Hi all,

Got myself a 2005 4x4 V6 4.0L Ranger last May. It's my first truck and a project I don't think will ever be complete. The goal is to build a hunting / fishing / camping rig. So far I have done the following:
- Changed front hubs
- Changed lower ball joints
- Changed exhaust from Cat- Tailpipe. I put on the 50050FLT muffler from Flowtech. Very much recommend it, great sound and power upgrade for me.
- Drivers door pins. What a PITA, I had to drill out the bushing holes on my hinges because the bushings absolutely did not fit. We're talking like .040" overlap, more than a typical press fit...
- Cleaned MAF
- Put on some KO2s (31 x 10.5 R15)
- Bought an old hardtop. Needed the canoe rack and will eventually build a camper inside.

Upcoming projects are:
- Thermostat housing change (small leak which is apparently typical for these trucks)
- Clean out throttle body and IAC while I'm doing the thermostat housing. My idle drops from 750 to 500 randomly when stopped at a light or in traffic. Might need to change the TPS, but I'll start with a clean.
- Plugs and wires ( apparently I'm in for a good time with these. )
- Next big investment is new leaf springs and levelling kit. My springs are almost flat, as you can imagine the stance is gross and the driving comfort is even worse.

Please drop all advice and comments below. Especially levelling kit / leaf spring recommendations. Looking forward to learning and being inspired by you all!

Cheers,

Frost

 

Good looking rig!
Yep, best to replace JunkPlastic ThermoStatHousing with an Aluminum version.
Consider replacing JunkPlasticTanked 2Row Radiator with an AllAluminum 3or4Row.
If the 2 Notorious OilPressurized TimingTensioners in the V6~4.0~SOHC have not been renewed in the last 75kMiles, best do that.
If 5r55e AutoTrans, service that MerconV+Filter & adjust Bands every 4Yrs\33kMiles to maximize life.
MerconLV in 1354 TransferCase & Diff GearOil (AmsOil recommended) should also be changed every 4Yrs\33kMiles.
4x4ShiftMotor & 4x4ConModule are also NotoriousFailureItems, but easy to change.
Welcome to the herd! Lots of friendly knowledgable folk in these forums.

 

Thanks for all the info!

Unfortunately I already bought another junk plastic T housing. It'll have to do for now.
I'll look into those timing sensors and thanks for the rad reccomendation.
I actually got shafted by the seller, and had to change the trans for a rebuilt after buying. I'll get that diff oil swapped, however might wait for the leveling kit for the front. I believe I have a seal with a leak on front passenger side. Where the CV meets the diff I think. I'll swap that out as I do the lift too.