New VERY Old Gearhead

[judgejohnmd]

Been wrenching since I was 14: had cars/trucks over the years until I felt I couldn’t do the work anymore with modern tech stuff(had 1995 4 Wheel & Offroad 4x4 of the year):
recently came across a 1997 Ford Ranger XLT 4.0 5 speed which had been left for major repairs but never done, nor paid for: got it at a pretty good price, considering it’s in need of a TON of TLC.
I’m 81 years old, and finding out crawling around under the dash of a vehicle may not be great for my well being!!!
Actually; my wife calls it my therapy!
I’m X-FBI; lawyer; Judge; longtime volunteer fire/EMS.
John in Md

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Welcome to TRS.

 

[DrWho42]

hi john! welcome to the forums!

 

[RumPunch]

Welcome! Hopefully you can find the info and support you need here! It's a great place. Welcome to TRS!

 

[superj]

welcome!!

 

[Shran]

Welcome!

 

[Uncle Gump]

Surely you have a picture of your 4Wheel and Off-road 4x4 of the year. I'm sure I'm not the only one that would love to see it.

I just turned 60 and getting under a dash or laying underneath it is way more difficult then it use to be.

I haven't tried the therapy angle on the wife yet... but you can bet I'm gonna now.

Welcome to TRS...

 

[judgejohnmd]

This is the 48 Ford we built: all custom 4WD; 5.0HO; crane roller cam/rockers; dana 40 front Ford 9” rear; tilt front end; built C-6:
was my daily driver to District Court for years!!
John in MD

 

[Uncle Gump]

Well that's awesome... I woulda drove it everyday too.

I bet you got some stories to tell around the campfire...

 

[judgejohnmd]

True, Dat!!

 

[racsan]

Very cool! welcome to trs.

 

[gw33gp]

I thought I was near the oldest on here. You have me beat by 5 years. I love your 48 F-1, and it is so cool as a 4x4. A friend of mine and I are big fans of the old trucks, especially when they are in great condition like yours.

 

[RobbieD]

Welcome!

VERY nice build; thanks for showing it.

 

[judgejohnmd]

Kinda update! Been slowly working on my “Therapy Truck”(Wife’s designation!!): fortunately have a bud who’s garage is convenient to me, and is very willing to help me out!! Unfortunately; working outside in chilly MD weather isn’t conducive to this old bod!!
As with every project; every time we look at one issue, two others rear their heads!!
Have, hopefully, all the parts gathered for total bottom side re-do: already did shocks; 1 & 1/8 sway bar; tires(cleaned 25 years of brake crud off back of original wheels!); replaced fuel pump assembly(green wire broken on plug & yellow had been gnawed on by a critter, I think! Replacement plug assembly enroute); fortunately gas tank was empty, as it’s been sitting for 3-4 years; put fresh fuel in, with Seafoam, and started right up-running actually pretty well; NO CODES; NO CHECK ENGINE!!; huge hole in Y pipe( Surprise surprise!!); right now working on rear springs(what a PITA removing bolts, then even worse removing bushings!!)
Next week actually going on lift for brakes/trans mount/driveshaft bearing/U joints/rest of steering components: then drive for a bit to see what else is needed, aside from paint!! Also re-did carpet & put cheap seat covers on for now; inside was really fuggly! Replacing instrument panel with one with tach, as well.
With acquisition cost, banked labor, and parts, right at 4K right now.
WHEW!!!
Life is GREAT!!
Judgejohnmd

 

[Curious Hound]

Welcome to TRS. We look forward to seeing pictures and stories of your new rig.