Craigslist Special - 1987 Ranger STX 4x4

[Daringo]

Sigh... my tranny is starting to slip (again). I thru it into reverse to back up into my garage and work on the camper shell... yea... that didn't happen. Classic gear stuttering too. I think the new tires and camper shell probably added 200 extra pounds of weight... and my tranny doesn't like that!

So... looking at

1) Lucas Slip Stop ($9)
2) Tranny rebuild ($600++++)
3) Tranny swap ($300+++)
4) Convert to 5MOD ($1300+++)
5) Start looking on craigslist for another cheap 4x4 under $2,000.

I have put alot of work (hard to tell) into this little truck. I can only imagine my wife's reaction to a $600+ fix for the tranny. Sigh. Any thoughts or recommendations?

 

[88_Eddie]

couple of suggestions:

a) drive it as long as possible.
b) find a ranger that has a blown engine but a working tranny and swap that in, you should be able to get by with that for a while

 

[jhammel85]

You've got a great looking truck there! I got my 87 from Craigslist too

 

[Daringo]

Thanks for the kudos on my truck. I think my Mud Terrain tire upgrade just got put on hold for this tranny issue. Well, it is 23 years old

 

[86 slo-vo]

do the m5od swap....youll be happy you did

 

[r1hatman]

Nice truck and camper top. Hate to hear about your tranny. Did you try changing the tranny fluid and filter? It can either help it or kill it!

 

[Daringo]

Nice truck and camper top. Hate to hear about your tranny. Did you try changing the tranny fluid and filter? It can either help it or kill it!

Oh yea... did two ATF drains and one filter replacement this week. After the first drain, I added SeaFoam Trans Tune to try and help clean the valves... then just last night I drained that and started over with new fluid. Still has same tranny issues, but not any worse. I hope changing my VERY mushy center support driveshaft bearing will fix my vibration/shuddering in 1st and reverse.

Still have to deal with my "needs to get warmed up" problem after that. Saving up for a rebuilt tho. Got a $400 quote plus $290 install with a 3 month warranty. I could handle that I guess if it did infact solve the problem.

Notice the tow package on the backend of my truck? I bet whatever the previous owner(s) towed had a lot to do with my current tranny woes. I am thinking of taking it off completely. But part of me says leave it on for a bike carrier or something simple/light.

 

[Louisville86]

Good looking '87!

I like those deer hoof wheels. I would like to find a nice, clean set.

Craigslist Rangers all the way!