Lets start with “WHY” a 1994 Ford Ranger XLT 2.3
With moving from California to Alabama, I could not transport my whole house belongings and also haul the 1992 Toyota Land Cruiser aka “The ADV80,” due to the weight of the vehicle on a rental trailer. I did not sell the ADV80 as I left it with a buddy as I plan to fly back and make a Colorado trip. Thats all in the future. In the mean time…
Back to the 1994 Ford Ranger XLT 2.3 Liter 4-Cylinder. Upon moving to Alabama, the vehicle was apart of the “deal” abliet needing some work. I need a little pickup truck, so it is what it is…
Same time, we all know that “Yamahauler” is a thing… So this little truck might have to get the #TDUBHAULER status! Always thinking about the end-story, but first we need to actually get this truck in proper running condition! AND I’m on a mission to make the drive from Alabama to North Carolina in a week to make the TW200 Rally! #NCTW200Rally
First item to sort is the leaking water pump!
This video will be my “How To Helper” on replacing the water pump: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-FNQ2yRL40
Parts are cheap! Reman for $26 or new $30 from my local O’Reilly Auto Parts store.
With parts in hand, my brother comes over to help and we start digging in! First we remove the fan shroud.
With the fan removed we can now get to the waterpump.
With the waterpump removed, you can see the evidence of where the water had been leaking between the block and pump through the gasket, or the lack thereof.
While we are at it, we change the water thermostat as well. It was way overdue! Bro was working too fast for me to snap the carnage! hehehe
Crusty OUT – crispy IN!
Time for the new waterpump to go in, but first a little tact-treatment for the gasket just for placement.
New waterpump in place and ready to squirt!
Its alway a good idea to add a new belt and take the old one (which was in good condition) and put it in the cab for emergency backup. Never know…
The Ford Ranger needed a new battery as well. Previous owner had it strapped down with a rubber bungee strap that was old and cracking. I feel that the use of the internet cable would be much better!
Can you say ” #BAMATECH! ” Battery is not going anywhere!!!
Of course I use the CRC dielectric grease for the battery post!
Headlights will need some work too, but that might be down the list: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UG54xt56uZo
Add a little Sea Foam SF-16 Engine Treatment for good measure as I am about to hop in this truck and drive for six hours after this truck has sat for a few years! Sea Foam Motor Treatment dissolves and cleans fuel and oil residues and deposits, stabilizes fuel, controls moisture, and lubricates upper cylinders. Safe and effective when added to gasoline and diesel fuel and oil crankcases Just pour it in!
And yes, a full tank of fresh gas is getting added as well! Six hour drive might be good for it! OK, maybe I will take it out for a little test-ride just to make sure!
First test-ride and the little Ford Ranger XLT ran great but ZERO HEADLIGHTS!!! Almost got caught out after dark! That would have been NO FUN! While getting gas about 15-miles from the house, I turned the headlights on at the gas station (truck pointed to the windows) I noticed no lights in the reflection of the store. Hit the hi-beam and no lights there either! I had turn indicators, tail lights, tag light, brake lights.. everything… except for HEADLIGHTS!!!
Removed both of the Ford Ranger’s dead headlight bulbs to check the model. Calls for HB5 model. Off to the local O’Reilly Auto Parts store.
Come back with some Sylvania XTRAVision 9007 / HB5 Headlamp Bulbs for the TDUBHAULER! Fingers crossed because I am leaving in two days for North Carolina!
Quick test and YES!!!! WE HAVE LIGHT!
Lights are working so it’s GAME ON! Time get do a quick oil change on the TDUB and get everything loaded!
In route to North Carolina, still in Alabama and I have to make a stop off to the old moto shop in Talladega that I visited as a kid. Learn that my old buddy Mike Upchurch has passed. He owned the shop, or his family did. They kept my old Yamaha DT175 running back in the day.
Still in Alabama, but stop for a quick 10-100 and check the truck over; water oil, etc. All is runny great!
I arrive to my destination in North Carolina, the Mountain View Motorcycle Campground! The truck ran great the whole way and with the 2.3-liter four-banger engine, it sipped gas! This is good stuff! Cheap reliable transpo for the TDUB!!! It’s official now! #TDUBhauler it is!
790-miles round trip and the 1994 Ford Ranger XLT 2.3 TDUB Hauler ran like a champ!
The stock headlamp housings are old, dingy and yellowed.
With some elbow grease, I spent some time attempting to bring back some clearness and get some better lighting with the recently replaced headlamp bulbs. I only did the passenger side… just in case I messed it up. If this truly works, I will do the driver side!
And LOOK AT THAT! IT WORKS! Now to do the drivers side!
