• 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.

My 1996 Ford Ranger 4x4 (TRS-2) Re-Build


Jim Oaks

Just some guy with a website
Administrator
Founder / Site Owner
Supporting Vendor
Article Contributor
TRS Banner 2010-2011
TRS Banner 2012-2015
TRS 20th Anniversary
VAGABOND
TRS Event Participant
GMRS Radio License
Joined
Aug 2, 2000
Messages
13,387
Reaction score
8,463
Points
113
Location
Nocona, Texas
Vehicle Year
1996 / 2021
Make / Model
Ford Ranger
Engine Type
4.0 V6
Engine Size
4.0 / 2.3 Ecoboost
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Total Lift
6-inches
Tire Size
33x12.50x15
Overview:




For anyone that doesn't know, I built my 1996 Ford Ranger 4x4 in 2004.

The truck was built with a Skyjacker Class II 6-Inch suspension kit with extended radius arms, 4.56 gears, and front and rear Detroit Lockers. It used 33x12.50x15 BF Goodrich Mud Terrains on American Racing Outlaw II wheels.

The front bumper and bed cage was built by me, and I had a Warn XD9000i winch on the front bumper. All of the lights are 130 Watt units from ProComp.

The truck was painted by forum member Randy Miller, who managed a Maaco down near Columbus Ohio.

For more information:

https://www.therangerstation.com/jim-oaks-1996-ford-ranger-4x4-trs-2/

Re-Painted:

After enough trail damage, I finally repainted the truck.






Sold & Repurchased:


I sold the Ranger around 2014/2015. This past October the Ranger showed up for sale on Facebook Marketplace. The truck was in Indiana, so Will went, checked it out, and paid the seller. I sent Will the money once I knew what he paid.

Bobby Walter took a dolly and hauled the Ranger back to a house he's renting in Ohio, and put it in the garage there.

Right off the top, we knew that the seller had removed the Warn XD9000i winch and kept it. We also knew that the transmission was out of it, and that it came with a replacement transmission.


.
 


Jim Oaks

Just some guy with a website
Administrator
Founder / Site Owner
Supporting Vendor
Article Contributor
TRS Banner 2010-2011
TRS Banner 2012-2015
TRS 20th Anniversary
VAGABOND
TRS Event Participant
GMRS Radio License
Joined
Aug 2, 2000
Messages
13,387
Reaction score
8,463
Points
113
Location
Nocona, Texas
Vehicle Year
1996 / 2021
Make / Model
Ford Ranger
Engine Type
4.0 V6
Engine Size
4.0 / 2.3 Ecoboost
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Total Lift
6-inches
Tire Size
33x12.50x15

Bobbywalter towed the Ranger back to his garage in Ohio. He was determined to get the truck running and see what we were working with.



Transmission:


Above you can see where the flywheel is still attached the transmission, and the center is busted out. The seller failed to mention that.






Bobby had to purchase a new flywheel, torque convertor, and crankshaft / flexplate spacer.

Front Suspension:


The drivers side axle beam is tweaked and cracked.

What We Know So Far:

So far we know that:

  • The engine runs, but Bobby has detected a miss.
  • The transfer case will not shift.
  • The transmission has issues with reverse.
  • Drivers side axle beam needs replaced.
  • Tires are dry rotted and have flat spots.
  • The drivers seat is broke, and will recline on you. This is not the original seat. I salvaged these seats out of a Ford Escort GT.

The Goal:

The goal is to get the truck running good, and then tear it completely apart, clean and inspect everything, repair or replace parts as necessary, repaint pieces, and put it all back together.

The exterior will get a make over and updated look. The interior will get freshened up, especially since it needs a new drivers seat.

The truck will get a new patriotic paint scheme when it's done. Something pretty close to it's original paint job:


Parts Needed So Far:

  • 35x12.50 Mud Terrains
  • 8,000lb or larger winch to replace the missing Warn XD9000i
  • A new drivers side axle beam
  • Replacement buckets from a Ford Ranger or Explorer.

Thanks For The Support:

This is going to be a big project. My goal is to get it done so I can celebrated the 20th anniversary of TheRangerStation.com wheeling with people next summer. Hopefully I'll get some people to help along the way to speed it up.

I've been asked about this before, so I'm just going to mention it. Anyone that wants to contribute $$ towards some of the things that we're going to have to replace can do so buy purchasing one of the 20th Anniversary Banners to go under your name. You can find out more about that here:

https://www.therangerstation.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1635387#post1635387

I also appreciate your interest in this truck, and words of support.

.
 
Last edited:

85_Ranger4x4

Forum Staff Member
TRS Event Staff
TRS Forum Moderator
Article Contributor
V8 Engine Swap
OTOTM Winner
TRS Banner 2010-2011
TRS 20th Anniversary
VAGABOND
TRS Event Participant
Joined
Aug 7, 2007
Messages
32,130
Reaction score
17,341
Points
113
Location
SW Iowa
Vehicle Year
1985
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Type
V8
Engine Size
5.0
Transmission
Manual
:popcorn:

I suppose gray interior?

I wish I had Bobbys rental garage...
 

Jim Oaks

Just some guy with a website
Administrator
Founder / Site Owner
Supporting Vendor
Article Contributor
TRS Banner 2010-2011
TRS Banner 2012-2015
TRS 20th Anniversary
VAGABOND
TRS Event Participant
GMRS Radio License
Joined
Aug 2, 2000
Messages
13,387
Reaction score
8,463
Points
113
Location
Nocona, Texas
Vehicle Year
1996 / 2021
Make / Model
Ford Ranger
Engine Type
4.0 V6
Engine Size
4.0 / 2.3 Ecoboost
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Total Lift
6-inches
Tire Size
33x12.50x15

LilBJessup

New Member
Joined
Aug 30, 2016
Messages
45
Reaction score
0
Points
0
Location
Virginia
Vehicle Year
1989
Make / Model
Ranger
Engine Size
2.3L
Transmission
Manual
Seemed like the previous owner dogged the crap out of it. Glad to see it is back into good hands.
 

Jim Oaks

Just some guy with a website
Administrator
Founder / Site Owner
Supporting Vendor
Article Contributor
TRS Banner 2010-2011
TRS Banner 2012-2015
TRS 20th Anniversary
VAGABOND
TRS Event Participant
GMRS Radio License
Joined
Aug 2, 2000
Messages
13,387
Reaction score
8,463
Points
113
Location
Nocona, Texas
Vehicle Year
1996 / 2021
Make / Model
Ford Ranger
Engine Type
4.0 V6
Engine Size
4.0 / 2.3 Ecoboost
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Total Lift
6-inches
Tire Size
33x12.50x15
She needs a lot of TLC. Lots of wrenching, cleaning with a grinder and wire wheel, and some salvage yard scavenging.
 

Bird76Mojo

Well-Known Member
V8 Engine Swap
Joined
Jun 28, 2009
Messages
2,633
Reaction score
1,264
Points
113
Location
IL
Engine Type
V8
Glad everything finally worked out......



GB :)
 

Danger06Ranger

New Member
Joined
Oct 19, 2007
Messages
473
Reaction score
2
Points
0
Age
36
Location
Lowell, IN
Vehicle Year
2006/1986/2001
Make / Model
Ford/Mercury
Engine Size
4.0L/351M/2.5L
Transmission
Automatic
I'll have a set of ranger seats for sale soon. I also have a couple pairs of leather explorer buckets I can get. I'm glad you got it back.

Sent from my SM-G930T using Tapatalk
 

Jim Oaks

Just some guy with a website
Administrator
Founder / Site Owner
Supporting Vendor
Article Contributor
TRS Banner 2010-2011
TRS Banner 2012-2015
TRS 20th Anniversary
VAGABOND
TRS Event Participant
GMRS Radio License
Joined
Aug 2, 2000
Messages
13,387
Reaction score
8,463
Points
113
Location
Nocona, Texas
Vehicle Year
1996 / 2021
Make / Model
Ford Ranger
Engine Type
4.0 V6
Engine Size
4.0 / 2.3 Ecoboost
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Total Lift
6-inches
Tire Size
33x12.50x15
Leather buckets would be awesome!
 

Ranger850

Doesn't get Sarcasm . . .
TRS 20th Anniversary
Joined
Jan 24, 2018
Messages
8,414
Reaction score
4,651
Points
113
Location
Tallahassee Florida
Vehicle Year
2001
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Size
Born with a 3.0, looking for a donor V8
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
2WD
Total Lift
Stock 2"
Tire Size
Stock
My credo
Doing things wrong, until I get it right.
I have some explorer buckets you can have. I don't think the tracks will work though. I will gladly donate them.
Edit: tried to add a pic but no luck.
 
Last edited:

fastpakr

Forum Staff Member
TRS Event Staff
TRS Forum Moderator
Supporting Member
Article Contributor
U.S. Military - Veteran
V8 Engine Swap
TRS 20th Anniversary
TRS Event Participant
Joined
Aug 6, 2007
Messages
7,970
Reaction score
2,772
Points
113
Location
Roanoke, VA
Vehicle Year
1999
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Type
V8
Engine Size
5.0
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Tire Size
285/75-16
I have a set of brown leather explorer seats you can have. Not perfect, but they're free for this project.
 

AgPete139

09/2014 OTOTM Winner
Supporting Member
OTOTM Winner
Solid Axle Swap
TRS Banner 2010-2011
TRS Banner 2012-2015
TRS 20th Anniversary
TRS Event Participant
Joined
Aug 12, 2007
Messages
2,863
Reaction score
61
Points
48
Location
Houston, TX
Vehicle Year
1997
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Type
4.0 V6
Engine Size
4.0L OHV
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
Solid Axle Swap 4x4
Total Lift
~9"
Tire Size
35"x12.50"x17"
Yay.

How are the hubs?

Let us know when you want a wrenching weekend.
 

Colin

Well-Known Member
Article Contributor
Joined
Jul 23, 2009
Messages
3,108
Reaction score
181
Points
63
Location
ON Canada
Vehicle Year
2004
Make / Model
Mazda
Engine Type
4.0 V6
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
2WD
Glad to see you got your truck back :headbang:
 

Craig0320

Well-Known Member
Supporting Member
Article Contributor
V8 Engine Swap
TRS 20th Anniversary
Joined
Sep 21, 2017
Messages
1,209
Reaction score
225
Points
63
Location
Mississppi
Vehicle Year
1998
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Type
V8
Engine Size
5.0
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
4WD
My credo
Break it right the first time. Fix it better the next time.
Really happy for you Jim. This truck is going to get the love it deserves once again. :icon_hornsup:
 

bobbywalter

TRS Technical Staff
TRS Event Staff
V8 Engine Swap
TRS Technical Advisor
TRS Banner 2012-2015
TRS 20th Anniversary
Ugly Truck of Month
TRS Event Participant
Joined
Aug 9, 2007
Messages
23,470
Reaction score
4,667
Points
113
Location
woodhaven mi
Vehicle Year
1988
Make / Model
FORD mostly
Engine Type
V8
Engine Size
BIGGER
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Total Lift
sawzall?
Tire Size
33-44
My credo
it is easier to fix and understand than "her"
i got the transfer case shifting right before i left for detroit for a few days off for turkey....we got lucky to get days off as that is not typical...but also screwed on pay.

i did a hard reset with a forced run...its risky but i got away with it. the system from my bronco is laying on the ground in my garage back in detroit so i wasnt too concerned.

the transmission...well on a good day rolling off the assembly line brand new it was a steaming pile of craptastic bad ideas and dead horse beating....:icon_rofl:

it is what it is with these turds.

i will figure out the best cost effective formula and pow wow perceived options and try to get it executed.

suspected a journal bearing in the engine...but the trans was slightly overfilled for the testing.

this slight overfill could possibly be part of the shifting issue in reverse and engine noise i thought i was hearing. but not likely:popcorn:

i probably should have went thru the pump, put a fresh bushing in and did a shift correction ect before i put it back together...but i only had 5-7 hrs to work with so i rolled the dice on it...kind of big detour to go through da burgh and then my place in ohio to get home...altogether 10 extra hrs of driving due to the trans supply mix up/wrong parts.

but it runs and moves so thats something. engine runs...trans shifts...t case functions.


the rest of the story is typical as well with full lockers...


front axle intermediate shaft is stretched, passenger side lockout is destroyed, drivers side axleshaft is destroyed. drivers beam is tweaked but workable....k member is tweaked and bolts slopped..

i janked those d35 beams up all the time and twisted up my long arms...minimal beefing usually solves it. even know its beat...its in better shape then 99 percent of the stuff available in the junkyards i shop at back in detroit. shit just dont exist anymore that is easily usable for dana 35.

this is the reason i pulled my quick lock out after a minimal time with it installed. if you used the power i had with my various v8's it would mangle a d35..... everything on the d35. this truck has a 4.0 with less then half the power and a young driver having fun is all it takes to destroy these in short order with a locker in it....

it is why i consider brake bias or selectable locker as the only way to go...especially if this thing ends up with power.. if you want to play hard....
with jim though...or anybody with common sense that drives to survive, you can get away with it.

be interesting to see spline condition.


did not get too deep in the rear axle side of things... but joints and drive-shaft are ok.
locker seems to be stuck engaged. did not notice and serious leaks.


radiator is showing some age but look ok.



i probably have enough parts to fix everything....finding them...between northern mi and detroit will be careful trip planning.

..thats a whole different problem. 100 dollars in fuel just to go look and 6-7 hrs of driving. if the shit aint there i wont be happy to say the least.


elbow grease for days to be sure.
 

Sponsored Ad


Sponsored Ad

Members online

Today's birthdays

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


Kirby N.
March Truck of The Month

Recently Featured

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

Follow TRS On Instagram

TRS Events

Check Out The TRS Store


Sponsored Ad


Sponsored Ad

Sponsored Ad


Amazon Deals

Top