What should I do with $500

[Nate92]

Hi guys,
I have just recently bought a 1993 ranger with the 4.0L v6 and the 5 speed
and I love it, My question is I would like to make a heavy duty mini work truck out of it i.e. flatbed, toolboxes, air comp. and welders, stuff like that but I realize that I will need to upgrade the truck somewhat in order to do this.
I am getting a $500 tax refund that I can use on this truck, What is the best bang for my buck as once this $500 is gone I won't have any more loose cash for this truck for a while so I don't want to blow it on something that I really don't need at this point.
Any thoughts?

 

[Mark_88]

I would say $500 won't get you much, but depending on what you'll be hauling, if anything, I'd have the rear springs and shocks checked and especially the shackles...

Other than that it would be more helpful to know what you will be doing with the truck more specifically.

I saw recently a truck with a flat bed made from diamond plating and it had ladder racks and a strong box for tools...still had room to haul large items, lumber, and shingles...but the suspension is the key for any of that...

 

[RangerSVT]

Like said, suspension is key to any work truck. I myself would get airbag helper springs, like those from firestone. It allows you to retain factory ride while unloaded, and a comfortable supported ride while loaded or pulling a trailer...

SVT

 

[Nate92]

I work on tractors and small engines and stuff like that and I want to be able to have a service body style setup for the tractor work, but the smaller truck size for the small engines and lawn equipment, I realize that a ranger is not the best idea, but it's a good size for what I need.

 

[daniel3507]

Like said, suspension is key to any work truck. I myself would get airbag helper springs, like those from firestone. It allows you to retain factory ride while unloaded, and a comfortable supported ride while loaded or pulling a trailer...

SVT

This. Sounds like you will have a lot of weight in the back.

 

[projectnitemare]

I think you should take that money, put it in an envelope and mail it to me. That aside I don't think you will find any kind of service body for a small truck; it's the wrong tool for the job. I understand use what you got. Air bags are a good cheap start that work well. Much of the rest you might have to make yourself.

 

[Nate92]

I think you should take that money, put it in an envelope and mail it to me. That aside I don't think you will find any kind of service body for a small truck; it's the wrong tool for the job. I understand use what you got. Air bags are a good cheap start that work well. Much of the rest you might have to make yourself.

Sorry I'm out of stamps
I am planning to either mount toolboxes on the sides of the bed or just knock the box off and build a flatbed myself
If you find money laying on the ground mail it to me I might need it.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I don't know what kind of tractor work you are wanting to do but our '04 F-250 rolls in at 9k as it normally sits. 2wd extended cab shortbox 5.4 auto with a steel Reading utility box and liftgate... and it is borderline not big enough at times. It works but a truck to have room for the busted parts, gas generator/welder and a crane along with the tools it already has on it would be really nice so we wouldn't have to run two trucks (and thus two guys) to the same place when that is needed.

The local JD dealer runs mainly F-550's and my cousin in law that works at a CNH dealer drives a IH flipnose truck of some sort (never seen the badge)

Fixing tractors (not lawn tractors) is heavy work that takes a lot of stuff.

 

[doorgunner]

Since your going to keep it loaded with equipment (and won't have to worry about the ride quality)...I'd get a good heavy-duty set of springs from the junkyard (add airbags later if needed)....remove the oem bed & build a flatbed yourself bolt your equipment down where it's best for you & keeps the load balanced!!!

You can do it with a Ranger....maybe some better coils up front...if needed!

 

[adsm08]

You should put it in the bank, write a check for $500 and mail it to me.

 

[Snoranger]

But a plane ticket to some place warm. Winters on its way and you live in Michigan.