Ranger Update 

"Slant6" (slant-6) 01/02/2016 at 19:36 • Filed to: None

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Previous owner of the truck dropped off the window sticker today. I always think it’s cool to see what officially came from the factory.

I also plasti dipped the grill. Now it’s not bad like one might think. Factory it was a dark grey and over time it had become a light grey/ tan.

Before:

After:

I think its a great improvement. I also ordered a touch up pen that I’ll use once the weather gets nice. Around the same time I replaced a heater hose. It’s now completely operational. I’ll be registering it on Monday and I’ll start using it to get around. I’m hoping I can find the real reason it cost $1200 before I drive it 200 miles back to school.

BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind > Slant6 01/02/2016 at 19:43

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You got a great deal. Even if it came without an engine, you still got a great deal.

Sampsonite24-Earth's Least Likeliest Hero > BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind 01/02/2016 at 19:44

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And if the engine goes...cummins swap

Slant6 > BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind 01/02/2016 at 19:51

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I figure even if something major is wrong with it I still have a truck for under $2000.

Slant6 > Sampsonite24-Earth's Least Likeliest Hero 01/02/2016 at 19:52

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Too expensive. 3.0 duratec could work, mates up to my current trans. Modular v8s are also pretty cheap.

John_Harbinson > Sampsonite24-Earth's Least Likeliest Hero 01/02/2016 at 19:56

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I almost did that to my Exploder when the motor blew, and since most Ranger-Cummins swaps utilize Explorer front end components anyways, it would have been a super straightforward swap. However, I needed transportation quickly, and the Escalade that is currently in the process of taking all of my money now my daily driver, deflated those dreams, because 4bt swaps cost money, and such.

John_Harbinson > Slant6 01/02/2016 at 19:57

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It looks pretty good, man! Are you going to plasti-dip/back to black those bedrails as well? I, too understand the struggle of the yellowing plastic Ford grilles, I re-sprayed mine with chrome rustoleum to keep it “factory”.

Frenchlicker > Slant6 01/02/2016 at 20:02

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A majority of smaller ford engines should mate up. From my research an Ecoboost will mate up with it if you want an interesting(read expensive) project.

Frenchlicker > Slant6 01/02/2016 at 20:03

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The rims don't look bad but if you want to toy with stuff auto parts stores sell a nice kit to give them a smoked chrome look.

Slant6 > John_Harbinson 01/02/2016 at 20:08

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I might. I’m also thinking of removing them so I can mount ham antennas there in the back.

John_Harbinson > Slant6 01/02/2016 at 20:24

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Ham antennas? I’ve only seen a few cars/trucks in my area driving around with them, but they’re usually mounted at the hitch, so a bed mount would be neat. Also, if you don’t mind my asking, what would you use it for, like a long range CB kind of thing? They can reach all the way across oceans to other countries and stuff, can’t they? I fabbed up a mount last summer for a CB antenna on my Explorer’s roof rail, but that never came to fruition, and I don’t want to hack up the Caddy so it’ll have to wait. Great score though, for only $1200!

John_Harbinson > Frenchlicker 01/02/2016 at 20:27

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Also, incredibly cool....

Frenchlicker > John_Harbinson 01/02/2016 at 20:31

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If I were to miraculously come into money I really want to cram one into a Nash Metropolitan. Obviously not the 6 cylinder version but an Ecoboost nonetheless.

Slant6 > John_Harbinson 01/02/2016 at 21:33

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Yes, some facets of amateur radio can reach around the world, and even into space! I plan on installing a 2 meter radio (144-148 MHz) in the Ranger. This is more for local contacts using repeaters that can increase range from about 40 miles to well over 100 miles. I plan on using it for my 200 mile drive from school to home and for emergency communication networks.

I’m new to it so I can’t really say much more but it’s a great hobby.