e.andersen

So I bought a different truck (from that green one). Same model, 97 xlt regular cab 4cyl 5speed, black, 104,000mi. Nothing too special but it's a pretty decent first car and at $2250 I think I did pretty well.

Where are the best places to buy parts? I'm thinking junk yards if they have it, guys parting things out on craigslist, and that rockauto place if I need anything new.

I'm not trying to do much to it, but I might want to spruce it up a bit. Possibly some new brakes/rotors, if I do shocks I'm thinking kyb, maybe some taller tires (to fill out the wheel wells), I need a tailgate and a rear drivers' side tail light (the last guy got hit while his tailgate was down and I guess it cracked the plastic lens).

What are y'alls thoughts on good to very good upgrade parts for it? Anything in particular that should be checked/upgraded because it causes problems later down the road? Other thoughts about the truck?

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Redneck_ranger

I have a tailgate for sale. Needs paint though. I'll post a pic

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If your clothes ain't dirty, and you ain't tired at the end of the day, you ain't working hard enough

Hooligan

Nice deal man. That thing has so much potential dude. Shop around ebay for alot o stuff to mod it with and definately hit the junkyards. Any questions on prices for parts make sure to throw a thread up. If we can find it cheaper for you...WE WILL get it!

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2001 XLT Supercab Stepside!

4" Superlift, 3" PA Body lift, 33X12.5X15 Goodyear Wrangler Silent Armor on Mickey Thompson Classics. 08 power side mirrors, 08 fender badges, Hellas behind the grille, Herculined bed, Vent visors, shorty antennae, modified radio bezel with 2 OEM fog switches & custom paint, mustang dome light, Explorer OHC, 03 FX4 silver cluster, Black Edge seats & black rear jump seats, Flowmaster super44, toolbox, headache rack
"A man is nothing in this world if he doesn't keep his word"

e.andersen

Sounds good fellas!

Red, how much is the tailgate and where would it be coming from?

What kind of upgrades are good/important? I'm not planning on taking a 2wd off-roading, but I know I'd like to get some taller tires to fill the space and give a better ride. What else do you do to a truck like this, and please forgive my ignorance?

Redneck_ranger

I'm looking to get $50+shipping out of it, and if you want it painted just add the cost of paint to it. They can go for more when they're in perfect shape.

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If your clothes ain't dirty, and you ain't tired at the end of the day, you ain't working hard enough

rango88

solid buy

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Andy

2011 FORD Ranger Sport 4X2, 5 SPD Manual, 3.55 8.8" Open Diff, Cologne 4.0L SOHC V6.

http://www.rangerforum.net/f43/rango...port-2wd-3669/

1990 Mazda Miata, 1.6L DOHC 4 cyl. manual

http://www.rangerforum.net/f43/1990-mazda-miata-4339/
***Please Note - This Member can not always see posted pics.

e.andersen

For what years are parts compatible? I know 93-97 is the same truck, but I saw the 98 upgraded grille/front end to the newer style and I'm wondering if that would work with a 97.
Are beds the same for a lot of years? Cause I wouldn't mind dropping a step side on if I found one.
Do bed-toppers fit all smooth side beds forever or do they vary by generation?


@Red: I appreciate it. I don't know yet if I'll buy it, I just got the truck saturday so I'm gonna get it registered and tagged first, then I'll probably search around here just to see if I can't get something that might have age-appropriate paint fading to mine. I'll hit you up if I need it, though.

Redneck_ranger

No problem man. Let me know if you want it ever. I'll probably have it. But the junk yard by me has tons of Rangers so it shouldn't be too much of a problem finding another if I do sell it.

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If your clothes ain't dirty, and you ain't tired at the end of the day, you ain't working hard enough

klinger86

you can update to a 98+ front end but you would need to get a new core support fenders and nose.... and as far as the bed from 93+ bed will work and the bod lines will match up..... bed toppers as long as they are the same size as your bed will fit.... yeah topper companies changed "designs" over the years but as long as the measurements are the same they will fit....

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1998 Ranger XLT Stepside 2.5 L 5-Speed
3in BL. White speedo guage overlay. 5% tint on all windows.
Currently redoing the interior. Mustang Dome Light Mod. OHC with buggman's led light mod. Bucket seats. Center console... Auto dim mirror... Air box mod.... 01-03 grille conversion...

Hurley

Truck looks awesome. You can always put in an ohc, stang dome light, bucket seats, newer gauge cluster, custom headliner, auto-dim mirror, aftermarket rims, Buggman painted emblems, different tails and upgraded sound system. There is a lot you can do to these trucks.

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99 Sport