1997 Ranger 4x4 XLT Mini Pickle

[ekhunter]

So a couple months ago I picked up a 1997 Ranger XLT 4x4 auto for $600 with hopes it would be a good runner and if so I planned on building a new to me bush rig. Well, it had no rust, some minor body damage to passenger door, ran OK, and had some 4x4 issues.

I paid the $600, drove it on the trailer and hauled it home. That evening I installed a new battery, drove it off the trailer and started doing a deeper dive into the issues. Before the end of the evening I had found fuse blown for the 4x4(replaced and it now shifts as it should), the IAC on the 4.0l is NFG, throttle body is extra dirty, LH valve cover leaks, needs brakes all around, some minor leaks at the front diff, wheel bearings need replace and adjust, ball joints are VERY bad, and interior needs a good cleaning.

Time to get started!!!

 

[SenorNoob]

Honestly if that's all it needs at that price you got one heck of a deal. That truck here would be $1000+

Nice score.

 

[ekhunter]

After driving it for a week or so I found a few other minor things to repair but nothing major. During this time I did some shopping, 4” lift kit, 16” rims from a Mazda, 285/75r16 tires, new leaf spring mounts, all necessary seals/gaskets/sensors, some pair, filters and fluids, stereo, etc. amazing what you can find on marketplace!!!

With parts in hand I got to work, starting with the lift kit…should have done this last in retrospect as it sucked doing engine work after it was lifted.

Took a few pics while working through the lift but it wasn’t my priority.

 

[ekhunter]

During lift install I also cleaned up and painted/clear coated the rims from the Mazda, turned out pretty good for $50. I guess I should have mentioned I got the front lift with Bolstein shocks on marketplace for $400 and then bought shocks and super lift leaves new for the back. I also had to see what the new tires would look like without the lift so held one up in the wheel well…pretty much fills the well!!

 

[ekhunter]

Once the lift was in, which took some time but went well being complete after a steady afternoon/evening and finishing touches the next morning, I moved on to some more mechanical stuff. Truck got new brakes, wheel bearings, ball joints, u-joints, and cleaned up the Warn hubs. Not many pics as I was getting it ready for a fishing trip and needed to focus on getting it done.

I also spent a couple rainy evenings in the shop building a new center console that housed my 2way radio and some updated charging ports.

 

[ekhunter]

Moved on to update the radio a bit, nothing major, just wanted to have a screen for gps, apple car play, upgraded speakers, and a bit more bass.