First Ranger

[GrouseHuntr]

Introductions. Learned to drive on a 88 Bronco 2 (manual). Recently was looking for a truck and found what I still believe was a steal. I was able to buy a 2003 Ranger XLT 4x4 (4.0 6cyl) with under 50k miles. Single owner, garage kept and only used to plow the parking lot at his company.

Since purchase the brake lines, sway bar links and thermostat have been replaced. I will need to do the front suspension within a year and I was told the water pump and fan clutch need to be monitored. Engine sounds great and the interior is pretty much mint. I knew buying used would most likely result in repairs so none of this has bothered me and I will do anything on my own as long as I have the tools and time.

So that's where I am at.

 

[rumblecloud]

Welcome to TRS!
Your first sounds pretty nice. but you really should post some pics

 

[ericbphoto]

 

[DILLARD000]

Welcome to the herd!
Consider replacing both OilPressurized TimingTensioners,
replacing Plastic ThermoStat Housing with Alum ThermoStat Housing,
replacing Plastic Tanked 1CoreRadiator with AllAlum 2/3/4CoreRadiator,
replacing Plastic HeaterControlValve with Metal HeaterControlValve,
replacing Coolant Pump+AllHoses+AllClamps
cleaning PCVValve on rear of left ValveCover,
cleaning IACValve on top of IntakeManifold throat,
becoming OCD about SOHC Engine Oil+Filter changes,
& 5r55e Transmission ATF+Filter changes,
& 1354 TransferCase ATF changes plus a spare ShiftMotor+ControlModule.
Again welcome.

 

[GrouseHuntr]

Welcome to TRS!
Your first sounds pretty nice. but you really should post some pics

Well here is what I have.

 

[GrouseHuntr]

Welcome to the herd!
Consider replacing both OilPressurized TimingTensioners,
replacing Plastic ThermoStat Housing with Alum ThermoStat Housing,
replacing Plastic Tanked 1CoreRadiator with AllAlum 2/3/4CoreRadiator,
replacing Plastic HeaterControlValve with Metal HeaterControlValve,
replacing Coolant Pump+AllHoses+AllClamps
cleaning PCVValve on rear of left ValveCover,
cleaning IACValve on top of IntakeManifold throat,
becoming OCD about SOHC Engine Oil+Filter changes,
& 5r55e Transmission ATF+Filter changes,
& 1354 TransferCase ATF changes plus a spare ShiftMotor+ControlModule.
Again welcome.

Damn ok thats a lot. Oil and filter are no issue, I do that already for all family vehicles. Just replaced the thermostat and the plastic housing looked to be in great shape still. Everything else I will look into. I can only do what I can find videos of online LOL so we shall see. Thanks for the to do list!

 

[rumblecloud]

Has anyone ever sat in that vehicle or even been inside?

 

[Craig0320]

View attachment 54065

Damn baby yoda gets me every time.

 

[GrouseHuntr]

Welcome to TRS!
Your first sounds pretty nice. but you really should post some pics

Well here is what I have.

Has anyone ever sat in that vehicle or even been inside?

It was used to plow a parking lot for the last 17 years so not really. It was dirty from being in a shop the whole time and I got it back from the detailer last friday. The only real wear I can see is on the center console from elbows and whatnot LOL.

 

[Uncle Gump]

A grouse hunter from Holly... Michigan I presume. I did a bunch of hunting in that area before coming this way. I lived 30 40 minutes from there for longer then I will admit.

The "list"... there are a couple things to pay attention to for sure...

The 4.0L SOHC had some early concerns with the timing chain tensioners and guides. Your model year may have left the factory with parts that have been updated to better parts. It's wise to dig into it a little and be informed... because if they have a problem... they typically wipe the engine out. Probably something you can do yourself. Your truck is within year range they had some problems. Otherwise... I'm a 4.0L SOHC believer... don't miss oil changes and it should be around for many miles reliably.

Transmission fluid and filter change simply because it plowed snow... hopefully it was already done once. Cheap insurance and by dropping the pan... you will have a better idea what the overall condition is.

Welcome to TRS...

 

[GrouseHuntr]

A grouse hunter from Holly... Michigan I presume. I did a bunch of hunting in that area before coming this way. I lived 30 40 minutes from there for longer then I will admit.

The "list"... there are a couple things to pay attention to for sure...

The 4.0L SOHC had some early concerns with the timing chain tensioners and guides. Your model year may have left the factory with parts that have been updated to better parts. It's wise to dig into it a little and be informed... because if they have a problem... they typically wipe the engine out. Probably something you can do yourself. Your truck is within year range they had some problems. Otherwise... I'm a 4.0L SOHC believer... don't miss oil changes and it should be around for many miles reliably.

Transmission fluid and filter change simply because it plowed snow... hopefully it was already done once. Cheap insurance and by dropping the pan... you will have a better idea what the overall condition is.

Welcome to TRS...

Spot on. Been chasing the king in the woods for a few decades now.
Thanks for the advice. I will look into all of that. The shop that did my brake lines said everything else looked good but who knows if they looked for stuff like that. I will dig in and learn what I can.

 

[Uncle Gump]

I hope to move to Northern Michigan soon... Trout... steelhead... turkeys... deer... they all miss me.

 

[pjtoledo]

be sure to take at least a small pizza oven with 'ya.
set it up in one of those gas stations that sells a bit of everything.

 

[Uncle Gump]

I leave here... I don't want to make anymore pizza.

 

[GrouseHuntr]

I hope to move to Northern Michigan soon... Trout... steelhead... turkeys... deer... they all miss me.

Beautiful country. I spend a lot of hours in the north woods. Nothing better than seeing the woods wake up.