1996 Sapphire Blue XLT build

[Jazzer]

You may want to spray the headlight lenses with some UV resistant clearcoat, or they’ll oxidize quickly. Looking good though!

 

[Ab_Reed]

You may want to spray the headlight lenses with some UV resistant clearcoat, or they’ll oxidize quickly. Looking good though!

Thank you! I did that right after sanding and polishing them.

 

[Terrys87]

You got your truck looking good and coming along nicely.

 

[Ab_Reed]

Been a while since ive made an update. The website has been painfully slow lately, am i the only one?

Loaded up the paddleboards yesterday and did some paddling, enjoying the nice weather.

-replaced the diff cover, started leaking though a tiny pin hole
-new blower motor resistor and harness because the old one was corroded and melted.
-got the AC recharged, hoping theres no leaks
-got some infinity 6x8 off market place for cheap, so finally have good speakers all around
-trying to drive it more to get all the bugs out of it so theres no worries when im driving it.


-still on the hunt for a sapphire blue passenger door
-need a new gauge cluster with a working odometer, id like a tach on it too.
-still cant figure out where the leak is coming through on the passenger side, might need to pull the fender to look.

 

[Kira]

-still cant figure out where the leak is coming through on the passenger side,

Check door strike hardware for appropriate gaskets too.

 

[Ab_Reed]

Check door strike hardware for appropriate gaskets too.

Check door strike hardware for appropriate gaskets too.

the leak is near kick panel by the ecu.

 

[Kira]

the leak is near kick panel by the ecu.

Yes but, water migrates. It can come from almost anywhere.

You're right, removing the fender might be the ONLY way to find the source.

 

[Ab_Reed]

true, but isnt the door striker on the B-pillar? I wash you could pull the cowl on these rangers, i would make it a little easier to find

Yes but, water migrates. It can come from almost anywhere.

You're right, removing the fender might be the ONLY way to find the source.

 

[bba952]

Its probably in the cowl, firewall, or windshield area. every older ranger ive seen has atleast some rust in those areas.

 

[Ab_Reed]

Its probably in the cowl, firewall, or windshield area. every older ranger ive seen has atleast some rust in those areas.

I just had the windshield replaced yesterday. There was rust buildup around the passenger side seal. Hoping that was the issue. Will test it out soon.

 

[Ab_Reed]

Couple more updates:

-Got a 97 explorer cluster installed so I have a tach now and working trip/odometer Only issue is it reads hot (overheating) when it gets to operating temp.

-Installed my old Alpine Type-R 12” sub and kenwood amp. Missed that thing haha.

-Windshield was replaced yesterday, hoping that will fix the leak problem. I didn’t notice any other rust anywhere.

-AC has been working just right since the recharge

Future plans:
-install vinyl carpet after verifying leak was fixed.
- trans fluid flush/replacment. Getting a grind if i don’t shift it slowly into 3rd.
-needs window tints
-new sending unit because the gauge stops at halfway. I’ll put a filler hose in too. Seems like it leaks occasionally.
-still need a headliner
-figure out some seat replacement after I sell these single cab seats.

Overall it’s been a fun rig. I love driving it.

Over the winter I want to pull the bed and clean/paint the frame. Replace any rusted bits and then C-notch it to lower it more.

 

[Ab_Reed]

Sold the single cab seats and picked up these from what i was told was a 2004 extended cab (not sure what model). They mostly bolt up, some slight spacing differences, but theyre definitely taller than the original seats. They're an improvement over the stained/ripped/cigarette burned original seats., but not thrilled on the height increase. I have a center console, but once again, it doesnt fit correctly. Im assuming i need the mount bracket for an extended cab.

Also, found a couple pin holes in the floor so need to replace the floor pan before i install the vinyl rug.

 

[SenorNoob]

Those are NICE. I hope I can find some that clean when I go shopping next time.

 

[Ab_Reed]

Those are NICE. I hope I can find some that clean when I go shopping next time.

Thank you, I wish I had some 96/97 buckets but these will work for now. Any idea what model theyre from?

 

[SenorNoob]

04 sounds about right. Not super familiar with newer stuff.