Newb. Upgrades
 

I did a quick search but didnt quite find what I was looking for. I was just given a 1998 Ford Ranger XLT 4.0 5 speed. I got it for free because the exhaust is gone, and the brake lines are all shot and the brakes dont work. The brakes are the easy part, but what else should I do to the truck? It will be a work truck and have a small plow hanging off the front of it this winter. I just want to know what would be a good idea to upgrade seeing as it will get beaten down. 188k on the clock now, hope to make it last a few years. Thank you in advance

Nobody?

Power wise: Not much you can do besides a good tune, intake, and after cat exhaust. You can beef up the 4.0 OHV with a stroker kit and other things like that. But upgrades like that cost a lot of money.

Plow: People do use a Ranger, but as you stated, use a small plow. Also I wouldn't try to plow anything more than like 5-6" deep. Being a 5spd, or even automatic, that is going to put a lot of stress on the entire drivetrain since a Ranger suspension and drivetrain is not nearly as strong as a 1/2 ton or 3/4 ton truck. Doing small jobs will be ok since this is going to be a work truck. I would not want to use my daily driver as a plow truck.

May want to consider a BL to fit bigger tires

5.0 swap mustang break swap and moog all suspension parts

Sounds pretty serious... Ill think ill pass!

I figure ill probably do an exhaust and tune. Truck already has a K&N Cold air intake which I forgot to mention. I will also be getting a tranny temp gauge to monitor all the vitals while its out in the storm. I will always be plowing with the storm rather than after its done so I hope to not have too big an issue. Im just hoping to never hang a plow off my 2500HD as getting a small plow for that to fit my driveways would be a huge waste in truck.

How much would I need to go? 1 or 3?

Go ahead and get a 3" then you can fit 33's

That means id have to do some magic with the bumpers correct?

BL kit comes with bumper brackets

Sheesh. That sure makes it easy