1989 ranger

[wyatt317]

I have the opportunity to buy a 1989 ford ranger 4x4 manual v6. It has been sitting for a number of years. I have been told it ran and drove when parked. Other than the normal old truck stuff and tools what should I bring with me to hopefully get it started?

 

[I support common sense]

Not much other than ether, a spare battery and heavy gauge jumper cables. Of course bring a socket set and adjustable wrenches. If you have to take something apart , just tow it

 

[don4331]

When I look at "ran when parked" vehicles, I bring a battery, tow dolly, spare pair of wheels and jack in addition to the usual "old truck stuff and tools*". I think the last time, we had the air compressor as well.

Bad gas, etc often prevent it from firing right up; flat tires from sitting often prevent driving.

With the pair of wheels, you can always take the originals to a shop and see it they hold air.​

Having to trailer it home becomes a negotiation point.​

​

And I'm always prepared to walk away.

*Every one of my vehicles has good booster cables. Canadian thing, eh?

 

[scotts90ranger]

That's my favorite body style... I'm with the others, basic stuff but I don't get too serious about fixing stuff until the price is solidified and my preference is not in front of who I buy it from... I have a trailer so I'll just tow something if it's in question...

Fluids, starting fluid and an air compressor would be a minimum.

 

[Terrys87]

A number of years? I would not even try to start it. I would want to see if I could even turn it on the crankshaft. Rings can stick to the cylinder walls. I would start soaking them in Marvel Mystery Oil. Fuel does not last long. I would at least drain fuel and go thru the fuel system, before even trying to start it.

 

[sgtsandman]

If it looks decent enough and the engine turns over, I would consider it as long as you don't mind getting it towed. That being said, It was probably parked for a reason. So, give it a good look over and decide if the immediately apparent repairs are worth it, then expect other repairs to rear their heads after you try to get it running again. The brakes and tires are probably going to be trash. The fuel tank is going to need to need to be drained and flushed. The fuel system and carburetor is probably going to be gummed up too. The hoses and belts are probably going to need changed as well. If it has been parked on anything other than gravel or pavement, expect mouse damage.

 

[bobbywalter]

i regularly start stuff that has sat for a decade or more.

generally giant diesel powered equipment.


but terry has a valid point. i would just bring my bypass can and blow out the rails and maybe prime the oil pump it if it was stiff to roll over by hand....if it was smooth....just hook my bypass up and go.