My new (to me) '97 Ranger XLT

[funstuie]

Hi all,

So yesterday I picked up '97 Ranger XLT.

Its in great condition, practically unmodified (it's got a crappy radio and the steering wheel needs replacing). Mileage is at 145k, no rust, no damage. It’s all stock - power windows, power mirrors, power locks.

I am stoked. I have wanted a ranger for a long time and it's been a bit of a search. Here in Northern California finding a decent ranger for not crazy money is very difficult. So I showed some work colleagues and their comments were not very complimentary. The main one being that it's an old man truck. In all honesty I don’t give a **** what they say, I like it. I have gone through a few different cars/trucks over the past few years. I have finally settled on an Expedition as the family hauler and this ranger will be my daily driver.

But having said that I would like to do some easy upgrades/updates as it looks a bit tired.

I am thinking new headlights and taillights. As the current ones are yellow and faded and I would like to modernize the look somewhat.

I have the stereo from my expedition which is a pioneer avh-4100 which will be a nice upgrade over the old unit thats in there now (not stock it’s an aftermarket stereo).

I am going to do the LED swap on all the bulbs.

I am thinking of getting a set of premium seat covers as the original ones are worn and stained. I might consider having them recovered but it might be a cost too much.

I would like to get a tint on the windows (as dark as legal in CA).

The steering wheel needs to be replaced - the padding is gone and it’s not comfortable as is. What units can be swapped into a 97? The cruise control is damaged and the buttons have broken off. I don’t need them anyway.

What other quick/easy/cheap upgrades/updates should I consider?

 

[1996xlt]

An Explorer/Ranger steering wheel from 95-01 should fit, but I can't swear that all the electrical connections will be the same.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Nice of someone to install the 4wd front valance for you, best looking RBV foglight setup IMO.

 

[97RangerXLT]

Nice looking truck. I love my 97. And as for your coworkers, unless they are financing it, their opinions don't matter

I believe you can get the cruise control pods off fleabay or maybe Rockauto fairly cheap, and they are easy to replace. I need to do that on mine too...

AJ

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Note 4 while sitting in my underwear

 

[Doofy]

I'm an old man with an old man truck. I enjoy my Ranger so, screw em! Opinions are like assholes and yes, they are!

 

[Mark_88]

The lenses on my 92 upgrade were yellow and looked "tired" also...but I found a fix online and it involved wet sanding the lenses with a series of different grit papers...180 -> 400 -> 600 and then spraying the lenses with clear coat.

It worked perfectly and the lenses were clear and looked like new when I was finished.

I did the same thing on my friend's 1998 Ranger before she sold it and she was also impressed.

The rear tails are probably the same but if you want to upgrade the lenses that's entirely your choice...always nice to have choices and there are many on these trucks...like the others said...enjoy!

And tell your workmates that there are many young guys driving these trucks...they just make them into sweet rides and only come out at night to pick up all the young chicks...that's why your workmates will never see them...

 

[funstuie]

Thanks for the responses. Can anyone recommend somewhere to get a levelling kit? I've never done anything like that before so an all in one kit would be great

 

[Captain Ledd]

For a 2wd truck, hardware store and stack several giant washers under the front springs. Or, have a small block spacer machined. It'll take less than you think, 1/2" = almost 1". There was a factory spacer at one point, but that part may be discontiued, might find it on e-bay, t was technically for full sizes but it'll fit the Ranger. I don't know if you can get lift springs in the front short enough to just level it.

 

[straycat]

Real good looking truck!! It looks really clean. So much to do to it if you do want to modify it!! I would not do too much to it. It should last many more years!!

 

[Andy D]

That is a good looking 20 yr old Ford. Is it a 2 wd? My knees wish the Rat was a low rider It is stock with a 1'' lift on 235 75 15s.. There are many good features on the 93-97 Rangers. I blundered onto the Rat by sheer luck. I wanted a 4cyl/4x4. My only mistake was not getting a better example. The 4.0 ohv is a neat little engine. OTOH. all the work I've done to the frame, Maybe I should put it under a better looking body