Hello,

I just picked up a 99 B2500 troy lee edition. It has 182k and runs fantastic. the only issue is its squeeky as hell. turning, going over bumps etc.

Ive taken a look underneath and found the ball joint boots all torn. I suspect this is the issue. So ive ordered 4 new ball joints, new sway bar bushings and links.

anyone have any issues like this? any opinions on this model?
I figured i couldnt go wrong for $800.

thanks!
tom

 

Here she is

 

It is essentially a Ford Ranger 2.5L . These a very reliable and economic trucks in particular with the manual transmission. there is a ton of info on the "rangerstation" web site.
Who the heck is Tom Lee?
There are 8 spark plugs in this 4 cylinder engine. The passenger side is easy, the driver side takes a bit of improvision for access. I have some hints in case you do the plugs.
I like these trucks and you will too when you have the suspension sorted out.

 

thanks for the reply!

first off. i have no idea who troy lee is! the interwebs tell me he's some motorcross designer. mazda put out a troy lee model to attract the motorcross/snowboarder types. all i know is those flames are terrible and the interior seats have bad tribal tattoos on them. haha

I have been collecting parts and plan on doing a big overhaul. i was surprised to see 8 plugs!

so far i have:
-new spark plugs
-new ball joints
-new sway bar bushings and links
-new brake pads

any help with the plugs would be great! Looks like i will be cursing alot trying to figure out a way to get them out.

my first project was to remove those damn flames!
the interior seats are pretty worn out.(and kinda douchey)
any ideas for replacement?

 

De-flamed and de-badged.

 

Now it's a truck!

Get new wires as well because I am sure the old ones will go bust as you pull them.
Pull the plug wires with long reach needle nose pliers. Twist them first to brake the seal, then pull.
You need a swivel spark plug socket, an extension and a ratchet. Make a narrow shoe horn (V-shaped cardboard or similar) that fits between the intake runners and guide the socket to the spark plug. You could also try stiffening the swivel with duct tape.
To insert the new plug: apply 2 dabs of anti-seize compound to the starting point of the thread. Put a piece of tight fitting fuel hose on the plug and guide it into the spark plug hole. Hand tighten.
As before guide the swivel socket onto the plug and tighten it 1/8th of a turn. That shoe horn should make all the difference.

If the timing belt has been changed as scheduled then it is due now. Good thing this is a "freewheeling engine" (non-interference engine). I have some tips for that as well.

 

QUOTE-- De-flamed and de-badged.

I liked the Flames!
I would have kept them on the bed part!

Troy Lee Designs is a design company with links to: Adidas, Honda, Lucas Oil, Mattel, Shock Doctor.

Looks like his Dad was something in motorcycle racing. His grandfather was working with fast cars.
Looks like Troy started out painting helmets.

Currently they are big in helmet design and racing clothing designs.

 

I have one just like it in Green. Bought in California in 2000 with only 3000 miles on it. I live in Jersey now. Unfortunately, an idiot broke in front of me in the snow in Philly and I have cosmetic damage on the front end.

I replaced the suspension just like you did in November 22. Just replaced the sway bar exactly like you did, June 23. It squeaked for years before the front end work but I didn't drive it much. Really quiet now. Yes. The driver seat is worni! :-)

Must be a decent little truck 24 years running, 168k on it. Not bad at all. It's a keeper.

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