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Happy Friday Nor Cal. Hope everyone has an awesome weekend.
I wanted a project vehicle, and this looks like it will be a perfect fit for me. I am well aware of all the caveats of buying an older vehicle. I am also aware of what needs to be done to a vehicle that has been sitting for an extended time. Even if this one didn't need a fuel tank, I was going to have it removed and flushed out. The fact that it needs a fuel tank makes it easier. Sure I have to buy one, but I don't have to worry about any sludge or grime at the bottom of the tank, or that the gas has turned into varnish. Belts, hoses, water pumps, thermostat, are things I can replace myself. Right now, my main concern is being able to physically fit inside the vehicle and get my right foot above the gas pedal. If the seat will not go back far enough, I may have to find a place that installs hand controls. I like this style of Ranger, and never owned one. I did own a 85 that I got from Steve Bricks (the So. Cal chapter leader many moons ago) which sat for a long time. It ran fine for a few months, then started acting up really bad. It was not the Super cab model and I could drive that one, but that was before my second accident that damaged my right knee to the point of only being able to bend 30 degrees. I never did find out what the problem was with the 85, but that was before my disability was approved, and I was only working part time at Wienerschnitzel barely making enough to cover my half of the rent.
I expect to replace the fuel tank on this one. And maybe a battery if the "brand new" one has been sitting in the apartment for quite awhile. Also plan on replacing the spark plugs, wires, rotor and cap, and all radiator and heater hoses. I am not sure it has AC but I think I see the condenser behind the grille, and most likely it will need work. However, I have until next summer to fix that. And changing the oil and filter is a given. I have already planned on replacing the fuel filter, PCV valve, and maybe even the EGR valve. New coolant, belts, thermostat, and it looks like the rear view mirror is missing from the windshield. I will work on it a little at a time as the funds permit. I do nothing all day bored as heck in my apartment. This will give me something to do. I had not thought about the shocks, or rear end or trans, but did figure on replacing the trans fluid, filter and gasket. That will be done by someone who can crawl under there and do it. Maybe a shop, maybe a neighbor. Shocks and brakes will be handled by a neighbor when needed. The owner has already said he will hold it for me, and the next stimulus checks haven't even been approved yet, so I am looking at a two or three month wait anyway. I am in no hurry to get it as it is to be a project truck. I already have a good running Toyota Sienna I can drive if I need to, just need to get it from my daughter. I ride my electric scooter/wheelchair most places, which is why I let my daughter use the Sienna. She has six kids to haul around. LOL
Well. A ~~ 30 year old vehicle will be a project vehicle for sure. As long as you're aware of what you're getting, I say have some fun. That age, will still have a carburetor, and maybe also points? It's a project for sure, but old trucks never die.
Back around 2000, we bought a very used 1985 Nissan King Cab 4x4 pickup for $7.95 (I bought the guy an Indian buffet lunch because otherwise he was going to scrap it). We put about $1500 into it getting the carb overhauled and new tires, but we happily drove it for about 5 years. We then sold it to my brother-in-law for $1. He did some more stuff to it, but he's still driving it and he loves it. So now it's 35 years old and still going strong.
Well, after decoding the VIN, I have found out it is a 1992 2wd SuperCab with a 3.0 liter V6, and it is the 84,438th one made that year. It was also made at the Twin Cities production plant. I could have sworn it was a 2.3 liter four. However, in my defense, I only saw the engine once, a couple of years ago when the owner was trying to get it running. Back then he wanted $1,500 for it which is way out of my fixed income's reach. It has fuel injection and electronic ignition. No points, no carb. The tires have plenty of tread on them, which makes sense, since he has not driven it in four years. They look brand new. Interior is a bit of a mess, he has after market seat covers on the semi bench seat. It is definitely an automatic as I have seen the gear shift lever. I couldn't see the mileage as the windows are too dirty. Maybe next time I go out, I'll take some Window cleaner with me. Never owned a Ford V6 so this will be a first. I know it will not be as frugal as the 2.3, but it should have more torque should I ever decide to tow something. According to the VIN it has a GVWR of 4,000-5,000 which is one step up from the base model of 3,000-4,000. Since it has the hitch and wiring plug for a trailer, I am going to guess that it has the trailer towing package. I doubt I will tow anything other than a small U-Haul trailer with it, but it is nice to know I can if I want to. maybe get it reliable enough to start taking hauling jobs on U-Ship. That would be nice.
Since it has the hitch and wiring plug for a trailer, I am going to guess that it has the trailer towing package.
Jim
I wouldn't count on it. Not to worry. The tow package is usually just a couple of coolers for engine oil and transmission fluid, an add-a-leaf or stiffer tuned rear end suspension, and extra money.
You could add oil coolers. They aren't expensive. I added a cooler for transmission fluid on my F-150. I installed a cooler with a fan. Then set the fan to turn on at 145° Fahrenheit.
You could get a custom leaf spring set from Denver. Or add a leaf. My truck has an add-a-leaf, and it's good enough for me. There are bolt on kits to stiffen the leaf spring pack. Bolt on rear sway bar. I like air bags. Money not being a factor, since you want to do it once. And do it right.
In my truck, I installed an electric fan. I recommend doing it with older cars and trucks. I installed an electric fan and a lower temperature thermostat on my old 97 Explorer, and it made a big difference.
The rear suspension has a add a leaf on it already. I bought a trans cooler for my Bronco way back when I got my settlement check, and never installed it because I found out the Bronco, and the F-350 I bought after it, already had an external trans cooler. It would be overkill on the Ranger, but I am going to install it anyway. Electric fan is a good idea too. Probably overkill also, but I would rather have overkill then barely adequate. LOL I doubt I would tow anything over 1,500 pounds, mostly motorcycles, or ATV's if I can find any on U-Ship.
Happy Sunday Nor Cal. Hope everyone has a blessed day.
After doing a little more research on the Ranger, I found out I was mistaken about the 89-92 being second generation. They are just face lifted first generations. The second gen started in 93.
Hey Guys. It's been a rough couple of months for me and my dog Smokie. I'm sure some of you remember him, he's the totally chill Cattle Dog. Well, he got diagnosed with prostate/bladder cancer. He's a tough little son of a gun and I'm going to do what I can for him. He's got an appt tomorrow to get a CT scan and if he's a good candidate, he'll be getting radiation treatment. There is no cure, so I am under no delusions that he'll be living a long, full life. But, if he can get another year or two then I'll be happy. I'm just not ready to let him go, and other than a decreasing ability to pee he's completely normal and not in pain.
Thanks guys. He's going in for his first dose of radiation treatment tomorrow morning. He's a pretty tough dog so I'm sure he's going to be around for a while longer.
