Going back to a Ranger again... :)
Thread Starter
|
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,824
Likes: 1
From: Dixie - Tennessee
Going back to a Ranger again... :)
Found a 1992 Ranger Regular Cab/Short Bed 4x4 on the internet the other day for a good price. It's a 2.3L/5 speed, just like I've been looking for.
I couldn't believe that it was all original. I didn't think that Ford put the 2.3L's in the 4x4s, but I checked the VIN and it's all correct.
It has the electronic transfer case, a 4" lift, 32" BFG All-Terrains, and manual locks, windows, etc. Seems to be un-fooled around with, as far as the interior goes.
This will be my 2nd 1992 2.3L, but my first 4x4 Ranger. Is there anything specific that I need to look for?
It feels good to be back in Ranger-Land!
Nightrain
I couldn't believe that it was all original. I didn't think that Ford put the 2.3L's in the 4x4s, but I checked the VIN and it's all correct.
It has the electronic transfer case, a 4" lift, 32" BFG All-Terrains, and manual locks, windows, etc. Seems to be un-fooled around with, as far as the interior goes.
This will be my 2nd 1992 2.3L, but my first 4x4 Ranger. Is there anything specific that I need to look for?
It feels good to be back in Ranger-Land!
Nightrain
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,147
Likes: 0
Welcome back Nightrain, you could get get a 4 cylinder in a 4x4 up till 97, all though you don't see to many. You have an electric t-case, but how about the hubs, are they manual or auto hubs? Most people would have switched to manual hubs by this time as the auto ones tend to crap out. The other thing that goes bad is the electric shift motor on the t-case, but if it's working now, good to go. Alot of the time these shift motors go bad from not being used. I engage both high and low at least once a month, even if it's just back and fourth in the driveway. This keeps things freed up and operating smoothly. The shift motors also can get dirty and need to be cleaned. You allready know the ends and outs of the 2.3. It sounds like a grovey truck ( I haven't heard that word in a couple of decades, so I decided to use it ha ha) Hows the body on it? Sounds like you have a real gem there, were glad to have you back!!
Thread Starter
|
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,824
Likes: 1
From: Dixie - Tennessee
Hey, wendell...
I know I change my mind about like I change my underwears (lol), but I found this little 'ol "Jim Dandy" and I've been wanting to get back in a stick shift for awhile now.
The truck has auto hubs, which I plan on being the first thing that I switch out.
The fender lips on the bed have the usual "Ford-Truck" rust, but that's to be expected. I'm just going to sand out what I can, and coat the rest to prevent any further damage. For now, it's only started to bubble the original paint.
I expect this thing to be a "doooog", but I can handle that much. This truck will still have the M5OD, right?
Nightrain
I know I change my mind about like I change my underwears (lol), but I found this little 'ol "Jim Dandy" and I've been wanting to get back in a stick shift for awhile now.
The truck has auto hubs, which I plan on being the first thing that I switch out.
The fender lips on the bed have the usual "Ford-Truck" rust, but that's to be expected. I'm just going to sand out what I can, and coat the rest to prevent any further damage. For now, it's only started to bubble the original paint.
I expect this thing to be a "doooog", but I can handle that much. This truck will still have the M5OD, right?
Nightrain
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 8,462
Likes: 4
From: Durant, OK (SOSU)
Yes it will have the M5OD... might wanna seal the shift rail plugs once you get it.
Sounds like quite the nice truck. How's the rear end gearing? I would imagine that could use an upgrade with the 32"s.
Sounds like quite the nice truck. How's the rear end gearing? I would imagine that could use an upgrade with the 32"s.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 112
Likes: 0
From: Oxford, alabama
Little Ranger
I still have my little 97 XLT step side and it only has 111000 miles. I plan on rolling over the 200000 one day and am keeping it looking like new. I still use it for my go-getter and back and forth to work and have no plans on letting her go. I'll get some pics posted in the next week or so.
My other is a F350 SD with the 7.3 which is used for the camper.....
My other is a F350 SD with the 7.3 which is used for the camper.....
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 649
Likes: 1
From: north carolina
would it have the dana 35 front end being a 4 cyl or would it have dana 28 or the even more ugly dana 28 mounted on dana 35 axles? the reason im asking is the dana 28 front is weak and i would not go any larger than 32s on a dana 28. also i know in 2wd versons most 4 cyl have the 7.5 rear another weak link in the drive train. especialy with larger tires and if you actually use it from time to time lol. these would be the 2 concerns i would have with large tires and 4x4. if you plan to wheel this thing and give it mild to moderate abuse you will be fine with what you have, but dont be totally surprised when an axle gives. now if you plan to wheel moderate to punishing it i would up grade to dana 35 and 8.8 rears (with manual hubs up front). another area to look at being a 4 cyl with 32" tires is rear end gear. if its too high your working that thing hard to get up to spead though once to get there it will cruise easier. if it has 3.o8 ~ 3.45 gears i would up grade to 3.73 ~ 4.10 though you will loose 2-3 mpg hwy. but gain more in the city and making the 4cyl work more efficiantly and with out killing it trying to get to 55 mph.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 8,462
Likes: 4
From: Durant, OK (SOSU)
You know...it's interesting that you brought that up FrankenBroncoII. There was a post a few days ago on here (I'll try and dig it up) where a chart showed the capabilities of various axles, the 7.5" and 8.8" were rated the same. Hardly...the 7.5" will snap long before the 8.8" does.
The four banger couldn't come with less than 3.73 ratio axles...I'd still suggest 4.10s or maybe even lower.
The four banger couldn't come with less than 3.73 ratio axles...I'd still suggest 4.10s or maybe even lower.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,824
Likes: 1
From: Dixie - Tennessee
The truth is, I'm planning on the 2.3L giving out sometime or another, and a 351/ZF-5 (if the ZF-5'll fit) will sit in her place.
With that being said, an 8.8/Dana 35 axle swap is in the future, sometime. lol.
I'll give the guy a buzz again and see if he'll give me the axle codes and all off of the door before I go and get her, so I'll know what to expect.
Either way, if it ain't big enough, it'll be swapped over. Another thing that will change, when the new drivetrain is in place, is the transfer case. I mean, ya'll know the transfer case will have to change, but when it does, I'm going with the manual shift instead of electric.
If the axles in place are indeed the 8.8/Dana 35 (which I'm seriously doubting), I'm stepping down, I guess you would say, to a lower gear than a 4.10. At least a 4.56 with a Lock-Right in both axles.
I also intend on sitting it on 33's, whether it takes a body lift or not.
Thanks for the advice and thought, ya'll!
Nightrain
With that being said, an 8.8/Dana 35 axle swap is in the future, sometime. lol.
I'll give the guy a buzz again and see if he'll give me the axle codes and all off of the door before I go and get her, so I'll know what to expect.
Either way, if it ain't big enough, it'll be swapped over. Another thing that will change, when the new drivetrain is in place, is the transfer case. I mean, ya'll know the transfer case will have to change, but when it does, I'm going with the manual shift instead of electric.
If the axles in place are indeed the 8.8/Dana 35 (which I'm seriously doubting), I'm stepping down, I guess you would say, to a lower gear than a 4.10. At least a 4.56 with a Lock-Right in both axles.
I also intend on sitting it on 33's, whether it takes a body lift or not.
Thanks for the advice and thought, ya'll!
Nightrain
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
Thread Starter
|
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,824
Likes: 1
From: Dixie - Tennessee
By the way, as far as wheeling goes, I don't plan on punishing the little feller. You know, no rock-climbing or up-to-the-frame-in-mud kinda thing...
A little mud-sling every now and then never hurt a thing, though!
Nightrain
A little mud-sling every now and then never hurt a thing, though!
Nightrain
Thread Starter
|
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,824
Likes: 1
From: Dixie - Tennessee
Thanks, bud.
I'm going to give the seller a ring again today and get the axles codes and some more info from him. I'm leaving out Saturday morning to go and get her. Can't wait to get there and back... Whew. I've had a ton of overtime this week.
Nightrain
I'm going to give the seller a ring again today and get the axles codes and some more info from him. I'm leaving out Saturday morning to go and get her. Can't wait to get there and back... Whew. I've had a ton of overtime this week.
Nightrain
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Nightrain
1983 - 2012 Ranger & B-Series
12
Mar 2, 2004 06:23 PM