wildbill23c
Well-Known Member
U.S. Military - Veteran
TRS Banner 2012-2015
TRS 20th Anniversary
Ham Radio Operator
- Joined
- Aug 22, 2012
- Messages
- 3,917
- Reaction score
- 577
- Points
- 113
- Location
- Southwestern Idaho
- Vehicle Year
- 1987
- Make / Model
- Ford Ranger
- Engine Type
- 2.9 V6
- Transmission
- Manual
- 2WD / 4WD
- 2WD
- Total Lift
- 0
- Total Drop
- 0
- Tire Size
- 215/70-R14
- My credo
- 19K, 19D, 92Y, 88M, 91F....OIF-III (2004-2005)
This is what I've found too...at least here in Idaho I see RBV's all the time and the few I have spoke to had no idea about TRS...not sure any of them actually ever checked out the forum either, but so many out there have no clue this forum exists . I've learned so much on this forum, and even though my 88 Bronco 2 isn't worth crap to anybody, and the only way I could sell it would be to a scrap yard. I had AAMCO rebuild the transmission right after I bought it, and just last year I had to have the engine replaced...both due to the PO's complete lack of maintenance, hack repairs, and abuse. Funny I was looking at the approximate MSRP on an Eddie Bauer 88 Bronco 2 a few weeks ago and then realized the amount I have tied up in this thing is about what they cost new in 88 LOL.Mine is only 25 but I have a dedicated metric & standard socket set behind the seat. Tire iron, jack, can-o-gas, quart-o-oil, RTV tube, and that's about all you need. Grease your hubs and lube points before you go. My Ranger only got me stuck twice (fuel pump and computer, both of which are out now) and I thoroughly trust the internals of the motor & trans combo. If I were to keep my computer I'd carry a spare - they fail and they don't tell you it's their fault.
Now that's my backyard. Great country up here. Trees, mountains, dirt roads, hunt & fish spots everywhere, all a back woods type needs. I think TRS is a but under represented up here though, I see tons of old Rangers and Broncos in great shape but I doubt many of these folks know about the site. Great marketing opportunity.
This forum is what keeps these old RBV's going, or at least hopefully keeps them going....I know some are beyond repair but for the most part many here seem to keep them going even with different powertrains...personally I stick to original powertrain, but interesting to see what other's are able to do that's way above my skill level HAHA!!
Maybe someone or a group of offroad and long distance RBV guys could get together and create a list of stuff to carry on cross country trips for example.
1. List of parts, tools, accessories, etc. to carry along when going on long distance trips (I know to carry spare fluids, a working jack, lug wrench, etc.) but if I head off into the sunset with my 88 Bronco 2 what would be advisable to carry in the way of parts?
2. List of Junk yard parts to grab that a DIYer can easily pull and install and parts to pull and keep on a shelf because they just can't be purchased anymore
3. Budget list of offroad goodies that'll work on 80's Bronco 2's and Rangers without having to swap drivetrain, axles, etc.
4. List of LED light upgrades for Bronco 2's and Rangers like tail/brake light LED's that work, turn signal LEDs, instrument/interior LEDs, etc. (Something I want to do to my Bronco 2 is replace as many bulbs as I can with LEDs...probably keep the factory headlights but everything else I'd like to replace if possible at some point.