I've been thinking I need a project for my kids and me.

My kids are 14 and 13. Soon, cars will be on their mind. I figure it might be good to get a project and we work on it together. Not only so that they have some skin in the game but to get them to be above the typical teen these days who can text like a madman, but can't operate a rotary phone.

I've been passively looking on ebay, craigslist, local paper, etc.

Today I drove by a 1997 Ranger Extended cab, 4x4. For a truck in NW PA, the body is fantastic. Barely any rot. It has surface rust but nothing really cancerous. It has the 3.0L, automatic and has 111,xxx miles. He said it has a 3" lift but I can't really say how it was lifted.

I have a 2006 F-350 CC 6.0 powerstroke with a 3" lift and 35's, and it is noticeable. The Ranger looks a little higher than a standard Ranger but I have to get a reference with a standard height one. It's definitely not leveled.


The positives:
Minimal rust
Low miles on body
Cheap-- only $700
The nice Ford rims and good tires
Runs down the road smooth ( I didn't run it hard or long..just a mile or so up to about 50 MPH)

Negative:
Owner says it needs head gaskets.
Needs shocks
Most likely needs ball joints (or something else) to pass PA inspection (not many "lick it and stick it" inspection stations near me)
Probably needs serious maintenance for everything
Didn't engage the four wheel drive

The current owner bought the truck and ran it home. The next day, after getting plates, he started down the road, got up to temperature and it started smoking white. He drove right to his mechanic. Without any real diagnostics, his mechanic said it was probably a head gasket.

I'm mechanically inclined but have never done body work. As I see it, this would be a good project because it's not a rust bucket and other than hearing some colorful language, my kids will learn and wrench with me.

I've read a bunch here and at some Ranger forums. They seem like decent little trucks. And, I'm always for the underdog (I drive a 6.0 that hasn't been bullet proofed).

 

here in florida when the words just needs a head gasket are said
usually means motor is shot,,,,,,,,