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  #1  
Old 07-18-2017, 04:26 PM
ferrrda ferrrda is offline
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Default Need some help/suggestions on upgrading/fixing my ranger

Hello everyone!

Let me first begin by saying I have about .01% knowledge about automobiles so my questions/ideas might seem ridiculous. Really any helpful advice is appreciated. Just bought my uncles 2001 Ranger and she's a bit worn so I was thinking about upgrading/repairing/fixing her up.

To start with she's got 249,000 miles on her. I don't typically go above 65 while driving. Once I get into high 70s and low 80s the front end likes to vibrate a bit so I like to take it slow. First question: is this most likely just a result of the engine having 249k miles on it? I'm sure there are a bevy of possible issues but is that the most likely and could I have my mechanic figure this out for me?

How reasonable would it be to buy a new engine at this point? I'm not too worried about the money aspect, I don't want to spend a bajillion dollars but I could see myself pouring a few grand into this truck. Also, absurd question, how beastly of an engine could I feasibly throw into this truck without breaking the bank?

Also I think there are some issues with the transmission, which is automatic by the way. It feels a little shuddery when shifting. Should I consider getting a new transmission or at least one with less wear? Also, if I were to swap to a manual transition what kinda price tag am I looking at and is it even worth it?

Apologies for the essay but I really have no idea what I'm doing and I just want to make the ol gal a little smoother and more fun to ride.

Thanks so much if you got through this and I really appreciate any type of advice or knowledge y'all can give me!
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  #2  
Old 07-18-2017, 04:49 PM
nelbur nelbur is offline
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Default Re: Need some help/suggestions on upgrading/fixing my ranger

The vibration at 70s is likely a tire balance or out of round problem. The engine has nothing to do with it.

A new engine would cost more than the truck is worth, as would a new transmission likely.
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Old 07-18-2017, 05:06 PM
ZacktheBlackRanger ZacktheBlackRanger is offline
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Default Re: Need some help/suggestions on upgrading/fixing my ranger

With tranny issues it may not be worth it, but if the frame is in good shape, rust isn't an issue and there aren't any other major issues, an engine swap may get you a good bit of use out of it. From what I've read, Expo 5.0's are one of the easier swaps (apart from just putting in a newer version of what you already have). But I could be mistaken.

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  #4  
Old 07-18-2017, 07:23 PM
JAMMANICA JAMMANICA is offline
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Default Re: Need some help/suggestions on upgrading/fixing my ranger

He has a 2001, the easy swaps were 98 thru 2000 using a 98 or 99 expo or mountaineer for a donor. Easiest being the 4.0 4WD ranger.

97 expo had a lower fuel pressure with a return line, 2000 expo was OK if it had a 5.0, some time in 2000 they switched to the 4.6.

Put tires on it and drive it till something breaks completely, then replace that item lol.

2001 would be trickier.
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  #5  
Old 07-19-2017, 11:38 AM
a_hynes a_hynes is offline
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Default Re: Need some help/suggestions on upgrading/fixing my ranger

What nelbur said. 99% sure tires out of balance would cause the vibration issue. Also if you only know .01% about fixing cars, might wanna start a little smaller than an engine or tranny swap lol

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Originally Posted by nelbur View Post
The vibration at 70s is likely a tire balance or out of round problem. The engine has nothing to do with it.

A new engine would cost more than the truck is worth, as would a new transmission likely.
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  #6  
Old 07-19-2017, 12:31 PM
WVJefo WVJefo is offline
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Default Re: Need some help/suggestions on upgrading/fixing my ranger

Get an alignment and a balance for your tires at your favorite shop. Does wonders for wheel vibration.

Then learn to change your tire, change your oil, tranny fluid, air filter, and spark plugs & flush the radiator first.

These are the easy things you need to do on regular basis anyway.

Next check the DIY section of the board for things like the trotille hack. There are some great ideas that are easy and useful.

Happy wrenching
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  #7  
Old 07-20-2017, 04:03 AM
dvrich dvrich is offline
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Default Re: Need some help/suggestions on upgrading/fixing my ranger

Quote:
Originally Posted by WVJefo View Post
Get an alignment and a balance for your tires at your favorite shop. Does wonders for wheel vibration.

Then learn to change your tire, change your oil, tranny fluid, air filter, and spark plugs & flush the radiator first.

These are the easy things you need to do on regular basis anyway.

Next check the DIY section of the board for things like the trotille hack. There are some great ideas that are easy and useful.

Happy wrenching
What is a trotille hack?
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Old 07-20-2017, 05:55 AM
JAMMANICA JAMMANICA is offline
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Default Re: Need some help/suggestions on upgrading/fixing my ranger

Assimilated drones from the planet trotille duh.
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00 XLT 4WD XCSB 4.0 my new baby
00 XLT 2WD RCSB 5.0 swap in progress.
98 XLT 4WD XCSB 4.0 dead
99 EXPO donor motor for dead one and parts for the others.
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  #9  
Old 07-20-2017, 02:30 PM
WVJefo WVJefo is offline
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Default Re: Need some help/suggestions on upgrading/fixing my ranger

Throttle

Where is spell check whrn you need it??
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  #10  
Old 07-21-2017, 02:20 PM
dvrich dvrich is offline
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Default Re: Need some help/suggestions on upgrading/fixing my ranger

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Originally Posted by WVJefo View Post
Throttle

Where is spell check whrn you need it??

I have read every mod that forum users have posted on this site, but what is a throttle hack?
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  #11  
Old 07-21-2017, 03:44 PM
JAMMANICA JAMMANICA is offline
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Default Re: Need some help/suggestions on upgrading/fixing my ranger

Just a guess, he's probably referring to the 2 or 3 zip ties you put on the front of the throttle cable before the pedal inside the truck so you don't have to press so far down to get it to respond. I've done it to 2 now and it makes a world of difference.
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00 XLT 4WD XCSB 4.0 my new baby
00 XLT 2WD RCSB 5.0 swap in progress.
98 XLT 4WD XCSB 4.0 dead
99 EXPO donor motor for dead one and parts for the others.
Newest Ranger Forum
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  #12  
Old 07-22-2017, 05:34 AM
dvrich dvrich is offline
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Default Re: Need some help/suggestions on upgrading/fixing my ranger

Quote:
Originally Posted by JAMMANICA View Post
Just a guess, he's probably referring to the 2 or 3 zip ties you put on the front of the throttle cable before the pedal inside the truck so you don't have to press so far down to get it to respond. I've done it to 2 now and it makes a world of difference.

I have done that too and it worked well.
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