"97 Ranger Bush Rig

[ekhunter]

Well, I finally found a Ranger that was in decent shape and had most of what I wanted to build up a bush rig for hunting, fishing, camping and generally just having fun. I found a 1997 Ranger XLT 40.l 4X4 Extended cab with 164,000km on the dial, it had some minor issues but runs great and the auto shifts good. Considering the owner couldn't get the 4x4 to work, the brakes were "sticky" and some minor body damage(but zero rust) I got it for $600 cad, a steal of a deal.

Since I picked it up I have gotten the 4x4 to work (the fuse was blown) and it now shifts into 4x4 with no issues while stationary, but it "grinds" when trying to shift on the fly. Any ideas on where to go with this one please let me know.

I also fixed the "sticky" brake issue, the pedal pivot was corroded, a little disassembly, lube and motion and it works awesome now!!!

I also found the LH valve cover gasket was leaking, quick fix with new intake and valve cover gaskets and no more leak.

Now I have my 4" lift to install and throw on the 285/75R16 tires/rims, remove the ugly over box plastic bedliner to be replaced with a spray in liner, clean up the interior and then just run it until I get the front winch bumper fabbed up and the rear bumper with tire swing out fabbed up as well.

 

[Jazzer]

I can’t help you on the 4x grind, but I wanted to welcome you to TRS.

 

[Uncle Gump]

Glad you found the right truck. Rust free is like winning the lottery.

Sounds like a solid plan... with a bunch of memories waiting to happen.

Let's see some pictures...

Maybe you'd like to start a build thread and we'll follow along as the truck progresses?

Welcome to TRS...

 

[Blmpkn]

Welcome

 

[ekhunter]

Glad you found the right truck. Rust free is like winning the lottery.

Sounds like a solid plan... with a bunch of memories waiting to happen.

Let's see some pictures...

Maybe you'd like to start a build thread and we'll follow along as the truck progresses?

Welcome to TRS...

My plan is to do a build thread but I am extremely bad at making sure I take photos, typically just want to get stuff done...LOL. I have to take pics of it in current condition, hopefully this weekend I will have time but I am busy replacing front end components on my F350 so I don't continue to eat up those cheap 35" tires!!!

It's not exactly what I wanted but it is as close as I could get without paying an arm and a leg, I would've preferred a manual trans and to have power windows/locks and A/C but this will do!!!