need advice on how/where to start a rebuild

[jmonck]

I have single cab '93 4x4 4.0 auto w/ 450,xxx. still runs and drives. suspension is shot, steering bushings/ball joints/... are shot. every fluid leaks copiously, except tranny and diff. tranny fluid smells burnt though. 4x4 doesn't work so I haven't inspected the t-case. minimal rust, new tires and smashed in front. I want to rebuild this truck, but I have no idea where to start. what year rangers can I swap non-engine parts with, and which parts am i better off replacing new? Or better yet, could someone direct me to existing threads that might help... thanks for helping.

[Drexl]

god speed my friend.

[MTman777]

hope you picked it up CHEAP.. thats gonna cost at least a grand to get road worthy again and ALOT of elbow grease

[sgtsandman]

That's a LOT of work there. I guess, I would start with the drivetrain first then the suspension.

[Drexl]

scrap prices are pretty high these days... could scrap it then use that money to buy one thats road worthy.

[Botta Ranger]

Get up tomorrow morning and put your shoes on the wrong feet. After walking around all day that way you'll have a feel for what you'd be getting into.

[Drexl]

^ This.. LOL

[Major376]

how long can it sit till you absolutely need it? maybe go ahead and do a junkyard SAS for the front, idk about the motor maybe start with gaskets if it just leaks??

good luck man I'm in the same boat, just not as bad lol

[Botta Ranger]

Originally Posted by Drexl

^ This.. LOL

I don't know wut this board would do without your valuable input!

[01B3000]

Anyways, i hope the truck was handed down to you, or you paid 2 bucks for it. BUt 450xxx miles, damn.

Well first, before you do any engine work, see if anything elxe is wrong with the chassis or suspension, like IE rusted frame, broken suspension components. Really if the truck already is running, just leaking everywhere, get the suspension fixed.

Now to the engine
If the trans fluid smells burnt, its probably never been changed or only once. And what color is it? If its anything other than red, its burnt.

Determine where all your leaks are coming from and see how they could be fixed, also make sure the clock isnt cracked, will be hard to tell, or buy a whole gasket rebuild kit from your local auto parts store.

You say its literally leaking everything, so i take it coolant, oil and an exhaust leak. Just work on sourcing out the problems and go from there

[Drexl]

Originally Posted by Botta Ranger

I don't know wut this board would do without your valuable input!

Sorry, my post wasn't as infomative on on point as your post in the fluid thread

Originally Posted by Botta Ranger

Second that. Does it burn when you pee?

I'll be sure to keep it on subject and serious just like you from now on.. ok, champ?

[jmonck]

thanks for the responses. forgot i posted this... yes I got it fairly cheap. 500 then 200 for new exhaust and the front end pulled out and new grill. definitely going with suspension first. And however much money i put in will still be better than spending more for a nicer used truck then fixing everything that goes wrong. this way the truck is practically new/rebuilt for far cheaper.

[Rango88]

that type of thinking can save you money if this truck doesnt turn out to be a PITA. I hope you can do all the work yourself, it could get expensive

[jmonck]

can't do all of it myself , but I've got friends and family to help with the overly technical stuff

[SalRanger2]

id use yours as a parts truck and find another one thats a 93-97