1991 Ford Ranger

1991 Ford Ranger Overview

The 1991 Ford Ranger was a popular compact pickup truck available in regular cab, extended cab, and crew cab configurations. It was powered by a variety of gasoline and diesel engines paired with manual or automatic transmissions.

The Ranger was lauded for its off-road capability, affordability, and compact size. However, it also had some shortcomings, including limited towing and payload capacities, and a cramped interior.

Engine

• 2.3L I4
  • Blown Head Gasket
    • Description/Symptoms: Overheating, coolant in oil, white smoke from exhaust
    • Solution: Replace head gasket
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $1,200+
  • Intake Manifold Gasket Leak
    • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leak, engine misfiring
    • Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Timing Chain Tensioner Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Engine rattling, rough idle
    • Solution: Replace timing chain tensioner
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600
  • Distributor Module Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Engine stalling, no spark
    • Solution: Replace distributor module
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
  • Fuel Pump Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Engine not starting, sputtering
    • Solution: Replace fuel pump
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
• 2.9L V6
  • Intake Manifold Gasket Leak
    • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leak, engine misfiring
    • Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Valve Cover Gasket Leak
    • Description/Symptoms: Oil leak, valve cover gasket
    • Solution: Replace valve cover gasket
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200
  • Rear Main Seal Leak
    • Description/Symptoms: Oil leak, rear main seal
    • Solution: Replace rear main seal
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
• 4.0L V6
  • Timing Chain Tensioner Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Engine rattling, rough idle
    • Solution: Replace timing chain tensioner
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600
  • Intake Manifold Gasket Leak
    • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leak, engine misfiring
    • Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+

Transmission

• M5OD-R1 Manual
  • Transmission Fluid Leak
    • Description/Symptoms: Transmission fluid leak
    • Solution: Replace transmission fluid seal
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200
  • Synchro Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Shifting difficulty, grinding gears
    • Solution: Replace synchros
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+
• A4LD Automatic
  • Transmission Fluid Leak
    • Description/Symptoms: Transmission fluid leak
    • Solution: Replace transmission fluid seal
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200
  • Shift Solenoid Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Shifting issues, no engagement
    • Solution: Replace shift solenoid
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400

Suspension

• Front Ball Joint Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noise, steering problems
  • Solution: Replace ball joint
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
• Rear Leaf Spring Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Sagging rear end, poor ride quality
  • Solution: Replace leaf springs
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400

Electrical

• Battery Discharge
  • Description/Symptoms: Battery dies prematurely
  • Solution: Check for parasitic draw, replace battery if necessary
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
• Alternator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Low battery voltage, battery not charging
  • Solution: Replace alternator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
• Starter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine won’t start
  • Solution: Replace starter
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
• Wiring Harness Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Electrical problems, shorts, malfunctions
  • Solution: Inspect and repair wiring harness
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+

Exterior

• Rust
  • Description/Symptoms: Corrosion and rust on body panels
  • Solution: Repair rust or replace body panels
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+

Interior

• Dashboard Cracks
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracks on dashboard
  • Solution: Replace dashboard
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
• Center Console Lid Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Center console lid won’t open or close
  • Solution: Replace center console lid
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200

Summary

The 1991 Ford Ranger is a reliable and capable truck, but it is not without its issues. Some of the most common problems include blown head gaskets, intake manifold gasket leaks, and transmission fluid leaks. These issues can be costly to repair, but they are not uncommon for vehicles of this age.

Overall, the Ranger is a good value for its price, and it is a solid choice for those who need a compact pickup truck with off-road capability.