So after extensive searching for 1 1/2 months and looking at many Rangers (mostly junk) I finally found one I felt good about buying. Drove 3 1/2 hours, but happy with the results.


Spent Saturday and Sunday cleaning it up and doing maintenance. Still have the 2 back rims to clean (what a pain). So far have changed:


Spark plugs
Spark plug wires
Ignition coil
Oil and filter
Air filter
Coolant system flush (nasty) and thermostat
Waiting on fuel filter to come in


Still want to change rear axle fluid.
Debating changing the transmission filter and fluid. I've heard at this point it may cause more harm then good. Not sure.


Belts and hoses later. Anything I miss?


Anyway, 2001 Ranger XLT 4 door extended cab Flareside with 3.0 V6 and 5 speed auto with 163,000 miles.

 

Welcome to the forum! Sounds like you have a really good start on your check-over. I would add brakes to the list as well as sway bar bushings and end links (if needed). Check all your lights and you should be in pretty good shape. Nice Rangers are getting hard to find. From the pic, looks like a pretty nice truck... sounds like it just needed a little TLC :-)

 

When dealing with a neglected cooling system...

Use a flush product that is environmentally friendly.
Just use that and water, leave it in for a week with your heater valve open.
Drain and repeat as many times weekly until what's flushed out, comes out clear.
Works best of you just remove the bottom rad hose and let it gush out.

 

Thanks. I'll be doing brakes later for sure. Never thought about sway bar bushings and end links. Good call.

 

I waited for the first flush after driving it for 3 separate trips. Then I did another flush after letting it idle for 20 minutes. Both were with chemicals and water. I would probably wait a couple more days if I had it to do over again. Thanks for the suggestion.

 

What do you guys think about changing the transmission filter and fluid with such high miles?

 

Changing the auto trans fluid at that high mileage is a crap shoot. Back in the day (1970s - 1980s), changing fluid in a neglected auto trans would normally result in leaking seals & gaskets and in many cases, slippage. Today's equipment may not respond that way. I would consult a trusted, local mechanic that works on them currently and get his opinion. I haven't touched one in over 30 years.

 

Thanks.