New Ranger owner in Virginia

[MertLawless]

Hello folks,

My name is Matt. I am in Virginia about 30 minutes out of Richmond. I recently acquired my Ranger in a barter deal. I managed to trade an old jon boat that I got for free, for this 1996 Ranger STX with 4x4, 4.0, manual trans and limited slip rear end. Has new 31x10.5 AT's. Rides well even with the bigger tires. A new clutch was recently installed. Zero rust on frame and only minor surface rust on body.

Drove home over an hour with no issues. Previous owner had good record keeping habits. All services were performed at the dealer and it has been very well maintained since new.

First step is to chase down a few electrical gremlins and get it squared away for state inspection by the end of October.

I'm not really planning on doing too many modifications. I'd like to just do preventative maintenance and improve it's reliability. Most likely, just build a winch bumper and buy a Warn, then upgrade to HD shocks all around, possibly a new set of springs and leafs.

 

[AgPete139]

That looks like a really good Ranger to get you started! You're fortunate.

Also, it looks like the previous owner took the center console and the front bucket seats from a 199-1994 Ford Explorer and swapped them in. And, like most, the cruise control buttons broke and the owner just removed them entirely from he steering wheel.

Looks great.

 

[MertLawless]

That looks like a really good Ranger to get you started! You're fortunate.

Also, it looks like the previous owner took the center console and the front bucket seats from a 199-1994 Ford Explorer and swapped them in. And, like most, the cruise control buttons broke and the owner just removed them entirely from he steering wheel.

Looks great.

Yup, has had a few owners, I think I am the third. So far it's doing very well. I have to replace the ECU soon. Truck was struck by lightning.

 

[AgPete139]

Yup, has had a few owners, I think I am the third. So far it's doing very well. I have to replace the ECU soon. Truck was struck by lightning.

Are you referring to the General Electric Module? Make sure you get your engine and drivetrain configuration right. Otherwise, you'll need to get it programmed or buy a different one.

I've got one on order for my Explorer at the moment.

 

[MertLawless]

Are you referring to the General Electric Module? Make sure you get your engine and drivetrain configuration right. Otherwise, you'll need to get it programmed or buy a different one.

I've got one on order for my Explorer at the moment.

Yep, thats the tricky part. Not too many setup for manual 4.0 that I can find.

 

[AgPete139]

Take out the radio. What's the part number?

 

[MertLawless]

Take out the radio. What's the part number?

Sorry, PO installed (rather poorly) an aftermarket CD player.

 

[AgPete139]

Nono. I'm talking about the GEM behind the radio, accessed by removing the center bezel.

If you're having several related issues, that may be the source. Just a suggestion.

http://www.fordrangerforum.com/frf/howto/OHC/016-1.jpg
https://goo.gl/images/pvrt36

 

[Ranger850]

Yep, thats the tricky part. Not too many setup for manual 4.0 that I can find.

my buddy has one 97 or 98, it is PURPLE too

 

[fastpakr]

What electrical gremlins are you experiencing?

 

[MertLawless]

The truck took a lightning strike to the radio antenna. So aside from some damage to the plastic coating on the antenna, there is no visible damage. BUT....the 4x4 lights blink periodically, the abs light is lit and it shorts any time I try to replace the fuse. The JBL system fuse also blows each time. So I assume there are a few melted/worn wires somewhere making a connection.

I was ignorant to the GEM, I will take a look at that this afternoon. Thanks for the clarification.

 

[fastpakr]

None of that sounds like a faulty computer to me.

 

[MertLawless]

oops, double post reply...

 

[MertLawless]

None of that sounds like a faulty computer to me.

Yeah, it seems to be another issue. I guess its a crap shoot on diagnosing due to the random addition of high voltage, thanks to mother nature.

I will surely start at the GEM, as suggested.

 

[MertLawless]

On an upbeat note, the truck runs and drives great! I really like the Ranger and understand why they have such a loyal following. They just make sense without being over complicated or flashy.