Hey, in a few days I'll be picking up a 1988 ranger XLT from my grandparents..they're giving it to me for free. It has the 2.9l V6 engine, 2wd, extended cab. All i know it needs is a seal on the windshield cause it leaks there, a headliner replacement and the interior cleaned and possibly replace the fuel pump (dual tanks). So where should I start on getting this truck up and running again, it's only got 74k miles so it doesn't need to much engine work (hopefully). Also are you any mods i can do to improve engine performance?
thanks

 

In a 1988 its most likely that the valley around the windshield is rusted out, so windshield need to come out, and then inspect the valley around the outside

Fix any rust spots and primer and paint the valley so it doesn't happen again, then remount/seal windshield
Do not redo head liner until this is done


1988 Ranger will have a Low pressure fuel pump in each gas tank

Then a High pressure pump in the frame rail under drivers seat area, this is for the fuel injection
If engine won't run using either gas tank then the High Pressure pump is the most likely issue
Both low pressure pumps failing at the same time would be long odds
Or could be the Tank Selector valve, also under the truck in the frame rail, or even a clogged fuel filter

Do 50/50 test first, assuming starter motor works
Spray fuel into the engine, i.e. gasoline, quick start, even carb cleaner
Try to start engine
If it starts and then dies, then Fuel delivery is the problem
If it does not start then Spark is the problem
50/50 instant results

When you do get it running then you will need to change the O2 sensor, they only last 12 years, or 100k miles, but its which ever comes first, so 1988(33 years old) should be on its 3rd O2 sensor, regardless of miles

Probably will need a new battery, these last 5 to 6 years, use doesn't matter, the chemicals that allow them to store voltage simply loses its effectiveness

When you get engine started flush cooling system, and add 50/50 coolant mix, or just run water to see if there are any leak first, for a few days

 

You're very knowledgeable Ron and thank for usually helping with information. Not to hijack this thread. I didn't plan on getting a Ranger. I expected it to be good on gas. But no. Anyway sorry just wanted to thank you. You know your stuff on Rangers.