1998 Ford F-100 Ranger

The 1998 Ford F-100 Ranger is a compact pickup truck that was offered with a variety of engine and transmission options. The most popular engine was a 2.5-liter inline-four, which produced 119 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. Other engine options included a 3.0-liter V6, a 4.0-liter V6, and a 5.0-liter V8. Transmission options included a five-speed manual, a four-speed automatic, and a five-speed automatic.

Engine

2.5-liter Inline-Four

• Oil Leaks: Leaking from the valve covers, oil pan gasket, or rear main seal can cause a loss of oil and potential engine damage.
  • Solution: Replace the leaking gaskets or seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

3.0-liter V6

• Intake Manifold Gasket Failure: The intake manifold gasket can fail, leading to a loss of coolant and potential engine damage.
  • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found

4.0-liter V6

• Timing Chain Failure: The timing chain can stretch or break, causing the camshaft and crankshaft to lose synchronization. This can result in catastrophic engine damage.
  • Solution: Replace the timing chain, gears, and tensioners.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: 01V314000, 03V279000

5.0-liter V8

• Head Gasket Failure: The head gasket can fail, causing a loss of coolant and potential engine damage.
  • Solution: Replace the head gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
• Intake Manifold Gasket Failure: The intake manifold gasket can fail, leading to a loss of coolant and potential engine damage.
  • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

Five-Speed Manual

• Syncro Wear: The synchronizers can wear out, making it difficult or impossible to shift gears.
  • Solution: Replace the worn synchronizers.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Four-Speed Automatic

• Torque Converter Failure: The torque converter can fail, causing a loss of power and potential transmission damage.
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Five-Speed Automatic

• Shift Solenoid Failure: The shift solenoids can fail, preventing the transmission from shifting properly.
  • Solution: Replace the failed shift solenoid.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Ball Joint Wear: The ball joints can wear out, causing the front wheels to lose alignment and wander.
  • Solution: Replace the worn ball joints.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Alternator Failure: The alternator can fail, preventing the battery from charging and causing the vehicle to stall.
  • Solution: Replace the alternator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: 05V490000
• Starter Failure: The starter can fail, preventing the engine from starting.
  • Solution: Replace the starter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust: The body and frame can rust, leading to structural damage.
  • Solution: Preventative measures such as rustproofing and regular washing and waxing can help mitigate rust, but extensive rust damage may require repairs.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on severity of rust

Interior

• Power Window Failure: The power window motors or switches can fail, preventing the windows from being raised or lowered.
  • Solution: Replace the failed motor or switch.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 1998 Ford F-100 Ranger has a number of potential issues, but overall it is a relatively reliable vehicle. The most severe and expensive issues are related to engine and transmission problems, such as timing chain failure and torque converter failure. However, many of these issues can be prevented or mitigated with proper maintenance and preventative measures.