I'm coming along well

[Steeven]

Got this one last fall and it's coming along well.

Did some maintenance and work on the paint.
Just got the windows tainted.
I remove the box and the plastic bed protection and I was surprised to see how nice is the box.
I'm *now debating if I should drop it a bit.
Cheers

 

[19Walt93]

That's the cleanest 97 I've seen in a long time.

 

[superj]

that black grill really improves the look

 

[Steeven]

That's the cleanest 97 I've seen in a long time.

Being in Canada and knowing it has seen all salty winters since 97, I'll take that as a big compliment. However, it's not without fault. It's just a good angled picture!

 

[Steeven]

that black grill really improves the look

Thanks, I agree. I think they came gray from the factory. From what I could see, the previous owner painted them with a brush at some point. I gave them a quick coat because I wanted it to be ready for the summer, but I'll re-work them at some point.

 

[mtnrgr]

Exceptionally clean 97 ranger. Personally I would not lower it, I like the looks of a clean stock 2wd ranger. The black bumpers and grille really make it look better with the red..tinted windows ad a nice touch to it. What engine and transmission are in your ranger?

 

[Steeven]

Exceptionally clean 97 ranger. Personally I would not lower it, I like the looks of a clean stock 2wd ranger. The black bumpers and grille really make it look better with the red..tinted windows ad a nice touch to it. What engine and transmission are in your ranger?

I'm still hesitant to drop it. It's my 4th ranger / mazda B and I never lowered one.
It's an automatic with the 4.0. I have nothing against the auto trans as I'm not 20 anymore, but the 4.0 is just a noisy lump of metal. But it got only 68,000 miles, all done by the previous owner...so I don't mind it to much.

 

[rumblecloud]

Agree with above. Nice looking Ranger ---simple. I like it.

 

[JoshT]

Well... I'm all for lowering it, but would caution you to consider your usage, environment, and driving conditions before doing so.

What do you mean the 4.0L is just a noisy lump of metal?

 

[Steeven]

Well... I'm all for lowering it, but would caution you to consider your usage, environment, and driving conditions before doing so.

What do you mean the 4.0L is just a noisy lump of metal?

I mean that it feels underpower compared to the other vehicles I drove. I had 2 manual rangers with he 2.3 and they felt as powerful as this one. I also had a 2003 with the later version of the 4.0 (160hp vs 200hp) and they don't feel like the same truck. The last vehicles I owned had 300hp, 360hp and 250hp, so I guess it has something to do with that also.

 

[19Walt93]

A lower(higher numerical) gear ratio would help power without doing anything to the engine. If it's a 4x4 it might be pretty expensive, though.

 

[Steeven]

A lower(higher numerical) gear ratio would help power without doing anything to the engine. If it's a 4x4 it might be pretty expensive, though.

It would. I did it to my mustang in the past. But I'm not looking for power with this ranger. I just want to enjoy it as it is.

 

[James Morse]

I don't feel the 4.0L is underpowered. I agree it can depend what you are used to. If you haven't done a full tune up that might add something. I've heard higher octane gas helps, though I never do it.
I'd assume probably o.p. has 3.73 so going to 4.10 would be an issue if 4x4 (looks like it's not), I think, in terms of getting the front done, iirc.
Yes grill was grey originally.

 

[superj]

it would be way better to have a stick in that truck, i bet. the stick in mine with the 3.0 is a blast.

i feel like an auto in any stock engined ranger would be a dog

 

[Steeven]

it would be way better to have a stick in that truck, i bet. the stick in mine with the 3.0 is a blast.

i feel like an auto in any stock engined ranger would be a dog

I'd love that too, but an auto is what I have. lol