Hello everyone,
I purchased a 1992 Ranger 4x4 off road going on a year n half ago. I love the truck- size of cab and the basics. BUT here is my question. The poor truck is now needing a lot of basics just to be safe on the road. I dont know if I should put money into it or move on.
1st I have no idea why tested upto the box behind the drivers seat- the 4x4 has never worked. Didnt have help to ck underneath, and knowlege on my own to find out more.
2. The front end really needs help, tie rod ends I think and basics in my opionion do one do it all.. its wearing my tires out.
3. Needs back break lines, the previous einstein cut n crimp them the front I am afraid is goign to need more than just pads thinking whole job.
4.I have a serious valve cover gasket leak after putting in a stop leak... yep got serious instead of the guareentee better...lol quart week now OH yeah befor the leak I was adding a quart between the 3,000 mi changes so it maybe burning a little
5. It needs a face lift. The previous owner banged the front fender and taped the turn signal lense in... included bumper and filler will need to be replaced to do it right. The bed is pretty rough, the cab is so far mostly surface rust that will soon be more if not taken care of.
6. It stopped after I put in a thing of stop leak but it was leaking anti-freeze. I was told by the mechanic doing my oil change it was the head leaking. Others seem to think possibly heater hose to who knows. I am waiting on an apt to get a presure test done.
With all this said, I like the poor little truck. Do to my nephew tearing the back side up...I have about 1,200 in her as of today. But she has 166,000 milies and just dunno what to do. Put money in and keep her? I have thought about taking it to the auciton and working up to a full f-150 1st but I truely want a 4x4 and so economy? this has a 4.0 automatic. So to a newbie ranger guy any help. I grew up with a dad who only drove full sized chevys! Question is would you move on or put the money in?

 

If youve got the money and the time to fix everything keep it. If it was mine, id rebuild it from the ground up. But since its a 92 you'll never get you money back out of it. But if your gonna sell it, id do so now rather then later.

 

2 intro's?

 

I was in the same boat as you. However, I couldn't afford to sell it at the time as I just had dropped $400 into the front end, and I paid way higher then the truck was actually worth, so I just ended up putting more money into it. I now am sitting on a truck that has cost me a total of $7500, and it seems to me like it is BETTER then new. It still needs a little work.

If YOU don't want to put the money in it then sell it.

 

welcome to R-F, Jimmie!

 

Thank you for your answer. This is my question to you.... you said in some ways its better than new. BUT you have a ton of money in something "book values" isnt worth it. I like my truck but dont know wether to dump the money in her she needs or take a chance on something a bit better. One guy likes his so well he said if it were "him" he would rebuild it... hummm my little red truck is paid for.... I will wait another bit and see if I get any more thoughts on the situation.... so far its a toss up keeper? Ive become indecisive because I know I could easily dump another grand in it and still not be anywhere near a show truck.

 

I have a 90, and I had a 91 before that. I've put more money into them than they are worth, atleast according to KBB. I wouldn't trade my truck for anything, I like it way to much, even though it defies reason and has drained my account on more than one occasion. The one thing with these older trucks is there always seems to be something wrong, they have been on the road for a while now, and are well past there prime.

 

Welcome to the Forum!

 

For a grand you can't get anything near show quality. IMHO fixing the mechanicals on a car you already have is better that ditching it for a different one, 'cause at least you know the stuff is new on the one you fixed.

 

welcome to R-F.

 

Howdy!

 

welcome to the site.

 

Well, if you do decide to keep it and rebuild it, youre at the right place! So much great info here.

Welcome to the site!

 

Welcome to the Forums!

 

Exactly, thats the main reason right there.. my lady friend paid 500 for a car, all 4 brakes started going out, and it was going to cost her about 900-1000 to have them fully serviced + replaced with new parts and labor.. she decided to ditch it, bought anotehr 1200 dollar car, but that car had even worse engine problems on it then before.

SOmetimes, its just better to stick with one rig, put some wrench time into it.. that way, you learn the rig, and you know whats good, and whats bad on it.

 

Thanks Guys for your welcome and your input. I have decided to go ahead and post a pic of my truck and for now keep it. I cant afford to operate a full sized older one that I would choose AND do mods and etc that I would want to.
So for now I thinking everyone is right, why throw money into something not knowing if it is better or wose. thx all. JImmie

 

Great decision ;-) All it takes is time.. I spent a god of money into my truck when I first bought it, in total right now, itll be a couple thousand.. darn ehaders wiped me out pretty good But, when yous tart putting more and more into it, adn taking out a little here and there, you're gonna start lovin that truck :-)

 

welcome