New to the Ranger Station and I gotta say I love it!

[fixing_franklin]

Hey guys, I'm glad to join this forum I intend on doing some awesome stuff to my newly bought old 98 ranger xlt. She's a Standard Cab; Flareside; 2.5I; 5 speed manual and get this....I paid $150 for her and shes certainly a rescue I'm glad I stepped into. She has a few issues but nothing I can't fix, she's got 257,000 miles on her and I know thats a lot, but hopefully I can post some pictures soon. So far I've replaced the belt, fluids, filters, and all 194 bulbs. I have some awesome plans like replacing that ugly 60/40 seat with some buckets and full-length center console out of a 00 Explorer. The best part about this truck is that it's awesome on gas, paints in decent shape and still shines (black). The issues I've had so far are rough idle (which I'm sure is part of the next problem) and second I'm showing a bad voltage regulator on a fairly new alternator (not installed by myself). A few small issues include the third brake light leaking, I don't have the valance trim or a rear bumper, and the corner of the bed has a chunk taken out of it, and the tailgate is busted all to hell but still works. I got some small tires that just won't do for this 2wd baja lol, I'm eventually gonna get some 31s on the stock alloys. Anyways thanks for reading my post, you guys have a good day

 

[Ranger850]

welcome to TRS, the HOW TO TECH section is at the top of every page. use it at your will

 

[projectRanger93]

60/40 seats may be ugly, but they serve a good purpose when your partner is sitting next to you....
Oh and welcome!

 

[fixing_franklin]

That's what the beds for lol

 

[projectRanger93]

Yeah sure if you're stopped. LOL. Wouldn't help on the freeway.

 

[fixing_franklin]

Lol yeah true

 

[Saddle Tramp]

Howdy and welcome. ?

 

[stsalvage]

Just a thought how long was the 2.5 around for 1-2 years and why it did not stick around. Pray to god the head does not go bad on that engine or your 150.00 finds might cost you mega money Its the head or the block and going by Vin number is the real pain. this is a reason why you got it cheap. One last thing the heater core will take you 6 hours to replace unless you cut that fiberglass tube and put something back in that gap.

Why did for change how easy it was to change out the heater core 15 mins Some of us could do it in 10 mins Why build the truck around the Heater Core Dam

 

[Dirtman]

The 2.3 and 2.5 are the same engine, it's simply stroked by 7mm... so it's been around for 30 years.

 

[Josh B]

Welcome to TRS Those 3rd brake lights are easy to find at the pickNpay, and come with a factory gasket I think about anything from a 93-2011 are all basically the same, double up the gaskets might stop it leaking

 

[Jim Oaks]

Welcome aboard!

 

[fixing_franklin]

Just a thought how long was the 2.5 around for 1-2 years and why it did not stick around. Pray to god the head does not go bad on that engine or your 150.00 finds might cost you mega money Its the head or the block and going by Vin number is the real pain. this is a reason why you got it cheap. One last thing the heater core will take you 6 hours to replace unless you cut that fiberglass tube and put something back in that gap.

Why did for change how easy it was to change out the heater core 15 mins Some of us could do it in 10 mins Why build the truck around the Heater Core Dam

The reason I got it cheap was because a good friend of mines family sold it to me, they've had the truck for a few years and didn't really maintain it. I replaced all the sensors, new tires, new alternator, a $40 custom exhaust, and a good washing on the interior and exterior. It's been a good truck so far, it keeps me warm, it keeps me cold, it's cheap to work on, doesn't leak oil and any other fluid what so ever. The power steering does whine, and it's not the fastest thing on the street, but it keeps up.

 

[Ranger850]

Just a thought how long was the 2.5 around for 1-2 years and why it did not stick around. Pray to god the head does not go bad on that engine or your 150.00 finds might cost you mega money Its the head or the block and going by Vin number is the real pain. this is a reason why you got it cheap. One last thing the heater core will take you 6 hours to replace unless you cut that fiberglass tube and put something back in that gap.

Why did for change how easy it was to change out the heater core 15 mins Some of us could do it in 10 mins Why build the truck around the Heater Core Dam

IDk what this post is trying to say, but the heater core isn't that bad if you remove your seats, remove 6 dash bolts, and disconnect the wires for AC & radio. 2-8 hrs depending on tools, skillset, and work environment.

 

[Josh B]

2-8 hrs depending on tools, skillset, and work environment.

So, in my case, 2-8 days