So I just recently purchased a used 97 Ranger Reg Cab 2wd in June. It runs decently well for 144000 and I just put about 3000 more on it since I got it. It does has some minor problems and hopefully not any major ones that I haven't noticed yet. Would you guys suggest getting a diagnostics check for the hell of it?

But on to the important part. I didn't find out about my leaky fuel line till I filled it up for the first time and it has progressively gotten worse since I have been refilling it. I'm kind of worried that I may be getting worse gas mileage with the leaky hose and am planning on replacing the hose asap. There is also another issue that is worrying me about the gas mileage that is related to the tank itself. The complete bottom corner of the tank is saturated with a stain. I don't know if some gas is slowly seeping through or if its just a huge glop of oil. I did touch it and it has the consistency of oil and dirt but does has a small hint of fuel smell to it. Should I replace the whole tank or just worry about the feed hose? I attached some photos.




I also have another minor problem with my spare tire holder rack under my bed. I'm guessing the mount bracket for the left side of the rack broke off and for a quick fix the guy used wire to hold it up without a spare tire (I don't have a spare tire). What could I do that doesn't require any custom fab to fix it up so that it is strong enough to hold a spare?




I also have a problem with my steering. Whenever I have my wheel turned the smallest to the left and go over anything bumpy my truck starts to shake hack and forth side to side steering wise. I can stop it by straightening out but until then the truck is bucking. It doesn't do this when I have the wheel turned right. What would be causing this problem?

Last but not least (and kind of stupid) I can't seem to find my transmission dipstick. I'm worried because my shifter gets a little sticky downshifting and occasionally grinds when putting in reverse. I checked my owners manual and it does say that the dipstick is in the area behind the spark plugs right under the left window washer squirter (from the front of the truck) but I can't seem to find it. A suggestion on where it could be would be really helpful.

I really want to baby this truck as it is my only mode of transportation and has a lot of miles on it. Any suggestions on general maintenance would be helpful also. I'll post pics of my truck asap. Thanks.

 

how much did you pay?
and as for the dipstick its all the way behind the engine against the fire wall

 

2000

 

your stearing problem sounds like your truck is in 4wd but your truck is a 2wd. as for a dip stick your manual tranny doesnt have a dip stick and your gas tank might be from the leaking gas lines get the gas lines fixed, take a can break cleaner and clean off the gas tank and see if they stain comes back

 

The differential seal might be leaking and slinging gear oil onto the tank.

 

Find the source of the gas leak first. Then you will know what you have to replace.

The shaking on the left hand could be a ball joint, or a tie rod or wheel bearings.

See if you can get a bracket from Ford, or the junkyard.

 

This may sound like a stupid question but if I have no dipstick for my manual tranny how do I check the tranny level (or am I completely retarded and manual transmissions don't have tranny oil????!!?!!!!?)

I do need to check the fuel lines though. Would they be located on the top of the tank?

 

You will see a fill hole on your trans. Should be on the passenger side of the truck. If its fill up to there, your good.

Keep in mind, our trannies use ATF fluid.

 

Looks like the pinion seal is new to me.. I would clean the gunk off the tank and keep an eye on it... definitely looks like gear oil got slung all over the tank but the problem was taken care of. I dont think you have a fuel leak as that would clean crap off your tank.

 

Good eye. I just recently changed the pinion seal because it was leaking gear oil so I may just have to clean off the tank and replace the fuel neck. Thanks dranger

 

The first thing I would do is clean up the tank area. That way you can see where it's leaking from or if it's even leaking at all.