Ranger rust-o-ration

[swampyankee]

I've been looking for a replacement for my rusty 01 Ranger. So far, any I've seen here in New England has the same rust as mine, even if it hasn't yet bloomed like mine. There is a stepside that the claims to have reinforced the frame and patched the rust. I haven't seen it but he's asking $9500 for it. Mine has les miles than most (125k) and although it will need a new thermostat housing, it runs and drives good. Best part is, it's mine, a known quantity, and its paid for long ago.
I'm starting to think it might be worth it to just fix the rust on mine. One rear cab corner, the rear corner of one fender, and bubbling paint from behind the flares on the bed. Anyone out there take on a rustoration project like this, and was it worth it?

 

[bobbywalter]

i would have to see what you are working with in order to have any sort of opinion....


but for anything over 2000 bux.....hell no....dont buy anything that lived north of the mason dixon that is not obviously pristine.....



i would hitchhike to texas and buy a barely running 1988 2wd ext cab, at a buy here pay here, with 25 percent interest, than to even take a free 2003 truck from here in detroit.

you have a known good running 4.0 4x4 powertrain....i wouldnt think twice about picking up a non running minty truck from down south for 2-5 grand...

 

[4.0blue98]

X2^^^

 

[Josh B]

For 5K you could pick that cab up and do what it takes with some angles and flat iron and do it up front to back. And then have money left over for a stint in the California sun, or Arizona
I used a 210V HF switchable welder and completely built from scratch a rugged as hell trailer from scratch with just some free iron off a job we had wrapped up and got loads of leftovers

 

[CUracing]

I bet it would be faster and easier to drive south and find a good used truck then to fix the rust in current truck.

 

[Josh B]

He'd need to hit south and/or west of Kentucky or TN, and of course be packing a trailer, to be in a low salt area far as I know

 

[bobbywalter]

He'd need to hit south and/or west of Kentucky or TN, and of course be packing a trailer, to be in a low salt area far as I know

just drive out and rent a tow dolly.... its what 4.0s are for.

 

[Josh B]

Driving or towing?

 

[bobbywalter]

towing.....they tow old mustangs and camaros just fine to the track.

 

[swampyankee]

I used to use a B4000 to tow and ramp launch a 23 foot powerboat. Thats what 4 wheel low is for.
My current Ranger has the "tow package" but the trans cooler was leaking so I jumpered it out.
I'm planning a trip south in a month or so. I plan to keep my eye out for a good rust free Ranger while I'm below the rust belt. But if I can't find a good one, fixing the rust on mine might be an option.