Lonesome7.3
By whatever means necessary …
I was not planning on getting this in depth on this truck. But I have to face facts. I am addicted to truck builds. This is going to be a light going over. I still have my Papa’s truck waiting to get completed. Anyhoo, what we have a 1987 Ranger STX. It was in relatively good shape when I got it. The previous owner tried to take care of it, but just did not have the knowledge to do so.
What has been done so far:
The truck ran like crap and had two dead cylinders when I drove it two hours back home. The plug wires were fried, the points in the cap were burned up and the timing was way off. I pulled the air plenum and cleaned it thoroughly. The EGR port was so clogged I had to use a ½ drill bit. The valve cover were leaking and missing bolts. I went through and rewrapped the wiring harness with new tape and loom. I addressed many details as I went along. The tranny was dry when I bought it so I dropped the pan and serviced it. It helped, but still shifts sporadically. The interior is in great shape just needed a good cleaning. It looks great now, all it really needs a new dash pad. The large piece of trim on the tail gate of course fell off when the previous owner had it. Thankfully he saved it. I was able to repair and reinstall it. I would prefer to delete it but thanks to the big holes Ford drilled in the sheet metal I cannot. Oh my god the amount of water I have sprayed on this truck. I have no idea how much I have spent on water and degreaser. I have hit with the pressure washer many times and the underside and engine compartment it still greasy. There is more here and there but you get the idea.
Today’s plans:
I know 2.9 engines are not power monsters. But they do put out better than this one is. I have got it running 100 times better but it is still lacking. I think the cats are clogged up so I am deleting them. The previous owner had new exhaust ran from the cats back with a brand new Dynomax muffler. I do not at all like the exhaust that is on there, but it will do for now. While the exhaust is out I will be replacing the modulator. I hope that will clear up the sporadic shifting. I will also service the rear diff and install my new spare tire.
By the way, I also picked up a parts truck. My plan was to convert the STX to dual tanks. But I have to change out the bed which means new paint. I kind of like the faded green and peeling stripes. So I am going to leave it has it is and just part the parts truck out.
What has been done so far:
The truck ran like crap and had two dead cylinders when I drove it two hours back home. The plug wires were fried, the points in the cap were burned up and the timing was way off. I pulled the air plenum and cleaned it thoroughly. The EGR port was so clogged I had to use a ½ drill bit. The valve cover were leaking and missing bolts. I went through and rewrapped the wiring harness with new tape and loom. I addressed many details as I went along. The tranny was dry when I bought it so I dropped the pan and serviced it. It helped, but still shifts sporadically. The interior is in great shape just needed a good cleaning. It looks great now, all it really needs a new dash pad. The large piece of trim on the tail gate of course fell off when the previous owner had it. Thankfully he saved it. I was able to repair and reinstall it. I would prefer to delete it but thanks to the big holes Ford drilled in the sheet metal I cannot. Oh my god the amount of water I have sprayed on this truck. I have no idea how much I have spent on water and degreaser. I have hit with the pressure washer many times and the underside and engine compartment it still greasy. There is more here and there but you get the idea.
Today’s plans:
I know 2.9 engines are not power monsters. But they do put out better than this one is. I have got it running 100 times better but it is still lacking. I think the cats are clogged up so I am deleting them. The previous owner had new exhaust ran from the cats back with a brand new Dynomax muffler. I do not at all like the exhaust that is on there, but it will do for now. While the exhaust is out I will be replacing the modulator. I hope that will clear up the sporadic shifting. I will also service the rear diff and install my new spare tire.
By the way, I also picked up a parts truck. My plan was to convert the STX to dual tanks. But I have to change out the bed which means new paint. I kind of like the faded green and peeling stripes. So I am going to leave it has it is and just part the parts truck out.
