I might be getting back in a Ranger

[EMB1230]

I should have kept my last one, but you know, can't go back Anyway, I found a really clean 87 2.3 5 speed 2wd that I plan on checking out? anything I should look out for, beside the usual stuff? Were the manual trannies prior to the M50d as reliable as a M50d? looks like this one has the Toyo Kogyo, I think I spelled that right, look to also be a Mazda trans.

 

[90longbed]

ahhh yes a first gen ranger.......check spring hangers, cab corners, door pillars, floors, core support for rust.... look it over really good before handing over the money....I brought a mechanics stethoscope when I bought mine.... also check the door striker area for cracks, mud or excess dirt around the fuel fill that would be a telltale sign it was in a flood.... listen for any strange noises when driving it...give it a good run...drive it at different speeds, around corners...brake pulsation is pretty common too but not hard to fix... warning lights etc etc should work

 

[EMB1230]

Ok, thanks, but what about the tranny? Were those TK's as good as a M5OD, or where they junk? Or was it the Mitsu trannies that were the ones that were junk?

 

[90longbed]

you are right about the 87 and older trannies.... but its not hard to put the better 88 and up trans in

 

[wildbill23c]

I have an 84 B2 with the TK-5 transmission in it and 5th gear whines but other than that it does just fine. It really depends on what you are going to do I've heard that the TK-5's aren't that bad until you try to beat on it offroading. Fluid level is a huge issue as well, if the fluid level gets low, it don't take long before things start to have problems from lack of lubrication. Before you go to far check the fluid level in the transmission.

 

[SenorNoob]

I'd always heard the TK was just as good. The Mitsubishi parts can't be too bad. Mine is still holding out behind the 4.0 although 2nd gear is impossible when it's cold. Are you sure it's a 5 speed? There was a TK4. Saw one once in the junkyard.

 

[adsm08]

There was a TK4 and a TK5. The TKs (Mazdas) were better than the FMs (Mitsus) but none of them were as good as the M5OD.

 

[EMB1230]

Honestly, it's going to be a DD, mostly around town, once and a while on the hwy, 65 mph max.

 

[GentleRF]

Honestly, there's nothing blatantly wrong with the TK-5. The only issue I have with mine is the gear on the output shaft of the trans being worn down and needing replacement. Other than that, it's a pretty solid gearbox and great for a DD.

 

[EMB1230]

I came across a 94 supercab last night, also 2.3 5 speed 2wd, but it has 210K, which really for the fours isn't really bad, but still makes me a little weary. I like how it does not have a/c, the 87 does have it though, along with cruise, which I think is really rare on a four.

 

[EMB1230]

I picked up the 87 today, checked it over, timing belt looks new, plug wires look new, rear shackles look good, clutch and brakes are firm, shifter is a little wobbly, but not worried about it, heat works great, not sure about the a/c, don't really care if that doesn't work. There was also a fuel filter behind the seat, so that's probably new.