"Oh no, you bought some guy's used truck!"

[Li'l Work Truck]

That's what my best friend said when I bought it and realized that it actually does need some work! Hello everyone! I’m Dustin from Upstate South Carolina. My 2008 Ranger started out as a simple, inexpensive daily driver and something reliable to get me around without much fuss. At the time, I figured I’d keep it mostly stock and only handle basic maintenance.

That didn’t last long. What began as a budget-friendly pickup has turned into a steady project. Between repairing previous-owner “surprises,” sorting out electrical quirks, updating the audio system, chasing down suspension details, and planning a few OEM-plus improvements, the truck has become more of a long-term build than I expected. The costs are adding up, but it’s been worth it to bring the truck back into solid shape and make it my own.

I really like it as it is. It's pretty nice body-wise, with only a couple mild issues that a PDR guy could handle. The previous owner had LED headlight bulbs installed. Those went the moment I had an opportunity. I do have plans to swap out all the bulbs to LED and run a no-load flasher, then rebuild the headlights, integrating a pair of semi truck LED headlight housings that are truly DOT rated.

However, repairs are needed:
- VC gasket & PCV (purchased)
- Engine & trans mounts (got 'em)
- Spark plugs and MAF clean
- FULL TRANSMISSION AND REAR END REBUILD...
- New General Altimax RT45 white letter tires in 235/70 15 (I know, not a stock size, but it's closer to OEM OD running the Ultra 15x8's that came on the truck).

Then upgrades:
- Front to rear complete Energy Suspension bushings upgrade
- Steering rack replacement w/ filter upgrade
- Rear aux hitch/reverse lights (a post for later!)
- Adding fog lights
- Adding driving lights
- Toolbox to trunk project with added lights
- Audio system install with sound deadening in the doors and roof
- LED interior and dash lights with semi-truck red under-dash lights to illuminate the cupholders

I'm sure there's more, but I'll post all of it here whenever it gets done.

 

[pjtoledo]

sharp looking Ranger.
I have the 2005 version of your Ranger. they are great little trucks.
same size tires too. they work well with the 3.73 rear gears.
speaking of gears, unless yours are broken there is no need to rebuild. 4.10s and a Tru-Track maybe, but not rebuilt.
mine have lasted 379,000 miles, the first 10 years as my work truck.
I also still have the original steering rack.
FYI, a worn clutch pilot bearing can grab the input shaft which causes you to think the transmission is bad. makes 1 & 2 rough, jerks while idling with the clutch depressed.

 

[scotts90ranger]

I agree, good looking Ranger!

I also agree on the rear axle, unless the pinion bearings have been leaking for years and wobbling around like heck it's probably fine... personally I don't know how the 8.8 in my Explorer still works, it's worn through 2 sets of spider gears and ran with all that metal in the oil, doesn't leak significantly somehow? They were stripped when I got it and just clicking randomly when I welded the carrier solid...

On the transmission, symptoms would dictate my decision there... rebuilt mine twice, first time just for good measure since I was going through the rest of the drivetrain swapping both axles and putting in a clutch at my transmission builder friends house... second time was because a bearing went out... not a horrid job if you're handy.