I have a 1992 Ranger XLT V6 3.0 that I've had since 1996 when I got my license in high school. I still drive that truck as a daily driver today, I've got 487, 210 mies on it. Had to change out the water pump and heads/gaskets at 225,000, also the MAF sensor,TPS sensor and IAC at 300,000 miles. Did a new transmission at 427,000 miles and she still runs like she did in 1996. It was worth the heads halfway through its life and the new transmission I got last year which did cost me $2,300 but in the end I'd say putting about four or five thousand dollars in a truck that's lasted me 26 years now well worth it.
sounds great got ALSO a Ford Ranger 1992 but a 4.0 OHV manual changed the manual trans from a 4 to a 5 gear Mitsubishi ..It wants to GO ..it has some horses for a small Truck V6
This was great fun watching this come back to life. I have a 1988 Ranger with 270000 on its 2.3. Unless it blows up, or what my wife says, I'm not getting rid of it. In 35 years this tough little Ranger has never let me down.
Same here. I have a 1996 Mazda with the 2.3 four banger and that engine is indestructible! It's got over 400k miles and it should still run. But I've had it parked for a few years (like 6) and was watching this video just in case I have to do some Frankenstein type stuff to bring it back to life. Hopefully it just cranks up because I'm gonna put it back in service to save some gas. My 8 cylinder truck is killing my budget. 😅
Mines a 97 with 248k. It always runs. The only time it didn't was a timing belt. It will often run like shit, but it always runs. I hate driving it but just cant imagine getting rid of it. Easy to load and unload stuff. You can actually reach into the bed. The antenna doubles as a slim jim. The gas milage has literally been 18.3mpg for over a decade now. The ac still works. Don't know when the ps went out but i didn't notice. When my cat got stolen i just had a pipe installed (thank you.) Seriously, I do love my truck. Its a meme. I have had many cars but it is just so damn consistent and dependable. I have more faith in it than the rest. As for comfort............... @@consistentbass
I have an 88 4 cyl Supercab that I bought in 1990. I drove over half of the country carrying an old 1973 overhead camper. It was slow as molasses, but got me from point A to point B. I'm now on my third engine and transmission (this time it's an LS swap) and hopefully will find another overhead camper to mount on it.
I'm not a big ford guy but when you started to hit that truck with the pressure washer and you could see it come back to life I couldn't help but to smile. Always nice to see an old neglected vehicle look nice again
I, rather like Ford cars and trucks. Prefer them over a Chevy any day of the week, and I've had a Chevy S 10 and a GMC Sonoma. Just prefer Ford Rangers much better, that's all. I have a 92 Ford Escort, still runs like a clock, very dependable car for a 30 year old car.
1sr Gen Rangers are a weird species of vehicle. In my search a I found 3 unicorns before I got mine. It's got that bed liner for paint, but has even less rust than that ranger. They tend to hold up pretty well.
This video was a masterpiece. A suspenseful story that keeps you guessing with a humble but remarkably capable hero and a surprise guest. It ends with a call to action on the part of the viewer as the hero rides an unsafe vehicle into the sunset. "Will you join me in this necessary work?" The crowd shifts with unease, intimidated but excited by the proposition. He then comes out for an encore by delivering the hypnotic wonder that is seeing a very dirty car cleaned. This is art. The car will likely become very important to somebody. What a story.
Here's what I do: when it's running lumpy (not all cylinders), I spray ether or brake clean into the intake while it's running. If it smoothens out, then it's an injector issue. If it still is lumpy, it's ignition or compression.
He said it was turning over nice and even. My ass it was. It was lopey sounding when he cranked it over. Sounds like it's down compression on one cylinder.
Can never underestimate what a half-ass clean can do for a vehicle. Had a 96 Silverado in similar condition that I couldn't sell. One day I spent three hours cleaning it up and sold it in two days for double what I was asking for previously. I personally love the old style bodies from the eighties and nineties.
I own an 88 ranger, and despite everyone not being fond of them, I love mine, because it’s a peppy v6, a 5 speed and hasn’t run in 5 years. It was my grandfathers, my mothers and now it’s mine (I’m 15 and already own a camaro) I’m determined to have it running and driving by my junior year of high school (which is next school year for me) I’m extremely excited to drive it.
I had a 85 many moons ago when I was a teen (early 90s). Mine was a 2.8 V6, manual transmission. I ran it into a pond and it sunk out of sight. Pulled it out the pond drained the transmission and rear end, tore the engine down and freshened it up. Ran like a watch. Couldn't kill that truck. A hurricane popped a top out of a pine tree and landed on the cab. If you fix it, it'll be tough as a tank. Good luck.
No joke! I want this truck!!! I used to have the EXACT same truck with the same paint and same 2.9L V6... I actually shed a tear when I sold it and haven't found a truck like it since. I really want Gramps!
No, you don't. Why are you telling everyone about it? If you really did want it you'd have emailed him as he suggested and bought it, not just put a daft comment here.
dad's got a red 87 2.9l manual 4x4 extended cab that i've cared for many years. Finally needed a clutch and i sent it back his way, but it's been a while and neither one of us has done the job. It's still a handsome truck, no doubt! Depending on where you are, maybe you want to take it on? We're in NC!
I’m hospitalised in an isolated room with severe Covid symptoms and attached to oxygen. I’ve been struggling to breathe properly for 4 days now, currently sitting quietly in my dark room unable to sleep at 3:15 am, yet I still managed to punch the air and let out a loud “HELL YEAH!!!!”, when the old Ranger started idling under her own steam! This is a sign. I’m waking up tomorrow morning and I’m gonna start idling under my own steam again! Eric - I’ve been watching your YT content for ages and I love all of it, from Ford, Chev, Chrysler, BMW, Merc, Honda etc. I’d be chuffed to see you do a tear down of one of Aussies best Barra engines and hear/see your thoughts. There seems to be lot of them heading over that way and subjected to abuse but I doubt you’ll find any cheap cores over there for a while yet. Keep up the great content!
@@Scottadamsfan3481 I did improve and I was discharged from hospital after 10 days. I have remained on oxygen therapy since then, using a portable concentrator when doing anything strenuous, including walking from the house to the workshop. My oxygen saturation drops regularly into the 60% range if I’m not careful (very bad for the heart and what’s left of my brain😉). I now suffer from pulmonary hypertension, which was within a normal range prior to my bout with “the spicy cough”. The pulmonary hypertension and low oxygen levels make it very tricky to exercise without harming myself. However, my local heath service runs a cardiopulmonary rehab program allowing me to work hard on my fitness. Trying to get the best outta what I’ve got, I guess. I’m now going through the work-up for a heart-lung transplant and I’m hopeful of getting back to a more normal life sometime soon. I still work full time, thanks to an understanding employer. Bloody COVID-more than just another ‘flu!
You're bringing me memories of the Bronco II - the first time I ever did a head gasket job on a "modern" car with all the spaghetti of hoses and vacuum lines. I surprised myself, and managed to get it all back together and working. 😁 Those 2.9 liter v-6s were really good engines.
I got that very vehicle sitting in my front yard. The 2.9 engine in it saved a bunch of lives in '98, back when she had her first body. I rescued her just to save that engine, but my ranger doesn't match it. I might just get a new Bronco II for her. Gotta say though, even after rotting in the woods for 15 years, she turns heads.
I had a 1985 ranger as my first car. 2.8 carbureted with a 5 speed. I'd love one again! Drove a 1989 from Oakland California to Central Illinois hauling a way too heavy trailer, and it took it like a champ. These were some tough trucks!
I got an '86 to learn manuals with, and I got my dad's old Bronco II corpse in my yard, complete with the 2.9 engine from the Bronco II that saved my life back in 98'.
@@LegendStormcrow I've got an '87 5speed 4x4 with the 2.9l fuel injected. It's a fabulous little truck. Got it about 2 years ago for $1,000. I'm at around $3,800 in parts and it's my daily. I love it.
@@Pedersons1 Coincidentally I bought the '86 to drop my '88 2.9 into. I'll drop her in and get a new trans when the 4 cylinder dies or the transmission gives up another gear.
I currently drive a 1986 4 cyl 2.3, it was my grandpa's, have to admit I have invested some money on it but definitely worth it, got the engine restored and replaced transmission doesn't look real good on the outside but also had the interior replaced, I have taken my mighty Ranger many times on the road and runs like new, I feel happy driving it even now in 2024 since I feel my grandpa's spirit's with me and I know he will never let me down as well as the mighty Ranger
I have the Mazda badged version of that, 2001, and it is indeed the perfect Gramps truck. I am 66, retired, and long past driving in a hurry. Mine has hauled tons of stuff over the years. It was also the perfect thing for my grandson to learn how to drive on, because there is no point in trying to make it go fast.
@@MikeHoncho0811 Depends on rear end ratio. Ford sold trucks with a wide spread thereof back then. I have an 85 six pot four speed half ton that turns just 1800rpm at 80mph yet that same truck could have gotten a granny four and stump puller gears that made double nicks its top speed. Whether this Ranger is comfy on the freeway is at the whimsy of whoever ticked the build sheey boxes thirty years ago. Eric made no mention of axle ratios and I doubt he even bothered to decode the data plates in the first place.
Super fun video, thanks for sharing your success with the Ranger! One little thing, oven cleaner is sodium hydroxide with a few wetting chemicals, and if that gets into your eyes, it will permanently cloud your cornea, like, forever. So I would really recommend some safety glasses when using that stuff. Just a little advise from a chemist. Cheers!
The stories I could tell of my chestnut over walnut Ranger! I bought it new in ‘87 when I was in the Air Force. I drove and polished the snot out of that little truck. 200k+ miles and it never failed me. I’d take another one in a heartbeat! Thanks for sharing this video. 🥰
Very much worth saving. I know some young people only see old trucks as something for old guys but it’s a legit decent ranger that a shit ton of people would love to fix up. It’s in better shape than most 80s rangers out there, especially in the rust belt
Yeah, my body and drivetrain are decent, but the motor and brakes are shot. Trying to decide if I should replace the 2.9, if I can find one, or swap it for something else.
@@vickery445 I've heard that the ranger and bronco II platformare some of these easiest to change engine types, but my dad pulled and reinstalled a 2.9 in a day or 2, so that might influence your choice.
1:Spray the brake cleaner to the intake 2: hammer it on the fuel injector rail 3:manmade temporary BMW gas tank and pump. You are the mechanic I'm admired it. Not those donkeys only know how can change the parts
I enjoyed this video more than your teardowns - The ingenuity displayed with battery and fuel was amazing, resurrecting a vehicle better to watch IMO than a post mortem. Nice change up thank you
I used it once on an old El Camino; it took days to doctor up the damage. Gunk is your friend. Had a Ranger just like this one, too, minus the 2 tone paint but the same tan color and a 2.3/manual. It served its purpose with no problems. Shouldn't take much to fix the miss in this one..plug, coil, or possibly rodent damage to the wiring after sitting 19 years. I'll bet it's not a burnt valve or something internal.
Yep , i owed 1988 ford ranger long box 2.3 Liter. engine bought it for 3,000 back in 1996 it had 87,000 on it owed it 12 years . After 230,000 miles, i replaced the head gasket . By the time i hit 400,000 miles, i gave it to my brother . Still ran great, good compression, all cylinders. He drove it 5 more years ,then made a trade for a car. I have to admit the little truck did me well and for just general maintenance, brakes ,calipers,full pump, tires. Good day. Nice video brought back good memories.
A great-produced video, especially without any distracting music. I would name it Miss Potential. I only need a truck, like yours, to haul DIY materials. It needs some work and would make a great DIY project like I need another project. I can imagine how it would look and run after an investment of a few thousand dollars, which I would gladly spend.
Now this is right up my alley. I'm saving this one for tonight, so the wife and I can watch it together. Maybe a beer or an old fashioned - a good night!
My first vehicle was an 86 Ranger with the 2.9 V6, loved that truck. FYI it has two fuel pumps, one in the tank is a low pressure lift pump, the high pressure pump is on the frame rail. Hope this truck goes to a good home, if I was closer I’d buy it. Good video!
I have an outside the box idea. A lot of schools take on projects like that to work out and resell and make a profit on to use to help run their programs, or just constantly work on them. You might talk to one of the local school districts and consider just donating it to them and help out the next generation of mechanics. You'd want to talk to the person that runs the automotive technology program. Even places like community colleges and places like Ranken have programs like that.
11:00: "I don't want to pull the starter off this". 11:05: Proceeds to pull the starter. This is a car guy folks. For sure. With a little love this could be a sweet little truck! New gas tank and fuel pump, plugs, wires, injectors, and clean every single wiring connector - this could be a little gem!
Yes, the little truck can be returned to active duty. I would love to see someone buy it and record the work to get it road worthy. Your wash job increased the value from $100 to $200. Very good video.
Had a 91 Ranger for about 14 years no power windows no pb no ac no power steering and standard trans but I loved it !! AMERICAN NEEDS AFFORDABLE TRUCKS.
Another great video and it was a nice twist on things. I agree with you and hope someone wants to buy it, it is too nice to junk it and would make for a perfect first car for a kid or maybe a father son project. Keep making the video's, I so enjoy all of them!
Loved this. Funny, entertaining, and eventful. Like most here, I also enjoy these trucks and that one is personally one of the cleanest I have seen in a while. It deserves a home, and I hope someone buys it from you!
I was the fifth owner of a former cable company 88 Ranger Longbed 2.9 V-6, 5 speed. 3/4 Ton springs. Huge number of miles and it kept taking a serious flogging! Owner six finally ran it to death, three years after he bought it from me!
I know I'm way too late to leave a comment but just wanted to let you know I absolutely love your videos. You do a fantastic job and just for the record that is totally my dream truck and I'm glad you saved it in this video. I grew up with an 86 Camaro that was my nightmare because of the nylon cam gear but I did have a little bit newer ranger that always made my day because it was old and crusty butt always ran.
You're amazing! I love your spirit and your desire to keep potentialy functioning vehicles from being recycled. We live in an ever increasing disposable culture. And at the same time want to save the planet.
I had an '88 Ranger 2.3 4 cyl 5-speed, bought new. It was a pretty good truck and I put 180K on before selling it. Sometimes I wish I still had it. But not this one.
lets be honest, even if the drivetrain is trash the body and im guessing the frame as well are for the most part 80-90% intact which i would say leaves this truck to be saved. i also love the content you've been providing us!!!
That’s an awesome truck! We had an ‘84 4 banger back in the day and a friend had a ‘90. The interiors were more comfortable than the S-10 of the day and the 4 banger was a little beast
Cool video, I had an 89 long bed ranger, extended cab with a matching cap. V6 automatic 2wd, but it had a problem with the rear ABS and slid through a couple of red lights and I was in between jobs at the time and sold it to a farmer. I miss that old truck.
I had a 92 Ford ranger. No AC, NO power steering, stick shift. 672k miles on the 4cyl. Best truck I ever had. I hated driving it but the engine was still running strong when I sold it. I never beat it up and always did the oil changes on time. I wish I'd never had sold it
I had a 94 regular body (Not the step side) extended cab. I miss that truck. Even if you end up parting it out, you'd get your money back for sure. I see lots of people cleaning up 80s and 90s rangers. And it looks like it survived the flooding in 93.... Or hasn't run since then. Or at least wasn't washed after.
I love it. Its the perfect truck. My beat friend and I used to play high speed bumper cars after work years ago -> it was always a blast to see how long the S10 Luv truck and the old Ranger were going to make it. The exhausts had fallen off both and you could rev the hell out of them resulting in a guarantees backfire and flames shooting out under the truck. They ran forever... and I wish I could remember what happened to them. I miss my Ranger.
Based on prior experience those Rangers were dependable as anything made. Never fancy or fast, but they lasted. I don't think you can say the same thing about any modern Ford. I love your videos. Learn so much on engine teardowns too!
Heck I would love to have an old Ranger like this. I have a 2000 model with a 2.5L manual, and it has never let me down. At 201k miles, it starts right up with a slight twist of the key. My truck has been through everything too. They don't build them like they used to. If things need to be fixed or replaced, it's much cheaper fixing it up instead of buying a new truck which might break after the warranty is expired.
I have a 2000 ford ranger with the same 2.5 liter Lima engine with over 280k original miles. Probably one of the best 4 cylinder engines Ford has ever made, that little 4 cylinder easily competes with the 4 cylinder Tacomas and Toyota pickups of the 80s and 90s.
I just sold my $500 97 Ranger 2.3 manual after driving it for 3 winters. My friend bought it. He is a good mechanic and needed parts runner/shop truck/winter beater. He was over putting injectors in the 1994 2.3 man w/7foot bed I replaced it with. He was amazed how cheap the springs, hangers, E brake cables etc he had installed, were. I have more than a million miles on 4 cylinder manual Ford Couriers and Rangers. The heaters sucked in the Couriers but you could double them up in 20 minutes at the junkyard. The 89 Ranger had the oil pickup break off and wiped out the crank bearings before I could shut it down. It is still running around town with the guy I sold it to. At last meeting it had 480k on it. Aside from maintenance items and a rear end on my 93 at 235k, I have had no major failures since 1985 when I bought my 82 Courier. They are not luxurious nor high performance. They get mid 20s mpg and my 7 foot bed model hauls 2 dirt bikes and gear with the tailgate closed. The low tailgate height is also a bonus. Nothing compares in economy nor utility for an old Dirtbiker. I sure hope the 2 I have now last another 20 years.
Nice save Eric, the old starter style in that Ranger commonly called a "rat trap" is one of the most reliable starters ever made, even if it is worn out a tap with a hammer on the tin contact cover will give it a few more years life. It was a lost cause using an old BMW fuel tank/pump though if you don't use them for a fortnight they die!
Exactly what I'm thinking. Has to be some younger guy with little money, some know how and willing to get it done attitude that would do great with this Ranger; hell, if I were close I'd take it....even though I'm at max car allowance with three, no more space.
My first car was a '99 Ranger. They're great little trucks, and the third generation ones are actually really quite safe in a crash. Overall, I'd highly recommend them as first cars, and I don't know if you can get more fun than one with a 5-speed manual.
When you're 17, ANY car you can call your own is your most prized possession. The age doesn't matter. The paint doesn't matter. If it reliably goes from home to school and back home again via their preferred fast food place, and carry a friend or 2 on the weekend, it's perfect. To them anyway.
Very good looking truck I’d be lucky to find such a gem .. I think it’s a gem cause my father gave me a 87 white single cab exactly like this one… he passed away in 2020 … it was my first truck/car ever … it’d be a nice tribute to him
Boy does that bring back memories. I had a red ‘86 4x2 extended cab with the 2.9L and 5-speed. What a great little truck! Wouldn’t be a 2.9L if the valve cover gaskets weren’t leaking!
I LOVE THIS SECTION OF YOUR VIDEOS!! I always enjoy the engine taking apart videos, but this is a Great style videos, this Ranger and the 1997 Ford 250. I hope you do more of these kind of videos! Very Entertaining
This would be a hoot to work on! I've got a lot of space in the driveway if you're getting rid of it! Good little back and forth for me here in North St. Louis County. I wish I had the means to bring it over. Good work!
Dude this truck is awesome. You CANNOT get a simple truck like this anymore...I got rid of my 2006 Ranger that was a shit box but it owed me nothing and drove forever. Wish I still had it. Iol
I have a 2007 purchased it new. Didn't drive it much..had company truck until 2016..Ranger had 54000 miles then. Now at almost 200000 miles and still runs like new. Best most reliable vehicle I've ever owned. Guess I'll hang onto it!
20 year Fluke employee here...absolutely the meter & the "Fluke" pun(s). Thank you for both! :)
I have a 1992 Ranger XLT V6 3.0 that I've had since 1996 when I got my license in high school. I still drive that truck as a daily driver today, I've got 487, 210 mies on it. Had to change out the water pump and heads/gaskets at 225,000, also the MAF sensor,TPS sensor and IAC at 300,000 miles. Did a new transmission at 427,000 miles and she still runs like she did in 1996. It was worth the heads halfway through its life and the new transmission I got last year which did cost me $2,300 but in the end I'd say putting about four or five thousand dollars in a truck that's lasted me 26 years now well worth it.
You don't even realize how hard you won! Stock All replacement parts NOW!
sounds great got ALSO a Ford Ranger 1992 but a 4.0 OHV manual changed the manual trans from a 4 to a 5 gear Mitsubishi ..It wants to GO ..it has some horses for a small Truck V6
It may only be an 80’s Ranger, but if it still has life in it and more miles to give, I’d definitely say it’s worth saving. All cars deserve a chance.
shit that thing's got more life left in it now than most new cars have in general.
@@TestECull definitely has more character than a tesla.
Better than any new truck on the road today. Nothing even major. It's not totalled.
I'm actually excited about my '86, and I'd love this one too. It has the same engine as the Bronco II in my yard.
If the frame and control arms aren't rusted through, a known problem in the rust belt
This was great fun watching this come back to life.
I have a 1988 Ranger with 270000 on its 2.3. Unless it blows up, or what my wife says, I'm not getting rid of it. In 35 years this tough little Ranger has never let me down.
Same here. I have a 1996 Mazda with the 2.3 four banger and that engine is indestructible! It's got over 400k miles and it should still run. But I've had it parked for a few years (like 6) and was watching this video just in case I have to do some Frankenstein type stuff to bring it back to life. Hopefully it just cranks up because I'm gonna put it back in service to save some gas. My 8 cylinder truck is killing my budget. 😅
Mines a 97 with 248k. It always runs. The only time it didn't was a timing belt. It will often run like shit, but it always runs. I hate driving it but just cant imagine getting rid of it. Easy to load and unload stuff. You can actually reach into the bed. The antenna doubles as a slim jim. The gas milage has literally been 18.3mpg for over a decade now. The ac still works. Don't know when the ps went out but i didn't notice. When my cat got stolen i just had a pipe installed (thank you.)
Seriously, I do love my truck. Its a meme. I have had many cars but it is just so damn consistent and dependable. I have more faith in it than the rest. As for comfort............... @@consistentbass
I’ve got 2 rangers, an 89 with 307,000 miles on it and an 01 with 215,000 miles and they’re my babies..
I have an 88 4 cyl Supercab that I bought in 1990. I drove over half of the country carrying an old 1973 overhead camper. It was slow as molasses, but got me from point A to point B. I'm now on my third engine and transmission (this time it's an LS swap) and hopefully will find another overhead camper to mount on it.
That’s nice, I have a 1983 ford ranger I am currently fixing up
I'm not a big ford guy but when you started to hit that truck with the pressure washer and you could see it come back to life I couldn't help but to smile. Always nice to see an old neglected vehicle look nice again
Report all spam
I, rather like Ford cars and trucks. Prefer them over a Chevy any day of the week, and I've had a Chevy S 10 and a GMC Sonoma. Just prefer Ford Rangers much better, that's all. I have a 92 Ford Escort, still runs like a clock, very dependable car for a 30 year old car.
My brother has one put big tires and wheels and it’s a nice little 4x4 and it looks good inside and out !
I don't like Fords, but the "Mazda" Fords are not really Fords :)
@@mikem9536they’re co-designed vehicles. More ford than Mazda when it came to these 1st gen rangers. Still really great trucks either way.
The fact that ANY of the bed bolts came loose still blows my mind. That truck is a unicorn
1sr Gen Rangers are a weird species of vehicle. In my search a I found 3 unicorns before I got mine. It's got that bed liner for paint, but has even less rust than that ranger.
They tend to hold up pretty well.
@@LegendStormcrowI would love to take a clean one of these to do a resto-mod
Nah I got put in the same situation as him with my grandfathers only one gave me issues and that was because a redneck repair from years before
It is not a Michigan truck 😑
That thing is in good shape for sitting almost 20 years.
This video was a masterpiece. A suspenseful story that keeps you guessing with a humble but remarkably capable hero and a surprise guest. It ends with a call to action on the part of the viewer as the hero rides an unsafe vehicle into the sunset. "Will you join me in this necessary work?" The crowd shifts with unease, intimidated but excited by the proposition.
He then comes out for an encore by delivering the hypnotic wonder that is seeing a very dirty car cleaned. This is art. The car will likely become very important to somebody. What a story.
Sure, but what happened to froggy friend? That's what I need to know.
@@emanuellandeholm5657 These are the important questions :)
And the little truck becomes a shining star as time ticks on.
Here's what I do: when it's running lumpy (not all cylinders), I spray ether or brake clean into the intake while it's running. If it smoothens out, then it's an injector issue. If it still is lumpy, it's ignition or compression.
I think I'm going to keep that trick in the toolbox for myself.
He said it was turning over nice and even. My ass it was. It was lopey sounding when he cranked it over. Sounds like it's down compression on one cylinder.
@@actschp1 it sounds pretty okay to me. at least good enough to run on all the cylinders. i'd blame injectors and plugs first.
Coyote swap it
@@jamesdewiel4736 and make it worse.
Can never underestimate what a half-ass clean can do for a vehicle. Had a 96 Silverado in similar condition that I couldn't sell. One day I spent three hours cleaning it up and sold it in two days for double what I was asking for previously. I personally love the old style bodies from the eighties and nineties.
Gramps is awesome, I hope it goes to a good home and spends many more years on the road
I own an 88 ranger, and despite everyone not being fond of them, I love mine, because it’s a peppy v6, a 5 speed and hasn’t run in 5 years. It was my grandfathers, my mothers and now it’s mine (I’m 15 and already own a camaro) I’m determined to have it running and driving by my junior year of high school (which is next school year for me) I’m extremely excited to drive it.
Good on you for being brave enough to fix that classic up.Good luck and best wishes.👍✌️
I had a 85 many moons ago when I was a teen (early 90s). Mine was a 2.8 V6, manual transmission. I ran it into a pond and it sunk out of sight. Pulled it out the pond drained the transmission and rear end, tore the engine down and freshened it up. Ran like a watch. Couldn't kill that truck. A hurricane popped a top out of a pine tree and landed on the cab. If you fix it, it'll be tough as a tank. Good luck.
No joke! I want this truck!!! I used to have the EXACT same truck with the same paint and same 2.9L V6... I actually shed a tear when I sold it and haven't found a truck like it since. I really want Gramps!
Get it and build it for us on TH-cam
No, you don't. Why are you telling everyone about it? If you really did want it you'd have emailed him as he suggested and bought it, not just put a daft comment here.
dad's got a red 87 2.9l manual 4x4 extended cab that i've cared for many years. Finally needed a clutch and i sent it back his way, but it's been a while and neither one of us has done the job. It's still a handsome truck, no doubt! Depending on where you are, maybe you want to take it on? We're in NC!
I’m hospitalised in an isolated room with severe Covid symptoms and attached to oxygen. I’ve been struggling to breathe properly for 4 days now, currently sitting quietly in my dark room unable to sleep at 3:15 am, yet I still managed to punch the air and let out a loud “HELL YEAH!!!!”, when the old Ranger started idling under her own steam! This is a sign. I’m waking up tomorrow morning and I’m gonna start idling under my own steam again!
Eric - I’ve been watching your YT content for ages and I love all of it, from Ford, Chev, Chrysler, BMW, Merc, Honda etc. I’d be chuffed to see you do a tear down of one of Aussies best Barra engines and hear/see your thoughts. There seems to be lot of them heading over that way and subjected to abuse but I doubt you’ll find any cheap cores over there for a while yet.
Keep up the great content!
Did you get better?
@@Scottadamsfan3481 I did improve and I was discharged from hospital after 10 days. I have remained on oxygen therapy since then, using a portable concentrator when doing anything strenuous, including walking from the house to the workshop. My oxygen saturation drops regularly into the 60% range if I’m not careful (very bad for the heart and what’s left of my brain😉). I now suffer from pulmonary hypertension, which was within a normal range prior to my bout with “the spicy cough”.
The pulmonary hypertension and low oxygen levels make it very tricky to exercise without harming myself. However, my local heath service runs a cardiopulmonary rehab program allowing me to work hard on my fitness. Trying to get the best outta what I’ve got, I guess. I’m now going through the work-up for a heart-lung transplant and I’m hopeful of getting back to a more normal life sometime soon. I still work full time, thanks to an understanding employer.
Bloody COVID-more than just another ‘flu!
@@bengibson3955 heart and lung transfer ?
You're bringing me memories of the Bronco II - the first time I ever did a head gasket job on a "modern" car with all the spaghetti of hoses and vacuum lines. I surprised myself, and managed to get it all back together and working. 😁 Those 2.9 liter v-6s were really good engines.
I got that very vehicle sitting in my front yard. The 2.9 engine in it saved a bunch of lives in '98, back when she had her first body. I rescued her just to save that engine, but my ranger doesn't match it. I might just get a new Bronco II for her.
Gotta say though, even after rotting in the woods for 15 years, she turns heads.
I had a 1985 ranger as my first car. 2.8 carbureted with a 5 speed. I'd love one again! Drove a 1989 from Oakland California to Central Illinois hauling a way too heavy trailer, and it took it like a champ. These were some tough trucks!
I got an '86 to learn manuals with, and I got my dad's old Bronco II corpse in my yard, complete with the 2.9 engine from the Bronco II that saved my life back in 98'.
I got an 87 and I love them 5 speed manual
Same
@@LegendStormcrow I've got an '87 5speed 4x4 with the 2.9l fuel injected. It's a fabulous little truck. Got it about 2 years ago for $1,000. I'm at around $3,800 in parts and it's my daily. I love it.
@@Pedersons1 Coincidentally I bought the '86 to drop my '88 2.9 into. I'll drop her in and get a new trans when the 4 cylinder dies or the transmission gives up another gear.
"Whenever you hit anything with a hammer, you're going to make it worse, or your going to make it worse." Another masterful deadpan delivery. Bravo! 🙂
I currently drive a 1986 4 cyl 2.3, it was my grandpa's, have to admit I have invested some money on it but definitely worth it, got the engine restored and replaced transmission doesn't look real good on the outside but also had the interior replaced, I have taken my mighty Ranger many times on the road and runs like new, I feel happy driving it even now in 2024 since I feel my grandpa's spirit's with me and I know he will never let me down as well as the mighty Ranger
I have the Mazda badged version of that, 2001, and it is indeed the perfect Gramps truck. I am 66, retired, and long past driving in a hurry. Mine has hauled tons of stuff over the years. It was also the perfect thing for my grandson to learn how to drive on, because there is no point in trying to make it go fast.
I'm only 32 and I'm well past driving in a hurry too. As long as itt'l do 70-75 without throwing a rod it's plenty fast enough for my tastes.
@@MikeHoncho0811 Depends on rear end ratio. Ford sold trucks with a wide spread thereof back then. I have an 85 six pot four speed half ton that turns just 1800rpm at 80mph yet that same truck could have gotten a granny four and stump puller gears that made double nicks its top speed.
Whether this Ranger is comfy on the freeway is at the whimsy of whoever ticked the build sheey boxes thirty years ago. Eric made no mention of axle ratios and I doubt he even bothered to decode the data plates in the first place.
This is like Rebuild Rescue but without all the BS reality tv, that's why I love your channel and the type of videos you. Thanks man!.
I love these (Any other VGG viewers here?). Cheers from the UK just cracked a cider and gonna enjoy this one.
Super fun video, thanks for sharing your success with the Ranger! One little thing, oven cleaner is sodium hydroxide with a few wetting chemicals, and if that gets into your eyes, it will permanently cloud your cornea, like, forever. So I would really recommend some safety glasses when using that stuff. Just a little advise from a chemist. Cheers!
I love your tear down videos, but also love when you do a video like this. I enjoy seeing someone do something different then what they usually do.
That was way more entertaining than anything on Nexflops
@@mbruce4152 So True
This content provides honest, no BS interesting entertainment with no agenda (other that automotive enthusiasm).
The stories I could tell of my chestnut over walnut Ranger! I bought it new in ‘87 when I was in the Air Force. I drove and polished the snot out of that little truck. 200k+ miles and it never failed me. I’d take another one in a heartbeat! Thanks for sharing this video. 🥰
Very much worth saving. I know some young people only see old trucks as something for old guys but it’s a legit decent ranger that a shit ton of people would love to fix up. It’s in better shape than most 80s rangers out there, especially in the rust belt
I have a ‘88 that my grandpa bought new. I would love to bring it back to life. Seeing you resurrect this one brings a smile to my face.
I got my dad's old 88' Bronco II. Same story, but the title is FUBAR. I need a body with a title
Yeah, my body and drivetrain are decent, but the motor and brakes are shot. Trying to decide if I should replace the 2.9, if I can find one, or swap it for something else.
@@vickery445 I've heard that the ranger and bronco II platformare some of these easiest to change engine types, but my dad pulled and reinstalled a 2.9 in a day or 2, so that might influence your choice.
This is the first "Will it run" video I've seen from you. All of the other ones have been what "killed it"!
Next episode: "What killed it ft: 87 Ford Ranger"
I guess it could turn to the video “what killed it?”. Ranger just wanted to survive.
@@danielosypenko4812 Ranger, the new love bug!
1:Spray the brake cleaner to the intake 2: hammer it on the fuel injector rail 3:manmade temporary BMW gas tank and pump. You are the mechanic I'm admired it. Not those donkeys only know how can change the parts
Best engine and transmission for that truck!
Tarnation! That's definitely something Gramps would have said. Thanks for saving it from the crusher, and yes that is a fluke!
Thank you for 48 minutes of pure entertainment. I bet it’s a shit ton of work, but I would LOVE to see more of those on the channel.
Seconded. Kermit would approve too I think :)
I enjoyed this video more than your teardowns - The ingenuity displayed with battery and fuel was amazing, resurrecting a vehicle better to watch IMO than a post mortem. Nice change up thank you
Yeah that oven cleaner is no joke, as soon as I saw you showing it, i was thinking to myself "Surely he knows how strong that cleaner is"
I used it once on an old El Camino; it took days to doctor up the damage. Gunk is your friend. Had a Ranger just like this one, too, minus the 2 tone paint but the same tan color and a 2.3/manual. It served its purpose with no problems. Shouldn't take much to fix the miss in this one..plug, coil, or possibly rodent damage to the wiring after sitting 19 years. I'll bet it's not a burnt valve or something internal.
Yep , i owed 1988 ford ranger long box 2.3 Liter. engine bought it for 3,000 back in 1996 it had 87,000 on it owed it 12 years . After 230,000 miles, i replaced the head gasket . By the time i hit 400,000 miles, i gave it to my brother . Still ran great, good compression, all cylinders. He drove it 5 more years ,then made a trade for a car. I have to admit the little truck did me well and for just general maintenance, brakes ,calipers,full pump, tires. Good day. Nice video brought back good memories.
A great-produced video, especially without any distracting music. I would name it Miss Potential. I only need a truck, like yours, to haul DIY materials. It needs some work and would make a great DIY project like I need another project. I can imagine how it would look and run after an investment of a few thousand dollars, which I would gladly spend.
You saved that truck.!!!!
Now this is right up my alley. I'm saving this one for tonight, so the wife and I can watch it together. Maybe a beer or an old fashioned - a good night!
These car revivals are my favorite thing on TH-cam.😎
Definitely, being an old retired mechanical guy, I can watch these all day.
I laughed at the junk in the truck bed quip. Looked at my window at my truck that doesn't run with junk in the back. Laughed. Went back to watching.
My first vehicle was an 86 Ranger with the 2.9 V6, loved that truck. FYI it has two fuel pumps, one in the tank is a low pressure lift pump, the high pressure pump is on the frame rail. Hope this truck goes to a good home, if I was closer I’d buy it. Good video!
Thanks for that. I'll be swapping tanks in my 2.8 and my 2.9 needs a new body, so that's good to know.
Edit 2.3
@@LegendStormcrow i believe the 2.8 was carbed isn’t it?
@@Wittyusername82 actually.. I just remembered it was a 2.3. I don't know why I said 2.8. It has EFI though.
I have an outside the box idea. A lot of schools take on projects like that to work out and resell and make a profit on to use to help run their programs, or just constantly work on them. You might talk to one of the local school districts and consider just donating it to them and help out the next generation of mechanics. You'd want to talk to the person that runs the automotive technology program. Even places like community colleges and places like Ranken have programs like that.
That's one of the best trucks ever made bud
11:00: "I don't want to pull the starter off this". 11:05: Proceeds to pull the starter. This is a car guy folks. For sure.
With a little love this could be a sweet little truck! New gas tank and fuel pump, plugs, wires, injectors, and clean every single wiring connector - this could be a little gem!
These are my favorite body style of Rangers. Owned an 87 extended cab 5-speed with the four banger. Good truck.
Yes, the little truck can be returned to active duty. I would love to see someone buy it and record the work to get it road worthy. Your wash job increased the value from $100 to $200. Very good video.
Had a 91 Ranger for about 14 years no power windows no pb no ac no power steering and standard trans but I loved it !! AMERICAN NEEDS AFFORDABLE TRUCKS.
That's awesome how you rigged it to get up and running. Very creative.
This is better than at least 90% of the content on TH-cam.
Another great video and it was a nice twist on things. I agree with you and hope someone wants to buy it, it is too nice to junk it and would make for a perfect first car for a kid or maybe a father son project. Keep making the video's, I so enjoy all of them!
This is the most shade tree mechanic thing I’ve seen in a while. Love it, got 20 minutes left to watch.
Loved this. Funny, entertaining, and eventful. Like most here, I also enjoy these trucks and that one is personally one of the cleanest I have seen in a while. It deserves a home, and I hope someone buys it from you!
I was the fifth owner of a former cable company 88 Ranger Longbed 2.9 V-6, 5 speed. 3/4 Ton springs. Huge number of miles and it kept taking a serious flogging! Owner six finally ran it to death, three years after he bought it from me!
Loving the Fluke puns! Keep up the great work. Love your videos
I know I'm way too late to leave a comment but just wanted to let you know I absolutely love your videos. You do a fantastic job and just for the record that is totally my dream truck and I'm glad you saved it in this video. I grew up with an 86 Camaro that was my nightmare because of the nylon cam gear but I did have a little bit newer ranger that always made my day because it was old and crusty butt always ran.
Not only do you do cars, you do great You tube. Thanks for the entertaining content, it's not just a fluke!
You're amazing! I love your spirit and your desire to keep potentialy functioning vehicles from being recycled. We live in an ever increasing disposable culture. And at the same time want to save the planet.
I had an '88 Ranger 2.3 4 cyl 5-speed, bought new. It was a pretty good truck and I put 180K on before selling it. Sometimes I wish I still had it. But not this one.
This was fun to watch. I used to have an 89 Bronco 2 with that same motor, glad to see that someone has taken it as going to do something with it.
Awesome find. Reminds me of the truck my grandfather had I learned to drive in. Sweet find
Do you still Have_IT ( Please Reply) ...$$$$$$...
I forgot, I also really liked the engine teardowns. Thanks!
lets be honest, even if the drivetrain is trash the body and im guessing the frame as well are for the most part 80-90% intact which i would say leaves this truck to be saved. i also love the content you've been providing us!!!
This is what I was thinking those 80s work trucks were built different, just slap a new engine in and you got a simple, reliable, work horse truck.
@@huntersdogson7132 reliable but theres basically no power in those engines haha.
As a gramps myself, I approve of this truck.
That’s an awesome truck! We had an ‘84 4 banger back in the day and a friend had a ‘90.
The interiors were more comfortable than the S-10 of the day and the 4 banger was a little beast
Cool video, I had an 89 long bed ranger, extended cab with a matching cap. V6 automatic 2wd, but it had a problem with the rear ABS and slid through a couple of red lights and I was in between jobs at the time and sold it to a farmer. I miss that old truck.
I got a real soft spot for those old rangers I had an 88 STX four wheel drive super cab it was a great truck oh and it was a 5-speed manual
I had a 92 Ford ranger. No AC, NO power steering, stick shift. 672k miles on the 4cyl. Best truck I ever had. I hated driving it but the engine was still running strong when I sold it. I never beat it up and always did the oil changes on time. I wish I'd never had sold it
I had a 94 regular body (Not the step side) extended cab. I miss that truck. Even if you end up parting it out, you'd get your money back for sure. I see lots of people cleaning up 80s and 90s rangers. And it looks like it survived the flooding in 93.... Or hasn't run since then. Or at least wasn't washed after.
I love it. Its the perfect truck. My beat friend and I used to play high speed bumper cars after work years ago -> it was always a blast to see how long the S10 Luv truck and the old Ranger were going to make it. The exhausts had fallen off both and you could rev the hell out of them resulting in a guarantees backfire and flames shooting out under the truck. They ran forever... and I wish I could remember what happened to them. I miss my Ranger.
When measuring, make sure the wiring can carry current as well as voltage. A bad wire can carry voltage but not current.
That's why Voltage Drop is a far more valuable measurement of "resistance", than a basic ohms check.
True
I had the same year that was a fleet truck it looked bad but it ran like a Champion!! A little love and it will come back!!
Excellent Fluke joke.
Also… try jumping it without the battery connected to the system. That dead battery is drawing a ton of amperage when connected
The fluke joke and the 'reverse' power washing were great additions to the video!
Yeah. If the battery still has any fluid in it, it'll be sucking quite a lot of power trying to charge itself.
Based on prior experience those Rangers were dependable as anything made. Never fancy or fast, but they lasted. I don't think you can say the same thing about any modern Ford. I love your videos. Learn so much on engine teardowns too!
Your description of this relic was hilarious. Lol, rear suspension is like a slinky.
It turned out great!! My *grandfather* owned that exact truck! Good job!
Heck I would love to have an old Ranger like this. I have a 2000 model with a 2.5L manual, and it has never let me down. At 201k miles, it starts right up with a slight twist of the key. My truck has been through everything too. They don't build them like they used to. If things need to be fixed or replaced, it's much cheaper fixing it up instead of buying a new truck which might break after the warranty is expired.
I have a 2000 ford ranger with the same 2.5 liter Lima engine with over 280k original miles. Probably one of the best 4 cylinder engines Ford has ever made, that little 4 cylinder easily competes with the 4 cylinder Tacomas and Toyota pickups of the 80s and 90s.
I just sold my $500 97 Ranger 2.3 manual after driving it for 3 winters. My friend bought it. He is a good mechanic and needed parts runner/shop truck/winter beater.
He was over putting injectors in the 1994 2.3 man w/7foot bed I replaced it with. He was amazed how cheap the springs, hangers, E brake cables etc he had installed, were.
I have more than a million miles on 4 cylinder manual Ford Couriers and Rangers.
The heaters sucked in the Couriers but you could double them up in 20 minutes at the junkyard.
The 89 Ranger had the oil pickup break off and wiped out the crank bearings before I could shut it down. It is still running around town with the guy I sold it to. At last meeting it had 480k on it.
Aside from maintenance items and a rear end on my 93 at 235k, I have had no major failures since 1985 when I bought my 82 Courier.
They are not luxurious nor high performance. They get mid 20s mpg and my 7 foot bed model hauls 2 dirt bikes and gear with the tailgate closed. The low tailgate height is also a bonus.
Nothing compares in economy nor utility for an old Dirtbiker. I sure hope the 2 I have now last another 20 years.
Nice save Eric, the old starter style in that Ranger commonly called a "rat trap" is one of the most reliable starters ever made, even if it is worn out a tap with a hammer on the tin contact cover will give it a few more years life. It was a lost cause using an old BMW fuel tank/pump though if you don't use them for a fortnight they die!
Not a bad looking truck. Definitely worth the effort.
What an awesome little truck. I would've definitely bid on it
The Ford Ranger is in good shape for its age. It would make a good project truck. I really enjoy when you do these types of video's. ❤🇨🇦
There has to be a young man by you that needs a rig and has some mechanical skills
Exactly what I'm thinking. Has to be some younger guy with little money, some know how and willing to get it done attitude that would do great with this Ranger; hell, if I were close I'd take it....even though I'm at max car allowance with three, no more space.
@@chestrockwell8328 and I mean just give it to the kid for what he has in it :)
Eli from LSC to match his mustang!
What I was thinking. Good starter. Can be upgraded and be a great truck with some learning.
This Gramps would love to have the truck. Bought my first new vehicle back in 1986, Ford Ranger. TAN!
My grandson needs a car. He's 17 and just full of himself so a gramps truck would likely even him out! 🤣
My first car was a '99 Ranger. They're great little trucks, and the third generation ones are actually really quite safe in a crash. Overall, I'd highly recommend them as first cars, and I don't know if you can get more fun than one with a 5-speed manual.
When you're 17, ANY car you can call your own is your most prized possession. The age doesn't matter. The paint doesn't matter. If it reliably goes from home to school and back home again via their preferred fast food place, and carry a friend or 2 on the weekend, it's perfect. To them anyway.
If he's that full of himself, get him a little plastic Barbie Jeep. That will definitely "even him out". A little humility sounds in order.
@@johnsmith7676 He's not THAT full of himself.
At 17 most guys are full of themselves,but eventually life beats some humility into you.I’m sure your grandson will be no different.
Very good looking truck I’d be lucky to find such a gem .. I think it’s a gem cause my father gave me a 87 white single cab exactly like this one… he passed away in 2020 … it was my first truck/car ever … it’d be a nice tribute to him
Boy does that bring back memories. I had a red ‘86 4x2 extended cab with the 2.9L and 5-speed. What a great little truck!
Wouldn’t be a 2.9L if the valve cover gaskets weren’t leaking!
Bet you wish you could buy one, the way they used to make them?
Great video would love to see you make more regrettable purchases like this and see if they run
I LOVE THIS SECTION OF YOUR VIDEOS!! I always enjoy the engine taking apart videos, but this is a Great style videos, this Ranger and the 1997 Ford 250. I hope you do more of these kind of videos! Very Entertaining
_"I want to make sure this isn't just a Fluke"_
I see what you did there.
I got a 97 3.0 that I've had for yrs! Zero issues!
It seems the "barnacles" formed a UV barrier that protected the paint. Amazing how it cleaned up.
Imagine how it would look if it was buffed out with some scratch fix
I ran a 1992 Ranger XLT 4.0L for 205k miles and sold it to a happy guy in 2006. Probably still runs. Loved this
I love those Rangers. That truck definitely deserves a second chance at life
hard to believe no one else wanted it and he got it for $100.
You are the only guy I know that can make a screwdriver smoke.
Love what you do. Keep it up!
Burlwood plastic is very soothing even if it is lithograph. Thanks for saving it. There'll never be another 1987
This would be a hoot to work on! I've got a lot of space in the driveway if you're getting rid of it! Good little back and forth for me here in North St. Louis County. I wish I had the means to bring it over. Good work!
Eric, that is what they would call FORD TOUGH. You can't do that with a new one. Congratulations on your new baby coming soon, TMP from N.J.
The paint cleaned up pretty good! It would be a shame to scrap it. I used to have an ‘83 V6 XLT Ranger.
Best Wash video on TH-cam…especially loved that accidental un-washing part!
Ah cool Junkyard Digs uploaded a new.... wait..wut... Hell yeah!
Dude this truck is awesome. You CANNOT get a simple truck like this anymore...I got rid of my 2006 Ranger that was a shit box but it owed me nothing and drove forever. Wish I still had it. Iol
I have a 2007 purchased it new. Didn't drive it much..had company truck until 2016..Ranger had 54000 miles then. Now at almost 200000 miles and still runs like new. Best most reliable vehicle I've ever owned. Guess I'll hang onto it!