When you've scrolled past everything else a million times, read below for a good laugh

"AestheticsInMotion" (aestheticsinmotion) 05/09/2017 at 23:08 • Filed to: Rangerdanger, Ford, Ford ranger, Trucknuts

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CB’s post got me thinking about top speeds. I’m intimately aware of those mystical triple digit numbers in my 95 Miata and 08 Outback, but my 01 Ranger is another story. Luckily, we have the wise souls over at the Ford Ranger Forums to help out! Read on, and next time a Ranger pulls up next to you, get the eff outta the way!

Disclaimer: my Ranger is an 01, as base as can be (rwd, 4 cylinder, no options, no power anything) with a ladder rack supporting a 20, and 24 foot ladder on one side, and a 16 and 28 ft ladder on the other. I try to keep it below 65mph, but I may occasionally hit 75 on accident, before seeing my life flash before my eyes and slowing down as quick as possible without upsetting the precarious nature of the unwieldy, two left-footed beast of a vehicle. The thought of “maxing out” the speedo, or trying to hit a top speed in my Ranger is absolutely terrifying. I’m a thrillseeking daredevil through and through, but put bluntly... F*ck that!

3 years, and this is my only truck picture. Guess who gets all the attention?

Undeterred, I decided to press onward on my search for knowledge, utilizing the all knowing, omnipotent machine spirit created by the Emporo—er wait... I mean... I looked online! For some strange reason, it seems like no professional outlets tested the Ranger’s top speed. Imagine that. But not to worry. A quick Google search turned up some helpful forum results... Provided below with commentary for your viewing pleasure.

I’m actually not even going to touch this one. All you Oppo. Do me proud.

All those hardworking “fleet truck owners”, the shining light of the automotive world, the smiling men and women earning a living with nothin’ but their hands, a beacon of hope reminding us of a bygone age where to be a craftsman was the highest calling? This is their true form. Honda racer bois the world over, quiver in fear for you have no idea what is about to occur. The Rangers are coming.

Some vehicles are completely unfazed at 90, 100, or even 120 mph. Those of you who believe a 4 cylinder ranger to be one of them, feel free to test drive mine anytime (with proof of insurance).

“Ford Ranger”

“On a track”

MOVING ON

I just want to take a step back and remind everyone that we’re currently on a Ford Ranger Forum discussing top speeds. Okay, back to the action

This man is why you get the pre purchase inspection when buying off Craigslist.

Ha! It started off good, so you thought you were safe! Okay, that’s it for now.

I never did figure out what the top speed for my Ranger is, but you know what? I’m cool with that. Goodnight Oppo. And remember, Mustangs aren’t the only Ford’s you have to worry about!

TheRealBicycleBuck > AestheticsInMotion 05/09/2017 at 23:22

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The Mazda version gets pretty floaty above 90. The stock suspension and tires aren’t meant for those speeds. I always laugh when I see guys wanting to do the 5.0 swap and completely ignore the necessary suspension upgrades.

Fast cars are made to go fast. Trucks are not.

CB > AestheticsInMotion 05/09/2017 at 23:22

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Do you think the Ranger goes faster with the tailgate up or down?

AestheticsInMotion > CB 05/09/2017 at 23:25

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The key is to lower it while maxed out for an extra speed boost

Tripper > AestheticsInMotion 05/09/2017 at 23:26

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I just brought home an 01 Ranger on Saturday! I went from a stop to a touch over 80 on a really long on ramp leaving the dealer, just to give it the beans. I figured that if it was going to break, that I ought to do it close to the dealer. It was rock solid especially for a 16 year old truck. but that felt like all it had.

AestheticsInMotion > Tripper 05/09/2017 at 23:29

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Oh man, that one is nice! 2x4 or 4x4?

I’ve actually never removed the ladder rack and ladders... I’m really curious how big of a difference that would make. I would imagine it must be pretty noticeable

Tripper > AestheticsInMotion 05/09/2017 at 23:32

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Thanks! Only 62k on the clock too. It’s 4x2, with the 3.0 V6. Yea I’m sure you’d get a little more top end just by removing the ladders.

interstate366, now In The Industry > AestheticsInMotion 05/09/2017 at 23:36

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My dad has had a ‘94 since the late 90s. It’s hilariously slow. 4-cylinder, 2WD, double cab, XLT, 5-speed. I learned to drive stick on it.

AestheticsInMotion > interstate366, now In The Industry 05/09/2017 at 23:39

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I learned on the ranger as well! Now imagine that slowness, but with an early 90's auto. Terrifying

DipodomysDeserti > AestheticsInMotion 05/09/2017 at 23:43

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My wife had a blowout on her ‘98 fourbanger Ranger while in college. She was doing around 85-90 mph on an interstate at night. She went into the landscaping in between the two sides of the freeway but kept the shiny side up. Scared the shit out of her though.

Shoop > AestheticsInMotion 05/10/2017 at 00:41

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Ive pegged my 2500hd before (99 indicated) , on a long straight up hill road . It wasn’t inherently scary, besides being able to hear the diff wirring, but I didn’t take it around any corners.

The only time it did scare me was when I was passing two cars at once on a similar road and hit the limiter. It’s not fun to suddenly run our of steam in the oncoming lane.

DC3 LS, will be perpetually replacing cars until the end of time > AestheticsInMotion 05/10/2017 at 00:52

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The fastest I ever went with my 3.0L was 80mph. I backed down because the Vulcan didn’t like going over 4k AT ALL.

At that time I wasn’t even going the speed limit :(

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Texas_State_Highway_130

AestheticsInMotion > DipodomysDeserti 05/10/2017 at 00:59

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That’s a terrifying thought. Good on her for managing to control it under the circumstances (somewhat)

NojustNo > AestheticsInMotion 05/10/2017 at 02:33

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I thought removing the limiter on a pickup meant taking out the windshield and back window.....moar aero!

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > CB 05/10/2017 at 08:09

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Well, pickups apparently get better MPG with it up, so I’d imagine higher top speed unter the same circumstances.

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > Shoop 05/10/2017 at 08:12

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Or to have the torque management programming jump in right when you really need all the power you can summon. No way I was going to live with that... got tuned and ditched it. And naturally I had to get the limiter taken out at the same time :)

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > AestheticsInMotion 05/10/2017 at 08:34

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I know I’ve had this thing at 125mph.

I’m actually sure I’ve had it well past that, but you’ll notice the speedo only goes to 110... I have an ultragauge now and I know I had it at 125, but shortly before I got the ultragauge I had access to a much, much longer straight stretch. Judging by the rate it was climbing on the short stretch I’d imagine I had it at roughly around the ~135 mark. Could be more, could be less. Dunno exactly where it just stops accelerating.

Felt OK. But that being said any crosswind and 100mph feels... well, weird to say the least.

*of course this is all hypothetical

Justino6969 > AestheticsInMotion 05/10/2017 at 12:47

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My truck is electronically limited to 98. Sucks man. Hit 98 and it just downshifts one or twice and keeps on chugging along.

deekster_caddy > AestheticsInMotion 05/17/2017 at 13:29

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Removing the rack and ladders will help quite a bit - weight up high makes it tipsy, and the wind rippling through the ladders and racks will slow you down quite a bit. More importantly put some good shocks in all 4 corners and make sure the suspension is in good working order - play in all those parts will destabilize it at higher speeds. It should be able to handle 75 without feeling like you are on a death ride. Take a hard look at the suspension whether or not you are looking at trying to go faster... it can make a big difference when it comes to important things like emergency maneuvers - there is basic safety at play here. Also check your tire pressure. If they are too low it can get mushy no matter what you do to the suspension. If you have more weight on the truck than ‘empty’ you should adjust your tire pressure accordingly - the pressures on the door sticker are for when the truck is empty. The max on the sidewall of the tire is the max. You should be somewhere above door sticker and somewhere below max sidewall listing. If door sticker is 30 PSI try 35 all around and see how it rides.