I’m new! So is my 88 Ranger

[BIBTAP]

Hello everyone, I just picked up an 88 Ranger for what I think is a good deal. Been looking for a single cab, short bed, manual Ranger, had to be 88 or older - cuz I like that front and trucks should be square!

Anyhow, after much Googling for parts and whatnot kept directing me to this page, I figured I may as well join.

What I found:
1988 Ranger
Manual
2.0
Basest of base models
Runs!
Seriously Monkey business has happened under the hood. Like… green garden hose as a fuel line, no joke.

But it runs and mostly drives. Front brakes are seized and the Distributor cap is broken. I’ll be on here a lot cruising for information on how to fix the broken things the right way, and how to make any modifications I decide I need as time goes by.

 

[RobbieD]

Welcome!

You've found the right place, for all things Ranger.

We'd love to see pics of your truck (especially the garden hose gas line!).

 

[bobbywalter]

i am partial to the square.


2.0......bummmer.


you need a modern 2.0.


but it will do. just get the brakes braking and some good fuel line and ignition parts and keep moving.

 

[SenorNoob]

I didn't even realize the 2.0 was still a thing in 88. I've never seen one newer than 85.

 

[BIBTAP]

Yeah, apparently I got lucky

I’ll probably upgrade to a 2.3 at some point just due to the huge amount of aftermarket support for that one, and I like the idea that a lot of the parts on mine currently will swap over. Super convenient! But in the meantime the 2.0 seems to run ok so I’m gonna rock it until then. Maybe better mileage?

 

[BIBTAP]

Welcome!

You've found the right place, for all things Ranger.

We'd love to see pics of your truck (especially the garden hose gas line!).

I don’t have a good one of the hose while it was attached, but the barbed nipples of whatever on the carb was MIA so the slid a chunk of garden hose over what remained of the fuel line, and slid THAT over the whole shebang. I do have a picture of that, I’ll attach it here. Also some of the other “fixes” I’ve found

 

[RobbieD]

I don’t have a good one of the hose while it was attached, but the barbed nipples of whatever on the carb was MIA so the slid a chunk of garden hose over what remained of the fuel line, and slid THAT over the whole shebang. I do have a picture of that, I’ll attach it here. Also some of the other “fixes” I’ve found

"Necessity being the Mother of Invention", I'm actually impressed with the prior jury-rigged "enjineerin'".

Sounds like you've got a good handle on what your truck needs, though, and Bless You for saving a poor abused first-gen.

If you have questions, need advice, or just spiritual guidance, just post up. You're amongst kindred souls.

 

[bobbywalter]

my 2.0 got terrible mpg.

usually better then walking.

 

[MaicoDoug]

That's better than my "No Kink" camper color coordinated gasket. You get more style points if your (or some part of...) garden hose is the same color as the paint!

WELCOME to the forum!