Hello everyone. I have a 1998 Ford ranger with 327000 miles on the odometer. It has a very good engine, a little 4cyl that starts on the first crank in the dead of winter. And even with all those miles the valve train isn’t too bad. I think my dad was running a thicker oil in it to help with that... but either way it doesn’t burn oil and it runs exceptionally well. But that’s where the good things end for the most part. The bed left rear fender and transmission need replaced. (I know where to get those pretty cheap though) and the frame needs some rust repair. It’s not dangerous (yet) but there are a couple of spots that are pretty sketchy to say the least. The interior is trashed lol. If it were just cleaned and a couple seat covers were put in it wouldn’t be bad though. It also needs a radio... the one that’s in there only works if you punch it every five minutes lol. I realize that this truck is probably worth more in scrap metal than as a usable vehicle... but it has a lot of sentimental value since it was my dad’s truck for 20 years. I really don’t know what to do with it. I have a car and mom has a car, so it doesn’t have much purpose except as an extra vehicle. But right now it’s not even that because dad left it partly disassembled. What should I do with it? I mean it could be a project I suppose. All ideas and opinions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
It isn't worth fixing from a financial standpoint.
Whether or not it is worth fixing for sentimental reasons is a question only you can answer.
If you're handy, you may be able to fix it. Beds are cheap at the junkyard, and you can probably find a decent transmission in a wrecked Ranger. My 1999 Ranger 3.0 4×4 runs like a champ and I'm not far behind you, 268,000 miles. If the frame rust is only bad in spots, you might be able to patch it. I found rot in my rear wheel wells that was eating away the frame around the rear shock mounts a few months after I bought it. I paid a friend $200 to weld quarter inch plate over the two rotted areas after cutting it out. Those welds will outlast the truck.
I would fix it.
I’m pretty handy at fixing things. Believe me I’ve already spent many many hours working on that old truck over the years with my dad. Dad had a way of “fixing” things that didn’t need fixed if you know what I mean lol. I was wondering about converting it to a 4x4. It is a 2x4 but if I’m replacing the transmission anyway maybe I could do a conversion? Would that be possible? That would give it a purpose beyond basic transportation. It could be a fun off roader.
I don't know if the I4 engine will connect up with the 4x4 transmission, they weren't offered from the factory with a 4x4 option on the 4 cylinder models. You could do some research and find out. You most likely have a 4R44E transmission if it's an automatic. That model is common to the small V6 and the 4-banger. The only immediate problem I can see is if the 4x4 version of the 4R44E will connect to your engine and whether 4x4 is activated by the PCM, not directly through the switch. If it's PCM controlled, then 4x4 will not work after you install a 4x4 transmission because the 4 cylinder PCM isn't programmed for 4x4 operation. This would require an engine and PCM swap if it's the case. There will be another issue to figure out, how that line runs from the 4x4 switch on the dash to the transmission. You will also need the entire front drivetrain -drive shaft, front differential, hubs and the front axles as well. Installing all of that will probably be a job on its own. I don't know the specifics on the differences in the front end. If you don't have the factory lifted option, it all may not fit. It may be something to look into if you're curious, you never know what people have done with these trucks over the years.