I Bought a Gorgeous 1988 Ford Ranger

[@Granite]

I may have a thing for 88 rangers now. Absolutely mint.

[@Archifx]

Yeah buddy! You can’t beat that old school look. Especially with all the shut out these days. 👍👍

[@stevenn4393]

Very nice!

[@urbannpa]

I have a 4 cyl. 88 Ranger that I just changed the valve cover gasket (blue silicone). In the process of looking for a degreaser I found a product Oil Eater which melted all the caked on and burnt on oil from the engine. After I painted the valve cover the engine (2.3) looks great. That was in 2007. Best vehicle I've ever owed.

[@Fit4C]

Jesus loves you alot trust in His death 4 salvation and be saved from eternal hell

[@deepstate8474]

​@@Fit4C take your schizophrenia meds bruh.

[@calebtimms6511]

I just purchased a 89 ranger 2.3 manual 4x4 with manual locking hubs. themtruck has zero rust which is getting extremely hard to find, cant wait to start restoring mine

[@paulaanderson5741]

I am restoring one to. Love the 89

[@whitelotus6619]

My truck used to look like that, then I went off road :)

[@bassyaker7256]

I love the 1st gen rangers, what an awesome find

[@Fit4C]

Jesus loves you alot trust in His death 4 salvation and be saved from eternal hell

[@danielguaracha7531]

That dude who sold it literally messed up😭

[@horsepower711]

They are notorious for cracking heads between exhaust valves and coolant passages. Bring it up to operating temperature with the radiator cap off and sniff the radiator for exhaust smell and watch for bubbles coming up in the water in the radiator. Try grounding or pulling one plug wire at a time and listen for a cylinder that doesn't drop any, (or as much) as the other ones. The water leak is under the panel in front of the windshield. I fought mine for almost two years before finding it.

[@dant.3505]

I agree about the water leak. my 84 leaked at the same place. ALSO how does the fog lights Fit there in the frame rails opening? Did that truck have a body lift?

[@dant.3505]

Okay now that I pay attention to how the rear bumper fits I guess that answers my question.

[@jessiegutowski316]

That's really nice. Minus a few things, it looks almost exactly like the one my sister used to have.

[@Fit4C]

Jesus loves you alot trust in His death 4 salvation and be saved from eternal hell

[@YoteNationest]

These are just neat little rigs, way cooler than the s10 and these really are like a baby f150 where the s10 feels like your sitting on the floor almost

[@coinhawkthrifter466]

I have that same exact truck now,an 87 Ranger manual 2.9L 6 cylinder. I paid $900 for mine back in 2015. And still running strong driving from Georgia to South Carolina a lot. Has its ups and downs as all cars do you're right about rust there is none whatsoever on mine it's not as pretty as yours and has a few dings as well but it's a good truck best Ford Ranger I've had out of 4 Fords which 3 of them have been Rangers. I started out with a 1991 manual 6 cylinder,then to the 1998 automatic with all the fixin's and then I found this 87 that I have now. Also I have had several people in the past couple of years asked me if I wanted to sell it or trade. Great showing of your truck. Thanks!!

[@Archifx]

Excellent man. Thanks for watching. Enjoy your ranger!

[@officerbigmac1891]

congrats on the ranger!! happy for you, as long as you love the truck thats all that matters! 👍

[@alonsogarcia1990]

Great truck! I just got one myself last month. I wanted a tacoma and I'm really glad I went with the ranger.

[@williamferrante3855]

They are beautiful I too have a 1987 ford but 5.0 swapped I’m in love with it

[@ytoal]

I have a 1988 Ford Ranger 2.9L 4x4 254,000 miles, have a long block ready to go in, nice Ranger you have!!

[@Archifx]

Thanks a bunch good luck with yours!!

[@06mkmartin]

This thing looks amazing

[@jonathonwright594]

Wow $2100 that's a steal for that body condition. I'm currently looking for one since I sold my 1990 ranger several years ago and I miss it lol.

[@PeterKruseMusic]

This was my first car in highschool - late 90's. Nice video

[@travisfadness1208]

Very good truck! I. have. had four. Rangers and loved. them . Very. reliable truck . The only thing not so good is there is no antilock brakes on these 80's Rangers, but it is good some of these exist after the cash for clunkers bs. Where's the Jeep trails and snow !

[@2H2521]

Very nice man, can’t beat a square body Ford truck!

[@chriswalsh7582]

Definitely drop that 302 in it. Glad to see you still have the Mach1

[@bizzleb3002]

Nice Ranger! Always wanted one like that lifted with a 302.

[@tracyskoken2152]

Was never actualy a fan of them myself..untill oneday😁❤🙏💯...so easy to fall in love with...NEVER LEFT ME STRANDED !!! just kept up with mileage maintanence .tune ups n filters ect....❤ and my baby girl definately showed her appreciation..

[@x1AlphaGarcia1x]

get them thin chrome fender liners for the wheel well areas. would look so good on this truck its gem for that year

[@stangman1268]

beautiful truck man,i had two bronco 2 and extended cab ranger which I hastily donated to a charity after I did head gaskets and still could not resolved the burning of anti freeze issue it had.

[@Archifx]

Thanks man. I’m thinking the heads are gonna have to be pulled and replaced. It’s inevitable. These trucks are becoming more and more rare. I’m going to try and get her up to 💯

[@oscargonzalezjr5361]

Reminds me of my 1988 Ford Ranger XLT 5 speed 2.3 L

[@joshua3186]

Beautiful

[@strangerfings]

Window trim originally came with a black rubber coating on most models, Dash wash filled and coated, its got a body lift, hence the reason theres holes from the frame cutouts on the front where he put the lights, its typical to get surface rust on the frame like this one, but a quick sand and spray can be done mostly without removing the cab or bed. I'm on my 3rd and decided to get away from the 2.8, 2.9s and now own an 87 2.3 4x4 regular cab, which I love to bits, even though I'm halfway through the resto. This particular ranger in the video is in incredibly great condition and would fetch much higher than 2100 any day of the week if he decided to sell it, my 87 gets offers for 5k+ and its only half as pretty as this.

[@John-d7p]

The 2.9 Cologne engine was prone to overheating due to the water jacket openings in the block not matching up well enough with the head openings. You can alleviate most of that by cutting the new head gasket openings a little bigger to let more water flow thru. The only other solution is to grind/machine the openings to better mate up with the matching openings. Buyer beware of these rigs that may have been overheated too often. I think I would prefer the 2.3, even though it doesn't have the power. Other than that, the 2.9 were reliable engines and had some punch for their small size.

[@johnwiesenberg5272]

I’m about to go buy my 2nd 1988 Ranger extended cab!!

[@alexandermendoza-kd9qv]

It looks tuff with those rims!!!

[@staceykline1548]

Fire it up cold with the radiator cap off. If you got head issues it will blow water with every stroke. I have a rust free 88 but it is full of dings. It was that way when i bought it. But it was a 2 owner 94,000 miles 4 wheel drive for $200.00.

[@theexploderproject3278]

I need something like that!

[@MrMikestang63]

that truck is crying for an explorer motor swap

[@alonsogarcia1990]

This can take an explorer motor?

[@Archifx]

Exp engine is just a 302. Yes. They can be swapped

[@alonsogarcia1990]

Good to know. I just got a really nice 89 with alot of miles , still runs great but I hear these 2.9 arn't the greatest.

[@Archifx]

It’s the worst engine once they get old. I’ll probably end up doing a swap video series on my channel once I get some spare time

[@steveburden2468]

I Want This Truck!!

[@Poorboyzgarage447]

Those swwblade wheels are hard to find worth hanging on to

[@hunternichols9463]

Man and I thought my 88 was clean you literally have no rust my back bumper has a Bondo job done and it's starting to rust again to where I'm going to need another back bumper and a new paint job and I got some rust bubbles on the top on the truck other than that I'm happy with my truck mine is a Grey color

[@drewjohnson6351]

man wish have that truck its same year has me

[@OOICU812]

Nice looking truck.

[@wilecatrexy]

Nice Ranger. Run some Seafoam through it. You'll be surprised. The 2.9l is a great engine.

[@biddapp8205]

What does seafoam do cause i have a 86 ranger

[@asembode88]

I now own this truck and have some questions, if you dont believe me I can prove it. Please reply when you can, I found this video by chance

[@rickp.1239]

hi, i know its late but can you tell me the size of the tires and the width of the wheels? Look so bad ass, I see it got a body lift job too. thanks!

[@OhYeahAboutThat]

I like it!

[@kayariley9885]

What did you use to paint the dash?? It looks awesome

[@Archifx]

I made a video on it here. Spruce Up Your Old Cracked Dashboard kzbin.info/www/bejne/d5TTe6p-p72lZtU

[@scottc0510]

I have a big thing for 92's.. lol

[@aaronarnett603]

Scott Climer I just sold a 92 ford ranger that had a 2.3 5 speed

[@springy9647]

I have a question, I just found this video But My dad owns a 87 ford Ranger and he said the Relay's are burned but we checked them and they are fine. She cranks and only starts when we use starter Fluid in the vent area but then backfires. Someone said it could be the computer or it could be the fuel filter but the dash lights don't even come on there's no Power coming into the truck. It's been sitting for a good 2 years so I want to redo everything on it, but I need to get it up and running anything would help honestly ! Thank you. It also has the two gas tanks I'm just really stumped about it.

[@Archifx]

Check to make sure the fuel pump is cycling when you cycle the key to the on position. You should hear a light whirring noise that starts then stops. Also check my video here to see if your inertia switch is triggered. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y3iqc4GigNZsiMU

[@Aaron.eglise]

Try hitting the gas tank a bit. Might be the fuel pump/wiring problem

[@KurticeYZreacts]

I love the style. i like the color alot & the tires under fenders perfect additions. rims are cool to me; 90s but they have detail where most today lack & its a good feel for its era i say keep them its RETRO & BA

[@Archifx]

Thx man. Took the photo with the actual photo camera. The iPhone video is terrible.

[@KurticeYZreacts]

@@Archifx yea i like the rims dont waste ur money i say looks like a great deal i just got rid of a 92 ranger now i miss it lol

[@jacobscaife7088]

Whoaaa head jobbbb

[@horsepower711]

There is a bolt in kit for putting the V-8 into it and even a kit for one with factory EFI there's even a guy who took everything out of a 2013 5.0 Coyote Boss Mustang, dash and all and put it in his early Ranger.

[@Archifx]

That’s awesome. Do you mind posting a link to the V8 swap in the comments. I’d love to check that out.

[@horsepower711]

@@Archifx I did a search for V-8 Ranger swap and found it on EBay. I think it was a Jegs item, I did an online search for Ford Rangers for sale and that's where I came across about a half dozen different V-8 Rangers. Some were more of a show truck and a couple were all out race trucks but you can see some good ideas that way.

[@Archifx]

Thanks man! I’ll check it out for sure.

[@donkeytime1704]

How much lift does this truck have? I'm doing a v8 swap on my old Ranger and I love the stance of this one.

[@Archifx]

2” body lift

[@donkeytime1704]

@@Archifx If you don't mind me asking, at that height are you clear enough to not bottom out on the fenderline? I have that same size wheel and tire size, but that's the profile look I like.

[@marcosfrancisco4244]

Los soportes de cabina que altura tienen se los cambiaste por unos con mas altura?

[@roberttyndall9033]

Cracked head, Cylinder Head specialist yep, have spray welded hundreds of them factory defect they crack across the top on the end, 3.0 v-6 is the way to go ,,,, beautiful little truck

[@ozzyarsenalt2587]

I want this truck

[@javofender]

Hey bro, I have the same truck, model and year. But mine is 4 Cil. Do you know where I can buy the rear lights and the side turn signals in that black color? I am from Mexico City and I would also like other parts of the truck like, dashboard, gas tank float, sensors and several. That here is very difficult to find. Thanks

[@Archifx]

Rockauto.com but the black signals etc are just spray painted on the back side from the previous owner

[@LateStartRacingTeam]

That thing is MINT!

[@jonathanhurst4573]

Those always have head problems the water flow in the heads are to small so they get hot and the lifters from factory made noise. . Put a 302 in it and leave it alone buddy. No disrespect but the 2.9 cyclone will give you so much trouble once hot. Make sure the heads you get have that issue fixed with the water.

[@walkawayrenea1]

I own a ford ranger that’s a 1980s XLT

[@louisnigro190]

What brand is the bed liner or the truck?

[@Kaden-uy3pi]

If you could answer me back may i know what that pice is called that is covering the front bumper

[@YehoshuaChicagoCubs]

Hey man I'm buying 88 Thursday or Friday

[@Archifx]

get it. They’re awesome

[@YehoshuaChicagoCubs]

@@Archifx will the block may be trashed but I'm all about putting that money back into the 🚚

[@Spennyman10]

2-3 inch body lift?

[@dant.3505]

I asked the same. The fog lights and rear bumper fit indicate a body lift.

[@x1AlphaGarcia1x]

original paint?

[@Archifx]

Cmon now. It’s 2021 ... truck is an 88. Unless the thing was preserved in the Smithsonian...

[@hamiltonvillanueva2240]

Belleza andante

[@josegonzales96]

What size of wheels and tires

[@thsvetsmek6917]

Do you have rims specs?

[@koolest7017]

I have a 2.3l 5spd 4x4 same cab

[@cbarandi1449]

Just sat. A 5.0 in mine out of a stang

[@LB7Amoney]

C Barandi how’d it go in

[@colt_c_m_s5073]

What kinda rims are those?

[@Archifx]

Old American racing

[@colt_c_m_s5073]

@@Archifx thanks for helping.

[@estenialemus7971]

It's My car favorite

[@Bird76Mojo76]

The 2.9 heads were flawed from the beginning. A bad casting design. It was a large enough problem that World Products stepped up to make an aftermarket head that was cast a little thicker in the areas that are prone to cracking. I've cracked over half a dozen heads on two different 2.9 blocks. All cracked in the exact same place, and I'll never own another 2.9 powered truck because of it. You're in for a head replacement without a doubt, and if the kid drove it for long with that issue, you're in for a lot more work eventually.. I currently drive an EFI 302 swapped 1987 model myself, as well as a 2001. Your longbed has been body-lifted and the windshield trim was black on some models from the factory.. I promise you that the truck has at least SOME filler in it.. If you really want to get the best info on repairing that old Ranger, go to www.TheRangerStation.com Tell em Bird76Mojo sent ya. :)

[@Archifx]

Well hell yeah! This is why I make these videos. I love being educated on things like this. I never claim to know everything. I think I’m going to do the head swap on it and see if that gets me in a reliable state. I knew it had to have had some kind of body lift judging by the front lower fog light area being exposed and under the tail gate area. Thanks for the feedback. I’ll be digging deeper and wrenching on it soon.

[@Bird76Mojo76]

@@Archifx You'll want to check the flatness of the deck on the block before putting on a new head. The block did warp in certain cases, and getting a head to seal and not crack on a warped block will be a total waste of time. There are some people who believe the best mod you can make on 2.9 engines is to add headers to help evacuate the heat from the heads more efficiently. The stock exhaust manifolds are rather restrictive, so it may have some merit.

[@Archifx]

That’s a great idea. It’s going to happen one bite at a time. Need to save up the $$ and block off some time to work on the head removal first. Good time.

[@Leo-vf3py]

U payed what 2100 with bad motor I got 92 for 15 driving daily

[@Archifx]

Yeah. Body was the value with no rust. Engines are cheap

[@raymndstannski3947]

Rustfree Are Rare. Please remove w/well covers. Why cover up those nice square Lines? As If there is something to hide As most use as a cover up ! VG Legacy Truck

[@joeperri2886]

Thanks truck looks solid, but it's a rust bucket on the inside , the firewall is rusted out and has fiberglass over the rust and it falling apart and the rust is behind the brake booster and the brake booster is probably going to fall off from all the rust and the cowl panels are completely rusted and water leaks on the ECM and this guy here filled it with expansion foam to try to stop tge leak , and it didn't work , -this guy here is no mechanic and shouldn't be working on cars , that truck is a piece of crap , he said it has good bones , the only good bone is the one you get when you bought this ranger , you guys make this videos and have no clue what you are talking about .