Please excuse my stupidity, I have a question that I need answered. I just bought my son a 1977 Ford, I have no idea the model. The glove box says ranger on it but the guy I bought it from can't tell me anything else about it. I know that it has eldebrock intake, Holley 4 barrell carb, malory coil? and an oversize cam that is not stock. the truck is in great shape body wise and the motor is not the original one that was in there. I know that the transmission has a leak? Does that mean the whole transmission needs to be replaced. I payed 450. for this truck and it runs and sound awesome. One reason my son wanted it. I know it needs some work but what are things that I need to check out? Any advice you could give would be greatly appreciated. I'm a mom and thats my expertise. Thanks in advance

 

Hi and welcome to FTE! Be sure to read this to help you around this site: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...88#post3272088 There are also State, Provincial and International Chapters located near the bottom of the main forum page.

We are glad to have you. Hope you enjoy the site. Check out the various forums. Lots of great info for you.

Thread moved to 73-79 Ford trucks forum.

See ya on the boards!

-Matt

 

Hi Cheryl welcome to the site !

Please read this when you have the time.
It helps us out on this end.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...d.php?t=102632

The fact that it says Ranger is a start.

Is there an emblem on the hood cowl just ahead of the doors ?

Does the exterior have stripes on it ?

How about chrome around the wheelwells up & down the side of the body ?

Can you post the info from the data plate on the drivers door near the latch ?

What does it have for options ?
Cruise control
Air Conditioning
Tinted Glass

Things to check for are like any other vehicle.
BRAKES for sure.

Suspension steering,Kingpins,springs,
Cab corners for rust,etc.

 

From what I've seen so far you are far from stupid. No one can be an expert in all areas, and anyone willing to learn is a very smart person.

Transmissions leaks have several common, and inexpensive fixes.
First you have to find out where the leak is coming from. Possibilities include:

Transmission oil pan - loose bolts or gasket deterioration. A $13 filter kit and several quarts of transmission fluid fix this problem and help keep your transmission running. I highly reccommend installing an oil drain plug if your pan does not have one. You'll find out why when you attempt to remove the pan AND stay dry.

Transmission oil cooler lines - loose fitting. Tighten the fittings.

Transmission rear seal - deterioration. Replace the seal for $8-15. You must remove the driveshaft and pull the yoke out of the back of the transmission. Remeber my drain plug suggestion above? This is another chance to get soaked if you don't have one. Pry the old seal out and carefully and press(hammer) the new one in. A 4" to 6" piece of wood makes a good cushion. Hammering directly on the seal is usually counter productive.

The other leaks get complicated, but still may be cheaply fixed. I highly reccommend a factory service manual. You can get one on CD for $50. It will pay for itself by reducing the number of parts you have to replace that could be fixed. This forum is also an excellent tool. You son should register(free) and he can ask questions.

 

Sounds like a good pickup. $450 for a pickup with good body and runs good is a steal. Does it say F100, F150 or F250 on the side of the pickup? Is it 2 wheel drive or 4x4? The "Ranger" wording is for the Ranger options package, which includes things like carpeting, nicer door panels, nicer seat, exterior stripes/chrome ect.

Count the valve cover bolts - this will tell us what size engine it has.

Marty