New to Rangers, but not life.

[Vegasjetta]

So my whole life I have been into cars/trucks. I worked on cars with my dad when I was 5 years old. We always had new cars when I was growing up. As a child, you learn to do how your father does. He was a MOPAR guy, so I became one as well. As I got older, I got into Jeeps and VW's. Basically, everything I believe in goes against a Ford Ranger. I would NEVER look at a RANGER! EVER! I would never want one! I would NEVER buy one...

Then it happened. A local friend had an interest on one of my Jettas here. We decided on a price, and he was going to sell his truck to come up with the money. A month goes by and he hasn't sold it. He asks if I want his truck as a trade. I said "hell no, I don't want a pile of crap RANGER with 236k on it!"

Another month went by, and I decided to take the trade, and sell the truck myself so he could have the Jetta and I could get it out of my driveway. He parked the truck and took the Jetta, and said "are you going to at least drive the Ranger?" I declined, stating that it will be for sale in a few hours. He insisted I drive it, so I did.

I am not a believer. I love this truck SO MUCH, and have no intentions of selling it. I have only one complaint, that it is not 4x4. Aside from that, I have been driving it for 2 weeks now, and I have fixed a BUNCH of things wrong with it thanks to this forum.
-Dome light (3 bulb from an extended cab)
-Door switches
-HVAC bulbs
-Replacing gauge cluster next week
-Bled clutch master
-Replaced blower resistor

Thanks Ranger Station!

 

[Mark_88]

Welcome to TRS~!

Nice little truck...doesn't seem to be too rusty...I'm sure after driving a Jetta you won't really need the 4x4...I can go most places with enough weight in the back of the bed...about 100 lbs should give you good traction...enjoy!

 

[Vegasjetta]

Well, I haven't ever driven my Jetta in the snow. In fact, I just put it away for the winter. I have way too much money in that car to let the snow and salt on the roads up here ruin it.

As far as the 4x4, I do NEED it. It's jut more fun with it! Hopefully I can get my 95 Cherokee back from the motor swap before it snows here, that's my snow day vehicle.

89 16V Jetta:

95 Cherokee:

And for good measure, the wifes 98 Wagon:

 

[Lrpalo]

Nice little truck and sick Jetta. My old 2wd Ranger had 296k on it when i sold it to my friend when he was moving out west and he drove it cross country with no issues and i loved that truck.

 

[mp3deviant721]

Nice Jetta. I think you have been bitten by the Ranger "bug". Welcome btw.

 

[Vegasjetta]

Nice Jetta. I think you have been bitten by the Ranger "bug". Welcome btw.

Thanks. I believe I have been bitten, I find myself looking at them on the road, searching for a 4x5 on CL everyday, etc. My wife thinks I am crazy...

 

[84stealthranger]

welcome man thata a sick jetta. i lived up in maine for 18 years of my life lol u might know a small town called parsonsfield maybe not lol. so whats planed for the ranger for mods?

 

[Vegasjetta]

Never been to Parsonsfield, looks to be about an hour away, give or take.

As for mods, not much. I fixed missing and broken things, a new windshield is going in tomorrow ($0 glass coverage, thanks State Farm!), and anything else I do will be to improve power/MPG.
So far, the only problem I had was the battery dying on Tuesday last week. One stop at my friends battery shop and I was on my way.

Before I got the truck, it got new brakes, shocks, tires, and alternator. The previous owner didn't really know how to fix the little things that bothered me, so I took care of them. Got that dome light working perfect, put the center arm rest in, etc. Next is headlight upgrades, these stocks are good, but I need brighter...

 

[Vegasjetta]

Hey what do you Rangerheads use for oil in the 2.3's?

 

[turbosplash]

Welcome !! Glad to have you.

 

[Mark_88]

Hey what do you Rangerheads use for oil in the 2.3's?

Johnson's Baby Oil...lol

I just use 5W30, but I've migrated towards the "older engine" that is supposed to have some additives to help the seals and walruses...since I started driving it recently, I've had to throw in some Wynn's Engine Treatment...seems to have slowed the oil consumption somewhat, but I still haven't got enough miles on it to know if it's normal or something is leaking...

If you're going through oil (more than a litre between oil changes) then you might want to add something thicker, but not too thick since the cold weather...I guess you would understand that though...

 

[robmedina]

That's the same exact truck I have. I think those Jeep wheels will fit on your ranger.

 

[redneckfordranger1986]

Johnson's Baby Oil...lol

I just use 5W30, but I've migrated towards the "older engine" that is supposed to have some additives to help the seals and walruses...since I started driving it recently, I've had to throw in some Wynn's Engine Treatment...seems to have slowed the oil consumption somewhat, but I still haven't got enough miles on it to know if it's normal or something is leaking...

If you're going through oil (more than a litre between oil changes) then you might want to add something thicker, but not too thick since the cold weather...I guess you would understand that though...

thats is funny as hell with the johnson's baby oil

 

[Vegasjetta]

If you're going through oil (more than a litre between oil changes) then you might want to add something thicker, but not too thick since the cold weather...I guess you would understand that though...

Yea, I know cold. It's 17 degrees out right now and the Safelite guy is replacing the windshield out there!

There is ZERO oil consumption on this truck. It has 236k and runs strong! I just need to change the oil!

That's the same exact truck I have. I think those Jeep wheels will fit on your ranger.

They will, but that set stays on the Jeep. I love this Ranger, but the Jeep is my baby. With 220k miles on it, and the floors being replaced twice, it's unstoppable!

Plus, the tires on the Ranger are brand new, and 14 inch. I need to find some 14's to put them on.

 

[RollinWOT]

Eeeeeww volvo!! Gross