Hello, I just acquired an abandoned 1989 Ranger XLT and am really excited to get it up and running...I was told that it needed a new transmission...anyway.
What is the best way for me to get some general information about this truck? I'd love to get my hands on an owners manual..I don't even know what size engine it has, What transmission I need - or which other trucks' transmissions would work equally well in this truck.
I know I'm asking alot, but I gotta start somewhere and ANY and all knowledge about this truck is greatly appreciated.
...Anyone out there have this same truck???
Please help a first time truck owner, but willing to learn
Sleepless in Washington!

 

First things first..... You have to find out what engine you have & what trans you have.

For the engine, look under the hood there should be a tag under there that identifies what it has. 4bang - usually 2.3L, (don't know if they had 2.0L in 89' too). 6cyl - usually 2.9L. Get acouple of manuals to assist you like Haynes, Chiltons, Helms, etc.... If you have these, the owner's manual is not worth much. You should be able to use this to check VIN code for all the options it came with against these manuals.

For the trans, you didn't mention 5sp or auto, 4x2 or 4x4, etc... In any case, look under the truck on one side of the trans there will be a label / sticker that has a code on it. Check that code against the manuals, Mitsu is like FM###, and Mazda is like E87A-##. If the trans is a 1 piece case where the bellhousing is attached, chances are it is a Mazda, if it has a 2 piece case (removable bellhousing), chances are it is a Mitsubishi. If it is an auto.... I don't know much about those. A rebuilt 5sp trans will run you about $750-$950 mail order, while local shops may try get you for $2000+.

Also, if you find it is a 2.9L v6 you will want to check the heads for cracks. An over-heated 2.9L will crack the heads VERY fast, which may be why it was abbandoned. If not, then the obvious advise is DO NOT, EVER, EVER let it get too hot.

Welcome to FTE.

 

I note the word abandoned. Before throwing money at this project, you will want to have a title in hand for it.

 

Thanks for your reply, I'm off to find the Chilton book...I think I'm in alittle over my head so I'll have a mechanic check it out BEFORE I start putting money into this project....
Sonia

 

Yes, that is true, It's an "out of state" title so the process is a 3 year wait - but in the mean time, I can register it and use it....I"m going to see if it's worth the trouble before I start the process.
Thanx,
Sonia

 

You can get owners manual free online at motorcraft.com

 

I bought an 89 project Ranger a few years ago with a bad tranny. I do remember that I replaced the Mazda tranny with a Mitibishi and swapped the transfer cases too. I also had to swap the front drive shaft too because they were different. I had a 2.9L in it, that crapped on me also, and did an engine swap too. I had more experience with that truck than I really wanted.