wel im gonna buy a 1997 5spd standard ranger and i was wondering if there was anything i should look for before i finallize the deal. anything that you guys know that might go wrong with this particular year of ranger would help thanks

 

What engine? We need to know that.

Leaking shift rail plugs on the top back of the tranny. 'cause lots of problems over time. Does it shift good? Check all the basic stuff, fluids and stuff, make sure everything is good.
Look hard for any leaks under the hood. And look for the obvious stuff, rust, dents, etc. What's the seller asking for it?

RP
Zach

 

I have a 97 ranger 5sp 2.3L and haven't had the first problem out of it. I bought it at 60K mi. and have put on 110k since. I changed a timing belt and fuel pump, but mechanically, it's great. It lacks power, but can't argue with the fuel mileage.

 

look carefully underneath at everything for rust deterioration on the frame and other components..

 

Would help to know the mileage and which engine. Especially important to look at the underside condition because you'll want to know how much trouble corrosion is going to cause pulling off parts as you need. Integrity of the frame is critical. This era of Ranger was prone to get corrosion on the front panel behind the grille with the opening for the radiator, it needs to be structurally sound and if there is corrosion you need to be able to get to it to remove it and treat/repaint. Check the undersides of the door bottoms where the seam is on both the doors and tailgate, common rust areas but if only surface easily repaired. Check the underside directly below the door scuff plates on both sides, Henry used self tapping screws to hold those plastic plates down and the screw holes are exposed to the weather. If in good shape and you buy the truck get some spray undercoating over them pronto. Check the integrity of the fuel tank filler hose between the opening and the tank, it needs to be secure. I'm always interested in maintenance records, plugs and wires been changed, tranny fluid replaced, brakes, tire conditions. Coolant and battery. Check to see if the spare tire carrier works, it can seize up. Truck of this vintage you can find the seat belt buttons don't always release the clasp when you push the button, the mechanism wears out. Just a few tips of things to look for. Alot are not bad to fix and to me the level of corrosion is the big thing.

 

Hey fellas, check the origional date of this thread. Hee hee

Fred

 

lol, but the advice is timeless...

 

But of course. This is why we leave these words of wisdom in the archives, hee hee.
But heck, it's there so people can do searches and gather info to better formulate new threads to seek help. I'm not sure if this fellow that's been digging them up is messing with us, doesn't know how to use the forum or is having technical difficulties, but he hasn't posted a response on a single new thread. Just dead ones.

Fred

 

yeah i know... so how's the '07 running did you get the bugs worked out yet?

 

Oh CROW!!! My bad. Speaking of dead threads, I completely forgot about that. Thanks Ranger XLT. Check the top of the forum.

Fred

 

Well at least I put some advise in there for future reference. I don't know how the post came to me if it was that old. Maybe it will help someone else.