91 Ranger 4.0 4x4 for the kids

[blockhead]

Hello, I just joined because about a year and a half ago I was looking for manual transmission truck that my kids could drive and work on as they became of age to drive. I ended up buying a 91 Ranger at farm auction for $300. It didn't start so we changed the fuel pump, installed a new battery, changed the fluids. After that it started up and the 4x4 even worked but the original automatic hubs were making a lot of noise. We changed those out for Warn manual hubs. I've been using this site for information and really appreciate all the great information.

I've installed a rebuilt tranny (M50D-R1) and have a question that I'll post in the tech section.

In case you were wondering, so far I have been turning most the wrenches with the kids not as enthusiastic about getting cut up and greasy as I had hoped they would be.

 

[Uncle Gump]

That is usually the way those things go. It actually surprised me that my oldest daughter is not afraid to get dirty. Maybe the next time you tear into something... make it clear they pay attention because they will have to put it back together if they want to drive it.

Welcome to TRS...

 

[blockhead]

Thanks Uncle Gump. Part of the problem is my "just wanting to get the job done." I need to step back and let them screw things up, like I have sooooo many times.

 

[Uncle Gump]

I totally understand... but it really is the only way they learn.

 

[Grumpaw]

Hello, I just joined because about a year and a half ago I was looking for manual transmission truck that my kids could drive and work on as they became of age to drive. I ended up buying a 91 Ranger at farm auction for $300. It didn't start so we changed the fuel pump, installed a new battery, changed the fluids. After that it started up and the 4x4 even worked but the original automatic hubs were making a lot of noise. We changed those out for Warn manual hubs. I've been using this site for information and really appreciate all the great information.

I've installed a rebuilt tranny (M50D-R1) and have a question that I'll post in the tech section.

In case you were wondering, so far I have been turning most the wrenches with the kids not as enthusiastic about getting cut up and greasy as I had hoped they would be.

For many years I tried to get my son interested in turning wrenches and doing routine maintenance. He's now a patent attorney, smart as all get out, but still can't tell the difference between a wrench and a socket.
Sooo, I gave up.
But my oldest grandson, 10, just loves to take things apart and find out how it works, so I haven't given up hope.
Grumpaw

 

[Josh B]

For many years I tried to get my son interested in turning wrenches and doing routine maintenance. He's now a patent attorney, smart as all get out, but still can't tell the difference between a wrench and a socket.
Sooo, I gave up.
But my oldest grandson, 10, just loves to take things apart and find out how it works, so I haven't given up hope.
Grumpaw

Dang Grumpaw, patent and copyright attorneys are mostly top notch, the only ones better are if you're lucky enough to find a good trial lawyer with any integrity(which is almost impossible, as of it itself is almost an oxymoron)

 

[Josh B]

Hello, I just joined because about a year and a half ago I was looking for manual transmission truck that my kids could drive and work on as they became of age to drive. I ended up buying a 91 Ranger at farm auction for $300. It didn't start so we changed the fuel pump, installed a new battery, changed the fluids. After that it started up and the 4x4 even worked but the original automatic hubs were making a lot of noise. We changed those out for Warn manual hubs. I've been using this site for information and really appreciate all the great information.

I've installed a rebuilt tranny (M50D-R1) and have a question that I'll post in the tech section.

In case you were wondering, so far I have been turning most the wrenches with the kids not as enthusiastic about getting cut up and greasy as I had hoped they would be.

Those hubs can be cleaned up and then lubed in auto transmission fluid. Please don't just toss em, I really like mine

 

[adsm08]

For many years I tried to get my son interested in turning wrenches and doing routine maintenance. He's now a patent attorney, smart as all get out, but still can't tell the difference between a wrench and a socket.
Sooo, I gave up.
But my oldest grandson, 10, just loves to take things apart and find out how it works, so I haven't given up hope.
Grumpaw

I once worked with a kid who couldn't figure out which end of the socket went on the ratchet.

 

[Grumpaw]

Dang Grumpaw, patent and copyright attorneys are mostly top notch, the only ones better are if you're lucky enough to find a good trial lawyer with any integrity(which is almost impossible, as of it itself is almost an oxymoron)

Oh, he is top notch, just not mechanically inclined at all. Proud as hell of him and what he dose (thank someone above he didn't turn in to a "bus bench attorney").
Whenever we go visit, I always bring some tools, oil, filters, ect to maintain their two vehicles.
Grumpaw

 

[blockhead]

Those hubs can be cleaned up and then lubed in auto transmission fluid. Please don't just toss em, I really like mine

I think I tossed them already. I can't remember exactly what the issue was, but I recall I needed a couple parts that cost as much as a manual hub kit. I'll look around for them.

 

[blockhead]

Dang Grumpaw, patent and copyright attorneys are mostly top notch, the only ones better are if you're lucky enough to find a good trial lawyer with any integrity(which is almost impossible, as of it itself is almost an oxymoron)

In the interest of full disclosure I'm an attorney (and engineer). That doesn't mean I disagree with you. One of my favorite saying is that people hate lawyers, except their own.

 

[Josh B]

Sir, I was definitely Not addressing my last remark agin ya, and I'm not sure how it got off that direction.
What you are doing there for your children are exactly what I had meant to applaud.
Please be assured what you are doing there has every bit of what finer aspects of life are all about.

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

Some kids hate repair work.

I did

I regret not liking it younger.

Give them time. Let them drive. Keeps their interest.

I learned to drive manual on a 1981 Ram. I'd do literally anything to have that truck back. Midnight Blue, bench seat, 318, short cab, manual and manual t case, 8 track with car, short bed, sun visor, was under restro by a guy named Newhouse that he sold it to in 2015 ish.

It's why I'm making mine my version of perfect.

Im trying to rebuild that thing. I keep noticing mine looks more like dad's every day.

 

[blockhead]

Sir, I was definitely Not addressing my last remark agin ya, and I'm not sure how it got off that direction.
What you are doing there for your children are exactly what I had meant to applaud.
Please be assured what you are doing there has every bit of what finer aspects of life are all about.

No worries I didn't think it was a shot against me, I took it as an unfortunate general truth and I love a good lawyer joke. They are also my kids' favorite kind of jokes. In reality I'm using my engineering degree a lot more than my law degree. Life is too short to get offended easily, and without a sense of humor I couldn't work on my own cars.
I've told my 15 year old that the truck is up and running, any more problems are his to deal with if he wants to drive it. We'll see.