New from Virginia
#1
02-21-2012
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: VA
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
New from Virginia
New Ford Ranger owner here. Just bought myself a bit of a fixer upper 2005 FX4 Level II. The truck was wrecked and repaired by the previous owner and I bought it on the cheap. At first I was just looking for a small hauler that gets good gas mileage (ruling out full size trucks), but I've grown quite attached to this thing.
The previous owner replaced many of the parts with non-Level II parts I'm learning. When I bought it, I didn't know what the difference was between the FX4 and the FX4 Level II. The Alcoa's were warped, many trim pieces busted, and some body panels (including driver's door and bed) had to be replaced. So what you see in the picture is the Frankenstein I got. Best I can tell the 'guts' of the truck are in great shape and true to Level II. The engine and tranny are smooth, 4x4 works great, Bilsteins installed, skid plates attached, etc... But it has the wrong decals, grill, and tow hooks on it.
So far I have changed oil and filter, fuel filter, tranny filter, radiator fluid, replaced the speakers (blown), fixed wiring for power locks and windows (didn't work before), cranked the T-bars a smidge, and replaced the front brakes (almost). I opened up another thread on that topic...
I am no car mechanic, but I am an engineer (aerospace, but planes are like complicated cars...). Most of what I know about cars I have learned from forums like this. My first experience with motors was rebuilding an old VTR250, as the wife wanted a motorcycle. Other than the truck, I am also in the process of rebuilding a 1961 Nash Metropolitan. I basically stole that one from some retirees looking to clear out the garage. Anyway, looking forward to contributing as well as using you all as a resource.
The previous owner replaced many of the parts with non-Level II parts I'm learning. When I bought it, I didn't know what the difference was between the FX4 and the FX4 Level II. The Alcoa's were warped, many trim pieces busted, and some body panels (including driver's door and bed) had to be replaced. So what you see in the picture is the Frankenstein I got. Best I can tell the 'guts' of the truck are in great shape and true to Level II. The engine and tranny are smooth, 4x4 works great, Bilsteins installed, skid plates attached, etc... But it has the wrong decals, grill, and tow hooks on it.
So far I have changed oil and filter, fuel filter, tranny filter, radiator fluid, replaced the speakers (blown), fixed wiring for power locks and windows (didn't work before), cranked the T-bars a smidge, and replaced the front brakes (almost). I opened up another thread on that topic...
I am no car mechanic, but I am an engineer (aerospace, but planes are like complicated cars...). Most of what I know about cars I have learned from forums like this. My first experience with motors was rebuilding an old VTR250, as the wife wanted a motorcycle. Other than the truck, I am also in the process of rebuilding a 1961 Nash Metropolitan. I basically stole that one from some retirees looking to clear out the garage. Anyway, looking forward to contributing as well as using you all as a resource.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
