1997 4.0 4x4 "Project"

[BlueTankRanger97]

Thought I would start a full thread on this Project of mine.
Just bought a 1997 XLT 4x4 4.0 That originally was sold new in Seattle, WA. Made its way accross the country and through 6 other owners to me here in Central KY. Odometer says 313,000+ miles but the engin and tranny have 31,000+. Runs great.
Inside is rough and worn. First order of business was a trip to my local Pull-A-Part and grab some seats and carpet and a rear window. found some seats and carpet in a green '97 so snagged them. No joy on the window. Ordered on and will be delivered soon. Get that in and get the new carpet in and seats. Gonna get some new seat belts as the mechanism original to the 97 i got the seats out of was not complete.
I trailerd th Ranger home so when I got her home i drove her around. Guy i got her from said it was not drivable for long distances due to a bad hub on the front right. Hub is fine. noise was from the right rear. Pulled the read drums and the Driverside looks freshly re-built. Passenger side, Not so much. Springs and adjuster all fell out as the drum fell off once the wheel was removed. Found the noise. Turns out his cousin did a free brake job for him. Got what he paid for. So the ass end is getting a new set of shoes and cylinders and drums....
AC needs looking at. I am suspecting the AC relay, but will dive into that later.
More to come on her later. Any suggestions and tip will be GREATLY welcome!

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Nice start!
I dont know why you didnt like that Drum? It was "lubed for life"...
Keep the pics and commentary coming.

 

[BlueTankRanger97]

Nice start!
I dont know why you didnt like that Drum? It was "lubed for life"...
Keep the pics and commentary coming.

Didn't say I didn't like it. Make it difficult to park on a hill and noise. The previous owner's cousin did the brake job for him. You do get what you pay for.

 

[BlueTankRanger97]

Got the new rear window in. Last night after work. Dropped right in. Cleaned the rim with acetone and scrubbed it. Wiped the edge of the window with a little bit of acetone and laid the tape down and screwed her into place. Had a FROG CHOKER today. Freaking downpour! NO LEAKS. Successful test in my book. On the books for tomorrow, Rear Brake job and new shocks all around, if I survive.

 

[BillinVA]

Congratulations! A fine year (but then my Ranger is a 1997 XLT Supercab 4X4 with the 4.0 and 5sp auto) I have had it since new. Same color, Toreador Red. Those rear side windows will spoil you. Our first dog loved to sit on the side jump seat and stick his nose out.

It has been very reliable over the years. Only on the road repair was it cracked a rear brake line about 300 miles from home returning from a Canadian vacation. We babied it home with only the front brakes. Waited until dark and low traffic. Once home I had all the lines from the master cylinder to the wheels replaced.

My bed does not have the rectangular holes in the bed rails for the tiedown loops like your does. No matter as it has had a Jeraco cap since day 10.

Good luck with the project.

 

[BlueTankRanger97]

Congratulations! A fine year (but then my Ranger is a 1997 XLT Supercab 4X4 with the 4.0 and 5sp auto) I have had it since new. Same color, Toreador Red. Those rear side windows will spoil you. Our first dog loved to sit on the side jump seat and stick his nose out.

It has been very reliable over the years. Only on the road repair was it cracked a rear brake line about 300 miles from home returning from a Canadian vacation. We babied it home with only the front brakes. Waited until dark and low traffic. Once home I had all the lines from the master cylinder to the wheels replaced.

My bed does not have the rectangular holes in the bed rails for the tiedown loops like your does. No matter as it has had a Jeraco cap since day 10.

Good luck with the project.

Thanks, Spent the day with Ma Nature screwing with me. Every time I tried to work on her a thunderstorm would rear up and chase me inside. Was able to get the right rear brake rebuilt. Left rear is tomorrow as well as shocks, I hope. Same weather pattern is forecast. I was able to get the Havis console rough fitted. I am a Volunteer Firefighter and I am going to set her up with lights and siren and emergency gear. Need to see what Alternator in on it. Gonna put a 130 amp on her if it doesn't have one. Don't think it does, no need for a high amp alt in it's present set up.

Looking at a used topper. Looks promising, but I do need to cover the bed. That Line is great but it won't drain.

More to come.