Shran's '86 Build

[Shran]

So I'm officially staring my build. As some of you know, I got a set of tires, and I have wheels and my lift ordered. I decided to go with 15x8 white spokes and the Skyjacker 236RHKS-A 6" lift. That has been the major expense so far but I want this truck to last me a while. Some of the trails out here are pretty rough on trucks.

My future plans are pretty much just to get the lift and tires installed and wheel it as-is until I feel I need to upgrade or break something. I'm really not expecting a whole lot from the D28 and 7.5, especially since they've got 3.45 gears. Currently I've got a decent running 2.9 and an FM145/BW13-50. The tranny is getting a little weak and hard to shift so I'll just see how that goes...planning on doing an M5OD swap someday. I would like to do onboard air with an AC compressor, too.

This rig is going to be pretty much strictly a trail truck. I'd consider myself fairly good at fabricating stuff (built the flatbed in my yard with a square, angle grinder, level, and 110v wire feed) so I think I'll be alright. It's my first build though so I'm sure I will learn a ton. I'm trying to keep it on a pretty tight budget which is good for me because my mistakes will hopefully be less expensive than if I just started dumping money.

So, as it sits now. I am planning on getting a new inner fender/rad support from the junkyard along with two new fenders, because as you can see these are pretty f-ed up.
http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii48/shran_album/Ranger%20Build/0701083.jpg
http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii48/shran_album/Ranger%20Build/0701082.jpg
http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii48/shran_album/Ranger%20Build/0701081.jpg


My interior setup is pretty much done for the moment. I stripped out all the carpet because it was rotting and used rubberized undercoating on the floor. I may try to use something else over the top of that because it rubs off. I'm also thinking about getting some bucket seats for it too.


http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii48/shran_album/Ranger%20Build/0701084.jpg

More to follow. My lift and wheels should arrive next Monday, the 7th. :D

So I got almost all of my lift today - (7-7-08) - all but my front shocks which are backordered. I started with the rear, working in my driveway.

I went from this:

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii48/shran_album/Ranger%20Build/Craptastic_springs.jpg

Got these springs put in: (old vs new)

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii48/shran_album/Ranger%20Build/old_vs_new.jpg

And, ended up with this.

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii48/shran_album/Ranger%20Build/new_leafs_installed.jpg

It rained for a few days so work got put on hold, but on Friday night (7-11-08) I started on the front.

D28 dropped out:

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii48/shran_album/Ranger%20Build/D28_dropped.jpg
http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii48/shran_album/Ranger%20Build/D28_dropped_2.jpg

It seemed easier to drop the whole axle and then grind all those damn rivets out. I was right, and work progressed nicely.

I took off all this, plus the front drop brackets...

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii48/shran_album/Ranger%20Build/old_shite.jpg

New drop brackets in:

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii48/shran_album/Ranger%20Build/new_drop_brackets.jpg

And new crossmember in.

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii48/shran_album/Ranger%20Build/new_crossmember.jpg

I then focused my attention on mounting the new radius arms.

Old vs new again:

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii48/shran_album/Ranger%20Build/old_vs_new_2.jpg

The bolts on one side were easy, but the drivers side was hell. I had to use a lot of heat to get these suckers out.

One on:

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii48/shran_album/Ranger%20Build/ds_off_ps_on.jpg

Both on:

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii48/shran_album/Ranger%20Build/arms_on.jpg

Had to make some emergency repairs to my pants about halfway through.

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii48/shran_album/Ranger%20Build/pants_repair.jpg

Axle in place, ready to be bolted up:

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii48/shran_album/Ranger%20Build/stuff.jpg

My buddy doing something after we got the axle bolted in place, and springs and tires put on.

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii48/shran_album/Ranger%20Build/justin_pose.jpg

Almost done, steering needed to be hooked up, shocks needed put in, and brakes needed bled.

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii48/shran_album/Ranger%20Build/almost.jpg

Got all of the above done, except shocks. This is after the suspension settled. I have a drop pitman arm but my steering is not exactly what I want.

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii48/shran_album/Ranger%20Build/done2.jpg

And another:

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii48/shran_album/Ranger%20Build/done.jpg

Got the shocks in tonight (7-15-08)

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii48/shran_album/Ranger%20Build/sexy.jpg

So as of right now, I'm waiting to get an alignment on Thursday and go wheel it on Sunday. We will see how everything holds up...I need to get a new bleeder for my DS rear brake and maybe iron out or ignore a transmission issue (jumps out of 1st, only in 2H though?? WTF?)

I am just gonna wheel it till it breaks and swap in a M5OD I think. My plan as of right now is to stick with the V6.

[Shran]

Got some new stuff put in since the last update. I picked up a nice B2 for $200 that came with good body panels, 4.10s front and rear and some nice bucket seats. Ended up with this:

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii48/shran_album/Ranger%20Build/HPIM0914.jpg
http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii48/shran_album/Ranger%20Build/HPIM0916.jpg

[Shran]

Also traded one of my junkers (89 Probe with blown tranny and other problems) for some new meat. Got a brand new set of 33x12.50x15 Wildcat EXTs to replace the junk BFG ATs that I had on it. The two ATs that I had on the back were cracked so bad that I had to tube them so that they'd hold air. The new Wildcats rub like crazy but I was planning on cutting my fenders anyway.

The original plan was to get the set of 33" swampers that I was going to have recapped but this was a damn good deal....the swampers can be spares for a while.

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii48/shran_album/Ranger%20Build/HPIM0915.jpg

[Shran]

So the plan now is to start building the doubler once I get ahold of a manual 1354 and grab a D35/8.8, and convert to 4 wheel disc brakes. I will be painting it too once I decide what color to go with. More pics to come.

[Big Red Ranger]

i like the gun rack

[compleckz]

haha place holder, what a good idea!

[Shran]

Haha, yup. Got that one from you actually.

[Shran]

Bump! For more pics!

[stegomon]

tell me please that you are going to swap out the 28 for a 35 one of thease days???

[Shran]

tell me please that you are going to swap out the 28 for a 35 one of thease days???

Yes, it is coming out eventually. Like after I get the transmission thing worked out, and find axles for it. Can't afford everything at once ya know.

[Shran]

See above for new pics.

[Sunk]

Sweet! Looks tons better with those new body panels..

[Mechanickid]

diggin it!

[Bray D]

what a transformation, looks great with the bII panels

[Shran]

Thanks for the compliments :D

I am really stoked that it doesn't look wrecked anymore. It's come a long way from a $50 wrecked, not running, taken apart POS to this. I can't wait till I get to wheel it with the new tires. I'm just waiting to get one more rim shipped from Summit for my spare.

[Ranger44]

Nice project....:)

[danger88ranger]

Looks good

[Shran]

Damn the cold weather. It really puts a damper on my projects. I haven't got a whole lot done lately, just been gathering parts for swapping in a 302/NP435/205, with an EB D44 and a 31 spline 8.8.

Before you read further...DO NOT tell me I'm a retard for spending $1700 on a TTB lift and then going solid axle 9 months later :thefinger:

Anyway, first off I did some trimming because my new shoes were rubbing bad.

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii48/shran_album/Ranger%20Build/HPIM0993.jpg

Rocked this for a while without inner fender liners, and packed my engine with snow. To the point that my engine fan stopped. 'Nuff of that crap, got my old liners cut and put in:

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii48/shran_album/Ranger%20Build/HPIM0994.jpg

Then I started gathering parts for my drivetrain and axle swaps. First off, 8.8 parts: (check)

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii48/shran_album/Ranger%20Build/HPIM0996.jpg

8.8 - check. disk brakes!

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii48/shran_album/Ranger%20Build/HPIM0997.jpg

NP435, check

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii48/shran_album/Ranger%20Build/HPIM0999.jpg

205, check

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii48/shran_album/Ranger%20Build/HPIM0998.jpg

coil buckets, check

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii48/shran_album/Ranger%20Build/HPIM1001.jpg

tranny crossmember stuff and track bar bracket, check. may end up not using the track bar bracket.

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii48/shran_album/Ranger%20Build/HPIM1000.jpg

Also my buddy hooked me up with a cool air tank that I may use for onboard air when I get that far.

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii48/shran_album/Ranger%20Build/HPIM0995.jpg

And finally my shop... do not laugh! I know it's a garden shed :D

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii48/shran_album/Ranger%20Build/HPIM1002.jpg

So as of now I am one damn u-joint away from my 8.8. Found out that they do not make 1210 to 1310 adapters. Damn. Guess it'll wait till I do my drivetrain swap since I will have to have a new driveline made anyway.

[xtremeRanger]

Nice build! i like how its turning out. Can you get some pictures of your flat bed? i like the idea. simple and plain. Got a write up on it? Selling that skyjacker lift? if your going solid axle?

[Shran]

Thanks! I have another thread for the flatbed...

http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13744&highlight=new+flatbed

Doesn't show the completed version, but gives somewhat of an idea

I will probably be selling just about everything once it gets to that point. Really the only parts of the truck I will be using are the body, frame, and leaf springs. Axles, drivetrain, lift, etc are all going away and I don't intend on ever doing another TTB lift.

[Shran]

My latest update is my spare tire carrier that I just finished.

In addition, I got the NP435 cleaned up and painted, and am working on cleaning the 205 right now. I also will be putting the 8.8 in this weekend, and I picked up my EB D44 and 302 a couple weekends ago and am working on cleaning them. Now I just gotta order a shit ton of small parts to make everything work.

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii48/shran_album/Ranger%20Build/HPIM1013.jpg
http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii48/shran_album/Ranger%20Build/HPIM1014.jpg

[fordxranger]

haha I have that same outside storage bin for a toolbox in my truck too. I wouldn't be too embarrassed to have a garden shed for a garage, I have the bed of my truck. dad won't lend me an inch of garage space or even let me organize it so I can make more room.

[Iron Ranger]

And finally my shop... do not laugh! I know it's a garden shed :D

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii48/shran_album/Ranger%20Build/HPIM1002.jpg



Looks like a bonefied garage to me!!:icon_thumby::icon_thumby:

As long as you have a bench, lights, outlet(s), and air, what more could you need?(besides room to park the truck in):D

[Mac]

Looks good Shran! Computer in the shed? Pretty high tech stuff. When I got my new BII in '84' I was going out there to check out the trails but company relocated, got busy just working for a living. Sure like to make it out there sometimes soon, still have the family farm down out of Edgemont (100 years now). Pretty country (not in Edgemont).
Dave

[Shran]

Looks like a bonefied garage to me!!:icon_thumby::icon_thumby:

As long as you have a bench, lights, outlet(s), and air, what more could you need?(besides room to park the truck in):D

Yep! I would like to be able to wheel a motor in on an engine stand too, but what do you do...looks like I will be renting a shop with a buddy starting this month so I will have a place to do everything, finally.

Looks good Shran! Computer in the shed? Pretty high tech stuff. When I got my new BII in '84' I was going out there to check out the trails but company relocated, got busy just working for a living. Sure like to make it out there sometimes soon, still have the family farm down out of Edgemont (100 years now). Pretty country (not in Edgemont).
Dave

The computer was intended to be used for looking at service manuals, ordering parts, etc but I really haven't used it a whole lot. Cool to have though :D

We do have some awesome trails around here. I grew up in Hot Springs and have explored all over out there...out in the Dewey area north of Edgemont is one of my favorites.

[Mac]

The Dewey cut-off, I was born in Hot Springs and then there is Evans Plunge. Like I said got to get out there sometime soon.
Dave

[Danger FX4 Ranger]

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii48/shran_album/Ranger%20Build/HPIM1002.jpg

"ManBearPig"....:icon_rofl: That was my favorite episode of SouthPark.

[MudSlutII]

you should bob the bed

[Shran]

Got my 8.8 in finally...I love it. My driveline angle is fixed, it doesn't shake when pulling away from a dead stop, and the limited slip is working well. I had it in some muddy spots that I can idle through now, before I would have had to use more throttle. Disc brakes are kick ass too.

Tech article is here..it outlines cost and what's necessary for the swap.

http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/showthread.php?t=46418

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii48/shran_album/Rear%20axle%20swap/HPIM1049.jpg

[mjonesjr]

Looks awesome!

[Iron Ranger]

205, check

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii48/shran_album/Ranger%20Build/HPIM0998.jpg



Oh, now who is that cutie holding a cordless drill with what I assume is her autograph?:D:D

[Shran]

Jessica Hall :drool::drool::drool::drool:

She is just as hot if not more so in real life.

[Iron Ranger]

Jessica Hall :drool::drool::drool::drool:

She is just as hot if not more so in real life.


atta' boy!!!:icon_thumby::icon_thumby:


BTW, nice build, looks like you're having more luck than I am in my build. Gotta spend an extra $700 on the rear end to make it work:annoyed:

[Shran]

Rock sliders coming tomorrow. Yes, you have to wait to see them :thefinger:

I'll just save everyone the trouble:

:worthless:

EDIT: One more update, found another EB D44 with 4.10s. So I guess I am going solid axle a lot sooner than I thought since I don't need to regear now.

[Shran]

Sorry, one day late :rolleyes:

I built these out of 2x4, 1/8" wall rectangle tube. I then welded 3/16"x4 plate on the bottom side so they are 5/16 thick now. Should be plenty fine...cut the outer rocker out and part of the cab corner, but left the "inner" rocker in place. I bent the rocker panel down and welded it to the slider on the outside, and used big self drillers on the inside. I could have welded it but I honestly didn't feel like it. My welder hits duty cycle really quick and the drillers will work fine.

I have not braced these into the frame (yet.) I think I am just gonna see how they work first and brace them if necessary later.

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii48/shran_album/Ranger%20Build/HPIM1157.jpg
http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii48/shran_album/Ranger%20Build/HPIM1159.jpg

[LittleBigFoot]

Build's lookin good. The EB otta do you out right. But a 9" in the rear is just much cooler then that stock sploder crap!

So Team Mooseknuckle is lookin to head to the Bad Lands some time in the near future. Not too near, but near. You gonna be ready to show us around?

[Shran]

Bad Lands SD or Bad Lands ND? There are trails in ND but I'm not sure about down here. There used to be a bunch but I think they are all closed now or haven't been wheeled in years. We have a spot called Farmingdale which is offcamber dirt, hill climbs, etc...lots of fun...or we have a lot of rock trails up in the hills. Lemme know when you guys come up and we'll go wheel somewhere. I'm always ready :D

[gertsdsbs]

Damn looks like the yellow paint is coming off the diff. YEAH!

[Shran]

D44 in progress. No pics yet but you can imagine what it looks like with no front axle...nothing really exciting.

I was at my club's big run (Dakota Territory Challenge) on Sept 2-7 and I destroyed my Skyjacker lift. Every bracket was bent in some way except the passenger side drop bracket. I even bent one radius arm when I came down real hard on a rock. My carnage list was ridiculous so I started the SAS. I was able to fix all my TTB lift pieces and put them in my B2 since that is not gonna see anything more than gravel roads.

I ordered $200 worth of bushings, brake parts, and ball joints today so I just need to get brake lines and axle shaft u-joints and I'll be all set. Hopefully I will have some time soon to get started on it. Stupid travelling for work is sucking my time away.

[Downey]

cool build so far man

[Shran]

Rock sliders work fawking awesome, tested them out back in Sept.

SAS progress

I have the following left:

Spindles, hubs, brakes, steering, tranny crossmember, track bar, shocks, and minor painting.

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii48/shran_album/Ranger%20Build/11-16-09_2213.jpg

[crawlin91]

:shok:damn things going to glow in the dark:headbang:

[Shran]

I have been working my ass off trying to get this done. It is taking way longer than I wanted and I keep running into snags. I have to rebuild my exhaust now, the stupid cats are in the way of my tranny crossmember. I also had to move my radius arm brackets and coil buckets 4" forward, which is good and bad... helps my approach angle but now I'm running into steering issues with my track bar bracket. I am getting close though. As of last night, all I have left is exhaust, driveline, steering, paint tranny crossmember, shock towers, and put my brakes together.

[Shran]

Here's the latest. I need to paint a few more things, bleed the brakes again, and go flex it out a little to see if anything binds that we overlooked. I have only driven it on a snow packed gravel road so far, so actual road manners are to be determined, but so far so good it seems.

I also did a bunch of electrical stuff, put a radio back in, relocated my aftermarket gauges, and redid my CB wiring. The wiring under the dash was a mess from previous owners cutting wires for CD players I'm assuming. I also stole a heater control cable from my parts truck and now I can choose what vent heat comes out of.

In case anybody can't tell, I used a D44 out of a '74 Bronco. I added disc brakes from a '76, Chevy brake lines (Thanks Sasquatch_Ryda for that part #.) Everything else is stock parts...brakes, radius arms etc... had to shorten a stock Early Bronco track bar about an inch, and modified Early Bronco steering linkage with stock Ranger pitman arm. I have the 78-79 radius arm brackets, EB coil towers, F350 shock towers. I built my own track bar bracket and tranny crossmember. Driveline is stock '86 that is extended about 1.5" with stock u-joint. I also had to rebuild my exhaust from the y-pipe back because the cats were in the way of the tranny crossmember.

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii48/shran_album/Front%20axle%20swap/HPIM1241.jpg
http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii48/shran_album/Front%20axle%20swap/HPIM1243.jpg
http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii48/shran_album/Front%20axle%20swap/HPIM1245.jpg
http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii48/shran_album/Front%20axle%20swap/HPIM1246.jpg
http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii48/shran_album/Front%20axle%20swap/HPIM1242.jpg
http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii48/shran_album/Front%20axle%20swap/HPIM1248.jpg
http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii48/shran_album/Front%20axle%20swap/HPIM1247.jpg
http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii48/shran_album/Front%20axle%20swap/HPIM1253.jpg

[Downey]

looks good man what did you do with your old lift brackets and stuff

[greasmonky]

:icon_surprised::drool:

holy shit this is my dream build right here!!!!
i may need to copy ur flat bed :sad:
perfect truck!!! :icon_thumby:

[Shran]

Thanks! Copy away :)

I am starting my V8 swap in the next couple of weeks so it is probably not going to move for a while. Probably at least a year. In addition to the V8, I also need to redo my steering completely, and I need some softer coils for sure... new front shocks... etc etc etc. This truck is getting ridiculous.

Downey, all my front lift stuff went on my Bronco II. I was going to leave it stock height and cut the fenders so 33's would fit, but this worked out better.

[Shran]

I destroyed the clutch in this about a month ago and so it sat while I decided what I was going to do with it. I decided that the engine would be better off in my B2, so got that pulled and sold the tranny and transfer case the next day. It is on the back burner for a bit while some other projects get completed. I need to finish a few things on the B2 and part out a couple vehicles before I can do anything, but I am planning on having the V8 swap completely done by early this summer so I can do wheel it all summer before my club's big event in August.

More pics to come as soon as I do something.

[Shran]

Some things came up that prevented further progress for a couple months, but I have been literally busting ass on my V8 swap (frame horn got me in the right cheek the other day.)

I was using a carbureted 302 from a '76 Bronco but found an '89 Crown Vic with a 5.0 that I couldn't pass up that will work way better. Spent a couple weeks taking the car apart and scrapping it, and a lot of cleaning later I'm another month behind schedule.

So as of today I have the engine, tranny and t-case mounted and I am working on some small unrelated wiring projects before I put the front clip back on. In case anybody is curious, the stock Crown Vic exhaust manifolds DO NOT work (well) for this swap, you have to move the fuel filter and notch the passenger side frame. The Bronco manifolds I have worked a lot better with no modifications.

[Shran]

I am almost done as of last night. I need to have exhaust built for it, get some new front shocks, tune my electric fans, and put the front driveline in but otherwise it is damn near finished.

During the latest phase of this build, it also got repainted and I put a sunroof in, as well as a bunch of other little things.

Here's the latest pics from this morning:

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii48/shran_album/Ranger%20Build/HPIM1355.jpg
http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii48/shran_album/Ranger%20Build/HPIM1356.jpg
http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii48/shran_album/Ranger%20Build/HPIM1357.jpg
http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii48/shran_album/Ranger%20Build/HPIM1359.jpg
http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii48/shran_album/Ranger%20Build/HPIM1360.jpg
http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii48/shran_album/Ranger%20Build/HPIM1361.jpg

[Boggin]

holy shit!!! i love this truck.. great work!

[jeeplessjohn]

yeah i am pretty jelous you need to help me to my b2 man lol i helped with yours lol

[jhammel85]

This is an awesome build. Any updates?

[Shran]

This is an awesome build. Any updates?

Thanks man. Nothing much is new I guess, the exhaust is done, front driveline is done, and I have taken it out wheeling a few times. Definitely needs shocks in the front, and an alignment, has some overheating issues and it is occasionally very hard to start. Need to do something about my track bar angle too.

I will be honest, it is definitely not as much fun to drive as I thought it would be. It is just squirrelly as shit, lots of bump steer and little problems that annoy me. I am extremely burnt out on working on it right now so it is on the back burner until I get a shop to work in and my credit card paid off.

[Shran]

I'm still alive, figured I'd do a bi-yearly update...

V8 swap has been thoroughly tested. Still running great. I have not changed the clutch hydraulics at all and it's still horrible to drive but I have gotten really good at shifting w/o the clutch.

I also did a major makeover of the flatbed and added fenders/wheel wells. Lots more rear suspension uptravel now and it looks cool.

My crappy EB D44 got trashed (actually, put back under an EB) and I now have a narrowed 78-79 high pinion D44. I would not recommend anyone put an EB axle in a Ranger unless you have zero inches of lift because you either have a crap pinion angle and WILL ruin your front driveline, or your caster will be WAY off. Just don't waste your time, get a high pinion housing.

I also dropped a metric ****-ton of coin on RCV axle shafts for the D44, as well as Warn 30 spline locking hubs. They are 110% awesome and worth every penny, and incredibly easy to install as well. I was breaking at least one u-joint every time I went out and my shafts were getting pretty twisted.

The only other new item was some used 15x8 chrome mod wheels to replace the white spokes. Looks better.

I am pretty much done with the build for probably the next couple years. I have been in some child custody bullshit and need to get that taken care of completely before I start building trucks again.

[85_Ranger4x4]

Glad to hear you pulled yourself up off the edge of the earth :icon_twisted:

Hope you get your stuff straightened out so you can get back to working on your truck again. :icon_thumby:

[Shran]

Glad to hear you pulled yourself up off the edge of the earth :icon_twisted:

Hope you get your stuff straightened out so you can get back to working on your truck again. :icon_thumby:

Thanks man. Mom kinda fell off the deep end so I've had my kid for a while, now she feels like fighting...whatever! Dumb.

Anyway, here are a few pics.

Today:

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii48/shran_album/Ranger%20Build/HPIM1815.jpg

Fender modification:

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii48/shran_album/Ranger%20Build/HPIM1816.jpg

Much better (still pretty high, but works) pinion angle with my new HP D44 housing:

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii48/shran_album/Ranger%20Build/HPIM1818.jpg

"New" steering (will be building a new tie rod eventually, this one has been cut and sleeved.)

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii48/shran_album/Ranger%20Build/HPIM1819.jpg

And my favorite new addition that cost more than any other mod so far, and came in the smallest box:

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii48/shran_album/Ranger%20Build/HPIM1820.jpg

:icon_hornsup:

[1lonlyranger]

sweet truck you did it right .

[Shran]

My latest item for this build is a set of half doors. My "full" doors are super straight and I am always worried about ruining them...so usually they come off in the summer for EVERY wheeling trip (which gets tedious.) I wanted something that will keep things like water bottles, cell phones, etc inside the truck in off camber situations as well as something that I won't have to worry about damaging too much.

I picked up a set of doors from a Bronco II off craigslist for $25. I immediately started stripping everything off of them, leaving only the door latch assembly. Window tracks, lock, etc are all gone. The inside handle is gone too. I don't mind reaching out to open the door, so after gutting them, I cut the window frame off and notched the door so I ended up with this:

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii48/shran_album/Ranger%20Half%20Doors/HPIM1838.jpg

After that, I put them away for a couple weeks while I gathered materials, which consisted of some 1.25" angle from a bed frame and some sheet steel from a Lincoln hood that I repurposed. Next, cut angle, weld in as a frame around the notch...

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii48/shran_album/Ranger%20Half%20Doors/HPIM1839.jpg

This makes the door really stiff. It was really floppy after cutting the window frame away. Next, fill in the lock cylinder hole...

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii48/shran_album/Ranger%20Half%20Doors/HPIM1840.jpg

Then cut a piece of the Lincoln hood, measure, and bend so that it fits in the notch.

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii48/shran_album/Ranger%20Half%20Doors/HPIM1842.jpg
http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii48/shran_album/Ranger%20Half%20Doors/HPIM1841.jpg

I used two pieces for this. I could have used one but my hood section wasn't long enough. I welded all the way around and used a ball peen hammer to form the sheet steel to the notch. After that it was just a matter of cleaning up the welds and grinding them smooth.

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii48/shran_album/Ranger%20Half%20Doors/HPIM1845.jpg
http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii48/shran_album/Ranger%20Half%20Doors/HPIM1844.jpg
http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii48/shran_album/Ranger%20Half%20Doors/HPIM1843.jpg

I am half done with one door right now. I will be welding a large section of steel on the inside to cover up all the holes. Then going through with body filler for the low spots and lock cylinder hole before I sand and paint. More to come as time allows! :icon_welder:

[03ranger30]

Slick looking rig, I defiantly like that flatbed you got going there

[86MUDRCJ]

Ive always liked your truck.After seeing this I might just make a set of half doors.

[Shran]

The rest of the door build is pretty straightforward. Cut sheet steel to fit the interior side, weld on, grind weld smooth, body filler on welded seams and door lock hole. Lot of sanding, more filling, and more sanding before painting. They are done right now.

Couple pics from a run we did a few weeks ago:

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii48/shran_album/Iceman%2005-19-12/Iceman_5.jpg
http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii48/shran_album/Iceman%2005-19-12/Iceman_11.jpg

[fangotango306]

i dig the doors man, nice truck!

[Garanger03]

truck looks sick man. can u send me the CAD plans to claytonhester48@gmail.com. thanks

[Garanger03]

anyone got the flatbed plans?

[Shran]

anyone got the flatbed plans?

You do, in your inbox :icon_thumby:

[88_Eddie]

nice truck shran, i like the flat bed too.

[86MUDRCJ]

anyone got the flatbed plans?

X2

[Shran]

I still have the flatbed plans, if you want them, just PM me with your email address. It may take me a while to email them to you, I won't forget but it takes me a while to remember! :D

Nothing too crazy going on with the build lately, been focusing on other things.

I did add a rear frame stiffener thing (basically C channel welded across the frame rails.) It has a receiver hitch in the middle of it for recovery purposes since I was twisting the frame every time I used the tow hooks. It got quite a workout last summer, dragging a broken one wheel drive Explorer out of a trail.

I also installed a Lock-rite in the front last week. Haven't tested it yet.

The truck is probably going under the knife again and will be out of commission for a while. I don't regret doing the NP-435 at all, but I wish I would have waited for something different. I scored a free T-19 four speed that is going to be installed soon, simply because of the synchronized first gear.

I will also be replacing the lower intake gaskets at the same time, and probably the water pump, timing cover gasket, and thermostat again to fix some coolant leaks. I hate leaks. :sad:

[jhammel85]

Nice doors! I was thinking of doing the same with my doors down the road (if I can find a decent set of wing window doors).

[036speed]

Nice Ranger Sir