Ok, i just bought a 1989 ford ranger xlt regular cab, long box. 2.9, 5-speed. it has 181,000kms on it. After looking it over i determined it needs a clutch, because i tried to drive it up onto a set of ramps and it the motor would just rev and u can smell the clutch burning. I have a reciept that came with the truck that in 1998 the guy had all new clutch, flywheel resurfaced and all that other stuff done to it, and the reason that was done was because the clutch caught when the pedal was almost all the way released, and because the transmission was leaking fluid at the rear. Now, the truck is doing that again, or was the problem never even fixed? even after all that work was done? Or is this just happening again because it been about the same time period as it was before when he had to get it done (7-8 years)??

Another thing the truck needs is the e-brake fixed, it needs new front fenders cause these ones are shot, and the box needs replacing because the area around thw wheel wells is shot and rusted through.

The exhaust also has a leak around the manifold somewhere, but apparently the guy said it passed its e-test that way last yaer.

The truck has new brakes 3months ago, new engine rebuilt top to bottom with new heads, distributor, wires, plugs.

Now i know i only paid $350 for this truck, but is it worth fixing?? How much would it cost if i replaced the clutch myself? How hard is it to repalce the clutch? How much would front fenders cost me? a box??

What are your ideas/opinins for this truck? Should i try and fix or sell??

Thanks- Neil

P.S. All my prices are in canadian funds.

 

Clutch is going to require you to drop the tranny, which really isn't nearly that bad if you have a tranny jack. The fender I got for my '94 was 80-something dollars. And that was one of the certified to meet Ford's standards ones. I didn't think it was all that bad. The box I have no clue about. Honestly if you can find a local boneyard you might be able to get one really cheap, since a lot of the front end damage in the boneyards won't hurt the bed.
Best of luck!

 

A clutch is not that bad. I replaced my whole trans by myself in the driveway with just blocks, jacks and a lot of sore muscles. Fenders should be no big deal, and as for the bed... most mid to late 80's Rangers have rust around the rear wheels. You should be able to cut and weld some patches from some donor trucks in a boneyard if you can't find a good box.

 

Check around for an RV shop or a shop that installs utility beds on trucks (usually rv places). They will have take offs from trucks they put utility beds on and will sell the originals for a cheap price.

 

cool, what do u guys think about the clutch the way it is though? does it sound like the problem was never really fixed or is this just what happens because of wear and tear? does the truck sound like its worth fixing??

 

If thats all thats wrong with it, I'd fix it. new clutch, minor cosmetic work, I'd buy it myself for a second ranger to accomany my first one.

 

I'm with JD, with as low as my insurance is (love those little trucks!) I'd tack another Ranger on any day. Definetly fix it up. It'll be worth it.

The problem may have been fixed, and maybe the guy who owned it before you just rode his clutch a lot. They don't last forever ya know... Replace it with a good high quality one and be good to it and it may last the rest of that trucks life!