I would agree with the Ranger. They are very solid trucks.
A 2.3L, 2.5L, or 3.0L with the manual will last 300K+ with basic maintenance. The OHV 4.0L is pretty solid too, but overkill for your needs and a gas guzzler.
The 2.3L/2.5L Lima engines are very easy to maintain. They take exactly 5 quarts of oil so you can just get the big jug, the filter is easy to reach, and they are fine with just about any oil. Manual transmissions are a simple drain and refill. It takes less time to change the transmission fluid than to do an engine oil change. FYI - the Mazda M5OD manual MUST have ATF!
Some things to consider...
- In 1998 Ford went from the old Twin I Beam design to IFS. The IFS is easier to align, stays in alignment, and is easy on tires. The Twin I Beam suspensions used before 1998 are VERY strong, but can be difficult to align. It is best to take it to a good suspension shop and not just the cheapest place.
- The Lima I4s (97-older 2.3, 98-01 2.5) were used from 1983 to 2001. In 2001 there were two four cylinders available, the 2.5L Lima and 2.3L Duratec. The Duratec has proven solid so far, but the Limas can take a lot of abuse. Fuel economy is slightly better with the Duratec.
- In 1995 Ford came out with the 4R44E and 4R55E automatic transmissions which are more reliable than the A4LD they replaced. They are related to the A4LD, but have stronger parts. The one in my 1995 Explorer still shifted great at 157K miles when I got rid of it for my current Ranger. As with any auto, make sure the fluid gets changed regularly. Ford suggests using Mercon V.
- In 1998 the length of the regular cab was increased by 3."
- Rustproofing improved greatly in 1993.
- The Mazda M5OD, the best manual used in the Ranger, was introduced in 1987, but Ford continued to offer the less reliable Mitsubishi manual for a couple years after that. Any 93 or newer truck will have the M5OD.
- Lima engines can be tricky to change spark plugs on. There are 8, and the ones on the intake manifold side are hard to reach. The good thing is the intake manifold comes off easily which makes the job much quicker. Not a big deal, just something I thought I'd mention.
One of my roommates has a 1997 Ranger with about 160,000 miles on it. It has the 2.3L and M5OD. It gets oil changes every 4K or so, but that's it. It runs great. The only problems are the fuel gauge which quit working a year ago, and the clamp on the positive battery cable corroded off. Not bad for that many miles. It goes on 145 mile round trips weekly without problems. A few months back it was stolen and involved in a police chase. The theif missed a turn and ran the truck up on a curb at 45~ MPH, then ran it into some bushes. The truck didn't even need an alignment afterwards and needed no repairs.
