help please

[xxRangerStyleexx]

ok guys, im 16 and im really interested in buying a 94-97 ranger. i have found a ranger that i really like and recently went to check it out. its a 96 and "supposedly" only has 101,689 miles on it, hard to believe for a 96, huh? anyways we started it up and the engine sounded fine, until i turned the AC on. he told me that the AC didnt work but turning it on made the engine sound HORRIBLE! he said it was registered to a docking company, explaining the low mileage. the truck is messed up, but good for a project, which is what im looking for. he said it has been rolled before so i dont know if the frame could be bent, and it needs to be geared due to the bigger tires.im curious on what the estimate price would be, worst case senario. i need some input on this before making my final decision, so any will do. Thanks guys!

 

[RedneckRanger69]

I don't know, if i were u i would shop around, cause if its been rolled, 9 times out of 10, theres something wrong with it, and it wouldn't only be somethin wrong with the AC, alot of worse shit could be wrong with it, im talkin about engine troubles, and probably framework, mayb even drivetrain issues. If your gonna use it at a project, you better be either rebuilding the engine, or swapping the engine with a new engine. If your gonna go for a 5.0 L (302) or even a 351 (5.8 L) you can find those fairly cheap at auctions or from junkyards (some of the cars there haven't been busted up too bad, you'll b suprised by what you can find at a junkyard) You sound like me when I was your age. I paid for my first vehicle, ,and i got a 2001 Ford Ranger XLT with the 3.0 L V6/5 speed Manual Transmission for 6500 bucks in cash. And I remember all of those plans that I wanted to do to it. LOL. I always wanted to do a 5.0 L swap, but i never have enough money to accomplish that, I have added on to my 3.0 L V6 though (Flowmaster 40 series Delta Flow Muffler Dual Exhaust with 2.5 inch diameter pipe and 3 inch chrome tips, 1.7 ratio Roller Rockers, K&N FIPK Cold Air Intake (the CAI didn't add any noticeable performance gains

 

[RedneckRanger69]

Along with a JET Performance Module (Added 25 horsepower and at least 35 FT/LBS of Torque ) Anyway, good luck on your project. Take Care and Best of Luck to Ya.

Stephan

 

[RedneckRanger69]

O Yea the average price, Im guessing they'll ask around 6000 bucks for it. But You can find better deals. But yea, ur definately gonna wanna regear if it has bigger tires on it. Go for 4.10 gears.

 

[evanesce69]

Agreed, there could be cracks in the tranny/xfer case/engine mating surfaces. In my opinion, 6k would be too much for a 96 with 102k. I bought a 93 with 122k for 3900 which was a little more than I wanted to give, but I bought it from a friend and knew its history. Besides the body was in perfect condition along with the interior.



Rob