Start of ranger overhaul - in the United kingdom

[Pauldeacs]

Hi all,

recently purchased a 1986 2.9 v6 ranger that had been imported to the uk from Nevada. Almost 100% rust free at present so need to get some protection on the underside to prevent our British winters ravaging it.

plans are to turn it into a kinda nascar craftsman truck tribute, lowered on some wide steels, v8 engine, some decals.
First things first though.... needs a new front windshield. Available here in the uk at £550!

 

[Roert42]

How much did that cost to import, if you don't mind me asking?

 

[Pauldeacs]

Not entirely sure as I purchased form a guy who imports lots of American vehicles so he gets good rates for the shipping as he’s bringing vehicles over Every couple of weeks

 

[Shran]

Welcome to the forum! Crazy - I have a hard enough time finding parts for those trucks here and there's a lot of them around! I cannot imagine the state of parts availability over there. Looks like a very solid truck for your project!

Just for fun, could you measure how long the box is? Maybe the pictures just look distorted on my screen but it looks freakishly long. Normal lengths are 6' and 7' - the box on yours looks longer than 7'.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

It looks like a 7 but the camera is messing with it.

 

[Pauldeacs]

Hi,

yes parts will be tricky. Will end up costing me more in import taxes than parts!
7ft bed. I agree it looks long in the photos, not sure why.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

If you wanted to keep the 2.9 you might check out @PetroleumJunkie412's build with his Ranger. He has been putting cosworth parts on his which should be easier for you to find over there and it might make yours more "normal" for your area.

Europeans can get very respectable power out of 2.9's because they are more than just truck engines on that side of the pond.

 

[Pauldeacs]

Yes the uk 24v cosworth boa/Bob engine can be fitted but these are now getting harder to find. I am actually looking to go crate 302 v8 at some point but for now the v6 runs well and sounds nice with half the exhaust missing!
One issue I do currently have is a pas leak, no idea where from as everything is covered in fluid so not sure if pump or steering box. Any common places for leaks?
Also the tailgate doesn’t seem to want to open, any ideas?

 

[sgtsandman]

I would look at the tubing for the power steering first. Degrease everything first so you can verify that.

For the tailgate, it should have an access panel for the latch mechanism. Remove that and see if something is broken or disconnected.

 

[Pauldeacs]

Ideal thanks. Will get some degreaser and give it a clean up, looks like it’s been leaking a good while as pitman arm and track rod is covered in pas fluid and dirt.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I would look at the tubing for the power steering first. Degrease everything first so you can verify that.

For the tailgate, it should have an access panel for the latch mechanism. Remove that and see if something is broken or disconnected.

Nope, the tailgate handle unbolts from the tail gate. Once it is sort of hanging out of the hole you can access, there are plastic clips that hold the rods to the handle (cheap in a kit at every parts store around here) and from there with the rods disconnected you can also unbolt the latches and pull them out if need be. I just replaced the right one in mine last fall.

 

[Pauldeacs]

Great wil take a look. It kinda felt like the handle was attached to something. Perhaps one side has come away. A small issue in the scheme of things. The cracked windshield is the biggest hassle I have at the moment.

 

[sgtsandman]

Nope, the tailgate handle unbolts from the tail gate. Once it is sort of hanging out of the hole you can access, there are plastic clips that hold the rods to the handle (cheap in a kit at every parts store around here) and from there with the rods disconnected you can also unbolt the latches and pull them out if need be. I just replaced the right one in mine last fall.

Well, I stand corrected. I thought the tailgate was the same on the inside of the bed through all the years.

 

[Saddle Tramp]

Congrats on the new truck! I'm looking forward to seeing you make it even better.

 

[Pauldeacs]

So Ive been trying to decide on paint schemes. Now as corny as it is I love the film 'Days of thunder' so have decided to do the truck along those lines. Please excuse the poor photo modifying, give an idea though. Ive recently purchased some 15x8 Nascar style steel wheels and suitable profile tyres. Once the national lockdown is over here I will get the truck home and start on lowering it slightly (hanger flip and a coil or so off the front).