Troy's 1996 XLT Ranger

[Troy H]

Thanks, guys! I feel that I'm making progress with it.

There are many things I'd like to do, but a couple of the major things are done - notably storage and suspension - and I'm pretty happy with the truck's function. I can be content for a bit and chip away at some of the small things before making another big upgrade.

 

[Scott B.]

If you are going to paint your flares, you might want to consider having them coated with Line-X. I did mine (on my '93) and I really like it. Plus, there is no paint to chip off.

 

[Troy H]

Thanks, Scott.

How is the line-x applied that it wouldn't be at risk for chipping off? Does it just spray on like paint or is there something special about it? I do like how that looks on your 93.

I keep going back and forth on doing this. Guess that gives me the time to mull over all the options.

 

[Scott B.]

I prepped my flares by using glazing putty to fill the scratches/gouges/chips, then sanding everything with 120 grit. I do not know if they were sanded any more by the Line-X folks.

The flares are completely covered with Line-X (inside and out) - I assume that is how they keep the liner from peeling off.

I have about 10,000 miles on them, including a 5300 mile trip to the Nevada desert, and look like new.

I am definitely happy with them.

 

[Troy H]

Thanks again for the info. I contacted a local line-x to get a quote, but never heard back. I'll try again in a bit.

 

[Troy H]

Did some maintenance on the Ranger to include plugs and wires. Two things of note:

1. The plug wires were a pain. Seriously, I'd like to slap the engineer who decided to crowd the plug wires in there the way they did. I know the passenger side is notoriously difficult (unless removing the inner fender), but I actually had a worse time on the driver's side. The tubing and such coming off the exhaust manifold did not need to be where it is. I couldn't get my hand or pliers in there to remove the boots. I broke three of the plugs total trying to remove the boots - the two I broke on the driver's side were intentional.

2. This engine rocks. It isn't finicky about its parts and the plug gap evidently isn't a huge issue for this engine. Yes, I gapped my new plugs, 0.054" per spec. The ones I removed, however, had lived a long, hard life. They had worn until they were 0.085"! The truck ran great before and is running great now.

It was a rough couple hours. But the Ranger is much happier and I will be too once all the bruises and cuts heal.