2000 4x4 Ranger Project Ideas/Help?

[bbaker]

Howdy Folks, I picked up a 2000 Ext Cab 4.0 Auto 4x4 Ranger (145K) with a blown tranny fairly reasonably. Upon getting it home the tranny is in serious need of rebuild, but I think I can handle that. The radiator is dry. and has a brown mud like substance built up in it. Tells me oil in the water. The motor is a Jasper rebuild (at least it has stickers on it) so rebuilding it again probably isn't possible. So it looks like I need a tranny rebuilt and the motor fixed.

My neighbor sold me her old 96 Explorer 4.0 4x4 very cheap. I plan to keep the tires off it, the front axles (upgrade for my vacuum hubs) and probably the motor. It too seems to be eating water but it is the original motor with 130K (should be rebuildable)
Is their anything else I should be keeping? Both according to door tags have 3.73 gearing.

I really like the looks of these little Rangers and I just wanted one of these I wouldn't have a ton of money in I could drive to and from work, around town, and maybe once in a while take the off road park here in Lynville IN.

 

[bbaker]

quick pic of the truck.

 

[miller time]

Looks really good fix her up 31 at/mt and call it good but it up to u if you want it to turn some heads 3in body lift 33s

 

[bbaker]

Thanks it def needs a little work.

Thinking a V8 conversion would be the way to go with it Only thing concerns me from reading is the direct bolt in conversion from an explorer is an all time 4 wheel drive system.