New to forum and just purchased a 1998 XLT

[pander]

Hi;

I am new to the forum and just purchased a 1998 Ranger XLT, extended cab, 3.0 liter/automatic. I did own a brand new 2002 Ford Ranger Edge before going to F150's and then to cars.

I paid $3750 for the Ranger. I began it's life in Massachusetts, being bought new and sold in 2012 with 40,000 miles. It then came to Florida where I bought it with 87,000 original miles on it. It is green with the tan interior. It does not have power windows or locks, but I have been told that is not unusual for an XLT has the came with many configurations.

After reading posts on the forum about how to buy a used Ranger, I crawled underneath it, checking for rust. I was surprised to find that for an 18 year old vehicle which began life in the north, it was relatively rust free. I would say no more than a normal life of an 18 year old vehicle in Florida.

It does have a couple of issues and for that I need some advice;

1. A/C is not blowing cold, compressor cycles on and off. Under the hood is pretty clean.

2. Gear shifter is a little loose and gear position-er is slightly off. I have seen this before in Fords.

3. I hear a minor exhaust leak. I read that it could be a manifold. It appears to have the original exhaust system. Could it be in another spot in the system?

I will post pics soon. Thanks for all for the help.

Pander

 

[jeremysdad]

1: Need to have the system charged with r134.
2: Shifter bushings worn out most likely. Search shifter bushings here.
3: Could be anywhere in the system really. Mine leaks at the catalytic converter (gaskets blown out on both ends). You should see soot wherever the leak is usually.

4: Welcome!

 

[pander]

Thanks. Called a mechanic friend of mine who specializes in A/C and will look at it for me. He said the same about the bushings. He asked if I found the bolts on the floor for the gear selector, lol. All in all he said everything sounds pretty easy to fix, even the exhaust leak (which we know can be a pain). He said it was a good buy, "what can you buy today that is nice for $3700 bucks", which I have to agree with him.