Cruise Control and General Maintenance

[Mikefc626]

Hello all:
I am new to the forums (as well as car maintenance) and was hoping someone could help me with a few questions. I have a 1995 Ford Ranger (automatic) that did not come with cruise control. I would like to install it if possible -- it doesn't have to do anything more than simply hold its speed (no accelerate/ decelerate option). It doesn't have to be pretty either. There's an empty round spot approximately 1 inch wide in the dash where there was a cigarette lighter that got pushed in, that could be used if that's even an option (I'm the furthest thing from a mechanic, so I don't have a clue what might be out there). Is this possible, and what drawbacks/problems would be associated with doing this?

2) Also, I was hoping to lower it a little, as I am used to riding in a low car. What would be the easiest and safest way to do this?

3) What would be the cheapest, safest, and most practical way to increase gas mileage without hindering what little performance the truck has already?

4) And finally: The odometer is reading just under 75000 miles, and I do not know when the last time the oil was changed. I will be doing that this weekend, but I was hoping for some input as to what else I could do to get the maintenance up to speed (maybe some general rule of thumb type things that go along with any vehicle at certain mileage marks.)

Thanks in advance for the help .

-Michael

[DonSor]

Mike:

There is no short answer to all the things you wanted done. I guess if you are willing to spend a lot of money, everything is possible. I'm afraid that after you complete the things you want done, something else may crop up. Further, not all auto mechanics are reliable. For example lowering the vehicle is a major job. But as you said you don't know much about cars so my advice is to get another vehicle which is in much better running condition and already has all the things you wanted. Believe me it will save you a lot of headache and money too. Good luck.

Don

[Mikefc626]

Actually it's in good running condition -- it's my wife's truck that she quit driving a few months ago when she got a new car. The things I mentioned, aside from the needed maintenance, are just things I wanted. The cruise control is pretty much to keep me from letting my lead foot take over (those blue lights in the rear view are sooo annoying ). As for lowering it, the only thing I had ever heard of was taking the leafs out, but I wasn't sure if someone would verify that or offer something better.
And I was thinking maybe a little better exhaust or something for increase mpg, unless there's something else I don't know about, if the parts aren't more than a couple of hundred dollars. I know someone that could help me with that, or anything else, I just like the idea of DIY jobs.