=Better · #17 05-25-2018, 11:54 AM

I daily drive the same truck. The 98+ front suspension is great, I throw my truck into corners with no fear.

Ranger/Mazda tricks:
#1 The big wire connector under the cab (roughly under the driver's seat) needs to be opened, dielectric grease applied, and then closed. Otherwise you will get some very strange gremlins in a few years when it corrodes.
#2 The throttle cables stretch. Slap a zip tie or crimp on the end to take out the slack
#3 If you start melting DPFE sensors there's an easy fix that keeps the EGR functional (You want the EGR with this engine-it's done right and actually improves mileage without gunking anything up)
#4 Wix 51515 (Used on the 302) oil filters fit with no modification. Half a quart more capacity.

FYI-that's a non-interference engine. I threw a timing belt with 0 damage to the engine.

t walgamuth · #18 05-25-2018, 04:07 PM

Thanks good to know!

It is surprisingly peppy for no more engine than what it has.

t walgamuth · #19 05-25-2018, 04:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Diseasel300

I had a 2.5 with a 5-speed, it got around good and returned mid-high 20s in fuel economy! It did not feel like a 4 banger, especially if you drove the 3.0V6 next to it (talk about gutless!). Sadly the rest of the truck was a total lemon, Ford replaced it with a 3.0V6 version which was worse. Since yours made it this long, I strongly suspect it's a better example than mine was.

Well, with the 11K miles it has mostly sat in a nice warm garage, apparently.

Air&Road · #20 05-25-2018, 10:08 PM

Those are good little point A to point B trucks. I have been underneath a few of them and quite surprised. Things are pretty beefy, not hopelessly scaled down like you might think.

t walgamuth · #21 05-25-2018, 10:40 PM

Good to hear. Its very nice to drive. Anyhow its for my brother to drive. Its a clone of his faithful Ranger which is actually newer but has nearly 300K on it. He loves it. He would not consider a little Chevy or Toyo.

Air&Road · #22 05-26-2018, 07:28 AM

My daughter bought a Ranger new in 2000 I think it was. It was the later four cylinder with a five speed. Had chrome bumpers and wheels. It was cuter than a speckled pup. In the basic, but a little fun, transportation category, it was actually a pretty good bargain. It wasn’t so great after she rolled it over though. Sure am glad it had an airbag,