For $300, I just bought a 1994 Ford Ranger 2wd to learn how to drive stick and also to play around with for the winter. It has 470,000kms (mostly hwy) on it but appears to run just fine. I'll be taking it home today or tomorrow. There's just a few things about it I'd like to ask.

The previous owner replaced the blower motor, then hard wired it with a switch to the battery. Is there a good location to tap into instead, which is switched on/off with ignition power that also has a relatively high current capacity?

Does anyone know if 16" Ford Probe rims will fit the Ranger? It's the same bolt pattern and I know with a 1mm spacer, they'll fit a 2007 Freestar, but Im just wondering if there may be offset issues with the Ranger.

Are there other things I should be on the lookout for with this truck (especially with so many kms)? Known failure points, etc..

 

I'd look underneath at the spring hangers and related suspension for rust through especially in a way northern truck like that. But for only $300, who cares...it'd cost more than that to replace them. As for the Probe wheels, I think I remember seeing a Ranger with them on it but they looked really funny due to the offset...not 100% sure about that one. As for the blower motor, why not use the OEM wiring that is for it?

 

Im not sure why the previous owner wired it up like that. Whoever did the wiring wired the +ve terminal from the blower motor directly to the +ve end of the battery with an interior switch to turn it on or off. I have no idea where the OEM wiring is, do you guys have any suggestions on where it might be? I was thinking of maybe just wiring the blower motor to a switched high current source or just directly to the +ve on the alternator.

One other thing I just noticed recently is that the transmission seems to make a funny noise. "grrrrrrrrrrr". No idea what this could be, but this is my biggest cause for concern. Only need the truck to last a few thousand kms though. Also want to get it past safety inspection.

 

After some driving, one problem with this truck appears to be that the throttle lags so it's somewhat difficult to learn in because it's hard to get the friction point. Also, it is very low in power it seems. It's nearly impossible to go up a hill because it will just stall.

Im guessing it might be an air-fuel mixture issue. Ive check the air filter and it looks good. Im wondering if anyone knows where the fuel filter is located?

 

Check fuel filter, should be on the drivers side, along side the frame. Check the airfilter, and then check the Throttle body. My buddies ancient probe had the same problems, but it was from badly carboned up throttle body. Get some TB cleaner and get in there. Tranny issue could be any number of things of which i know nothing. Best of luck.

 

Holy Shnikes Thats alot of miles.

Post up some pictures of the truck man

 

Thanks for the suggestions guys. I replaced the fuel filter and also cleaned out the throttle body. In the process of doing so, I noticed the plastic air intake tube is cracked around the strain relief ends. I've temporarily duct-taped the ends and voila, throttle lag is improved and the truck definitely feels more powerful.

Now the question is...is there some sort of glue or whatnot that you guys could recommend I could use to fix up the cracked intake tube? Like I said previously, Im only using this truck to learn how to drive stick and Ill probably sell it off after. Dont want to put any more money into her.

As per request, pics below. She's a bit beat up but engine still runs good. The transmission works, but Im afraid it could give out soon due to the noise (only happens when clutch is engaged). The noise isnt actually that bad so Im not even sure if it's of concern...



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WOW

 

its a beater all right

 

The noise you are hearing might be the throwout bearing. Unles it's been replaced at least twice.

 

Not a bad truck for 300!

 

good find...let me know if you need some parts i might have some sitting around (got a 95 im parting out)

 

I only get the noise when the clutch is released and not in gear (neutral). Is this a critical part that should be replaced or can I just keep driving it?

 

I would rock that truck for $300

 

I like the "CAUTION LEARNING STICK" sign haha

 

Looks like it needs a cheap rattle can paint job.

 

Not bad for 300 bucks... anybody know the his miles converted to us miles?

 

Those are kilometers. So roughly 294,000 miles.