Project Mighty Mouse

[Froghunter]

This is the beginning of the story about my Gen1 Ranger. The Ranger is a 1988 XLT super cab, 2 wheel drive with standard trans (M50D-R1). I purchased this 1988 Ranger thinking I was getting a deal for 450 dollars. Well it still maybe a deal, but right now it has some issues and the biggest one is the engine is frozen. In buying it I was prepared to go the distance. I’m looking for a donor vehicle for the engine, but what to get? I have spied three Gen2 Rangers in people’s yards. The first house no answer and left a note in the door with contact info. The second house, I talked to mom about Ranger in her yard. She said it was her son’s who get a DUI and was not able to drive it. I also left contact info. The third one was going, I waited to long. It was up on blocks last week with all the signs of getting a trans. It was a 4x4 too. I’m on craigslist daily looking for the cheap 1990-94 Aero star, Ranger, Explorer, Navajo or B4000. The Explorers are running around 12 hundred for a Sport model which is what I’m looking for, because I can use the other parts for my DD 1988 BII.

The goal for the 88 is that it is a daily drive Ranger and its 14 miles round trip from home to work. The most it will have to tow is my 12’ trail with horse manure on it for the garden and a 14’ jon boat. The only off-road is an unimproved boat ramp. I do hunt, but Delaware has walk in areas. We get snow sometimes, but not usually a lot. Just need and want a nice First Generation Ranger.

Engine: Both intakes ported along with cylinder heads. If I get a 2.9L it will have World heads put on it. Headers to a single 2.5” exhaust with a good sounding muffle. May use some of Pat Kunz tips.

Suspension: I’m looking at lifting for cheap in the Tech Library. It will depend on the donor vehicle on how I will lift it. I’m want about 2”s of lift so I can get 235/75R15s under her.

Rear Axle: I will stay with the 7.5 axle, but install 373 or 410 gears. The truck will see more back road miles than highway miles. Speed on these roads are 45/50 max, some go faster, but not me. I have no need to go faster than that anymore. Also a Lock-Right locker.

The Truck will be painted white and I’m not sure about trim, but I’m thinking chrome or polishing the aluminum parts. Wheels: the newer stock steel rims with beauty rings and center caps. May do little work in the cockpit, but I’m not to sure what to do in there right now.

Pictures of the New to me Ranger!

The engine in truck with heads off. Hopefully this week the engine is out of truck.

Driver side with 1988 BII in back ground.

Front view with wifes daily drive in the back ground.

Passenger side of truck.

Take Care!

Froghunter

 

[Froghunter]

Yesterday, dad and I pulled the little engine out of the Ranger. I pressure washed it and began the teardown. The crank and rods bearing are not frozen. Just the number 4 and 6 piston rings were rusted lightly to the cylinder walls. We have it to just the bare block with all freeze plugs and the two oil channel ball bearings out. This week the engine block will be going to the machine shop for boiling and magnet fluxing, if she is good it will be bored with new cam bearings instanced. I will purchase the master rebuild kit before the boring begins, so the machine shop can measure the pistons. The engine compartment got pressured washed today, along with the rest of the engine parts. While I’m waiting for the engine, I think I will paint the engine compartment white and service the trans and brakes.

Engine out and ready for cleaning!

Pop Helping out!

Ready to go to Machine Shop!

Take Care!

Froghunter