96 Ranger Build...ish

[RustyShackleford94]

So i picked this up probably a month and a half ago for $400

Its a 96 ranger, 2.3L, M5OD, manual everything. It ran and drove but was down on power. Plugs, wires, coils, CTS, TB clean, fix a couple vacuum leaks, and an air filter later she runs smooth as silk with 112hp present. I also deep cleaned the heck out of the interior. A previous owner was addicted to sunflower seeds btw. No clue on actual milage as the odometer quit dead nuts between 191999 and 192000. This was probably the cheapest 4x4 ford offered in 96 being that it doesnt even have AC but thats what make it cool to me.

This is how she sits currently

Its my daily and id like to keep it that way, saves me tons of gas over my GMC.


Things it has/ive done-
-Newer 31x10.5 Firestone ATs (came with)
-Back Rack (came with)
-Marketplace special toolbox (needs struts)
-Rubber bed mat
-4 New shocks
-New shackle and hanger on drivers side
-New engine and trans mounts
-Replaced the front ABS wire
-Junkyard special headerpanel, air deflector, marker light, and grill
-Vent visors (amazon messed up and sent me the more expensive in channel vs the sick on cheapos)
-“Fixed” parking brake cable. It works, thats all that matters lol.
-3D printed a cupholder.

Plans-
-Valve cover gasket replacement
-Power steering line replacement
-Rebuild front end or swap in a D30HP (everything is shot... everything) (might still swap in an xj axle though)
-Swap an 8.8 disc brake rear with explorer leafs
-Build bumeprs (once steel prices come down)
-Swap in a new (uncracked) windshield
-15x8 D windows or soft 8s
-Bucket/console swap. The dog is the only one that uses the passenger seat, Mrs. Shackleford doesnt care to ride in it.
-Carpet the floors (i hate rubber floors)
-Swap out the manual doors for power or at least the guts and cards.
-Fix saggy headliner
-Replace some broken interior trim
-Do something about the poor light output from the headlights
-Swap on 2008ish mirrors (if anyone can confirm fitment that would be awesome)

And last but not least
-Lund Lighted visor. I loved the way my B2s looked with them and id love to find one for this.

like i said its my daily and id like to keep it that way unless i find a second gen 2x4 2.3 5sp short bed ranger cheap. It wont be much of a build but itll be much nicer and more comfortable if i can check off all those wantsies.

 

[dvdswan]

Looks like a nice solid starter for 400. Can't be that.

 

[RustyShackleford94]

So i had a funky thing pop up after hauling brush with my little tilt trailer this weekend. Nothing terribly heavy, definitely under my tow and payload ratings. Anyway my clutch makes a sqwak sound when it catches trying to take off quickly or up a hill. Its not terribly loud but I notice it. What say TRS? Think its just a little hot spotted and it will go away?

 

[RustyShackleford94]

Made a 4x4 shift knob to match my transmission knob.

Action shot

The gear shift knob

 

[Roert42]

When do orders open for the "Motha' F***IN RANGER" shift knobs?

 

[Dirtman]

Oooooh Mr fancy pants can afford ER32 collets and doesn’t have to use crappy R8's....

 

[RustyShackleford94]

When do orders open for the "Motha' F***IN RANGER" shift knobs?

Lol maybe. Id have to clear it with the bossman first.

Oooooh Mr fancy pants can afford ER32 collets and doesn’t have to use crappy R8's....

Bossman is Mr fancy pants, although to be fair im 99% sure Mazak never offered live tools for slant bed lathes that used R8 collets...

 

[RustyShackleford94]

Scored new to me seats tonight. BIL picked up a 98 XL 2.5, 5sp that only has 132k on it. Nice interior and the body wasnt terribly rusted but the frame is rotten behind the passenger side control arms and its absolutely gone at the passenger side rear hanger. No idea why he bought it but he told me hed swap me seats and let me grab all the interior bits i need for $50. Ill get some pics tomorrow when its not dark, also im going to have to design and print a new cupholder because mine no longer fits.

 

[ericbphoto]

Lol maybe. Id have to clear it with the bossman first.



Bossman is Mr fancy pants, although to be fair im 99% sure Mazak never offered live tools for slant bed lathes that used R8 collets...

That's almost Greek to me. But you have access to a mighty fancy "metal stick whittling machine" there.

 

[RustyShackleford94]

That's almost Greek to me. But you have access to a mighty fancy "metal stick whittling machine" there.

Its all sorts of fancy lol. 3D printed table covers on the big machining center cuz murica.

I got access to all the cool metal whittling/joining things.

 

[RustyShackleford94]

New hotness.

They need a good cleaning but theyre in far better shape and more comfortable than the old ones. Also need to figure out the seatbelt situation. The stock belts dont work with the female ends on the new seats.

 

[RustyShackleford94]

Got the new seats deep cleaned. Cleaned up great.

I think the headliner is coming out later today, needs redone. Then maybe tomorrow ill hit a junkyard and try to find a non duct taped airbag.

 

[RustyShackleford94]

Got the saggy headliner taken care of.

Glued

Trimmed

Installed with deep cleaned trim and visors

Also got the matching 4x4 shifter installed

 

[Ranger850]

Also need to figure out the seatbelt situation.

You should be able to swap out the seat belt receptacles at the seat to match the belts latches from the truck. Or vice versa

 

[RustyShackleford94]

You should be able to swap out the seat belt receptacles at the seat to match the belts latches from the truck. Or vice versa

Yeah i just yanked the original cab mounted buckle up through the little seat pocket when i reinstalled the seats after cleaning. Im going to grab a set of belts next time i hit the junk yard.