What did you do to your Ranger today? (Part Deux!)

[Curious Hound]

@Jim Oaks & everybody.

I know I’m not the only one posting pictures only to have them show up turned 90°. What I don’t understand is some turn, and some do not. Is there a fix for this either on TRS side or on my side?

It has been noticed. Not sure we have a good solution yet. I have found that if one of mine posts that way, I delete it. Then, on my phone, I open the image in an editor and resave it. I don’t have to change anything. Just resave it. Then when I upload it the site takes it properly. Most of the time. At least that is a temporary work-around.

 

[jayton13]

I just started the process of refreshing my new commuter. It is a 2003 Regular Cab Edge in Sonic Blue. It has the 3.0L and 5 speed.

Over the weekend I was able to remove some leftover stickers from the driver door and tailgate. It took a heat gun and a lot of patience but I did it with minimal damage to the paint, though I do think some of the clear coat came with it .

I also used a couple sets of magnetic cabinet door closure hardware that I had laying around to keep my console lid closed.

 

[jayton13]

Today I replaced the old broken steering wheel cruise control buttons:

I am trying to find a used toolbox to put in the bed for a little extra storage.

What size toolboxes are recommended for these? From what I measured, I have 54.5" between the rails and the toolbox and stick over about 4.5" - 5" on either side from there.

 

[Rick W]

It has been noticed. Not sure we have a good solution yet. I have found that if one of mine posts that way, I delete it. Then, on my phone, I open the image in an editor and resave it. I don’t have to change anything. Just resave it. Then when I upload it the site takes it properly. Most of the time. At least that is a temporary work-around.

Sounds good

I just started the process of refreshing my new commuter. It is a 2003 Regular Cab Edge in Sonic Blue. It has the 3.0L and 5 speed.

Over the weekend I was able to remove some leftover stickers from the driver door and tailgate. It took a heat gun and a lot of patience but I did it with minimal damage to the paint, though I do think some of the clear coat came with it .

I also used a couple sets of magnetic cabinet door closure hardware that I had laying around to keep my console lid closed.

View attachment 133500

Welcome to TRS! Everybody’s project starts with baby steps, lay out a plan, take your time, and you’ll get results.

On the toolbox, and a lot of other stuff on the truck, start looking at Craigslist and marketplace all day long. I think half the stuff I’ve used on all my projects have come from there. I have bought extra toolboxes just to cut them up for the diamond plate for various projects. If you check it a few times a day, there are good deals out there, but you have to go right when you see it or somebody else will get it.

Oh, and not to be critical, but I don’t think that’s where the key goes…

Edit afterthought, if you’re going to go the distance on that thing, you might want to start your own build thread.

 

[pjtoledo]

Understood. I don’t really care about the soot in the exhaust pipe, the concern is the catalytic converter being half plugged up with soot.

A few questions for everybody:

Has anybody used either of these?

View attachment 133494


The Cataclean on the right has very good customer ratings. It’s a little pricey, but of course it’s fraction of the cost of the mechanical repair. I think I’m going to try it, but I would be curious to hear your feedback.

Second, when I was at the alignment shop to check Big Red yesterday, I asked them about it. They said a relatively inexpensive way to see if the engine is working right is to temporarily remove the catalytic converter on that side.

Hold on before you scream! This is simply a diagnostic tool, and I would never recommend (and I’m sure TRS would not recommend) removing the catalytic converter permanently. A few of you probably remember that when I originally got the dual exhaust done, the guy did a pretty half-assed job of running the pipe under the driver side frame. I’m thinking this could kill two birds with one stone. Cut it loose, and see if the engine performs properly, and then when I put it back, get the swing under the frame done correctly.

Leads me to my last question. It’s my understanding that the catalytic converter is entirely for the fine trim on un-burned carbons before exhaust is released to the air. If I do remove the catalytic converter, will that do any damage to my engine or performance? I’d hate to be checking out the engine, and then damage it a different way.

All other suggestions and comments are always welcome! Thanks in advance!

if the engine can rev to 4500-5000 at full power the cat isn't plugged.

I did use some cat cleaner a month ago to clear a cat efficiency code in the 2005 4cyl.

 

[RSPD505]

I did a thing that I’ve been contemplating for a while. Finally got the guts to do it. It’ll make things a lot easier putting the 302 back in. I ain’t as young as I was the first time!

 

[pjtoledo]

oops

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

It’s only sheet metal…

 

[mikkelstuff]

Finally took my 2002 4WD Ranger XLT to the shop yesterday. The transfer case has been dripping for a time. Also I'm starting to hear a loud clunk when hitting the brakes while backing out of a parking lot space with the steering locked to one side or the other.

Mechanic called today to say that the rear leaf spring shackle bushings are shot. Similar up front though this is a torsion bar truck. Not surprising after 23 years and 156,000 miles.

The mechanic was alarmed that there are no boots on the upper ball joints. I replaced all the ball joints myself a few years back with Moog units. The new upper ball joints did not have boots and neither did the originals. I've been warned of this before. Were there supposed to be boots on those upper ball joints?

 

[sgtsandman]

Finally took my 2002 4WD Ranger XLT to the shop yesterday. The transfer case has been dripping for a time. Also I'm starting to hear a loud clunk when hitting the brakes while backing out of a parking lot space with the steering locked to one side or the other.

Mechanic called today to say that the rear leaf spring shackle bushings are shot. Similar up front though this is a torsion bar truck. Not surprising after 23 years and 156,000 miles.

The mechanic was alarmed that there are no boots on the upper ball joints. I replaced all the ball joints myself a few years back with Moog units. The new upper ball joints did not have boots and neither did the originals. I've been warned of this before. Were there supposed to be boots on those upper ball joints?

Every ball joint I've seen has had boots. They protect the ball joints from dirt and water intrusion. It is possible that yours aren't supposed to have them, but that would be very unusual and I've never seen it.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

I’ve seen them without boots and it always seems weird.

 

[superj]

Today I replaced the old broken steering wheel cruise control buttons:
View attachment 133502

I am trying to find a used toolbox to put in the bed for a little extra storage.

What size toolboxes are recommended for these? From what I measured, I have 54.5" between the rails and the toolbox and stick over about 4.5" - 5" on either side from there.

you have cruise on your edge? are you sure its an edge?

is it a stepside or a straightside bed? its very hard to find a box that sits on the bed for a stepside in the years of yours, mine, and lefty's. we all have edge 03/04 with 3.0. i have a toolbox that sits between the bed sides from marketplace that i got for cheap. its originally from tractor supply, i think. if you measure between the rails, it should be easy to find a floor mounted box, though. and you can just drill a hole and use some flat plate metal from the hardware store to bolt the toolbox to the bed bolts nearest the cabin, so its solid and doesn't try to kill anyone in a sudden stop.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

Thanks to @Jim Oaks , my Ranger got a couple new decals today. I also worked a little more on the front bumper and have decided to make the hitch a separate piece instead of integrated into the bumper. Conveniently, that simplifies what I need to do right now, I can make the hitch a repeatable design to make…. AND… it will work with a stock bumper sans front license plate mount. Probably not going to be available until next year though so don’t get too excited.

 

[Jim Oaks]

You're welcome. Those Summit and Yukon decals were damn hard to make.

 

[Curious Hound]

You're welcome. Those Summit and Yukon decals were damn hard to make.

I think I’ve accumulated enough Summit stickers to wallpaper a Ballroom. They’re easier to get than RockAuto magnets.