Old Ford Guy New to TRS

[jaimalade]

Hello All,

My name is Nathan. I am a Disabled Veteran and a long time Ford Guy. I have built many engines, transmissions, differentials, and cars, and trucks, but most of them were prior to my disability... In August of 2021 I bought my first ever Ford Ranger, a maroon, 1988 Ranger XLT Longbed with a 2.3, M5OD, and 3.73 geared 7.5" rear. I have been slowly building it for road trips, and camping (maybe overlanding, depends on definition of the term).

Anyway, thank you for allowing me to join this forum.

Very Respectfully,
Nathan

 

[RobbieD]

Welcome, and thank you for joining us.

First generation Rangers are the classics, and yours sounds like a nice one. We'd love to see pics of it.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I may be biased, but this is the best forum for ranger based vehicles (RBV). We have quite knowledgeable members and the best tech section on the net.
Welcome to TRS.
PS: we really like pics...

 

[pjtoledo]

no old jokes unless you're over 70 and can remember any.

 

[RonD]

Welcome to TRS

1988 Ranger, last year of original body style

1st year of the M5R1(M5OD-R1) manual trans in a Ranger, it uses ATF, yes automatic transmission fluid in a Manual Trans, 2.8quarts
Used from 1988 thru 2011 in Rangers, very reliable

2.3l SOHC Lima engine, first used in 1974 Pinto, so nick named "Pinto engine"
Built like a tank, super reliable
1988 was last year with distributor and 4 spark plugs
It does use a timing BELT, which should be changed every 80k miles, but it is a non-interference engine so if it slips or breaks no engine damage will occur

Long beds are not common so take care of the bed, hard to replace
Should have a 20 gal tank, regular bed 17gal

Yes, check out the Tech section, bookmark it: https://www.therangerstation.com/tech/

 

[ericbphoto]

Welcome to TRS. We have several members in Tennessee and nearby neighboring states. Be sure to plan on joining us for our fall adventure in Land Between the Lakes, this September.

TRS Event - TRS 25th Anniversary Fall Adventure - Land Between The Lakes - September 5th – 8th, 2024

For 2024 The Ranger Station will be returning to the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area in Kentucky for our Fall Adventure and 25th Anniversary. As part of America’s great outdoors since 1963, Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area manages over 170,000 acres of forests...

www.therangerstation.com

 

[Josh B]

Awesome Nathan, welcome to TRS

 

[SenorNoob]

Welcome neighbor.

Has anyone else noticed more TN members since the meet here?

 

[Terrys87]

Welcome. I too am working on a 88 XLT 4x4. Looking forward to seeing your build.