1983 Ford Ranger Help Me

WEEKENDTECH

MEMBER
1983 FORD RANGER

Transmission problem
1983 Ford Ranger 4 cyl Four Wheel Drive 65000 miles

The Ranger that I have listed has a shot tranny. No bone yard around has a used one but can get me one rebuilt for about $1400 or I can let the local shops do it for $400 more. This truck needs to run but we dont have the that kind of cash 2 go towards a second 4x4 for our harsh winters here. I am not a certified tech but I have alot of hours in the shop and have all the tools. A rebuild kit is a fraction of the cost. So my question is. How easy is this tranny to rebuild?

3 Replies

BLUELIGHTNIN6

MECHANIC
16,542 POSTS

I am not sure if you are speaking of a manual or automatic transmission, but without experience with transmissions specificly, it is going to be a lot of hours for you. Automatic transmissions are complicated and have a lot of small parts; rebuilding one requires a lot of time even for experienced mechanics. Manual trannys seem to be a little easier, JUST A LITTLE though. There are so many moving parts it is impossible to remove one item without affecting others that you did not want affected.

If you plan on doing this job, I suggest getting a manual and take your time to label all bolts and parts that you remove so you know where they go. Do not rush the job, or you may damage the rebuild kit and be out that much more money.

If you take the job on and need help on a specific component in the tranny just post and we at 2carpros. Com will do our best to help you out.

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Sunday, November 23rd, 2008 AT 10:00 PM

WEEKENDTECH

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Im sorry for not specifing the make of the transmission, but you have been most encouraging! Its a 4-speed manual. About the size of a bread box. I am not a certified tech by all means, however I have rebuilt a few motors with 100% success and I am ready to take it on! (With a manual that is)Really cant loose with a free truck!

While I have you. Know anything about smog systems? After I rebuild the motor and transmission it is spending its life off road, on a ranch and I want the smog stuff GONE! The idiot who replaced the motor the first time wasnt very knowlageable and left alot of stuff unhooked. ALOT. Can I tear all of this sh-- out? It runs as it sits but not very well. Thanks Alot!

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Tuesday, November 25th, 2008 AT 9:04 PM

BLUELIGHTNIN6

MECHANIC
16,542 POSTS

I can not tell you that for certain for a few reasons. One reason being, most states (not mine :D ) require passing emissions test every few months to renew registeration and such (if you need that on a ranch? I don't know.) And two, some model vehicles do require the emissions system to be working or the vehicle will not operate correctly. However, seeing as how your vehicle was made several years ago, I don't think you would have a problem with it running (other than the engine light will probably stay on.).

Hope this helped and thanks for using 2carpros. Com!

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Wednesday, November 26th, 2008 AT 12:18 AM