1988 Ranger Restoration - Keeping a Promise

[Ranger850]

when did you get the LED headlights? just noticed them

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

when did you get the LED headlights? just noticed them

First thing I did to it within a week of buying it. "Partsam" brand name on amazon. For $40, they're awesome. When compared to $200 sets they're not bad.

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[85_Ranger4x4]

So, had a thought now that the old garbage paint is nearly off.

I know I still need to get to the bad spots on the bed and rockers. Front fenders are in 2k primer at a buddy's place. And I still have a new hood from the 'bama truck that needs no work.

I know the "right" way to do this is to strip, sand, blah blah blah... It's also a damn shame to strip the Alabama parts because they're flawless, even though I hate the color.

https://youtu.be/LZLq0eLynyI

Anyone out there try this?

Kind of makes it look like a car in a video game with the not quite right depth in the paint.

Side note: driving a manual transmission prevents phone use while driving. Can someone get a note out to Detroit on this one? Jim, you know those people, right?

Probably why everything now is integrated hands free and you can hardly even get a manual transmission.

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

Nearly done.

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[Shran]

Any leads on a $100 exploder? The UPAP yard wants an arm and a leg for an engine, and the only CL exploders in Pittsburgh are crazy expensive for what you're getting.

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Right place, right time? I've brought home several of them...but I am watching craigslist and Facebook like a hawk.

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

So an ugly duckling came up for sale, and I snagged it for a price so low I giggled.

1990 4x4, 2.9, M5OD, aluminum rims, bunch of other stuff I wanted. Titled, has a blown head gasket but runs.

Questions are, would a 1990 be a speed density or MAF truck? And is the 1990 2.9 the one with the improved heads?

I ask this because I haven't seen the truck in person yet.

If it's a MAF, I have a turbo sitting on the shelf that's .42 a/r intake, .86 a/r exhaust, and 8 psi wastegate off a Nissan. I think it will fit.

Found a 1993 4.0, but the guy kept changing the price. So. Screw it.

I figure this gives me the chance to build something different. Smart? No. Economical? Eh. A weirdo? Definitely.

Do I need a different hobby? Well, my other hobby is the 15,000 or so carnivorous plants in my basement lab, so...

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[adsm08]

A rare beast indeed. A factory 2.9 4x4 M5OD was rare. Most got the FM146, which is still miles head of an A4LD or an FM145.

The "upgraded heads" were the 89MT casting, so a 90 should have them. I'd still be wary of a head gasket actually being just a head gasket on a 2.9. If there is coolant in the oil I have also seen the lower intake warp and dump coolant into the oil. While rare that is actually still more common than a 2.9 head gasket blowing without a cracked head, even with the 89MT heads.

The MAF 2.9 was a Commie-fornia emissions thing, so they were rare to begin with, and finding one on this side of the country is almost unheard of, but it does happen from time to time. Only real way to be sure is to pop the hood and look for a MAF. All of the Federal emissions 2.9s were Speed/Density.

 

[adsm08]

Side note: driving a manual transmission prevents phone use while driving.

HAHA, no it doesn't.

I am pretty guilty of this and the Expedition is the only one of my 4 vehicles with an automatic.

Also, one time I almost got run over in a parking lot by a woman who was on the phone, smoking, eating a burger, AND driving stick.

 

[adsm08]

when did you get the LED headlights? just noticed them

First thing I did to it within a week of buying it. "Partsam" brand name on amazon. For $40, they're awesome. When compared to $200 sets they're not bad.

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I think I have that same set, but the one didn't work, and I was in a hurry at that point in the project so I just threw my halogens back in.

I really want to get the Sylvania ones with built in DRL, but they are pricey.

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

....I don't need your freaking judgmental gaze right now, Stella.

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[PetroleumJunkie412]

Also, one time I almost got run over in a parking lot by a woman who was on the phone, smoking, eating a burger, AND driving stick.

She deserves a medal. [emoji631]

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[PetroleumJunkie412]

Well, shot of the 2.9l in the parts truck. Title is now in hand. As far as I can tell, it's speed density. Oh well.

Still, has a M5OD, Dana 35, manual transfer case, and factory aluminum 15" rims. Also came with three more rims with 31" mud tires as spares. For what I paid for it, couldn't have bought trans from the junkyard. I call it a win.

Problem is, I have a turbo, spare 1990 2.9, gauges, etc. etc. in hand. Unless someone catapults a free 4.0 or 5.0 into my yard at this point, I don't know how I can avoid the inevitable.

Stella (the cat) is still judging me, as are the rest of you. It's ok. She's tougher, and a harsher critic.

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[85_Ranger4x4]

Sounds like a good score.

Have fun with your cat, my little attack cat has been missing for a week now. Its a bummer.

 

[adsm08]

I wanna see a picture of this trans. I still think it's more likely an FM146.

 

[Jim Oaks]

First thing I did to it within a week of buying it. "Partsam" brand name on amazon. For $40, they're awesome. When compared to $200 sets they're not bad.

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My 2016 Expedition has factory halogen headlights with factory LED driving lights. I don't know why Ford thought that was a good idea. I love the LEDs. I wish it was this easy to change to a LED headlight.