New old buy, doesn't move '94 ranger

Discussion in '1993 - 1997 Ford Ranger' started by ZappyBear, Dec 16, 2018.

  1. ZappyBear

    ZappyBear Member

    Hey ya'll, been a while. Sold the '93 regrettably and a few vehicles later I have a '03 Ford Escape and I'm missing my 4x4 ranger. So, I found one online. It's a 1994 4.0l 4x4 automatic stx model. It's not like the old red one I had. But, What do you think is the most common issue is that would make it not move at all? I have yet to drag it home and find out. Anyone have any helpful hints or suggestions on rebuilding automatics? Any easy way to tell if it's the T-case or tranny that's the issue? Thanks in advance! It's good to be back and good to know I didn't get kicked off for abandoning the forums for so long.
     
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  3. PeteB

    PeteB Member

    I had to rebuild the auto trans in my 94 STX 4x4. it wouldn't move forward but, had reverse. If yours doesn't move at all, it's probably the one-way clutch at the front of the trans. Try putting it in "D" instead of "OD" and see if anything happens. Putting it on "D" will apply a friction clutch that will mimic the one-way clutch. However, if this has already been tried, the whole front end of the trans could be wiped out as the friction clutch doesn't have the capacity to move the vehicle under much load like the one-way does. It is designed to just give engine braking in "D" range. Either way you're in for an overhaul. This just lets you get kind of an idea what the rest of the trans is like. Hope it helps you figure out what you have. Feel free to respond with any questions, I'll try to answer as best I can. I was an auto trans mechanic at a Ford dealer for 15 years.

    Pete
     
  4. OP
    ZappyBear

    ZappyBear Member

    Thanks pete! I'll give that a try. I'm picking it up today and I'll try the shifter idea. I thought the D vs OD was D being the lack of overdrive for towing which everybody in my area does. I'm even wondering in the shift mechanism on the transfer case failed in the middle of a shift getting the transfer case stuck in neutral. I may have to come back in the future to ask alot of questions. I was thinking the tranny would be a good for practicing rebuilds should my job go as far as yours. Looks like my profile pic will need updated!
     
  5. PeteB

    PeteB Member

    No problem. Good luck. If it is the electric shift transfer case, and its stuck. The 4x4 lights should be blinking. If I remember correctly.

    Pete
     
  6. OP
    ZappyBear

    ZappyBear Member

    Got it home yesterday. The guy claimed he had it running the day before, turns out he probably had it running months before. The gas was well stale, and the fuel pump assembly well rotted. I replaced that and it runs, horribly though. I put enough gas in it for it to run, then some MMO to clean it out. Hopefully That'll run out quick so I can clean the tank and put fresh gas in it. I checked fluid level with it running, and there was nothing in it. But if it sat, the level rose to the end of the dipstick. It seems like the guy who replaced the fluid and filter checked the level with the engine off. After adding 2 quarts it moves in Drive and reverse. I only tested it a few feet as I have yet to bolt the bed back down from replacing the pump assembly. So, no guarentee it'll go any further. No on to updating my profile pic, probably tomorrow after work when it's light outside.
     
  7. PeteB

    PeteB Member

    That certainly is promising! Also, I thought i'd pass along some info. I don't know your "ultimate plan" with your Ranger but, if you're interested, Look up a place called "NPD". They are usually known for classic muscle car parts but, they have a fairly new Ranger and S-10 section full of body parts. I bought a new core support for mine for $26.00. New front fenders for $21.00 ea. And a new tailgate for $33.00. This was supposed to be a pos that I drove every day too and from work. Much to my Wife's dismay, I can't seem to stop fixing it. Lol! Complete body repair and new paint coming in the spring!

    Pete
     
  8. OP
    ZappyBear

    ZappyBear Member

    Ok, ranger moves, feels solid, no slipping in 1st or second. I haven't road tested it yet. I replaced the spark plugs and confirmed ignition was all working but it still misses badly. Not sure if this is due to bad gas left in the tank that I mixed with fresh gas (about an 8th of a tank that I dumped 5 gallons into thinking it would dilute the old stuff enough). Also, one transmission cooler line has a hole in it and is spraying fluid. That's probably where the guy thought the tranny was bad. I checked NDP, autozone, advanced auto, napa, amazon, ebay, and even had Tire Plus do a search for me. No results on the full line from radiator to the tranny. Anyone know of anywhere I missed?
     
  9. PeteB

    PeteB Member

    Not sure where you would get new trans lines from. You might try to make a replacement yourself. If you can save the factory ends, get some (3/8" I think) steel lne and some compression fittings you should be able to come up with something that works. I don't think there are many crazy bends in them.
     

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