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B964
Member
- Joined
- Mar 2, 2024
- Messages
- 6
- City
- Souther Tier NY
- Vehicle Year
- 1998
- Engine
- 2.5 (4 Cylinder)
- Transmission
- Manual
Hello all.
Years ago I was given a green 1996 Ranger reg cab short box 2wd 2.3 5 speed from the estate of a family friend. It was is nice shape but had been driven in winter so had started some minor rusting. I unfortunately continued to drive in winter and even doing best to keep it clean eventually the frame rusted and cracked.
Sold it as a parts truck. Loved that little truck and wanted another but rust free. Rust is the most expensive repairs so was not worried about mechanicals or paint/dent issues.
A month or so saw a similar truck for sale locally. A tan 1998 reg cab 2wd short box 2wd 2.5 5 speed. It was from NC with zero rust but very sun faded and dirty inside and out. The guy selling it had just had a new clutch put in. Not 100% sure why he was selling thou I think he thought transmission was bad. Hard to shift into gear and leaking badly.
After I got it home found he has gear oil instead of ATF in trans and the shift rail plugs were pouring fluid out. Installed shift rail plugs with steel freeze plugs, new ATF and shifter bushing kit. Now shifts great.
Pulled interior (It was almost black from grime) and used Chemical Guys Lightning carpet/upholstery cleaner with a Bissel extractor to clean up. Removed right fender to bang out large dent. Started wire brushing, Coro sealing and painting frame. Removed tape stripe and buffed out the paint. Cleaned and painted to wheels. Replaced faded front lamps with new aftermarket ones.
Did not take any before photos but here are some in progress ones.
Not a fan100 % of the color. Combo of not a great color, years of sun fade, minor poor repaints and no cleaning have made had it almost a pinkish color in certain light. I can live with it for now.
Look forward to more upgrades and detailing with the knowledge of members here.
BTW the tailgate is rust free but dented pretty good along the top. I found National Parts Depot has new aftermarket ones and they must be trying to get rid of them. $36.00 plus$15.00UPS shipping so I bought one.
Ed
Years ago I was given a green 1996 Ranger reg cab short box 2wd 2.3 5 speed from the estate of a family friend. It was is nice shape but had been driven in winter so had started some minor rusting. I unfortunately continued to drive in winter and even doing best to keep it clean eventually the frame rusted and cracked.
Sold it as a parts truck. Loved that little truck and wanted another but rust free. Rust is the most expensive repairs so was not worried about mechanicals or paint/dent issues.
A month or so saw a similar truck for sale locally. A tan 1998 reg cab 2wd short box 2wd 2.5 5 speed. It was from NC with zero rust but very sun faded and dirty inside and out. The guy selling it had just had a new clutch put in. Not 100% sure why he was selling thou I think he thought transmission was bad. Hard to shift into gear and leaking badly.
After I got it home found he has gear oil instead of ATF in trans and the shift rail plugs were pouring fluid out. Installed shift rail plugs with steel freeze plugs, new ATF and shifter bushing kit. Now shifts great.
Pulled interior (It was almost black from grime) and used Chemical Guys Lightning carpet/upholstery cleaner with a Bissel extractor to clean up. Removed right fender to bang out large dent. Started wire brushing, Coro sealing and painting frame. Removed tape stripe and buffed out the paint. Cleaned and painted to wheels. Replaced faded front lamps with new aftermarket ones.
Did not take any before photos but here are some in progress ones.
Not a fan100 % of the color. Combo of not a great color, years of sun fade, minor poor repaints and no cleaning have made had it almost a pinkish color in certain light. I can live with it for now.
Look forward to more upgrades and detailing with the knowledge of members here.
BTW the tailgate is rust free but dented pretty good along the top. I found National Parts Depot has new aftermarket ones and they must be trying to get rid of them. $36.00 plus$15.00UPS shipping so I bought one.
Ed
