How should I build it? (2001 3.0 xlt)

[mcgee]

What should I do to my new ranger? It’s got 268k on the od so no performance mods, (want it to stay reliable). I have been into mini trucks since I was a kid and this is my first one at 18 years old so I need some veteran help with some ideas! Much appreciated.

 

[mcgee]

(Have already added LED headlights, new stereo system all around, and new license plate lights)

 

[scotts90ranger]

It really depends on what you want it to do, there's ways of lowering it or lifting it to change the image or fit different tires or whatnot

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

Yup, you need to decide what you’re looking for out of the truck, then it’s easier to guide someone along…

 

[Curious Hound]

I recommend driving it the way it is. Get used to it. Pay attention to how it sounds and feels while driving it. That way you will know when something starts to go wrong. The other advantage is that with time in the seat, you will start to figure out what YOU want. Take the time to figure out what will make you happy. We'll help you learn how to modify it and repair it. But we shouldn't tell you what mods to do. Everybody is different and what I want a truck to be may be very different from what you want.

 

[19Walt93]

/\ Like he said. After driving it a while you can decide what changes would make you happier with the truck. Myself, I'd find some factory 16" Ranger or Explorer alloy wheels and some lower profile tires to keep the diameter the same. Larger diameter tires will change the effective rear end ratio and make the truck feel doggy. If you buy aftermarket wheels learn how to measure back spacing first so the wheels fit under the fenders and don't stick out like Dumbo's ears. Enjoy your truck, there hasn't been a 2001 that clean in NH for about 20 years.

 

[Brain75]

Hound+Walt beat me to the punch on this one... I too suggest driving it. This comes a little more from the classics crowd (I have a 1948 F-1), there are a TON of people with torn apart basket cases that are years from getting back on the road among those guys... the best advice to anyone "new" car or old, is : If you can drive it as it is today, drive it, get used to it, learn it, learn what it loves, learn what it hates, learn what you like about it and learn what you hate about it. Once you figure out you want to make changes, figure out how to do those very incrementally, don't pull the engine trans, and axle all at once to fix some gear ratio issues you hate... swap axles one weekend and see if that does get you closer, swap transmissions a month or two later when you are dead sure you still want to get the gearing of xyz trans and so on... keep it on the road as much as possible. You will enjoy your time behind the wheel more if you don't walk past it week after week going "damn project".

 

[Brain75]

I have to admit this comes from experience too... I never pulled my '48 apart into a million pieces. I did a 6v to 12v conversion first (the wiring was completely shot, it ran for the first couple months I had it but then wouldn't start), then did the transmission swap (got rid of a 4speed that whined like a cat in heat and topped out at 48mph), then did the axle months later. All the guys on the forum where I was at advised me just like Hound/Walt/Myself are tellin you now, I took it to heart and I have loved my truck more than ever.


It's a lot easier to stay on top of it financially if you don't bite into a $4k project off the bat, run out of money and let it sit, take $1k nibbles out of it 4 times spread out over time.

 

[mcgee]

It really depends on what you want it to do, there's ways of lowering it or lifting it to change the image or fit different tires or whatnot

I’ve wanted to lower it but only 2 to 3 inches.

 

[mcgee]

I recommend driving it the way it is. Get used to it. Pay attention to how it sounds and feels while driving it. That way you will know when something starts to go wrong. The other advantage is that with time in the seat, you will start to figure out what YOU want. Take the time to figure out what will make you happy. We'll help you learn how to modify it and repair it. But we shouldn't tell you what mods to do. Everybody is different and what I want a truck to be may be very different from what you want.

Will do! I know I want to lower it 2 to 3 inches but don’t know where to go other then djm but i’ve heard they are pricy.

 

[mcgee]

/\ Like he said. After driving it a while you can decide what changes would make you happier with the truck. Myself, I'd find some factory 16" Ranger or Explorer alloy wheels and some lower profile tires to keep the diameter the same. Larger diameter tires will change the effective rear end ratio and make the truck feel doggy. If you buy aftermarket wheels learn how to measure back spacing first so the wheels fit under the fenders and don't stick out like Dumbo's ears. Enjoy your truck, there hasn't been a 2001 that clean in NH for about 20 years.

Okay thanks for the tips, I was also thinking 16s. From what I know i’ve got the cleanest stock 01 around my area so i don’t wanna do a whole lot

 

[mcgee]

Hound+Walt beat me to the punch on this one... I too suggest driving it. This comes a little more from the classics crowd (I have a 1948 F-1), there are a TON of people with torn apart basket cases that are years from getting back on the road among those guys... the best advice to anyone "new" car or old, is : If you can drive it as it is today, drive it, get used to it, learn it, learn what it loves, learn what it hates, learn what you like about it and learn what you hate about it. Once you figure out you want to make changes, figure out how to do those very incrementally, don't pull the engine trans, and axle all at once to fix some gear ratio issues you hate... swap axles one weekend and see if that does get you closer, swap transmissions a month or two later when you are dead sure you still want to get the gearing of xyz trans and so on... keep it on the road as much as possible. You will enjoy your time behind the wheel more if you don't walk past it week after week going "damn project".

Alright thanks man, so just enjoy what i’ve got till i know what i wanna do, and make sure it’s done right? that’s what im getting. I really do appreciate all the feedback from you all.

 

[mcgee]

I have to admit this comes from experience too... I never pulled my '48 apart into a million pieces. I did a 6v to 12v conversion first (the wiring was completely shot, it ran for the first couple months I had it but then wouldn't start), then did the transmission swap (got rid of a 4speed that whined like a cat in heat and topped out at 48mph), then did the axle months later. All the guys on the forum where I was at advised me just like Hound/Walt/Myself are tellin you now, I took it to heart and I have loved my truck more than ever.


It's a lot easier to stay on top of it financially if you don't bite into a $4k project off the bat, run out of money and let it sit, take $1k nibbles out of it 4 times spread out over time.

Okay for sure, I got the truck for 500$ so I’ve got some wiggle room with my budget. Right now the transmission is slipping so i wanna focus on that first. Can you recommend a better transmission for me to use if i were to swap in a different one?

 

[Brain75]

Transmission or Torque Converter.... if the trans is really going that is a bigger project to repair so one would likely look to swap with a junkyard donor... if your original factory 1st torque converter made it to 268k then it has done an admiral job and should get a state funeral with full honors.

Probably the torque converter is the issue, but just like changing the clutch on a manual, few dollars and a few hours. You are one card shark if you managed that beautiful a truck for $500, congrats.

First thing to help all of us is to fill out all the details on your profile. On the truck look at the door jamb and find the trans code on the sticker - that will keep us from guessing which trans you have. Grab the axle code too as that will play in some day etc etc. Be ready to post all the important details in the first post of any new thread if you don't have it all on your profile.

What is the symptoms, slipping between only 2nd & 3rd or slipping / hard to get started all the time, etc etc?

 

[mcgee]

Transmission or Torque Converter.... if the trans is really going that is a bigger project to repair so one would likely look to swap with a junkyard donor... if your original factory 1st torque converter made it to 268k then it has done an admiral job and should get a state funeral with full honors.

Probably the torque converter is the issue, but just like changing the clutch on a manual, few dollars and a few hours. You are one card shark if you managed that beautiful a truck for $500, congrats.

First thing to help all of us is to fill out all the details on your profile. On the truck look at the door jamb and find the trans code on the sticker - that will keep us from guessing which trans you have. Grab the axle code too as that will play in some day etc etc. Be ready to post all the important details in the first post of any new thread if you don't have it all on your profile.

What is the symptoms, slipping between only 2nd & 3rd or slipping / hard to get started all the time, etc etc?

Sounds good, I will fill it out. I believe it is the stock one still. It is only slipping between 2nd and 3rd yes, sometimes 4th. Sometimes it will miss 3rd gear. Also could you do me a favor and look at my other thread when you’ve got the time? i’m trying to find a certain type of cup holder. The guy who had the truck before was the 1st owner and a good family friend so getting the truck for that cheap was more of a gift then it was a purchase with how clean it is.