• Welcome Visitor! Please take a few seconds and Register for our forum. Even if you don't want to post, you can still 'Like' and react to posts.

Newbie restoring a "rolled" 2001 4.0


dant.dinguss

Member
Joined
Dec 12, 2024
Messages
6
Reaction score
5
Location
Indiana
Vehicle Year
2001
Make / Model
Ford Ranger
Engine Type
4.0 V6
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Hey y'all, I'm constantly led here by Google searches, figured I might as well join. Seems like a really great community!

In January of this year I bought my first Ranger from a coworker. 2001 4.0L 4wd. 103,695 miles at time of purchase (a number I can't seem to forget). No rust whatsoever and pretty well maintained... $2000.

The catch? Previous owner hit black ice on the interstate and slid into a ditch. The truck was on its side for some time. Seller told me about 3 quarts of oil leaked out. Remarkably the engine pulled through and I've put about 3500 miles since then. Lots of cosmetic damage, doesn't bother me much. I believe the accident bent the passenger side wheel hub, which led to significant runout, brake noise etc.

I have since replaced the brakes, wheel hub, upgraded thermostat housing, drive belt/tensioner and handful of other small things. I had a shop install new timing chain tensioners (Which in hindsight I should have done myself but whatever). She's got the classic 4.0 primary chain rattle but I'm hoping I've got a good while before that gets worse. It's a good truck with a will to live much longer.
 


dant.dinguss

Member
Joined
Dec 12, 2024
Messages
6
Reaction score
5
Location
Indiana
Vehicle Year
2001
Make / Model
Ford Ranger
Engine Type
4.0 V6
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
4WD
IMG_20240128_102449~2.jpg
IMG_20240128_102442~2.jpg


Photos from seller just before I bought it. I have since fixed the headlights, added new side mirrors and replaced the hood, fenders, and driver side cab door glass
 

rumblecloud

Well-Known Member
Supporting Member
Joined
Mar 6, 2020
Messages
1,621
Reaction score
1,391
Location
48022
Vehicle Year
1994
Make / Model
Ranger Splash
Engine Type
4.0 V6
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Total Lift
1-1/2 inch front leveling
Total Drop
Stock
Tire Size
31/10.50/15
My credo
What's the worst that could happen?
Nice looking little truck.

Welcome to TRS.
 

SenorNoob

Well-Known Member
TRS Event Participant
TRS 25th Anniversary
Joined
Oct 24, 2012
Messages
3,372
Reaction score
1,346
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
Just a little messed up is the way most of us get started in Rangers. The people that buy a good one and drive it into the ground (literally in your case...lol), usually don't make it here.
 

dant.dinguss

Member
Joined
Dec 12, 2024
Messages
6
Reaction score
5
Location
Indiana
Vehicle Year
2001
Make / Model
Ford Ranger
Engine Type
4.0 V6
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Just a little messed up is the way most of us get started in Rangers. The people that buy a good one and drive it into the ground (literally in your case...lol), usually don't make it here.
The guy I bought it from bought it from his neighbor after admiring it for a long time. It was going to be his son's truck. I totally understand why a high school kid wouldn't want to be driving a smashed up truck to school every day. But for my DIY ass, it's a dream come true 🤩
 

Sponsored Ad


Sponsored Ad

Staff online

TRS Events

Member & Vendor Upgrades

For a small yearly donation, you can support this forum and receive a 'Supporting Member' banner, or become a 'Supporting Vendor' and promote your products here. Click the banner to find out how.

Truck of The Month


RaceRanger97
December Truck of The Month

Recently Featured

Want to see your truck here? Share your photos and details in the forum.

Vagabond Video

25th Anniversary Merch

Follow TRS On Instagram

25th Anniversary Sponsors

TRS-3 Ford Ranger Sponsors

Check Out The TRS Store


Sponsored Ad


Sponsored Ad

Sponsored Ad


Amazon Deals

Top