The dark side beckons...

[Mark_88]

I have been summoned to join the forces of a different group and find I must follow that to see where it goes.

I am not giving up on my Ranger...it is almost complete...but my need to get back on the road exceeds my personal pride and joy at completing my project and I am stuck at a point in needing an automatic transmission to mate with my 2.5...

Finding a transmission is only half the battle...I have found a few but they are high mileage. From what I've read on here and other places the 4 banger auto is not very reliable...but would probably do fine. The other half of the battle is to actually swap it and hook it up (I already have the proper rad).

There are other things that need to be sorted out and they can be done over time...but it just adds up to too much too soon.

So...as it turns out I have a benevolent benefactor who saw the need for a bit of action...and bought me a 2007 Dodge Grand Caravan...

It is amazingly clean with a only a bit of rust on the driver side and less than 100,000 on the clock...drives like a dream and has automatic transmission as well as enough room to actually drive an ATV into the back...or a big chappie like me in a wheel chair...if needed.

Although currently my license is still "revoked" it is just a matter of getting to a license center to write the test and get my "learners permit"...after being a licensed driver for 44 years this seems a bit extreme...but all I really needed to do was show up and show them I could actually drive on the road without issue or using any modifications needed (which I don't for now).

I will be storing the Ranger somewhere nearby and work on it as time allows...and with a vehicle I can go scouting for the parts needed to finish the job...

Fear not, for I was once the owner of a Suzuki Sidekick and drove that for six years while I was rebuilding my last project...hopefully this one won't take so long but I was working full time back then and needed an automatic just to get through 200+ km of daily commute...

 

[hoosier1104]

Dark side may be calling; however, the light side has cookies, milk and titty sprinkles.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

^^^ yuhp!

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I know a guy that uses those things for a farm truck. Hauls feed/seed, tractor parts and whatever in the back. Keeps it all out of the weather and still easily accessible.

And unlike a truck a late model they hold their value like toilet paper... nobody wants used.

 

[bronco2fan]

Ya gotta do what ya gotta do. I'm wheeling a 97 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 5.2 all wheel drive and lots of luxury while doing my BII lol. So it's not the dark side as long as you still have the Ranger lol.

 

[Mightyfordranger]

Yep as long as you still have a ranger is all that matters if I was Canadian I'd come offer a hand to ya but that's a far drive from Ohio lll

 

[Mark_88]

Dark side may be calling; however, the light side has cookies, milk and titty sprinkles.

^^^ yuhp!

LOL...I have been known to seek out the sprinkles... (this guy looks like he's gobbling sprinkles from titties)...

 

[Mark_88]

I know a guy that uses those things for a farm truck. Hauls feed/seed, tractor parts and whatever in the back. Keeps it all out of the weather and still easily accessible.

And unlike a truck a late model they hold their value like toilet paper... nobody wants used.

This one was a good price...but I agree, they don't keep their value.

I might get into some hauling with it...but still dealing with the hernia so not too much lifting till that is fixed...

 

[Mark_88]

Ya gotta do what ya gotta do. I'm wheeling a 97 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 5.2 all wheel drive and lots of luxury while doing my BII lol. So it's not the dark side as long as you still have the Ranger lol.

Yeah, my Zuki was a must have even though I could have finished the Ranger...I wanted it done right...and it did last four or five years without touching anything other than the oil filler cap...and a new rad...but those were my scrimping expenses...buy cheap...buy twice.

Yep as long as you still have a ranger is all that matters if I was Canadian I'd come offer a hand to ya but that's a far drive from Ohio lll

Thanks...it would be a bit of a hike...lol

I can round up the help as needed...taking my time again...want this one to last into 2100...even though I won't...