84 Ranger, where do I start?

[jeffnvegas]

me too

gentlemen:
just purchased an 84 ranger that's been pimped into a baja machine with the skid plates, bumpers, extra fuel tank, fiber fenders etc. was garaged for ten years. there is one dent in the bed (very minor) otherwise the body is perfect. don't really know fully what i have yet, but need to know what to look for and what my options are for this rig. carb needs rebuilt or replaced along with filters etc. and i'm sure there will be a few other immediate mechanical issues to address. it runs, although with feathering. four wheel drive operates fine. no wobbles or shakes at 65 or more. it's a v6 manual with overdrive. where do i start???? will get some pics posted when i get some this holiday season.

 

[jeffnvegas]

here it is

 

[whisperer]

Jeff, That's a sweet truck. That is a worthwhile project you are going to love it when you get it running right.

First thing is to just change all the fluids and filters, and grease all the fittings. Also while you are all over the truck it gives you a chance to do a visual check and look carefully at pretty much everything - belts, hoses, mounts, bolts wiring etc.. It looks like it's been lifted - check the lift kit and all the mounts on it for tightness. That was the first problem I ran into on mine was that whoever installed the lift kit did a crappy job of picking fasteners. I replaced several bolts/nuts/washers and torqued everything good and tight. Along with that check the rear spring U-Bolts for being tight.

Besides that you just need to sort out the carb and drive it. Putting some miles on it will tell you more.

 

[jeffnvegas]

easier said than done. pulling my hair out with this thing. put on a rebuilt carb, new plugs, distributor cap and rotor, vac lines, pcv, O2 etc etc etc. and still won't run right. one of the previous owners didn't tighten the valve covers correctly (spacers) and have oil seepage at the base. think i bit off more than i can chew with this beast. was hoping to get it on the road to use while i was rebuilding it along the way a little at a time. not happening here.

 

[Gerst73]

What size engine is in it?

 

[SC-Bogger]

well are you lookin to fix up the engine and performance first or to put bigger tires and other exterior accesories on it

 

[khoward]

what is it exactly doing is it giving u a vibration in the motor and trany when accelerating

 

[jeffnvegas]

finally had to take it in and get it on an analyzer. turns out the new carb (rebuilt) from holley also had a bad accelerator pump. sheeesh. should have it back this weekend and running AOK. now the question becomes what kind of performance parts can i incorporate without screwing the emissions. any suggestions??

2.8L v6

 

[ranger2001]

THAT looks like a fun a@@ truck! I had an '86 4x4 stx with a 2.9l 5 speed manual and a 6" suspension lift on 12.50x33's. Just make sure you tighten everything to torque specs. with the weight off the suspension or the center drops will eat case hardened bolts like they were going out of style. Have fun with her, I know I would!!