New guy with 87 Ranger XLT

[Eycman]

I kind of inherited a 87 Ranger from my uncle 5 years ago due to him needing cash. The Ranger has pretty much been through hell and back. It's taken a beating and kept going. It survived the May 2, 1998 F6 Tornado that went through Oklahoma city being the ONLY vehicle to drive out of the parking lot it was sitting in.

Since I have had it I have rebuilt the engine once about 4 years ago. Unfortunately my brother borrowed it shortly afterwards and subsequently thrashed the engine and possibly the transmission. Due to me not having anymore money from the rebuild the ranger has been sitting every since.

Now that I have a little bit of money saved up I am looking to replace the 2.9 with a better engine and transmission. I have seen a ranger with a 351 windsor and C6 transmission installed but that might be a little much.

I am open to suggestions.

 

[Mark_88]

Welcome to TRS~!

I will say that you will probably get many suggestions from the various guys on here (if they see this) and you will probably be overwhelmed by the choices you have available to you...but it really boils down to what you want to use the truck for, how much you want to spend on it, and, mostly, how good is the frame.

I'd start by pulling the box off and having a real good look at the frame rails to see how they've weathered the years...check under the cab (pull the cab if you have a hoist or fork lift) and start your build from the ground up.

If the frame is in relatively good shape (almost anything can be fixed) then sand/grind/sand blast it to clean metal and prime, paint and finish that...then move up to the body...then the drive train...

There are some really good build threads on here that will pop your mind with ideas...hopefully it will be a satisfying experience as many have found to build it from its humble beginnings...

Take many pics and share your experience as it grows...and enjoy!