DJ's 1998 Ranger aka "Pappy's Truck"

[djfllmn]

Back in December of 2021, my grandfather signed his ranger over to me, he bought the truck back in 1998 and he told me back then (i was 7 at the time) DJ one day this truck will be yours. and that day has come. It's a 2.5 2wd, not real optioned but doesn't matter to me. I'm just glad to have it . It only had 57K miles on it when i got it, as far as mods- absolutely none, just keep it in top cosmetic and mechanical condition. I did replace the tires, the brake hydraulic components, the shocks, the serp. belt, tensioner & idler, along with other routine maintenance items. One cool fact about this truck is the color was only offered in 1998, and it left the assembly plant with no A/C. It was later installed at the selling dealer, and I still have all the paperwork from that day. Now time for pictures

This is the day I brought it home

Put new tires on it and deep cleaned the interior a couple weeks after I got it

 

[sgtsandman]

Have you ever seen 27 mpg out of yours? I never did with my 1998. I seem to remember seeing 22-23 out of it. Though it did originally have 3.45:1 gearing in the rear axle, way too tall for around here. The mileage never changed when I swapped a 4.10:1 axle in it. 3.73:1 probably would have gotten it closer but I did like how the 4.10 livened up the truck and made it no longer feel like it was struggling everywhere it went.

 

[RobbieD]

That is a NICE truck, and definitely a keeper. Family connection to boot!

I really like your approach and plans for this truck. It can be original only once.

And welcome to TRS.

 

[djfllmn]

Have you ever seen 27 mpg out of yours? I never did with my 1998. I seem to remember seeing 22-23 out of it. Though it did originally have 3.45:1 gearing in the rear axle, way too tall for around here. The mileage never changed when I swapped a 4.10:1 axle in it. 3.73:1 probably would have gotten it closer but I did like how the 4.10 livened up the truck and made it no longer feel like it was struggling everywhere it went.

I saw 27 I think once with it

 

[djfllmn]

That is a NICE truck, and definitely a keeper. Family connection to boot!

I really like your approach and plans for this truck. It can be original only once.

And welcome to TRS.

Thanks ! Yea this truck means a lot to me

 

[djfllmn]

Had the ranger professionally appraised a couple weeks ago, got the report back today, they have it valued at $8,500, Little low IMO but that's just my opinion

 

[Blmpkn]

8500 ain't bad in all reality, especially for a 2wd 4 banger. It's done all its depreciation and is now gaining in value.

Barring some phenomenon that makes the general public super horny for 90s rangers I bet it'll be worth all of its original sticker value in another decade or something.

 

[djfllmn]

I am trying to set the sentimental value that the truck has to me aside and look at it from a more realistic side and realize that 8,500 isn't bad

 

[Blmpkn]

I am trying to set the sentimental value that the truck has to me aside and look at it from a more realistic side and realize that 8,500 isn't bad

That sentimental value is real.

My wallet has needed replacing for a good many years. It's exponentially past expired.. really really awful condition.. homeless folks probably have wallets of much nicer condition than I do..

.. but I choose to keep it in service because it was one of my grandfather's 'backups' he kept in his bedside table. I got it when he passed away and I can't bring myself to part with it as a daily companion.. even though I have two extremely nice replacements ready to go and begging for use.

 

[djfllmn]

That sentimental value is real.

My wallet has needed replacing for a good many years. It's exponentially past expired.. really really awful condition.. homeless folks probably have wallets of much nicer condition than I do..

.. but I choose to keep it in service because it was one of my grandfather's 'backups' he kept in his bedside table. I got it when he passed away and I can't bring myself to part with it as a daily companion.. even though I have two extremely nice replacements ready to go and begging for use.

That's how I feel about this truck, and I will drive this truck every chance i get over my 2024 F150. I like that truck to but the F150 is well just a truck to me...this ranger, is much more than that

 

[djfllmn]

well I got the phone call yesterday that I knew was coming inevitably but still hurts.

My grandpa or Pappy as I called him passed away at the age of 90, his health was failing and the past 3-4 months he was borderline just existing, and his quality of life was extremely poor. He is no longer suffering

 

[Blmpkn]

well I got the phone call yesterday that I knew was coming inevitably but still hurts.

My grandpa or Pappy as I called him passed away at the age of 90, his health was failing and the past 3-4 months he was borderline just existing, and his quality of life was extremely poor. He is no longer suffering

I'm very sorry to hear about your loss.

Pappy will live on in his truck though..

 

[AHenry014]

So sorry for your loss DJ. It gets easier, but will always hurt.

My Ranger is my late grandfather-in-laws that I acquired after he passed. He was 98 years old and a WW2 vet. I too find myself grabbing those keys over my '22 F150 most days (I've followed your F150 build on the other forum as well). There's just something about driving the Ranger that I love. It has some sort of soul that isnt there on the newer trucks. Perhaps its the memory/energy of the previous owner. I know you enjoy driving yours as much as I do mine.

 

[Kira]

Condolences extended.
It makes 'truck talk' seem superfluous, but it's who we are.

+1 on the unique color.
Is the sheath around the gear lever's shaft (pics 2 and 4) on metal or is it hollow and wobbly? It's not all metal, is it?
Deep looking carpeting for a pickup.
What is "Battery Saver"? (3rd down under "Functional")?
Could you post the dealership's AC installation paperwork?

 

[djfllmn]

Condolences extended.
It makes 'truck talk' seem superfluous, but it's who we are.

+1 on the unique color.
Is the sheath around the gear lever's shaft (pics 2 and 4) on metal or is it hollow and wobbly? It's not all metal, is it? - It's hollow
Deep looking carpeting for a pickup. - It really is. I'd say this era ranger was the heyday of the 'old' ranger
What is "Battery Saver"? (3rd down under "Functional")? - Just means it shuts the dome lights off after a few minutes if a door is left open
Could you post the dealership's AC installation paperwork? - Yea, I can do that.

See above