BBR's '88 Ranger. A semi-serious race truck build.

[BBR]

You'd think that after all the Ranger adventures I've had, I would never want to relive them ever again.

Well, you would be wrong.

Meet Ranger No. 3. Ranger 1 was a 1984, Ranger 2 was a 1986 and now Ranger 3 is a 1988. Each truck has been different. 1, shortbed 2wd, 4cyl. 2, longbed 2wd V6, 3, shortbed, ext cab 2wd V6.

Both 1& 2 had small block swaps and 2 went on to be the BBR in all it's unrealized potential.

I have always had a soft spot for these trucks. I continually searched Marketplace for a suitable one. It seems people really think a beat up version is worth $2500. I don't get it. This one was priced right though, $600. No it doesn't run, but that doesn't matter. The body is decently straight, it matches my dually and it's basically rust free. I will start cleaning stuff and when I have it cleaner, I will park it in the barn until I am ready to fiddle with it.

So, what are the plans? IDK just yet. I really didn't need another project. It was really a purchase of opportunity. Most likely it will be a SBF, single turbo, trans is undecided. Jake has a TR3550 sitting in the shop. Might go manual? Idk.

Here's a few pics.

[DirtyWhiteBoy]

EV conversion?!?

This should be fun!

[studemax]

Nothing wrong with Rangers. I'm on my 2nd one. Sold the first one to guy who needed a dependable ride back to Texas. It had over 300,000 miles.

[Russell]

I have had a couple rangers over the years, always liked them. I would not want it to be my only truck, and I really don't have time space or money for two trucks right now. My only other complaint is the lack of power, but a Turbo SBF would fix that!

[DanStokes]

It's screaming "Give me a SBF and paint!!!!" And with the extended cab there's room for a roll bar or maybe even a 'cage depending.

[BBR]

I have always wanted an extended cab model really so I would have plenty of room for a roll cage should I desire one.

I worked it over with the pressure washer today. It had about 50 lbs of mud jammed up in the rocker panels. It also lost about 3 square feet of paint off the hood and roof. Haha.

But, it is much cleaner now.

[SuperBuickGuy]

all I see when I see that (I know, wrong gen, but still)

[silver_bullet]

Pre-ranger.

[BBR]

Not going to lie, I have thought about the pre-runner stuff more than once. These things are great platforms for off-road trucks. But when you live where the horizon looks like this: ________________________________________________ the appeal of a long travel whoop-eater is kinda lost.

[silver_bullet]

Not going to lie, I have thought about the pre-runner stuff more than once. These things are great platforms for off-road trucks. But when you live where the horizon looks like this: ________________________________________________ the appeal of a long travel whoop-eater is kinda lost.

But the squat on a high hp launch is AWESOME!!!

[SuperBuickGuy]

Not going to lie, I have thought about the pre-runner stuff more than once. These things are great platforms for off-road trucks. But when you live where the horizon looks like this: ________________________________________________ the appeal of a long travel whoop-eater is kinda lost.

it's when the horizon looks like that in which those things are an utter hoot Red rocks of Moab? not so much. Snow? uh no. Blast down the beach at 120, yes please, and thank you.

It's like having a dune buggy that's comfortable. And seriously, your kids do jets - you really need to start to be able to show them what flying low really looks like - after all, any 20 something can fly 50 feet off the deck, do it at 2' and you're really doing something

[DanStokes]

I know this is the wrong thread but I found it first.....

Are your dual pass radiators 2 row? I was just looking one up on Bay and wasn't sure. I found a 31 x 19 x 3 dual pass for $159ish.

[BBR]

Yes

https://www.ebay.com/itm/144738252116

[BBR]

Some things never change.

I joined some V8 Ranger groups on FB. The last 302 Ranger swap I did was in 2002. I find it interesting that 23 years later they are still trying to find headers that will fit.

[fatguyzinc]

for some reason, im remembering---i think-- those early "square" rangers
are a bolt in 460 swap, and can fit 10" or 12" wide rear tires with minimal work.....
or am i mistaken. wouldnt be the first time...