salty_ranger218
New Member
- Joined
- Aug 29, 2023
- Messages
- 3
- Reaction score
- 2
- Points
- 3
- Location
- usa
- Vehicle Year
- 1997
- Make / Model
- Ford / Ranger
- Transmission
- Automatic
I picked up my truck a few months ago on FB marketplace for $800. I have since replaced all the brake lines & hoses, and front calipers, U-joint (found another broken one today), wheel bearings, spindle bearings, cruise buttons, plugs & wires...I think that's it...So I'm already getting pretty invested in the truck. After driving it a few weeks I don't want any other truck. I want to daily this truck, 4 mile commute northern MN, and occasionally drive it 200 miles to my family's hunting land in northern WI. It needs a whole lot of parts and work. I'm capable of doing most of the work needed to keep the truck on the road, but I'm not set up for engine internals or transmission rebuilds. I could use some advice! Fixing this truck is going to cost me a fortune in tools and parts but not as much as a new truck that I don't really want. I have access to a total dump of a garage but I'm working outside primarily.
Trans feels like reverse may go some time soon, as well as a shudder in false 2nd (i think).
likely needs full engine rebuild but runs ok.
Vacuum leak
possible head gasket leak (white smoke smells like gas but idles great)
misfires occasionally needs coil pack
a/c is out, very rusty lines need to be replaced
parking brake miraculously still works but rear drums and front pads are needed
Rust is not fatal in my opinion. I've scraped around with a screwdriver and I cant find any holes and it still sounds like solid metal all around the frame. The body is disappearing but isn't caving in yet. I think I have some time to learn how to weld. (My wife and I have no kids so I have a lot of free time)
What would you do if you were in my position? Go ahead and roast me if you want, maybe I need a reality check. I'm debating selling the truck, a 2010 carolla, and a subaru outback and getting 1 decent AWD boring terrible ugly crossover suv that my wife wants and waiting for a different dream truck.
Trans feels like reverse may go some time soon, as well as a shudder in false 2nd (i think).
likely needs full engine rebuild but runs ok.
Vacuum leak
possible head gasket leak (white smoke smells like gas but idles great)
misfires occasionally needs coil pack
a/c is out, very rusty lines need to be replaced
parking brake miraculously still works but rear drums and front pads are needed
Rust is not fatal in my opinion. I've scraped around with a screwdriver and I cant find any holes and it still sounds like solid metal all around the frame. The body is disappearing but isn't caving in yet. I think I have some time to learn how to weld. (My wife and I have no kids so I have a lot of free time)
What would you do if you were in my position? Go ahead and roast me if you want, maybe I need a reality check. I'm debating selling the truck, a 2010 carolla, and a subaru outback and getting 1 decent AWD boring terrible ugly crossover suv that my wife wants and waiting for a different dream truck.
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