New to Ford

[97BlackR]

I'm normally a Chevy guy, hate if you need. I recently had my truck stolen, so went looking for a new vehicle. I knew I wanted a truck, similar in size to my Blazer. Couldn't find anything with "low" miles in my area, all 120k+, spending $6k+. I ran across a '97 2WD Ranger with 94k miles, and pounced on it. I drove it around for a bit, and it drove great. Paying more than what I really wanted for a '97, but it is what it is. Bone stock for now.

Thoughts on modifications so far :

- Stereo
- Window Tinting
- Wheels
- LED Light conversions (tails, sides, signals then HIDs up front)(easier to see, and can go darker with smoke)
- Smoking the lights
- Everything BLACK
- 2" or 3" drop

 

[adsm08]

Welcome. These little trucks tend to grow on people.

One thing, I don't know how the Chevys are with LED conversions, but it's pretty important on the Fords to get that ground side resistor or it will make your turn signals, brake lights, and cruise control (if you have it) do some funky things.

 

[97BlackR]

Yeah, I did that my last LED installs on the Blazer. My parents owned 2 '88 Rangers, both with the 2.3L. They weren't bad little trucks. Apart from my '86 Mercury Capri, this is the first Ford I have ever owned. I'm excited about it, been looking through the Tech Articles. May have to look into a few performance modifications.

 

[Doofy]

Fine looking truck! Welcome!

 

[RangerSVT]

A V8 fits great in these trucks, ask me how I know, lol


SVT

 

[jhammel85]

Super clean! That's a great looking truck. Especially for a 97!

 

[Mark_88]

Yeah, nice truck...just missing the back half of the cab...but if you don't carry much stuff that you don't want left in the bed you're fine.

 

[97BlackR]

Thanks guys! My fishing poles will be in the bed, that's about it. No tools anymore, those got stolen along with my Blazer.

V8 swap is out of the question, unless I do a PreRunner build. Looking for another Capri to build up, so it's unlikely.

 

[XLTsplash]

Welcome, Nice choice, it looks like you found a very clean Ranger. I have a 97 XLT flairside also. I love the truck, it's handy, fun to drive. I also paid a little to much for my 1997 Ranger when it had 125K miles on it. I had just been looking for a long time for a clean 2.3L 5 speed Ranger. So I couldn't pass it up even if the dealer wouldn't come down on the price. I'm happy with my choice and enjoy fixing up the truck. I hope you will post more pictures of your Ranger as you make improvements .

 

[97BlackR]

Is there a list of Ranger part websites, or good places to buy ranger parts?

 

[Earl43P]

Depends what you are looking for.

Start with Rockauto.com for many parts.

 

[97BlackR]

Not really looking for OEM replacements, truck is in real good condition. More looking to performance, and styling parts. Lowering springs, new mirrors, body parts, ect.

 

[XLTsplash]

LMC Truck will send you a 1983-11 Ranger catalog for free. www.lmctruck.com
www.UPRproducts.com has nice aluminum knobs for Rangers. I went to Summit for a cat back exhaust, K&N air intake and Street Scene mirrors. I went with a Xenon air dam, GTS tail light louvers, 3rd brake light cover and a wood dash kit and many other parts I found on ebay. Walmart has my Pioneer stereo, speakers and LED day lights.

 

[97BlackR]

I've already upgraded the stereo. Figured out my budget and found a bit of extra cash. Went with a Sony MEX-N5000BT head unit and MB Quart PVL 268's up front (not sure where I'm going to mount the tweets yet), and Kicker DS 6x8's in the rear.

Still deciding on my substage, possibly Skar 8's, DD 2508's, SoundQubed 8's, Sundown 8's (either model) or DD 6.5's. The 6.5's are high up there, due to limited space...