1997 Ford Ranger XLT 2WD

[Vinny68]

Just bought a 1997 Ranger Supercab XLT 2WD. The body is in great shape and it only had 49,000 miles on it. So far I've replaced the broken/cracked front grille, added a tonneau cover, replaced the cruise control switches on the steering wheel and changed the oil. The front bench seat has a small center console that was loose and hanging off at an angle. I've managed to make it about 90% better but still can't figure out how to get it perfectly level. I also noticed that the coolant gauge never moves above the C so I figure it needs a new thermostat or maybe a coolant temperature sensor. Looking forward to learning about my new/old truck and figuring out what repairs and maintenance I can do on my own.

Here's a pic from the day I brought it home.

 

[Blmpkn]

Welcome! Looks to be in extremely nice shape, low miles too.. good find.

 

[Curious Hound]

Welcome to TRS! You’re in the right place. Truck looks awesome.

 

[Josh B]

Nice looking truck Vinny, welcome to TRS

 

[James Morse]

Nice truck super low miles. What's the deal with the lower part is that painted or are those "body side protection moldings" which were an option that year but I hardly ever see them. ?
Truck looks super clean and '97 is the best year (biased).
I'd put in new t-stat re temp gauge issue. Maybe it doesn't even have one sometimes people take them out. Could be a good time to flush out cooling system and back flush heater core and swap its hoses make in/out out/in that's suggested. Then if temp gauge still wacky chase that... others know more than me. Check your serp belt cheap and easy to change, make sure tensioner looks good, etc. Those are all easy things. Low miles, but still, 26 years old so good to check stuff.

See diagram of bench seat console attachment for '97, might help in getting it straight, sounds like something is bent, bend it back, shim with washers maybe. If you're going to do much on it having shop manuals will help a lot. You can do a lot yourself, much easier to work on than newer ones imo.
I have buckets so my console is different. The Mazda has the bench seat and center console, but in '99 it has pivots on both sides, probably to solve this bending problem. Different gen.

 

[tinman_72]

What's the deal with the lower part is that painted or are those "body side protection moldings"

That is two-tone paint. I've seen it on several Rangers over the years.

 

[StephenF]

Sharp truck, especially with that age. Is it the 2.3L?

 

[Vinny68]

Sharp truck, especially with that age. Is it the 2.3L?

It has the 4.0L six cylinder

 

[Vinny68]

That is two-tone paint. I've seen it on several Rangers over the years.

I figured it was just paint but wasn't sure until I found a copy of the 1997 Ranger sales brochure online. There's not a single pic of a Ranger with the accent color but "deluxe two tone paint" is listed as an option for both the regular cab and supercab XLT.

 

[StephenF]

It has the 4.0L six cylinder

Nice. Wish my 85 was in as good of shape as it. But at least I won't be upset if I add another dent to it.

 

[James Morse]

Yeah no pics of 2 tone paint in brochure (they're here). I don't see any bodyside moldings either in it unless I don't know what I'm looking for.