AcesHigh 1994 Ranger Project

[AcesHigh]

Yesterday I picked up a 1994 4x4 Ranger with AT and the 4.0 engine for $700. The trans is shot, but the engine runs and will stay running.

This is going to be a long running project thread where I post progress. The first order of business is swapping the auto transmission for a manual so I can move this thing in and out of the shop easily. I have to start gathering parts for that.

Not sure why pics get flipped from original orientation.

 

[AcesHigh]

Nothing going to get done without this guy’s help

 

[AcesHigh]

In the shop and out of the dirt.

 

[Uncle Gump]

Forum is rotating pictures...

I have to open them up... I do a tiny crop and save it. It then loads like it should.

 

[AcesHigh]

View attachment 132953

Forum is rotating pictures...

I have to open them up... I do a tiny crop and save it. It then loads like it should.

Yeah, I’m not sure if it’s something I’m doing. Just using my iPhone to take pics and uploading.

 

[Uncle Gump]

Yeah... just open it on your phone... tweak the size... save it.

Try to post another and see if it keeps it straight

 

[AcesHigh]

Yeah... just open it on your phone... tweak the size... save it.

Try to post another and see if it keeps it straight

Not understanding…. The rat on the wheel in my head is asleep. When I take the pics, they are oriented correctly. I upload to forum and they aren’t. To fix this, I’m supposed to download them from the forum, crop and re-upload? I don’t see an option to resize when editing a post and opening the pic.

 

[Uncle Gump]

No...

Before you post picture... open edit save. Then post it.

 

[Terrys87]

You are starting out with a solid looking truck, that is looking good. Just like any older truck it will have some hidden surprises for you but in project stage is nice to get all the gremlins kicked out.


When I take my pictures with my Iphone, it gives me 3 different size options, .5, 1.0, and some other size. I have to select .5 before I take the picture or it is too large for the website.

 

[AcesHigh]

I sourced a 1995 donor today - 4x4, 4l, manual, engine blown. $600. Pick it up tomorrow.

 

[jballard81]

Looks like a good starting point. 93-94 are kind of oddball/unique years. Dash and door panel stuff pretty much can only come from 93/94 donors (at least for power windows and doors).

Gratz on finding a good donor rig.
How many miles are on your 4.0? Reason I ask is that if you're swapping in a transmission, might be a good time to get some engine maintenance done as well.

Good luck on your journey, excited to see what you do with it!

 

[AcesHigh]

Looks like a good starting point. 93-94 are kind of oddball/unique years. Dash and door panel stuff pretty much can only come from 93/94 donors (at least for power windows and doors).

Gratz on finding a good donor rig.
How many miles are on your 4.0? Reason I ask is that if you're swapping in a transmission, might be a good time to get some engine maintenance done as well.

Good luck on your journey, excited to see what you do with it!

I think it has like 180,000 miles. Planning on doing the rear seal, front seal, oil pan gasket, valve covers.

I wonder if the 95 dash could fit with mount fabrication and work with the 1994 door panels? Not sure if I want to do that, but the dash has zero cracks in the donor. I know the controls and wiring are different so something would need to be done to address that.

Also hoping the 95 steering column can work with whatever dash I use. No shifter on it of course and it’s tilt where the 94 is not.

 

[jballard81]

I think it has like 180,000 miles. Planning on doing the rear seal, front seal, oil pan gasket, valve covers.

I wonder if the 95 dash could fit with mount fabrication and work with the 1994 door panels? Not sure if I want to do that, but the dash has zero cracks in the donor. I know the controls and wiring are different so something would need to be done to address that.

Also hoping the 95 steering column can work with whatever dash I use. No shifter on it of course and it’s tilt where the 94 is not.

I believe the 95 door panels have a more pronounced bump where it meets the dashboard. I looked into doing that as well bc the 95+ up dashboards seem to hold up better overall.

I believe you would want to swap out the door panels as well and I haven't looked into compatibility before. Luckily for you, you and pull the door panels off and see if it would be within the realm of possiblity!

 

[AcesHigh]

Current parts that I’ll use from the donor.

1. Transmission
2. Drive shafts
3. Shifter and floor plate
4. Clutch/brake assembly
5. Clutch hydraulics - guy said it had new master and slave installed as well as reservoir.
6. ECU
7. Guy said clutch and flywheel were also new. I’ll inspect and see if I’m reusing.
8. Starter
9. Crossmember

Huge bonus parts -

1. windshield with no chips or cracks from 1995
2. Bed that should be repairable and usable unlike the 1994


Probably other parts as I realize I need them

 

[jballard81]

Current parts that I’ll use from the donor.

1. Transmission
2. Drive shafts
3. Shifter and floor plate
4. Clutch/brake assembly
5. Clutch hydraulics - guy said it had new master and slave installed as well as reservoir.
6. ECU
7. Guy said clutch and flywheel were also new. I’ll inspect and see if I’m reusing.
8. Starter
9. Crossmember

Huge bonus parts -

1. windshield with no chips or cracks from 1995
2. Bed that should be repairable and usable unlike the 1994


Probably other parts as I realize I need them

I don't believe the ECU will work in your 94. 94 was ODB1 and 95+ is ODB2 among other things.