im looking to buy a 92 ford ranger v6 4.0 4x4 single cab 5speed sport it looks really good but what should i look for under the hood before i say yes ...

 

Coming from somebody who likes to do everything myself, you might consider asking the owner if you can test drive it to a shop. They'll give it a professional look over and it's usually free. From the shop's perspecitive they're making a list of things they'd want to fix if you end up buying it. Their writeup can also be a good negotiating tool with the current owner.

If you want to check it over yourself though: Check the fluids under the hood, take a wheel or two off to check the brakes, ball joints, tie rod end play, and so on. The leaf spring shackles are prone to rusting out but for the most part they're pretty indestructable little trucks.

Good luck to you and let us know how it comes out.

 

thank u well do

 

Welcome to FTE.

Since its a 4X4 with manual tranny, you'll want to check the rubber shift rail plugs on the side of the tranny to see if they're weeping/leaking lube, as low tranny lube can wipe it out!!!!

Check that the 4X4 works, as its vacuum lines are of a vintage to be troublesome & the system likes to stick/hang up, if not exercised weekly.

Pull the engine oil dipstick & look for any deposits, like milkshake froth from a coolant leak into the engine, to sludge, gum, or varnish, from substandard lube, or lube that was run too long, whos deposits could cause sticking valves or piston rings, or excessive engine wear.

Another good place to check is to remove the oil fill cap & look at it & into the engine valve cover for deposits. Removing & looking at the PCV valve for deposits, is another way to get an idea on whats been going on in the engine over time.

Remove the radiator cap to check coolant condition & check the coolant overflow tank to check its condition & if its properly topped up.

Have a look at the brake fluid level & condition of the fluid, If its really dark, suspect it hasn't been flushed on a regular basis & is likely ripe for problems.
Same for the clutch master cyl reservoir.

Ask the owner if its up to date on all past & present due scheduled maintenance items & if he has a receipt record of such & any repairs done.

If your still interested after your preliminary questions, checks & test drive, I like Josh S idea to have a shop look at it in more detail.

More thoughts for consideration, let us know how it goes.

 

Good advice by Josh and paw paw.

You might be thinking about the troublesome vacuum lines found on the '98 - mid '00 Rangers with the Pulse Vacuum Hublock (PVH) engagement system.

 

Being the new guy that means a lot coming from 2 forum cornerstones.

End hijack

 

Woops, your right Rockledge, thanks for catching my error on the PVH system, as a 92 doesn't have it.
But check that the 4X4 system works & that those troublesome rubber plugs on the side of the manual tranny aren't leaking.