I am thinking of adding a 1994 Ranger to the Stable and need some input! It is a XLT regular cab long bed w/2.3l 4cyl, 5 sp manual, w/160,000 miles. Not a single engine or tranny oil leak, new compressor and evap on the ac system, oil change every 3000 miles. It needs window crank handles, headliner, seat armrest, and has a non functioning gas gauge. On my explorer when the guage went out I got a float from ford for about $5-$6. Is the fix for this guage the same? Is the 2.3 a decent motor as far as longevity and power. Can I assume the 5 speed manual tranny is the same as the one on my 92 explorer? Is there any known problems I can expect? the motor and tranny have no leaks and it has been garage kept. The guy is asking $1750.00, Does that seem like a reasonable price for the rig? Anybody know where i can get the headliner material, crank handles etc. Any tips or tricks? Thanks in advance for the input.

 

Good. At 160K miles, I wouldn't expect the engine to even be broken in yet, so that's normal--no leaks.

Gas gauge...yes, that fix is the same as the Exploders.

Window crank handles? Any Ranger based vehicle should have them, but even those generic ones (the "HELP" kind) at the parts stores might work.

Headliner? Get a shop to fix that for you? Other than robbing another truck (reg cabber) for one, I don't know where to find that stuff.

Your armrest is cracked, right? I've heard JB weld to fix that. Mine is still unfixed, but I got it to fit together well enough that it's been okay for me.

The tranny is the same other than the inner gearing. Same in name.

The 2.3L is great for longevity, and decent for power for the time. You got a 5-speed, so if you are not afraid to rev the engine over (as in WAY over) 2500 rpms, you'll be okay. Mine does 5500 rpm highway passes just fine.

$1750? Reasonable, but I haven't checked KBB lately....

 

What he said.

I've got 220k on a '97 2.3 5-speed. I don't like to wind it much, so it can be a bit slow. I know if I need the power, I have it, though, so it doesn't bother me much. Hills take a little planning if you're hauling something heavy, but it'll do it...

On the fuel gauge, it is generally recommended to take the bed off rather than drop the tank.

Price seems a little high for a 12 year old truck, but I'm used to vehicles with 12 New England winter's worth of salt. If the body's good it probably isn't a bad price.

 

I've a '94 with the 4.0L, great year.

The 2.3L is practically invincible, several on the forum with over 400K on them. They just keep tickin'.
Not too sure on price, try kbb.com. Sounds like a good lookin' and runnin' truck. Just as soon as you get it check the tranny fluid and make sure the rubber plugs on the shift rail have been replaced. They degrade over time.

 

Redboat my friend, welcome to the ranger board, glad to see you finaly deciding to add a Ranger into your all Ford stable! All I can I say is buy the ranger, fix the few little items you mentioned and then just try and kill it between work and home every day....only cuz you know me, and know I have had great such great luck with all of my Rangers over the years, you know the darn things just won't die. Anyway good luck and welcome aboard -

 

RP,
What "shift rail rubber plugs" are you referring to?
Where are they located?


Redboat,
I've got 246,000+ miles on my '94 XLT, 2.3L w/5-speed and it's still going just fine. Sure, it's doesn't act like a V8, F-150 when it comes to towing or hauling stuff, but it's been a great little commuter truck for me!

The truck you describe sounds like it's mechanically sound with only a few cosmetic issues that should be easily corrected if they bother you.

If I were you, I'd ask the owner if he has ever changed the cam timing belt. Possibly not. If not, then mention that the factory recommends that it should be changed every 60-70,000 miles. Ask him when was the last time the rearend gear lube and the trans fluid (both recommended to be changed every 30,000mi) was changed. If the timing belt and fluids have never been changed, then offer him $1675.00.

If/when you have it home, I wouldn't waste too much time changing out the $28 cam timing belt (while you've got it apart, change out the $27 waterpump, $8 thermostat and change the coolant), change the rearend fluid(5pts, GL-5 SAE90 gear lube), change the trans fluid (5.5pts, Mercon ATF) and change the fuel filter (located at LH frame rail under cab). I'd also consider pulling a couple sparkplugs to get an idea of what shape they're in.

I'd jack up the front end and wiggle each front wheel to check the tightness of the front wheel bearings. I'd consider pulling off each tire and visually check the condition of the front brake pads and rear brake shoes. After you've driven it a week or so, you'll know if it needs a frontend alignment, shock absorbers or exhaust work, but sounds like the PO may of stayed on top of those maintenance items.

By keeping up on the fluid and filter changes, you can plan on getting another 150,000 safe & dependable miles outta that baby!

Good Luck!
BarnieTrk

 

BarnieTrk and Waves, Thanks for the words of encouragement and for everything I need to look at when I get her home. The only thing I have heard to be a pain is the timing belt-never done one of those. Everything else seems like it could/should not be a problem (I hope). Anyone have any tip/tricks to changing a timing belt?
Thanks again, Redboat

 

Dude - it would be a pain for any normal person, but since I know you and have seen and bennefited from alot of your handy work in the garage, I would say it's no brainer for you bro -

 

In the tech info thread at the top of this forum I have a link about the shift rail plugs, the pics should give you a good idea of the location.

 

Yep...three little rubber plugs on top of the tranny.

Tranny fluid degrades rubber. <--stupid people

They leak...only when driving though, usually at a stop you'll notice nothing out of the ordinary.