Back in the summer of 2008 I didn't know much about working on trucks or car and wanted to learn. So I started looking around for and ran across a 1997 ranger 2.3L with 110,000 miles manual transmission. I couldn't beat the the price as it was less then scrap at the time. I missed one big part a crack in the radiator hose which in-turned ended up cracking the head, but after looking around I found a motor with 114,000.

The work that I have done to the truck so far.

Replace the Cab, doors, and fenders master and slave for the clutch fuel pump. I know it don't sound like a lot but I've learned a lot of "well shouldn't have done it that way" on this project.

Here a video of some of the work yes i know the music on it suck.



Here is the first test drive.



After getting all the work done turned out the rear end or right back axle was warped. And dew to losing my job and family stuff the truck went back to sitting till last summer. Where the slave for the clutch went to leaking for dry rot is my belief.

So back in February i went and picked up another rear end for the truck I believe both or 373. I also found a nice set of explorer set so i went a head and picked up also.

 

I've been busy this week on the ranger. Went tuesday and pick up a second gen center console, and over head close alone with the sun visor and a new auto dim mirror.






The center console don't fit right in the back for people that have installed these any input would be welcomed. :)

Yesterday was a very busy day replaced the rear end bulled the transmission back and installed the new slave for the clutch. and bolted every thing back up. I also don't believe the rear ends are the same.

This is what went in the truck.


This is what I replaced it with.








With in the next week I want to get every thing wired up, and bleed the clutch not looking forward bleed the clutch because it ran dry. Ran out of time today work on it so am going to take the starter and have it tested some it it would work other time i just got a click.

I know there a lot of pictures and videos but know i have it up to date i would also like to think you guys for all the information that is on the forums where i got some idea out for my truck.

 

Started test good yesterday so i bought a solenoid and installed both this morning drop a battery in and still go a click. So i took both battery terminals cleaned them and the wires, put every thing back together and it fired right up after sitting for over a year no ticks form the motor. Turn out there been a mouse living in the truck so know i've got to take the blower motor out and clean it out. I pulled some of the wiring out that i had installed a few years ago for lights and am happy i did because the mouse had chewed them up.

Over the next few days there a lot of work that still needs to been do. Got some wiring to do for the explorer console and the over head console. The master for the clutch needs to be pulled and beach bleed. I also need to talk to a few places about having the truck painted.

 

looks like a fun and long term project.

Ranger axle info here: Ford 7.5 & 8.8 Inch Axle Tag & Door Codes


Overhead info here: Explorer overhead console & lighted visor mirror installation in a Ford Ranger

Not sure on why the center won't fit??

 

So on the axle it would be safe to say both are a 3.73 but the one that is in there now is a 8.8inch axle vs the 7.5 and they both don't have limited slip.
Thanks for all the links they been very help full so far i had found the over head console for explorer but on the rangers.

 

Worked on bleeding the clutch still can't get any pressure at the petal took the master out and bench bleed it still no luck.

 

Well another busy day on the ranger took the old rear end in for the core charge and picked up a eatc out of a explorer. Been reading throw the how to form the car domain website but its missing the picture that go along with it. Has anyone here done this mod?

 

Well got the clutch line to bleed all the air out at last, ended up taking the master back out and the lines and taking all the fluid out of the master and starting over with a beach bleeding. That work well had took about 20 minutes to bleed the air out and rear install. Also got the center console wired in and working the over head is also wired up and working just need to run some air lines for the back vents. Took the truck for few small test drive. It need's a exhaust gasket and a new o2 senior as the wires are messed up on the old one might try and replace the wires, i think when that is done the truck will run a lot smoother. Getting ready to paint the truck and put it on the road real soon just got to learn to paint next.

Sorry the video isn't the best wasn't looking at the screen when i made it and am still fighting the cold I've got.

 

Sorry for the double post the video didn't want to post.

 

Wow lots of work got done, looking good

 

Thanks its be a job for sure but and it real close to be on the road can't wait am working a little bit every day on it before going to work or working all day if am off. Took a little time and repainted the frame nothing special just wanted it to be black again. Rear charged the a/c which work but turn out there a rats nest some where in the system and the air only comes out at the top so looking like i will be trying to get the the bled door tomorrow and see if i can fix that and clean the rats nest out of it. Also been looking at painting and plastic dip, after reading up on it and watching i think am going to try and paint it.

 

Great work bud.