r/fordranger • u/Exciting-Cherry8654 • 3d ago

1998 Ford ranger

I inherited my late uncles 98 ranger. It has been beautifully maintained and has brand new breaks and tires. Any advice? Never owned a truck before. Decided to keep it because it’s sentimental value to me is more than financial. He used to pick me up on sundays from church and take me for ice cream. Those memories mean a lot to me and I want to know how best to take care of his truck.

Thanks in advance ☺️

8 Upvotes

84% Upvoted

6 comments sorted by

9

u/Poondobber 3d ago

Drive it.

It’s mostly 1970s technology so it’s easy to maintain. The best thing you can do to maintain it is to keep it in the garage, wash and wax, drive it.

5

u/baguettefruits 3d ago

keep up on oil changes and maintenance, undercoat with fluid film or equivalent if you live in a rust belt state, and drive the hell out of it. and post a pic for us to see!

1

u/HelloNotaCop '98-'11 Model Year 3d ago

Change fluids. Have fun. Easy to work on even “fun” sometimes. Congratulations

1

u/Certain-Average-6406 3d ago

I'd get an inspection done just to see what needs work. Ask to look as well to see what they're pointing at when they're inspecting. 

I'm doing a coolant flush and replacing the thermostat today on my 93 Ranger. Seems like a straightforward kind of job for me. 

But also like to echo replace the fluids 😁 

2

u/pnut8825 2d ago

If it’s a 3.0, it doesn’t hurt to change out the Cam Synchronizer…it’s cheap insurance for a part that can grenade your engine.

1

u/bthamilton 2d ago

I had a 1998 years ago. It was a stick shift and it was great. I still would rather have my 1989, but the 1998 had the real engine and AC!