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Need everyones input....


rusty ol ranger

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A legend to the old man, a hero to the child...


ericbphoto

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Wellford, SC
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1993
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Ford Ranger
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3.0 V6
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3.0L
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4WD
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6"
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In theory, theory and practice are the same. In practice, they are different.
Electrical requires a certain amount of insanity, bodywork requires a certain amount of alcohol.
Don’t confuse those. Alcohol and electricity don’t mix well.
 

Eddo Rogue

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OHV
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skyjacker front leveling kit
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31-10.50R15
My credo
Crossed threads are tight threads.
I've done a few motorcycle/ dirt bike seat cover replacements...far from upholstering, but I do manage to staplegun a finger every time.
 

Lefty

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I've done a few motorcycle/ dirt bike seat cover replacements...far from upholstering, but I do manage to staplegun a finger every time.
You are entirely right. I found the Upull yard much safer. I got 2 leather seats from a Subaru. The same for body and fender. Why repaint when you can replace? Thus far, I've pulled 4 doors, a hood, and a tailgate for 2 Rangers.
 

snoranger

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I didn't ask for your life story, just answer the question!
Electrical requires a certain amount of insanity, bodywork requires a certain amount of alcohol.

Upholstery is somewhat easier.
That makes sense… I’ve always liked electrical work.
 

rusty ol ranger

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2WD
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A legend to the old man, a hero to the child...
Well i passed on that 89.

The frame had a couple weak spots, rusted, around the front spring hangers in the back.

To bad....it wasnt a bad truck besides that. Pretty sure the issue with it running wise was in the column...he said hed hit a bump or something and lose all power and stall....then fire right back up. Said it even locked the column once or twice
 

rusty ol ranger

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2WD
My credo
A legend to the old man, a hero to the child...
So...i know this thread is turning into a saga but...

20240416_073517.jpg


I found this little gem this morning. 88 2.9/5sp. Says it runs excellent and drives great. 1000 bucks. This might end up becoming my new daily.
 

RobbieD

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Toonces drives a Ranger . . . . just not very well.
It's got a 2.9? JUMP ON IT!


Not a bad looking truck, but with the bubbling over rear wheel arch I'd be looking at the frame real close.

The 5 speed is a plus, but it's probably a Mitsu not a Mazda.
 

rusty ol ranger

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2WD
My credo
A legend to the old man, a hero to the child...
It's got a 2.9? JUMP ON IT!


Not a bad looking truck, but with the bubbling over rear wheel arch I'd be looking at the frame real close.

The 5 speed is a plus, but it's probably a Mitsu not a Mazda.
I thought after 88+ they all had mazdas?

Yeah ill check the frame and things obviously. But youve seen my ranger and my frame is damn near pristine. Not saying this one is, but you get the drift lol.
 

RobbieD

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Toonces drives a Ranger . . . . just not very well.
On 2WD the Mitsu was used at least through 1990; maybe it was the 4WD that was Mazda only after '88. I can't really make out the front hubs on that truck, but it looks 2WD to me.

I do know that it's fairly hard to find a 2WD Mazda tranny that came with a 2.9.
 

rusty ol ranger

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1987
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Type
2.9 V6
Engine Size
177 CID
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
2WD
My credo
A legend to the old man, a hero to the child...
On 2WD the Mitsu was used at least through 1990; maybe it was the 4WD that was Mazda only after '88. I can't really make out the front hubs on that truck, but it looks 2WD to me.

I do know that it's fairly hard to find a 2WD Mazda tranny that came with a 2.9.
Nah its 2wd.

Kinda bummer about the mitsu...i know they were the worst (manual) of the bunch.

Guess if it takes a shit the TK5 from one of the rustys pry wouldnt be hard to replace it with
 

RobbieD

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2WD
My credo
Toonces drives a Ranger . . . . just not very well.
Nah its 2wd.

Kinda bummer about the mitsu...i know they were the worst (manual) of the bunch.

Guess if it takes a shit the TK5 from one of the rustys pry wouldnt be hard to replace it with

Won't know 'till you crawl under and check it.

I had to settle for a Mitsu when I converted my B2. They're not strong transmissions, but I like how smoothly they shift over the M5OD.

For an occasional trash truck or a daily I think the Mitsu is fine. Make sure that you check for excessive noise in 5th; that bearing is an especially weak area.
 

racsan

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ford/escape
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2.5 (4 Cylinder)
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2.5/151 I-4
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Automatic
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2WD
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235/70/16
My credo
the grey-t escape
my ‘88 2wd/2.3 supercab was a M5OD. Ive never drove a 2.9, have drove a 2.8 B2. It was a absolute dog, coulda just been wore out though.
 

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