88 XLT restomod

[88xltranger]

I'll start of by saying I'm new to forums, so if my post are awful I apologize.

Anyway long story short, after 2 years of my dads passing I finally own his old ranger. Its a basic long bed 2wd 2.9 auto. Its been pretty neglected I would say. Runs and drives fairly decent but it has its issues. I wanted to do a V8 swap and may still, but I do actually like the 2.9 and plan on playing with it for awhile. Reading petroleumjunkies posts has inspired me lol. I will try to document my build and upgrades as best I can.

Ive already polished the paint as best as it could get, currently working the 3g alternator upgrade and C230 kompressor efans and changed out all the lights for aftermarket smoked ones. I may need help along the way, I'm not new to mechanical and electrical work and mods but I am new to rangers so anyway. Sorry for bad pics lol. I dont have any with the smoked lenses on yet but this is my starting point. Its going to be a long journey. And help/advice is appreciated.

 

[Grumpaw]

Welcome to the forum. Wealth of info on the 2.9 here. Seems to be one of the most "info'd" engines. Can't help as mine is a newer 4 cyl., but any questions, just ask away.
Pretty much any problems you may have, have been addressed by members, so the help is there.

 

[88xltranger]

I appreciate it. Since getting the ranger I've been reading through tons of tech and forum articles getting all the info I can. The users on this site generally seem a lot more willing to help and give useful advice than many other forums I've been on.

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

The 2.9 is a legend.

2.9 reference links, euro and american

Please guys, no replies unless to add link only. Sites I use to do homework on engine and euro stuff, and all cologne family. Welcome to the rabbit hole... http://forum.merkurclub.com/forum/index.php?sid=f02b0da0967e40619e73d24071700c26 https://www.rpmrons.com/index.html...

www.therangerstation.com

 

[88xltranger]

Believe me I've read through almost everything you have posted particularly about the 2.9. You're a big reason behind me keeping the truck. Im really more of an import guy. Fords never were my thing. But I love this truck

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

I try my best. Its a fascinating little critter, simplicity and good geometry. Their intake bark on a TTB is a hoot should you acquire one, and a nice power bump in higher rpms.

 

[ericbphoto]

And a long bed, too. I like the red with tan accents.

 

[88xltranger]

I try my best. Its a fascinating little critter, simplicity and good geometry. Their intake bark on a TTB is a hoot should you acquire one, and a nice power bump in higher rpms.

Ive been keeping my eye out for one but no luck as of yet.

 

[88xltranger]

And a long bed, too. I like the red with tan accents.

I wish it was a short bed. Ive always thought long beds on little trucks looked a little goofy. I hated my toyota being a long bed.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Believe me I've read through almost everything you have posted particularly about the 2.9. You're a big reason behind me keeping the truck. Im really more of an import guy. Fords never were my thing. But I love this truck

Welcome to TRS! Looks like a really nice truck to start with.

Longbeds are kind of scarce, I am kinda partial them personally.

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

Ive been keeping my eye out for one but no luck as of yet.

Ebay UK. I have 3 or 4 of them. There are differences. Easiest way is a merkur one. Jeff Herston at merkur Midwest has some.

If not, I may be convinced to part with one.

 

[88xltranger]

Welcome to TRS! Looks like a really nice truck to start with.

Longbeds are kind of scarce, I am kinda partial them personally.

Its not a bad truck at all. It has already come a long way since I first saw it probably 8 years ago. It doesnt really have any rust which was my biggest concern

 

[88xltranger]

Ebay UK. I have 3 or 4 of them. There are differences. Easiest way is a merkur one. Jeff Herston at merkur Midwest has some.

If not, I may be convinced to part with one.

I may have to get one from you. Its pretty cool looking the way you have yours set up.

 

[88xltranger]

I thought any 3.8 mustang 3g would bolt on with that bracket.

Or I bought the wrong one.

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

Doesnt fit when you swing the alternator out and the bracket down?

Thats odd. I have the exact same setup and it fits perfectly...