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True Story First Generation

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Old May 10, 2011
  #1  
Neitherfanboy's Avatar
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True Story First Generation

So, I saw this Ranger on a local car lot I have bought from before, and I liked it, and I wanted a truck ... so it took three weeks to do it, but I bought it. One of my friends thought I was crazy to buy a truck this old (an 88) but I told him its a good truck, engine rebuilt, interior in great shape, body and paint good. Here it is still in the lot's storage yard.



So first day I pick it up, we are at Kragen's getting stuff, and when I come out this truck is backing out of their space, the guy rolls down his window and says to me that he left a note on my windshield. This was the note:



I blocked out the name and number, because I am not razzing on the guy and I would never post personal info. But I was just really flattered on behalf of my truck! LOL Didn't even own it one day and someone wanted to trade me for it! I have kept the note! LOL
 
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Old May 11, 2011
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haha yea man thats a great looking truck!!
 
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Old May 11, 2011
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What are the specs on your truck? Everyone wants a ranger, it just depends if they know it or not.
 
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Old May 11, 2011
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yeah that truck is in immaculate shape for its age, i love the rims on it too, they AR rims?
 
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Old May 11, 2011
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that looks like its in great shape, post some more pictures up!
 
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Old May 11, 2011
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Wirelessly posted

That truck is in great shape! I would have bought it too.
 
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Old May 11, 2011
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Best part is a V-8 will fit without Emissions, all kinds of mount/headers and adapters.

Truck looks great.
My first Ranger was an ’88 STX, 5sp, 4x4, look them but the cab was a little small for 6’2”.

Luck with it, keep it polished
 
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Old May 11, 2011
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From: Kamloops B.C.
Originally Posted by Scrambler82
Best part is a V-8 will fit without Emissions, all kinds of mount/headers and adapters.

Truck looks great.
My first Ranger was an ’88 STX, 5sp, 4x4, look them but the cab was a little small for 6’2”.

Luck with it, keep it polished
I think they are the sme cabs from 1983 to 2011 just everything else has changed.
 
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Old May 11, 2011
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very clean. what did you pay for it?
 
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Old May 11, 2011
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Originally Posted by Bart68
I think they are the sme cabs from 1983 to 2011 just everything else has changed.
Cabs got bigger in, I think '99, maybe 01 !
 
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Old May 11, 2011
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I paid $3495 for it from a dealer in my local town. (too much??) Took me 3 weeks to get the money together, and while I was doing it, I looked online to see if I could find a truck I liked better that was still 4 wheel drive and extended cab for that same price -- I didn't find anything I liked better than this truck.

Now when I bought the truck it was "as is" except the dealer warrantied the engine, transmission and "back end" for 30 days or 1000 miles. I took the truck in to be inspected by my mechanic, LOTS of maintenance things to do (replace transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid, etc.) but the worst was, I am losing coolant from the radiator and its making its way into the engine oil. Regular maintenance stuff not covered by the warranty, engine covered!

Took the truck back to the dealer this past Monday morning and now its out for a rebuild under warranty.

Oh, and I hate that shell. It is gonna go. I'll put an ad on Caigslist and let someone come take it for free -- I want that eXtang solid fold tonneau!!
 
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Old May 11, 2011
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wow that thing is mint! i love that gen, looks like a beautiful truck!
 
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Old May 11, 2011
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Awesome looking truck man, i wouldnt say you got a bad deal!
 
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Old May 11, 2011
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Not a bad deal at all. Good thing you got it inspected and now you're getting a rebuilt engine out of the deal. That's pretty sweet. Beautiful truck.
 
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Old May 11, 2011
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Looks great, wish I could find one around here that nice, my 02 would be up for sale right now.
 
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Old May 11, 2011
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that would look great with some 31's and a small lift.

or go big and go w/a 302, SAS, and some 33's.
 
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Old May 12, 2011
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what engine dose she have
 
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Old May 12, 2011
  #18  
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2.9L V6
 
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Old May 12, 2011
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What a clean looking 1st gen!! Congrats on the purchase.

Originally Posted by Bart68
I think they are the sme cabs from 1983 to 2011 just everything else has changed.
You're kidding right? Does you cab look anything like the cab on that 88?

Cabs are 83-92, 92-97, and the current cab 98+. The 97 to 98 change is only 3 more inches of room though and so other mounting and electrical stuff. Plus 4-door cabs were introduced in 98 as well.
 
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Old May 12, 2011
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It's funny that people suggest lifting it ... my mechanic is really good, nice guy, honest and fair prices. He's young, I think I am old enough to be his dad! LOL First thing he said when I brought the truck in was "are you gonna lift it?" I said no, and he said "You should." LOL
 
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Old May 12, 2011
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That is one clean truck you've got there. Looks brand new!
 
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Old May 12, 2011
  #22  
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Originally Posted by Masteratarms93
Plus 4-door cabs were introduced in 98 as well.
IIRC it was 99


nice truck...cleanest 1st gen ive saw
 
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Old May 12, 2011
  #23  
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Frolicking first gen batman!!!

Nice find!! Almost 4K$ aint bad either for what it is.
 
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Old May 13, 2011
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From: Kamloops B.C.
Originally Posted by Masteratarms93
What a clean looking 1st gen!! Congrats on the purchase.



You're kidding right? Does you cab look anything like the cab on that 88?

Cabs are 83-92, 92-97, and the current cab 98+. The 97 to 98 change is only 3 more inches of room though and so other mounting and electrical stuff. Plus 4-door cabs were introduced in 98 as well.
OOPs my bad I was just going from memory but I will measure the sizes when I go to the wreckers next time because I have had all cab sizes in all generations of Rangers and I don't remember there being any difference.
 
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Old May 13, 2011
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Originally Posted by Masteratarms93
What a clean looking 1st gen!! Congrats on the purchase.



You're kidding right? Does you cab look anything like the cab on that 88?

Cabs are 83-92, 92-97, and the current cab 98+. The 97 to 98 change is only 3 more inches of room though and so other mounting and electrical stuff. Plus 4-door cabs were introduced in 98 as well.
he meant as far as the space inside.
 
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