Yesterday I brought home a 98 step side 2.5 auto. She is a little rough and will be an ongoing project as a back up vehicle, grocery getter. Dropped it off at a local transmission shop to see why shifting is hard. Owner said Uncle rebuilt tranny 40 miles ago. I drove it home 90 miles @ 70 mph in interstate with the OD light blinking, engine seemed fine. My shop is hoping band adjustment will be the fix. Otherwise I'll be searching for a transmission, 4R44E, I think? Other things if it finds a home here, headliner, paint, fix that it has a separate door key, maybe add remote door locks, some kind of upholstery refurbishment and a bluetooth radio. This will be my 4th ranger, had a 95 bought new for 18 years last one was a 2002, let it go a couple years ago, don't remember what year the first one was but it was the more square fenders. All my previous rangers were 4.0 and 4X4. I have a heavier truck for 4 wheel times and boat pulling.

 

Project can be fun. Since you already have previous experience, it should go well.

 

Thanks RoseBud68, Yeah but my others were in good shape. Never had to do these things except for body work and a complete paint job on the 1995 after a lady mashed up one side. So I'm open to suggestions, Anyone ever done a headliner or replaced the head unit with something modern they really like?

 

Yeah i did both on my '06 Sport 4.0. After of course taking care of all the maintenance. Take care of all that first before adding cool stuff.

 

Agreed, first trip after it got a tag was to a local transmission shop to deal with the hard shifting.
Her she is at the shop waiting a turn on the lift next week. Are those stock wheels? They are 14".

 

They look stock. If you have a local pick and pull near by, I would look for a set of 15" wheels. That will give you more options for tire size. Explore wheels will work too.

 

I ask because they are in amazingly good condition for 25 years old. And yeah, I was guessing 14 inch tires might be difficult to find in many choices. With that power plant I don't want to increase overall diameter much. I picture it with classic Cragar Mags, but that is way down the priority list.