need help figuring out what to look for

[kevbotz]

Hey everyone im new to the forums. long time reader but just recently registered.
my dilemma is that i currently own a nice 1994 ranger 4x4 xlt. sad thing is recently it popped the engine light on and started acting up. some how fixed it self for a couple weeks and now is at it again. rather than fix it i think itd be best to try and find something a little fresher as mine has 324000kms. ive done fuel pump and lower intake gasket recenlty and i just feel like its at the point where im going to be fixing stuff non stop. i was looking for another one 93-97 with low kms in good shape but i just dont have time to shop around. i just got preapproved for 20000 loan and my question is should i buy a newer ranger and spend the extra money to put a lift in it rahter than the old rangers? or should i even get a ranger again and go full size? i love the size of rangers and the look lifted. i mostly drive around town and i like to go up the mountains to go shooting. please everyone let me hear your thoughts on what i should get as my next vehicle its urgent i decide soon so i can start looking to buy. TY TY

 

[adsm08]

Get codes, fix car, calculate savings from purchase of new-to-you vehicle vs fixing existing vehicle, take savings and buy cheese burger.

 

[kevbotz]

its just gettin old ya no like i can tell the tranny isnt givin the power it used to but its still got power. well other than latly if it decides to act up. Thing is the code doesnt come up unless it happens and my buddy with a code scanner needs to get an adapter to read my truck cuz it requires a ford only adapter.. thx ford lol. im thinking its something electrical or its the timing but i really dont no for sure its a bazaar thing. will fix the truck if its cheap but still going to look for a 96-97 preferred .or if i get goood feed back on another truck to put money into lifting

 

[tinman_72]

Just google "ford obd1 codes without reader". You don't need a special adapter, just a paper clip or small piece of wire.

 

[Bronco638]

Get codes, fix car, calculate savings from purchase of new-to-you vehicle vs fixing existing vehicle, take savings and buy cheese burger.

 

[LearjetMinako]

Make it two cheeseburgers as you're going to get hungry while doing the repairs.

 

[RonD]

adsm08 has a point.

"Better to stay with the devil you know than the devil you don't"
When buying a used vehicle you are getting the unknown devil

If your '94 has a good body and frame then engine and trans work might be the better choice than a monthly payment for 5 years.
You can pull the bed and redo the hangers and bushings.
Then new ball joints and bushings for the front(new front axle u-joints as well)
And you basically have a newer truck, good for another 300k, and you could get Fries with those burgers with the money you saved

If you just want a change then watch the local papers, truck-trader and craigslist for a Ranger that is already lifted with larger tires, you will only be paying $.25 on the dollar for what it cost to lift it and the tire/wheel cost.
4.0l OHV was a good engine and were used until 2000, in 2001 the 4.0l SOHC was used, the '01 to '03/4 had timing chain issues, but that can be a good thing if you can get one cheap and then fix it, the newer timing chain parts lasted, engine should be pulled for this.

 

[kevbotz]

The bodys not bad and the frames pretty solid. Has some rust bubbling on passenger side door and on rear of cab it not horrrible but only because theres still paint.
An issue I have is im a renter and dont have a drivewy or shop to just tear my eng and trans out.
Ive been searching craigslist, autotrader and local used car websites but no nice used auto rangers 4x4

 

[RonD]

The bodys not bad and the frames pretty solid. Has some rust bubbling on passenger side door and on rear of cab it not horrrible but only because theres still paint.
An issue I have is im a renter and dont have a drivewy or shop to just tear my eng and trans out.
Ive been searching craigslist, autotrader and local used car websites but no nice used auto rangers 4x4

This means yours is worth more than you think.
But high miles scare most people off.

You can often rent a residential garage for a month if you have your own tools and then rent engine hoist or ??, and do the swap.
U-haul pick ups are cheap($20/day) if you don't need to put on many miles(miles jack up the price), use for picking up hoist or parts as needed

There are some DIY garages that have lifts, hoists and tools but they usually charge by the hour, good news is an engine/trans swap can go pretty quickly if you have a lift and a hoist.
10 hours at $40/hr = $400 still not bad for an engine/trans swap

 

[kevbotz]

Update. So I attempted fixing truck. Got cofe scanner and it said coil pack. Replaced it anf all plugs n wires. It didnt work still getting obd 1 codes 232. Dobt want to spend more money on parts . I have a recomended mechanic who works 25//h . Im thinkin put it on flatdeck and takin there and get it sll fixed anf ready to lift. Thoughts?

 

[Mickey Bitsko]

Update. So I attempted fixing truck. Got cofe scanner and it said coil pack. Replaced it anf all plugs n wires. It didnt work still getting obd 1 codes 232. Dobt want to spend more money on parts . I have a recomended mechanic who works 25//h . Im thinkin put it on flatdeck and takin there and get it sll fixed anf ready to lift. Thoughts?

What's you budget for a new vehicle ? Bet it's a least double or triple your repair cost.. and you'd still have repair bills on a "new old truck" just sayin

 

[SenorNoob]

I'd say you have bad wiring going to the coil pack in that case.

Or a bad new part. It's more common than you think. I just bought 4 new ball joints for my truck and both of the uppers were bad from the store. I'm not even sure about the lowers because of how bad the uppers are.

Edit: My ball joints were fine. The pinch bolts weren't tight enough.

 

[kevbotz]

Truck does not start after changing coil pack wires plugs and I even tried a different fuel regulator no luck.Seems ti have gotten worse wIith the new parts.. so lost. Any help