Proud new owner of 98 Ranger
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Joined: Jan 2020
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From: Flat Rock
Proud new owner of 98 Ranger
Hey everyone! My name is Jordan. I am 16 years old and just purchased my very first car on Thursday, which happens to be a 1998 Ranger XLT 4x4. It is a 3.0 5 speed manual. I am very happy with the truck. It runs great and has very low mile for its age. With only 100,282 miles on it I purchased it for $5,000 and it came with a bed cap.
My first to-do on it is running boards and headlights. The running boards are not in very good condition and the headlights are very faded.
So my question is, what are some affordable mods I could do to make it look better/run better?
Also, what is the best website for Ranger parts?
My first to-do on it is running boards and headlights. The running boards are not in very good condition and the headlights are very faded.
So my question is, what are some affordable mods I could do to make it look better/run better?
Also, what is the best website for Ranger parts?
Last edited by JHFocusST; Jan 12, 2020 at 12:39 PM.
Welcome to the forum
1998 Ranger was the first year for torsion bar front suspension on the 4x4 models
And the Returnless fuel system, runs 55psi fuel pressure
Also the 1st year for PVH(pulse vacuum hubs) to lock the front wheels for 4WD, they didn't work very well so plan on changing them to Manual Hubs if it hasn't been done already
You have a 3.0l OHV Vulcan engine, Ford used these from 1986 to 2008, very reliable V6
They did often leak coolant from timing chain cover, pain to fix but can be done
Change the coolant every 2 years
And swap heater hoses around at the firewall, this reverse flow thru the hater core and helps it last longer
It already has tuned exhaust(headers) and a Cold Air intake(CAI) so not much for bolt on upgrades
It is a High RPM engine, makes best power at 3,800rpm so don't be afraid of high RPMs, it likes it and NEEDS IT for best performance
Clean and Gap spark plugs or change them that's about the only "tune up" you can do on newer vehicles
You have an M5OD-R1 manual transmission, used from 1988 to 2011, very reliable, it uses ATF, yes automatic transmission fluid in a manual transmission, lol, do NOT use Gear Oil, use Mercon V ATF to top it up or when changing fluid
And a BW1354 transfer case, electric shift most likely
Shift it to 4high and then 4low and then back to 2WD once a month, don't have to drive it, just sit in the driveway and shift it, this keeps the shift motor and gears clean and lubed, so they work when you NEED 4WD
1998 Ranger was the first year for torsion bar front suspension on the 4x4 models
And the Returnless fuel system, runs 55psi fuel pressure
Also the 1st year for PVH(pulse vacuum hubs) to lock the front wheels for 4WD, they didn't work very well so plan on changing them to Manual Hubs if it hasn't been done already
You have a 3.0l OHV Vulcan engine, Ford used these from 1986 to 2008, very reliable V6
They did often leak coolant from timing chain cover, pain to fix but can be done
Change the coolant every 2 years
And swap heater hoses around at the firewall, this reverse flow thru the hater core and helps it last longer
It already has tuned exhaust(headers) and a Cold Air intake(CAI) so not much for bolt on upgrades
It is a High RPM engine, makes best power at 3,800rpm so don't be afraid of high RPMs, it likes it and NEEDS IT for best performance
Clean and Gap spark plugs or change them that's about the only "tune up" you can do on newer vehicles
You have an M5OD-R1 manual transmission, used from 1988 to 2011, very reliable, it uses ATF, yes automatic transmission fluid in a manual transmission, lol, do NOT use Gear Oil, use Mercon V ATF to top it up or when changing fluid
And a BW1354 transfer case, electric shift most likely
Shift it to 4high and then 4low and then back to 2WD once a month, don't have to drive it, just sit in the driveway and shift it, this keeps the shift motor and gears clean and lubed, so they work when you NEED 4WD
Member
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 360
Likes: 91
From: Fishersville, Va.
Hello and welcome.
About the only aftermarket for general parts will be LMC Truck Parts. Go to website and navigate to the Ranger/Bronco 2 on line catalog. They will also send you a free catalog.
You can also find some OE parts on line at Ford Parts Giant.com, , NOS Parts Limited, and most regular Ford on line parts dealers.
Of course there's E Bay, and salvage yards.
Grumpaw
About the only aftermarket for general parts will be LMC Truck Parts. Go to website and navigate to the Ranger/Bronco 2 on line catalog. They will also send you a free catalog.
You can also find some OE parts on line at Ford Parts Giant.com, , NOS Parts Limited, and most regular Ford on line parts dealers.
Of course there's E Bay, and salvage yards.
Grumpaw
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