aftermarket grille for 88 Ranger

[CDoasis]

I've decided I'd like to customize my interior and exterior. The things I had in mind were, seats, side mirrors, pedals, grille, etc. I've found pretty much everything I'd like (now just gotta get the money, hah) except for a custom grille. Is there such thing as a custom grille for the old Rangers? I have an 88. Just wantin' a new look.

Also, I have more of a general question... keep in mind I don't know much about cars. The exhaust on my truck is pretty much rusted out, and the local garage said they could cut it off behind the catalytic converter and replace it for $110. But it's pretty old and I think a new CC could benefit the truck. Should I get the garage to fix the exhaust, or spend alot on a new CC? I have a 2.3 4 cylinder, with something like 180k miles on it. Whenever the engines dies, I plan on dropping another engine in, probably a 6cyl. So, if I got a new catalytic converter and then swapped the engine later on, would they be compatible or would the new engine not work with the old CC?

[Psychopete]

Originally Posted by CDoasis

I've decided I'd like to customize my interior and exterior. The things I had in mind were, seats, side mirrors, pedals, grille, etc. I've found pretty much everything I'd like (now just gotta get the money, hah) except for a custom grille. Is there such thing as a custom grille for the old Rangers? I have an 88. Just wantin' a new look.

Also, I have more of a general question... keep in mind I don't know much about cars. The exhaust on my truck is pretty much rusted out, and the local garage said they could cut it off behind the catalytic converter and replace it for $110. But it's pretty old and I think a new CC could benefit the truck. Should I get the garage to fix the exhaust, or spend alot on a new CC? I have a 2.3 4 cylinder, with something like 180k miles on it. Whenever the engines dies, I plan on dropping another engine in, probably a 6cyl. So, if I got a new catalytic converter and then swapped the engine later on, would they be compatible or would the new engine not work with the old CC?

I think I've seen a custom phantom for sale in a catalog once. I've seen a couple others, but they could have been home made. The general years you'll want to look for is 83-88. 89-92, they started to change things around.

What kind of 6 cylinder were you thinking about dripping in? It really depends on the engine and the emissions. If the exhaust from the cat back is only shot, just as long as it's not leaking before the 02 sensor, I would be tempted to wait until the engine swap.

Pete

[CDoasis]

Custom phantom, hm? I've never heard of that, but I'll google it up.

I was thinking about dropping in a 6 cyl from a newer mustang, or maybe from one of the newer Rangers (not anytime soon, though). By newer I pretty much mean 90's, haha.
I probably won't until this one dies. I guess the 2.3's in these Rangers last a long time? That's what everyone keeps telling me.

And yeah, the exhaust is only leaking behind the cat. Some of it comes out the tailpipe, but the majority of it comes out directly under the cab. Not sure if it's really important at this point or not.

There's alot of things I'd like to do to my truck though, I just lack the knowledge on this sort of stuff. Assuming I'm going to drop another engine in it when this one dies, I'm not sure where I want to start. I'd like to restore the interior, repair the rust on outside (I'd probably do that myself, actually), get a custom grille, dual exhaust pipes, swap out my 14s for 15 inch rims, new tires (I really need those soon actually..), needs new shocks I know that, might just do a suspension overhaul... yeah I'm just stumped on where to start!
Alot of people would say it's not worth it, but what can I say; I love this truck. I'd rather just do this instead of buying a new vehicle every couple of years. Sure beats my first two vehicles (86 Chevette and 92 Geo Storm, and their engines didn't last long either).

Sorry for the lengthy reply.

[shorangerbird]

-unless you have emissions where you are, i'd just skip the cat install. the cat came apart on my 88 2.9, and i took it to a local muffler shop and they charged me $80 from the y-pipe out the rear, including muffler....

[CDoasis]

Oh okay, I see. Yeah there really aren't any strict emissions regulations around here...
Does the cat affect gas mileage at all though?
I'm probably going to skip it for now though, I got the rest of the pipe behind it all replaced. Runnin' nice and smoother, and sounds a million times better now.

But a new problem has arrived, my gas tank is rusting out and I'm slowly dripping gas, *sigh*. So I guess I gotta get that fixed. Someone recommended I get a plastic tank so that it doesn't rust again. Does anyone know where to get one?
I have a truck parts catalog called LMC, and they have a tank for $100 (plus whatever it'd be to ship it). I'm not sure if I should get that or look for a plastic tank, I couldn't find one online anywhere.

[shorangerbird]

-don't know of any plastic ones offered for early rangers, but who knows....