New from MA

[Camaro5690]

Hey. Im finally joining up here. I dont currently own a Ranger, but I hope to soon. Im going to look at a 1989 Ranger 4x4 tomorrow as a project truck. I havent owned a ranger before, but my stepdad had a BroncoII a while back that we had a blast in. I cant find a decent BroncoII so Im going with a Ranger.

My plans are to build something to do moderate offroading with. First thing I want is a 2 inch lift and 29 inch tires for the time being (Gotta save up for the big stuff). Also most likely a full exhaust and whatever else I think of as I go along.

So my questions for now are, what should I be looking for when looking at this ranger. I know to look at the spring shackle brackets and shackles themselves in the rear, and over all rust (new england, its bound to have it). Anything else specific? I plan on taking this thing for a test drive too, its a 5 speed.

Also any info on weaknesses or maybe a link to a FAQ so I can avoid asking newb questions.

But yea I hope to be part of the Ranger family soon enough.

 

[mad hatter]

Welcome to TRS

 

[Hopman]

Welcome bro!

I'm up in NH, so when you get it, I'll be happy to come down and help you out!

 

[MAranger]

Welcome to TRS, this site is a great resource. where abouts in MA are you?

You should be going with 31's

Check out the cab mounts, spring hangers/shackle, and crossmember, as well as the rear most foot or so of the frame channel for rot. I'd take a peek at the floors too. Any 89 will have SOME rust, its a matter of a picking a truck your capable of repairing/preventing problem rust areas on.

 

[Camaro5690]

Im out in Tolland MA. near Granville,Otis,Sandisfield. Alot of old unused roads I want to go exploring. And my Subaru just cant do it lol.

 

[Camaro5690]

Looks like I wont be owning a ranger as soon as I thought. Or maybe at all.

I went to look at it. I knew it had a newer style bed on it but that didnt bother me. What bothered me was the transmission crossmember rotted halfway through at the frame. The 2 feet of metal welded onto the frame, and the spot where you could put your hand through the frame. As well as a 12 inch by 3 inch rust hole in the floorpan. It had a gibson exhaust on it (woo....w/e). The guy wanted 500 bucks for it I almost said I wouldnt give ya 5 bucks.

 

[Hopman]

Oh well. The Ranger bug has bitten you. Sadly, there is no known perminant cure.

You are still welcome here any time.

 

[Ranger Kip]

lol Hopman

Welcome to TRS!

 

[Camaro5690]

Im going to look at an early explorer. The First gen style. It has the same type of suspension as a ranger correct? We will see how that looks, Wont be the same but its something. And I might be able to get it for free.