1985 Ranger 4X4 project (newbie)

[DadsallWright2020]

Hi all,
I'm a new registered member here, but I've found a lot of useful information on past projects from here, so I'm looking forward to getting some new info on a new venture. I've worked on cars and trucks in the past, but nothing this in depth, so I'm definitely going to need insight.

A little back story: My great grandfather was a huge Ford supporter, from the 50's til now. He left us in 2017 at the ripe age of 96, and left me a gem to work on. Now, I haven't had the means until now to grab this project and start on it. So, its been sitting for 8 years. Its going to be a job. But, I'm attached and I would love to continue using it as long as I can. I will post questions and updates as I move along with it.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Hell yeah.

Nothin better then breathing new life into a dead mechanical object.

I commend you.

 

[Uncle Gump]

First off... welcome to TRS.

Secondly… you're probably in the right place for information.

I understand the attachment... looks like it's going to need a bunch of TLC.

 

[ericbphoto]

 

[rusty ol ranger]

First off... welcome to TRS.

Secondly… you're probably in the right place for information.

I understand the attachment... looks like it's going to need a bunch of TLC.

You might be surprised.

What i generally do with stuff like that is squirt some oil down the cylinders, spin it over with a ratchet a few times, siphon the tank, dump in 4-5 gallons of fresh fuel, drop a good battery in it and see what happens.

75-80% of the time they'll atleast try to fire and run.

 

[Uncle Gump]

It looks to me that getting the engine running is only the beginning...

But I like your optimistic viewpoint...

Not trying to be a Debbie Downer... but it even looks as though the roof of the cab is rotted through.

 

[DadsallWright2020]

First off... welcome to TRS.

Secondly… you're probably in the right place for information.

I understand the attachment... looks like it's going to need a bunch of TLC.

Thanks. I'm looking forward to digging in. Probably going to need

It looks to me that getting the engine running is only the beginning...

But I like your optimistic viewpoint...

Not trying to be a Debbie Downer... but it even looks as though the roof of the cab is rotted through.

It actually had cab lights (don’t really know why) and someone removed them some years ago and they just plugged the holes with some epoxy. I’ll have to rip out the headliner to asses the extent. But, I’m going to stick with the optimistic viewpoint!

 

[Uncle Gump]

Oh... I'm all for you saving the truck man.

I like ones that have a story attached... rock on!

 

[DadsallWright2020]

Oh... I'm all for you saving the truck man.

I like ones that have a story attached... rock on!

Thanks brother!

 

[rusty ol ranger]

It looks to me that getting the engine running is only the beginning...

But I like your optimistic viewpoint...

Not trying to be a Debbie Downer... but it even looks as though the roof of the cab is rotted through.

Get it moving under its own power everything else is gravy IMO..

 

[ericbphoto]

Get it moving under its own power everything else is gravy IMO..

It’s still not as rusty as yours.

 

[DadsallWright2020]

Get it moving under its own power everything else is gravy IMO..

That’s the positivity I like to hear! Be on the lookout for this ol’ boy looking for advice. Lol.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

It’s still not as rusty as yours.

Lmao. No its not actually.

That’s the positivity I like to hear! Be on the lookout for this ol’ boy looking for advice. Lol.

I have saved all kinds of stuff from scrap piles, vehicles, tractors, mowers. Etc.

Heres my ranger....gave the guy 375 bucks cause the scrapper was gonna give him 350, roughly 2 years later its my daily driver...never even heard it run before i hauled it home.

Also, as you can see, it does get used...

Biggest thing to remember is you cant go into it looking at it as some sort of return investment, cause youll always be disappointed.

Go into it with the attitude "this sumbitch aint ran its last mile yet!"

The reward is all in the first time you run it down the road.

 

[sgtsandman]

 

[DadsallWright2020]

So, like I said before, I'm a bit of a newbie. Especially when it comes to transmissions and components within. With that being said, while stripping the interior I noticed that I don't have all the parts for the top end of the transmission. Its a TK5, but I don't know exactly what all is missing and what kind of a process I'm looking at to get it back to shifting. I know that i definitely need a shifter assembly, and shifter shaft and knob, but I was wondering if anyone could give me some insight on parts and tips and tricks. I've attached some pictures to how what I'm up against. Thanks for all the info so far!