have a few ?'s

[4x494ranger]

i just bought my first ranger (1994 ford ranger xlt 4x4 v6 4.0 automatic) and don't know much about them. i was told it has a 6" lift and its made by superlift but they only make a 5.5" so im guessing that's what it is. it has 33" bf all terrains. my questions are

1. my truck has manual windows and locks is it possibly to take the power windows and locks out of another truck and put them in mine.

2. i need to replace my shocks can i go with a different make of shock and i was told i should get gas shocks. what do you recommend?

3.i want to do some upgrades to make it perform better what is out there i can do to it? i would like to eventually supercharge it but cant seem to find a kit is there one?

4.i read that the 94 ranger had automatic locking hubs. mine has manual how do i know they were done right and if they are true manual and not just for looks?

5.my transmission doesn't want to shift in the morning like its to cold or something and it shifts hard sometimes. any ideas on what the problem is and how to fix it? i was thinking of changing the fluid and filter would that be a good idea or a waste of time and money?

6. is there any good mods that i can do?

7. my suspension seems really loose is it just cause my shocks need to be replaced or is there something else i can do to stiffen it up?

thanks for the help and if there is anything else you think i should do any advise would be appreciated.

 

[4x4junkie]

That's a lot of questions at once here...


1.
You could put power windows in, sure. Probably would be easiest to find a donor truck in a junkyard and pull the motors, locks, switches, wiring and door panels from it.

2.
You can use any brand shock as long as it's the proper length for your lift. KYB and Bilstein are both excellent brands

3.
Not sure on a supercharger, you'll have to call around (or maybe someone else here knows)

4.
Never seen "fake" manual hub locks... If the dial turns, I'm sure they are real.

5.
Check the transmission forum for your tranny issues. A fluid & filter change probably can't hurt.

6.
Have a look around the site (be sure to check the Tech Library) LOTS of things you can do to your truck

7.
Bad shocks can cause that, yes. Bad steering geometry can cause some weird handling too (its extremely common to have a drop pitman arm that doesn't match up with the lift's height. If your steering linkage isn't fully down horizontal with the axle, a longer pitman arm would help as well). Check through the Suspension forums for some info.
Make sure all the balljoints and tierod ends are tight too.


Hope that helps, and welcome to TRS!

 

[LearjetMinako]

Where to start. First I would highly recommend to browse through the TRS Libary. It has a lots of good info to help get the ideas started on the right track.

1.
You could put in the P/W & P/L. But why? It just more things to go wrong. I know its a little inconvent to not be able to roll the passenger side window down.

2.
You can use any shock brand that you want. Just make sure they the correct length for the lift kit installed already.

3.
Probably the best upgrade for any vehicle is to do a tune-up. Then after that, start to increase air flow in the system. As for a supercharger, there was one. But I can't recall who made it.

4.
If the manual hubs work. When engaged they should also spin the u-joint shafts also. Lift the front-end up to where the front tires are off the ground. Turn the hub knob and check the u-joints for rotation. Also check the disengagement as well.

5.
Sounds like its time for some new fluid. Maybe a new tranny in the worst case.

7.
The Twin Traction Beam system is not what you would call a perfect symmetrical geometry. And lifting it causes more problems. Thou you can't beat the ruggness and cheapness of lifting compared to other front suspensions. In extremes, some guys do a soild live front axle swap to get rid of most those geometry problems and to simplify solutions.

 

[4x494ranger]

thanks for the info

 

[feellnfroggy]

Like I swear to everyone, Supersixmotorsports website has superchargers and possibly knows where to find quality turbo kits for the 4.0 the also have built heads aftermarket blocks etc. But I wouldnt go that far just yet. handle your maintenance issues first. For teh rest be creative with the search button, not all threads are titled to match your exact problem, however you'll find lots of people with those same issues. Welcome to the site.

 

[4x494ranger]

so i can pull the power windows and locks and put them into my truck? is there certin models and years i can do this to?

 

[basketranger]

'93-'97 are "the same" unless your paint job is outstanding, you might get lucky with a door swap????

 

[4x494ranger]

so would the wiring harness work from the donor truck? did ford install the same harness in all 93-97 rangers so all i would have to do is plug and play basically or do i have to do some wiring?

 

[4x4junkie]

Actually the door panels (and possibly the switches & wiring) are unique to 1993 and 1994. I would think everything should be plug & play if you get the stuff from one of those two model years.
'95-'97 door panels I think will physically fit on your doors, but they are styled different and the colors may not match.

 

[feellnfroggy]

If for some reason you find a good donor but maybe no switches, You can find some nice billet pieces online that really compliment the interior of any vehicle. I had them on my mustang.

 

[4x494ranger]

thanks again for the info

 

[Lee_533]

Superlift Suspensions are a little loose but that's not always a bad thing but shocks will stiffen it up.

and As far as the tranny? My buddy had the same problem. Basically his was just going out because he would leave it in drive instead of 1st or 2nd when he was mudding so it was shifting hard. Eventually it will wear out if your not careful when 4X4ing...


and Cool air intake will help your performance a lot. So good luck....

 

[4x494ranger]

i dropped my trans pan yesterday to change my fluid and filter and have come to the conclusion that i need to get it rebuilt i had a lot of shavings and the fluid was built. is there a stronger trans that i can put in or should i just have mine rebuilt?