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newranger87

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hello everyone. I’m wanting to get a model similar to my 1st truck and do a rebuild on it. I had a 1987 ranger extended cab, v6, 4x4. I want to build an off-roader/everyday driver. I want to add lockers, a 4.0 swap and run 31’s with needed up axles, a manual transmission, and would like to see if anyone makes a transmission with a granny gear. Any help would be appreciated. What should I be looking for when shopping for a truck.
 


Josh B

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TRS 20th Anniversary
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Aug 15, 2019
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Location
Oklahoma
Vehicle Year
1993
Make / Model
Ford Ranger
Engine Type
4.0 V6
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Hello new ranger, seems you fairly well spelled it out in your description?
Not sure what I can add but there will be a number of folks saying howdy so you should get all the answers you need
Good luck with it
 

CamTheHedgehog

Well-Known Member
ASE Certified Tech
GMRS Radio License
Joined
Jul 24, 2023
Messages
244
Reaction score
313
Points
63
Location
Charlotte, NC
Vehicle Year
2003
Make / Model
Ranger Edge
Engine Type
4.0 V6
Engine Size
4.0 SOHC
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Total Lift
Torsion Bar Max Crank (Pre-2008)
Tire Size
265/75/16
My credo
Professional Dingus At Work
Hey! Welcome to the forum!
I don’t know much about the gen 1 rangers, but I believe they use the same BW 1354 transfer case, and there are a number of doubler units available for it if you want a crawl gear.
 

gaz

Well-Known Member
U.S. Military - Veteran
Joined
Sep 21, 2007
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1,425
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Location
Wa, Bremerton 98310
Vehicle Year
1987
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Size
87Ranger Endrigo 2.9l, 87BII Endrigo 4.0l
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Total Lift
Ranger 5" (2" suspension), BII 4" suspension
Total Drop
Ranger 5sp, BII A4LD
Tire Size
Ranger 33"/4:10LS, BII 29"/3:73LS
My credo
Deengineer until it is how Blue Oval should have sold it!!
@newranger87 ,
I appreciate that you like the 1st Gen style but if you already know that you want an OHV 4.0l, perhaps consider the 2nd Gen 1989, as they are more set up for a 4.0l...or, possibly a 1990+ with a $tock 4.0l 👀. Either option will save you time/money and permit you to focus less on the swap, more on your other modification goals ..)
 

Lefty

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Feb 8, 2022
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Location
Saint Paul, MN
Vehicle Year
2003
Make / Model
Ranger Edge
Transmission
Automatic

94_PurpsRange

Member
Joined
Feb 20, 2024
Messages
57
Reaction score
45
Points
18
Age
35
Location
Menifee, Ca
Vehicle Year
1994
Make / Model
Ford Ranger
Engine Type
4.0 V6
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
2WD
Tire Size
30" all terrain
My credo
Pitter-patter, let’s get at ‘er.
Welcome to the thunder dome!
hahah i drive a 94 4.0L XLT... i would never go to anything else IMO... i kinda plan to do the same as you BUT right now im focusing on putting it on the road as a daily then i will begin the modification process :)

Welcome buddy!
 

superj

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Location
corpus christi, texas
Vehicle Year
2004
Make / Model
ranger edge
Engine Type
3.0 V6
Engine Size
3 liters of tire smoking power
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
2WD
Total Lift
none
Total Drop
none
Tire Size
235s
My credo
Grew up in the 70s, 80s, and 90s

SenorNoob

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TRS Event Participant
Joined
Oct 24, 2012
Messages
2,407
Reaction score
569
Points
113
Location
Middle Tennessee
Vehicle Year
1988
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Type
4.0 V6
Engine Size
4.0
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Total Lift
1.5" Front + 4" Rear
Tire Size
245-70-R16
I second what gaz said. Unless you are prepared for some heavy wiring work, and absolutely in love with the 1st gen dash and grill. A 90-92 will have better hard parts and be a couple years newer.

1st gens will generally have a 2.9, FM146 (Except some very late 88. Usually 2.3 trucks only.), BW1350 with a slip yoke vs 1354 with fixed yoke, and a Dana 28 front axle instead of the 35. Not to mention the fact that a factory 4.0 truck should have a 28 spline 8.8 instead of the 7.5 rear.

Looking back, I'd suspect my truck would've been far easier to get a 90-92 and swap the fenders and grill.
 

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