first truck

[Deamers87ford]

well everyone i just bought my first truck it is a 1990 ranger stx 5spd has a tap thinkin a value and has some dents and needs ball joints other than that we drove it home
i will have pics tomorrow after school

 

[Deamers87ford]

o yeah the reason for this post is i was wondering what i should do to it when i get some money so i was hoping for some ideas

also can anyone run me a carfax report

 

[Ranger Dave (B25)]

Congrats on the truck, Deamers.

I had an '84 as my first RBV. Loved it.

The tapping: Change the oil, and use Marvel Mystery Oil in place of one quart of regular oil. That will clean the oil galleys and passages, and if it's just a sticky tappet, will help clean that up as well. I've used it for years, and it works very well.

Just change your oil at about 2000 miles the next time and see if it helps.

 

[graff104]

I would start with fluids. Check them ALL. Top off those that need it. I would change the oil and most likely the transmission unless it looks really pretty if any of the other fluids look repulsive change them fluids are always cheaper than parts. Air and fuel filter. Check the plugs/wires and while you thinking spark a new cap and rotor wouldn't hurt. Also pull the codes see if anything comes up.

 

[PaleBlue90]

I would start with fluids. Check them ALL. Top off those that need it. I would change the oil and most likely the transmission unless it looks really pretty if any of the other fluids look repulsive change them fluids are always cheaper than parts. Air and fuel filter. Check the plugs/wires and while you thinking spark a new cap and rotor wouldn't hurt. Also pull the codes see if anything comes up.

+1

 

[Deamers87ford]

alright guys thanks ill be getting some lucas and oil and filter and try that
then ill get the plugs wires and all that lol

 

[graff104]

alright guys thanks ill be getting some lucas and oil and filter and try that
then ill get the plugs wires and all that lol

It all sounds like a lot but its all pretty cheap. Just take your time its a good learning experience. I learned a crapload the first month with my first truck.

 

[Deamers87ford]

alright now my steering wheel is crazy off like the wheels are striaght but the wheel is turned hard right. i was thinkin the tie rods were replaced and the steering wheel never reset any ideas on how to do this

 

[graff104]

alright now my steering wheel is crazy off like the wheels are striaght but the wheel is turned hard right. i was thinkin the tie rods were replaced and the steering wheel never reset any ideas on how to do this

Mines like that to. As long as the alignment on the front is good its no real problem, but if it annoys I THINK you can take the steering wheel off and put it back on straight. I have never done it, but a few different people have told me Its possible. I haven't done it yet though..

 

[93Ranger4x4]

sounds like the drag link that connects to the pitman arm needs adjusted.
Basically, just remove the drag link from the pitman arm, turn your steering wheel to where you think is straight, just make sure its not turned 1 whole revolution one way or you could make matters worse, and use something or someone to hold the steering wheel in place, put the drag link up to the pitman arm, and just turn it in or out whichever way it needs to go to be put back into the arm correctly without forcing it back into place. Pretty simple actually.

EDIT: Assuming you have an adjustable drag link that is.

 

[Deamers87ford]

alright im goin to take some pictures of her maybe ill post um then

 

[Ranger Dave (B25)]

Mines like that to. As long as the alignment on the front is good its no real problem, but if it annoys I THINK you can take the steering wheel off and put it back on straight. I have never done it, but a few different people have told me Its possible. I haven't done it yet though..

No, don't pull the wheel.

Take it to an alignment shop and have it done correctly. Have them center the steering, not the steering WHEEL and align the front end. Big difference.

 

[Will]

They won't align it correctly unless they pick it up with plates under the tires.

I would change the oil and then just work on getting the bugs out. Don't get crazy with the plugs and wires and all that. Tranny fluid and other fluis are good for a long time--engine oil gets contaminents blown in at every combustion. You might need your money for some repairs. Once you are settled into it, then work on the little things--wires, other fluids etc. Everytime I get an experienced vehicle there is a period of unrest. My most recent needed a timing belt, clutch, valve cover gasket, brakes and a few other things--these all manifested themselves over the first month. Now, maybe, I am ready to splurge and get some plug wires and fuzzy dice.

 

[Deamers87ford]

well i changed the oil add lucas with it got ride of the tap and runs great now tommorrow goin to work on the steering wheel thing