akulczycky
New Member
- Joined
- Aug 25, 2009
- Messages
- 12
- Reaction score
- 0
- Points
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- Vehicle Year
- 1997
- Make / Model
- Ford
- Transmission
- Manual
I've got a 1997 Ford Ranger XLT 2WD 2.3L with ~130k on it. I got the car as a hand me down from an uncle a year ago with 100k on it, so the repair/ maintenance history is somewhat unclear.
Recently the brake lines heading to the front brakes from the master cylinder sprang a leak. After trying to fix it myself, I realized I didn't have the tools to do it, and brought it in to a shop for an estimate on the repair cost. In doing so, the shop discovered (and I had them point it out to me) that not only the front brake lines needed replacing, but essentially the entire brake system, excluding the master cylinder, needs replacing (Front and rear brake assemblies, the hoses, lines). Additionally, one of the leaf springs is broken, the parking break cable needs to be replaced, and I need to replace the heat shield over the muffler, in addition to some "minor" repairs that are not urgent.
The mechanic told me that the cost would be in excess of $2000 to repair - leading him to suggest junking it. The frame is solid, I have only very minor rust forming.
After pricing out the parts, I'm somewhere in the $500 - $600 range, with potential for a lower cost if I go junkyard diving.
I'm considering trying to repair it myself, but I have limited experience, but lots of time (currently unemployed). I'm looking for opinions as to whether or not you would recommend an amature to undertake such an overhaul, and whether or not it would be something that is safe for me to do, or if I should simply junk the car.
If I junk it, I'll be able to afford another car in the near future (Hopefully being selected as a navy nuke and I'll get the selection bonus), but if it's just a heavy time investment and I'd be able to fix it, I'd rather not have to "invest" in a new car.
Your opinions, experiences, and advice will be greatly appreciated in deciding what I should do here. Thanks!
Recently the brake lines heading to the front brakes from the master cylinder sprang a leak. After trying to fix it myself, I realized I didn't have the tools to do it, and brought it in to a shop for an estimate on the repair cost. In doing so, the shop discovered (and I had them point it out to me) that not only the front brake lines needed replacing, but essentially the entire brake system, excluding the master cylinder, needs replacing (Front and rear brake assemblies, the hoses, lines). Additionally, one of the leaf springs is broken, the parking break cable needs to be replaced, and I need to replace the heat shield over the muffler, in addition to some "minor" repairs that are not urgent.
The mechanic told me that the cost would be in excess of $2000 to repair - leading him to suggest junking it. The frame is solid, I have only very minor rust forming.
After pricing out the parts, I'm somewhere in the $500 - $600 range, with potential for a lower cost if I go junkyard diving.
I'm considering trying to repair it myself, but I have limited experience, but lots of time (currently unemployed). I'm looking for opinions as to whether or not you would recommend an amature to undertake such an overhaul, and whether or not it would be something that is safe for me to do, or if I should simply junk the car.
If I junk it, I'll be able to afford another car in the near future (Hopefully being selected as a navy nuke and I'll get the selection bonus), but if it's just a heavy time investment and I'd be able to fix it, I'd rather not have to "invest" in a new car.
Your opinions, experiences, and advice will be greatly appreciated in deciding what I should do here. Thanks!