I just picked up a 99 regular cab 5spd xlt 3.0. Its kinda just a beater until I can afford a newer vehicle again.

It looks like someone decided to take a BB gun to it, also painted the interior pieces red, screwed holes in the pillars and dash... its a beater, but I'm also going to take care of it and fix it up. Headed to the junkyard Friday to see what I can find for it.

I don't have a manual with it, so if you all could help me out or direct me to the right info, that would be great.

Tranny fluid, how much and what brand do you all recommend? Same with oil?

Whats the spark plug gap supposed to be?

Its also only 2wd, I'd be interested to know if it has LSD, whats the easiest way to find out?

I'm interested in getting an air locker for it, but do you know what spline I have? Better yet, a link to an air locker that will work for it would be great.

Also interested in a possible 3" lift kit for it. Any advice on this, or links to good quality kits?

Pardon my slight ignorance, and thanks in advance for the help.

 

Welcome, I have a 98 Supercab 4X4 5spd xlt 3.0. I love mine; you can find pdf manuals online. That's where I got mine. Tranny is 80-90 same as the rear differential. Motor oil I use Valvoline 5W-30 synthetic blend. Plug gap, if I'm not mistaken .044-.045. If I'm wrong someone can straighten it out. A lot of pretty knowledgeable people here. Sorry have no idea of air lockers. I've heard of them but don't know anything about them. Body lift or suspension? There are a lot of great parts out for Rangers. I'm thinking of a 3" for mine. Like I said lots of people that know Rangers here.

 

welcome

 

Hey thanks, wow, quick replies...

Skippy, I just searched all over the place for pdf manual downloads, and all I can find are manuals for the electric vehicle? If you could provide a link that would be awesome, I just can't seem to find one.

As for the lift, which is going to provide the best ride on the street? I'd like to get a lift that can also give me a larger payload capacity, if that is at all possible. But I don't know a thing about lifts, so any info you all can give me would be great.

 

Welcome to R-F!

 

I'll try and send a copy of the one I have if I can get an email address from you. I can't remember where I down loaded my manual (owners version). As far as ride goes; I didn't think extra payload and ride go hand in hand. I'm not an expert by any means. Body lift can give the height you want, which leaves the stock suspension for ride quality. However doesn't do any thing for extra payload. Suspension lifts can help with the extra payload and some even have good ride quality from what I've read anyway. It's a catch 22 the way I see it. Like I said, some of the other guys and gals can be more helpful then I on that subject.

 

Welcome

This will help you figure out what rear end you have
Ford Ranger Axles - The Ranger Station

 

Welcome!

 

Thanks a bunch, my email is DSMissed@gmail.com.

 

welcome to R-F, Kerri!

 

Figure out what rear end you have?

 

The open 7.5 =( I have a one wheel wonder, dammit. Oh well.. at least my car is AWD so I can still get around in the snow.

So I have 28 spline, right? Now I start the search for a locker and beefy tires.

Will something like this work?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/DETRO...item587d9f06df

 

Welcome!

 

Welcome!

THE TRANS DOES NOT TAKE 80W90 IT TAKES MERCON ATF!!! (both ranger manual trans and auto trans take ATF)

as for the 7.5, i would suggest upgrading to an 8.8 with possibly 4.10 gears if you are going to lift it. since the truck is probably coil sprung, you can either go with 3" lift spindles, a 3" body lift, or both. if you chose one, you will be able to run 31's possibly 32's. with both, a 33 will fit nicely. a 7.5 and any tire larger than stock do not get along very well

 

I know you can run 31's stock on a coil sprung 99. I did. As for your ebay link it will not work. Thats for the Ford 9" rear end. You have a 7.5. I wouldnt waste my time with the 7.5 rear end. Get ya an 8.8 from a Ranger or if you want an even better one get it from an Explorer. The Explorer is 31 spline and disk brakes usually. Only think is you have to flip some brackets and move some shock mounts. Takes welding to get the Explorer one to work. The Ranger 8.8 will bolt right in. I had the 7.5 and upgraded to the Ranger 8.8. It suits me just fine.

 

Welcome DSMisseed. Maybe some day you can post pictures of your beater.

 

or maybe some pics of your dsm

 

DAMN! Thanks for the update....I received the wrong info myself. Thanks again...

 

See, these guys know their sh*t here....

 

Ya they do...

Ya, I'll get some pics of the truck and the dizzum today. The DSM is as built as a car can be built, it shouldn't even be streetable anymore but I drive it that way anyways.

I'm actually glad I have something new that needs some work, since there is nothing left to do on the Talon, I always need something to tinker with.

Headed to the junkyard today to get some pieces I need, maybe I can find those 8.8 axles. I don't know if I want to go so far as to get the Explorer axles, but we'll see what I come up with.

 

What happens if I find an 8.8 with limited slip, can I use that?

 

Ok, back from the junkyard, and I found two that were 8.8 with LSD, one with 3.73 gears, the other with 4.10.

Which should I go with? I don't really want the 4.10 if my mpg is going to go down a whole lot.

 

Howdy. Welcome to the site.

 

Pictures of the Ranger and the Talon.


I was out at the junkyard yesterday and happened to find a bed liner and cheapo tool box, so I got them.


Yes, I know none of my body lines match up, and my front bumper is barely hanging on, but I don't really care. Its not supposed to look pretty. I'll get everything fixed eventually, and I did just repaint it, you can't tell but its a really flaky purple. Why glittery purple? Because I'm a girl and its a girls car, and I happen to like sparkles and purple. So there ya go.


My engine. Again... purple. I like purple.

 

Kerri I like the talon, big deal that the body lines don't line up. You can tweak those in a few hours. At least your working on something. That my friend is the best part.