Having a cool street truck doesn’t have to cost a ton of money if you’re mechanically inclined and know how to spot the right deals.
Forum member TOPDOG2007 owns a wrecker service which often enables him to find good deals on project vehicles before anyone else. As a result, he managed to pick up this 1996 Ford Ranger Ford Ranger flareside for $450. Why so cheap? The engine and transmission are gone, the grill is gone, and the interior was ruined. The body however is in great condition.
A perfect project vehicle.
For another $750 he picked up a 1997 Mountaineer with a 5.0L and only 76,000 miles on it. The right rear quarter panel and passenger window were damaged from an accident. but there was nothing wrong with the drivetrain.
TOPDOG2007 swapped the Mountaineers 5.0L V8 and transmission into the Ranger using 1994 Ford Mustang engine mounts and a 90-degree Trans Dapt Oil Filter Adapter. He used a Trick Flow Upper and lower intake, 1″ spacer, and Trick Flow valve covers painted to match the truck. The engine also received 24lb Python Injectors, 24lb Pro M MAF sensor, and a Professional Products fuel regulator. A Torq Flo Electric fan & relay setup helps keep a 3-core radiator cool.
A Budget Friendly 5.0 Ranger Project Build
The engine dumps the exhaust through the stock manifolds and a pair of Flowmaster mufflers. TOPDOG2007 said he didn’t use the Explorer engine mounts because they make the engine sit too high in the 1997 and older Rangers.
The interior received a 2001 Medium graphite Dash, Mountaineer Steering column, 2002 Explorer Medium graphite Leather seats, 2002 Explorer console, a new headliner, and custom dyed graphite carpet. The seats sit up about an 1-1/2 inches higher than the stock Ranger seats.
The stereo is made up of an Eclipse 7″ DVD Head Unit, 4-6.5″ Kicker speakers, 2 Kicker 8″ Competition Subs, JBL Tweeters and 2-Jbl 600 Watt Amplifiers.
The Ranger rear axle was replaced with the Mountaineers stronger 31-spline 8.8-inch axle with rear disc brakes. It retains its spring under design which lowers the rear suspension in a Ranger. A pair DJM I-beams were used to lower the front.
With the engine and drivetrain work done, the Ranger now rides on 20″ KMC stealth wheels, and a set of Lakewood traction bar helps the tires stay planted on the ground.
The Rangers front bumper was replaced with the Mountaineer bumper. The bumper was a little tricky because it DID not bolt right up. He used the brackets off the Ranger bumper and some homemade brackets for extra strength and kept test fitting it until it was right.
Our forum members liked this Ranger so much that they voted it the August 2010 Street Truck of The Month.
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1996 5.0 Ranger
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About The Author
Jim Oaks is the founder of TheRangerStation.com, the longest-running Ford Ranger resource online since 1999. With over 25 years of hands-on experience building and modifying Ford Rangers — including magazine-featured builds like Project Transformer — Jim has become one of the most trusted authorities in the Ford Ranger off-road and enthusiast space.
Since launching TheRangerStation.com, Jim has documented thousands of real-world Ranger builds, technical repairs, drivetrain swaps, suspension modifications, and off-road adventures contributed by owners worldwide. TheRangerStation.com has been referenced in print, video and online by enthusiasts, mechanics, and off-road builders looking for practical, and experience-based information.
