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1998 Ford Ranger

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 1998 Ranger.

Body TRUCK

The 1998 Ford Ranger is a TRUCK equipped with a 5.0‑quart oil capacity and 5W‑30 API rating. Owner records show 656 total complaints, tire problems being the most common, and 13 recall actions have been issued. While this total is below the 818 complaints that peaked in 1999, it remains well above the single complaint recorded in 2014, situating the 1998 model in the mid‑range of the Ranger’s reliability history.

Model year2026 2025 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 1998

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity5.0 qtOEM · verified

Engine oil type5W-30 APIOEM · verified

Lug nut torque100 ft-lbsOEM · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 59 · 540 CCA battery. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 59 · 540 CCAOEM · verified

Tire sizeP235-75R15SLOEM · verified

Wheel / rim7-J inOEM · verified

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length	200.8 in
Overall width	69.3 in
Overall height	65 in
Wheelbase	117.7 in
Curb weight	3009 lb
Track (front / rear)	58.7 / 57.5 in

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the Ranger of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

8.9–10.0 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 8.90 sec — 1998 Splash Stepside SuperCab

Year	Trim / engine	0–60	¼ mile	HP	Drivetrain
1998	Splash Stepside SuperCab 4.0L V6	8.90 sec	16.80 sec	160 hp	RWD
1998	XLT Stepside SuperCab 4.0L V6	9.80 sec	17.30 sec	160 hp	4x4
1998	XLT Stepside SuperCab 4.0L V6	10.00 sec	17.60 sec	160 hp	4x4
2001	Edge Plus SuperCab 4.0L V6	8.10 sec	16.50 sec	207 hp	4x4
2001	Edge SuperCab 4.0L V6	8.10 sec	16.30 sec	207 hp	4x4

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 5.0 qt of 5W-30 API engine oil, SYNTHETIC · 75W-140 · GL-5 in the differential, DOT 3 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 100 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-4-2-5-3-6.

Lubricants & capacities

Brake Fluid	DOT 3
Differential Gear Oil	SYNTHETIC · 75W-140 · GL-5
Differential Gear Oil Capacity	5.1 Pints, Rear
Engine Oil	5W-30 · API
Engine Oil Capacity	5.0 qt
Power Steering Fluid	ATF

Engine torques

Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs	7.4 ft-lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings	23-28 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts	93-121 ft-lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts	55-65 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts	19-28 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts	Upper: 14-
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts	15-22 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts	Upper: 15-

Chassis torques

Leaf Spring to Axle (U-bolts)	65.0-87.0 ft-lbs
Leaf Spring to Chassis Bracket	65.0-87.0 ft-lbs
Leaf Spring to Rear Shackle	65.0-87.0 ft-lbs
Leaf Spring Rear Shackle to Chassis Bracket	65.0-87.0 ft-lbs
Lug Nuts	100 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Fill Plug	18.0 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Drain Plug	18.0 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order	1-3-4-2
Cylinder Firing Order	1-4-2-5-3-6
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)	MT: 720, AT: 770 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)	25 rpm
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)	850 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)	25 rpm
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)	750 SOHC rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)	25 rpm

Battery & A/C

Refrigerant	R134a
Refrigerant Capacity	1.88 lbs
Oil Group	PAG
Oil Type	68
Oil Capacity	9.00 oz
Standard BCI Group Number	59
Standard BCI Cranking Performance	540 cca
Standard BCI Group Number	59

Service checks

Pressure Test	13-18 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief	13-18 psi
Thermostat Opening Temperature	183-190 °F
Key ON Engine OFF (KOEO)	56-72
Key ON Engine OFF (KOEO)	56-72
Injector Primary Resistance	11-18 DOHC ohms
Engine Oil Pressure	40-60 psi
Engine Oil Pressure RPM	2000 rpm

Brakes

Brake Application	WITH 10 inch DRUM / WITH STANDARD
Torque Caliper to Bracket	21-26 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle	73-97 ft-lbs
Minimum Pad Thickness	Front: 0.060; Rear: 0.030 in
Brake Application	WITH 10 inch DRUM / WITH STANDARD
Drum Nominal Diameter	10 in / 9 in
Drum Maximum Machining	10.06 in / 9.06 in
Drum Discard at-or-over	10.09 / 9.09

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages

15 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90

15 ft. lbs

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 4 stages

1	59 ft. lbs.	59 ft. lbs
2	mum of one full turn
3	33-41 ft. lbs.	33–41 ft. lbs
4	63-73

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 3 stages

1	51 ft. lbs.	51 ft. lbs
2	51 ft. lbs.	51 ft. lbs
3	turn 90-100

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 3 stages

1	22-26 ft. lbs.	22–26 ft. lbs
2	52-56 ft. lbs.	52–56 ft. lbs
3	90

Engine Flywheel Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages

11 ft. lbs., Step 2: 52

11 ft. lbs

Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages

19-28 ft. lbs., step 2: 44-59

19–28 ft. lbs

Main Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages

26 ft. lbs., Step 2: 67-76

26 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 5,000 mi; coolant every 30,000 mi. The big-interval services (every 30,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

At 5,000 mi	Clutch Master Cylinder (inspect fluid level) · Driveshaft U-Joint (lubricate) · Steering Linkage (lubricate) · Suspension System (lubricate) · Tire & Wheel Assembly (rotate)
Every 5,000 mi	Engine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace)
Every 10,000 mi	Clutch Master Cylinder (inspect fluid level) · Driveshaft U-Joint (lubricate) · Steering Linkage (lubricate) · Suspension System (lubricate) · Tire & Wheel Assembly (rotate)
Every 12,000 mi	Battery (inspect)
Every 15,000 mi	Brake System (inspect) · Disc Brake Caliper Guide Pin (lubricate) · Engine Coolant System (leak inspection)
Every 30,000 mi	Accessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Engine Air Filter Element (replace) · Engine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill) · Parking Brake System (inspect) · Throttle Body Lever Stud (lubricate) · Wheel Bearing (inspect)
At 50,000 mi	Engine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)
Every 50,000 mi	Fuel Filter (replace)
At 60,000 mi	Accessory Drive Belt (inspect)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 1998 model year represents a significant escalation in the Ford Ranger’s federal complaint and recall trajectory, with 656 complaints and 13 recalls marking sharp increases from the 453 complaints and 7 recalls recorded in 1997, and the 328 technical service bulletins representing a substantial jump from the prior year’s 237. This places 1998 on an upward arc toward the generation’s 1999 peak of 818 complaints, positioning it among the more problematic years of the 1990s run. Federal data for 1998 specifically documents 69 crash-related complaints and 35 fire-related complaints, with the highest volume of grievances falling under the Tires (148) and Vehicle Speed Control (66) categories, though the data does not specify underlying causes for these concentrations. Given that complaint volumes, recall counts, and manufacturer service bulletins all reach generational highs in 1998—exceeding the activity levels of 1996 and 1997—this year falls in the least favorable segment of the model’s reliability curve. Consequently, prospective buyers should view 1998 as a higher-risk acquisition within this generation, demanding thorough pre-purchase inspection particularly regarding tires and speed control systems, and might consider earlier mid-1990s examples with lower federal filing rates as more prudent alternatives.

Open recalls

NHTSA campaigns

328

Service bulletins

Manufacturer communications

ODI investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

656

Owner complaints

69 involved a crash · 35 a fire

Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

’90 ’91 ’92 ’93 ’94 ’95 ’96 ’97’98’99 ’00 ’01 ’02 ’03 ’04 ’05 ’06 ’07 ’08 ’09 ’11 ’14 ’16 ’17 ’19 ’20

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 656 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Tires148

Vehicle Speed Control66

Power Train54

Engine & Engine Cooling49

Service Brakes, Hydraulic40

Suspension33

Structure30

Air Bags26

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 11 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

09E025000Exterior Lighting:HeadlightsReported 11/05/2009

DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE… Remedy: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT…

06E056000Fuel System, GasolineReported 13/06/2006

CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS SOLD UNDER THE PUROLATOR BRAND NAME, P/N F65277, SHIPPED FROM JANUARY 16 THROUGH JUNE 2, 2006, FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO INCORRECT DESIGN, THE QUICK… Remedy: UFI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 4, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT UFI FILTERS USA AT 800-230-5876.

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 328 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

Bulletin	Date	Component	Summary
030508	2005-04-01	Power Train	FRONT AXLE LEAKS FLUID FROM VENT TUBE - VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4X4 OR AWD. *TT
042419	2004-12-13	Suspension	REVISED PROCEDURE FOR ADJUSTING ALIGNMENT ON ALL SUSPENSIONS - NEW RIGHT HAND UPPER…
042107	2004-12-13	Power Train	GENERAL (PCM) POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE PROGRAMMING PROCEDURES. *TT
04237	2004-11-29	Power Train	DRIVESHAFT THUMP CLUNK ON LIGHT ACCELERATION FROM STOP OR WHEN BRAKING AND COMING TO A…
04217	2004-11-01	Power Train	GENERAL POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) PROGRAMMING PROCEDURES. *TT

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420

Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1

P0300

Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected

P0171

System too lean — Bank 1

P0455

Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak

P0128

Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature

P0442

Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN

Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Ranger. OEM

Build data

Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.

Recalls

Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Group 59 battery Vehicles taking 5.0 qt

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Vehicle recalls & TSBs OBD-II trouble codes Torque specifications Maintenance schedules Fluid capacities & specs

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 1998 Ranger take?

5.0 qt of 5W-30 API, per the factory manual.

Does the 1998 Ranger have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 13 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.