Project: Mr. Bad Motor Scooter - 92 Ranger

[99RangerKrazy]

Ok, so I guess I will go ahead and begin my official project thread.

Starting with:

92 Ranger 4x4, 2.9L, A4LD, regular cab, long bed, manual transfer case, manual hubs.

It has the Ford 7.5 rear, Dana 35 front, 4.10 L/S.

What it looked like when I bought it in June 2008:

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m60/sdiddy999/92ranger.jpg

First thing I did to it:

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m60/sdiddy999/Ranger001.jpg

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m60/sdiddy999/Ranger006.jpg

Well, the A4LD decided to crap out on me already..surprise, surprise.. (the guy I bought it from had it rebuilt about 5,000 miles ago). So this Spring I'm going to take it over to Aamco and diagnose the tranny to see if it's totally fried. If so, manual tranny is going in.

In the meantime, until I get the tranny looked at this Spring, I have decided to flat bed it. I also put on a new Flowmaster 40 series. So far I have shortened the frame to about two inches from the leaf hangers. I used 4" by 2" boxed steel to finish the frame:

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m60/sdiddy999/ranger002.jpg

The plate that is near the rear crossmember is for a rear winch.

Today, I got the roller fairlead put on:

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m60/sdiddy999/ranger003.jpg

How she sits as of right now (working in gravel sucks ass):

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m60/sdiddy999/ranger004.jpg


I'm going to be starting the flatbed this weekend (hopefully). But I might have to put it off a little further because of school work/papers. I'll keep this thread updated as I do new stuff to it.

Thanks for looking! All comments, suggestions, etc are welcome!

[Rangerman4158]

Looking good I like the shortened frame and the flat bed will look nasty! You going to put anymore lift on it or leave it stock?

[99RangerKrazy]

Yeah, eventually it's going to get lifted. I want to go somewhere in 33-35 inch tires, but nothing bigger than that. At least thats the plan for now

[99RangerKrazy]

Hey, can a mod edit the title of this thread to "Project: Mud Duck - 92 Ranger"

Thanks

[smallfarm123@aol.com]

not bad looks good and i no wat u mean gravel sucks untill i got smart and cleaned out my garage and got heat in it

[BeaterMan]

lookn good :icon_thumby:

[99RangerKrazy]

Grac, grac! Yeah, gravel sucks..we converted our garage into our pool table/poker room so we don't really have a garage anymore. I might have to move to the driveway here soon.

[99RangerKrazy]

Little update -

I finally got started on the flatbed. Here's what I was able to get done today:

Started with:

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m60/sdiddy999/flatbed002.jpg

The start of the foundation:

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m60/sdiddy999/flatbed003.jpg

Front crossmember on:

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m60/sdiddy999/flatbed004.jpg

I should be able to get a nice chunk of it finished tomorrow, I'll keep y'all updated.

[86 slo-vo]

nice truck man...thats exactly what im looking for

[Hazmat Ranger]

I don't get it?? :icon_confused:

Are you making the "bed" or flat section that high off of your frame :icon_surprised:? If so "Why?" I would think you would want it down on the frame, and how are you going to anchor it? Bolt on or welded on?

Other than that - nice truck

[99RangerKrazy]

It's kind of a flatbed..sorta not really. Flatbed is probably the wrong term to use for it. Those are going to be the sides of it. The flat part of the bed will be down at frame level, but then the sides rise 12 inches for walls. It'll make more sense when I get more done on it tomorrow.

[Hazmat Ranger]

Ok that makes more sense - I suppose you are going to have some sort of fenders? Almost like the old Willys step sides - that would look cool. Thanks for the clarification - Good Luck

[RacinNdrummin]

If you want I have an FM146 from my 90 b2 available, and im fairly local, and I might be headed over the pass tomorrow afternoon. Itll get you around that A4LD til you can get an M5OD. Pm me if your interested.

[99RangerKrazy]

Ok, here is where I ended for the day:

First "bottom bar" put on. It's the level where the flat part of the bed will be.

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m60/sdiddy999/flatbed2002.jpg

The beginning of the fenders:

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m60/sdiddy999/flatbed2004.jpg

My dad was nice enough to give me a hand, which was definately helpful - notice all of the cardboard over the gas tank:

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m60/sdiddy999/flatbed2005.jpg

The fenders complete (minus the welding near the gas tank, it's just tacked on over there) :

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m60/sdiddy999/flatbed2006.jpg

Finished for the day:

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m60/sdiddy999/flatbed2007.jpg

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m60/sdiddy999/flatbed2008.jpg

I should have this baby done by next weekend (minus the rollbar). What do you guys think of a rollbar made of square tubing? It's mainly because the rest of the flatbed is square tubing so it'd kind of match. Also, the only bender I have access to is my buddy's Harbor Freight pipe bender, which isn't really adequate for bending tube (it puts little dents in it). What do you guys think? Grac!

[Branman]

Looks good, but don't go with square for the roll bar. Just my .02 cents.

[99RangerKrazy]

More progress today:

First bottom crossmember in place:

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m60/sdiddy999/flatbed3001.jpg

The holes on the top bars closed up:

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m60/sdiddy999/flatbed3002.jpg

That's all for today, I might not be able to work on it for a few days because I have a paper due Thursday. Damn it.

Any other opinions on the rollbar?

[89DangerRanger]

I dont think it would look bad, and it would match your bed

[99RangerKrazy]

First battlewound of the project. It's not bad, just annoying when I try to write. Damn angle grinders...that was through some heavy duty gloves..not heavy duty enough I guess:

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m60/sdiddy999/ouch001.jpg

[pickuptrucker]

i thought it looked good red then i saw green umm yeah. i like you flat bed it looks tight, good clean work! square tube roll bar would look cool in my opinion, i dont know about strenght though. those tubes looke kinda thin like .95-.120? awsome truck overall!
is that stock hight?

[WNY964x4]

if it was me , for the "roll bar" i would do like a back rack style setup , welded directly to the bed , kinda like the trucks with the utility bodies have

[AlwysBusted96]

Looks good. Can't wait to see the finishing touches. Are you going to paint the bed flat black. Just about anything OD Green is BA. I don't see what it would hurt to do a roll bar out of square stock. As long as it is done with the appropriate wall thickness, and if you're tying it into the bed then the portion of the bed behind the cab should be of adequate wall thickness as well. Triangulate and gusset as needed.

[AlwysBusted96]

if it was me , for the "roll bar" i would do like a back rack style setup , welded directly to the bed , kinda like the trucks with the utility bodies have

x2

[99RangerKrazy]

Yeah I liked the red too..but it other side was all faded, the usual Ford clearcoat peeling hood, so I figured I'd just paint it OD green, since I've always liked the look. The tubes are .120 wall, and it has 31s on it. I bought it with a four inch block in the back and two inch spacers up front.

And yes, the roll bar (which I think I'm going to make out of square tubing because I don't have a good tube bender and it's easier to work with) will be welded directly to the bed. The bed will be welded right to the frame. I'm gonna try to put a couple bolts on it too, just in case welds crack due to frame flexing. Here's a MS paint drawing I was messing with last night. Its a poor drawing but you get the idea what I might do.

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m60/sdiddy999/flattybed.jpg

The roll bar will sit on top of the fenders and more tubing will be welded to the underside of the fender to the frame for additional support.

And it's going to be flatblack. I hope I answered all of your guys questions - if not please ask again.

Here's what I did today - got all the crossmembers in:

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m60/sdiddy999/flatbed4001.jpg

I'm gonna go get some primer and paint to put on it, except where I still need to weld (which is where the bed meets the frame and where the rollbar is going to be).

Thanks for all the comments and compliments guys!

['95 ranger]

looks good, and i say go with the square tubing for the roll bar

[99RangerKrazy]

Yeah, I've decided to use square tubing, and I think I might skip school tomorrow to finish it haha. I got a layer of primer down and then flatblack paint over the top of it tonight. I was painting in the dark, so pardon the missed spots.

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m60/sdiddy999/flatbed5001.jpg

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m60/sdiddy999/flatbed5002.jpg

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m60/sdiddy999/flatbed5004.jpg

All that's left is the rollbar and the sheet metal.

[99RangerKrazy]

Here's what I got done today. I ran out of metal, so I'll be finishing up the rollbar tomorrow -

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m60/sdiddy999/flatbed6001.jpg

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m60/sdiddy999/flatbed6002.jpg

[ForOffRoadDriving]

looking really good so far. i like the use of square tube, i would personally love to make everything out of round tube, but i dont have a bender and i dont want to screw with guess-cutting radiuses on the ends of tubes and hoping it all lines up in the end.

[99RangerKrazy]

looking really good so far. i like the use of square tube, i would personally love to make everything out of round tube, but i dont have a bender and i dont want to screw with guess-cutting radiuses on the ends of tubes and hoping it all lines up in the end.

Thanks! But yeah, that's why I didn't use round for the rollbar. A bender would be a nice investment...maybe in the future

[bronco2guy]

I think the square looks good, I may do something silimar with my project but it will be a bit before I'm ready for that. Keep up the good work, no matter what if you do roll its gonna help.

[99RangerKrazy]

Here's what I got done today: Pretty much done, just have to finish the spare tire carrier, paint it, and then it's finished.

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m60/sdiddy999/flatbed7002.jpg

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m60/sdiddy999/flatbed7003.jpg

[99RangerKrazy]

Painted up:

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m60/sdiddy999/flatbed8002.jpg

[lil red]

looks great, i might have to steal your design tho, i gotta have it wider tho, i need to be able to haul my motorcycle

[99RangerKrazy]

Go for it! Yeah, it's only 30 inches wide...enough to haul some wheeling gear in.

[pickuptrucker]

now stick it on!

[94STXRanger]

Look like it could use some more triangulation at the front outer corners, to the frame. Also at the back corners.

[MUDDING B-3000]

wow thats wicked, i wanted to put something like that on my ranger but i plan taking the atv out with me when i go wheeling so i can switch it up, but still an awesome cage!
good work

[99RangerKrazy]

Look like it could use some more triangulation at the front outer corners, to the frame. Also at the back corners.

Yeah, I'm planning on doing the front corners tomorrow.


Here's where she is as of right now. Almost done, going to go buy the sheet metal tomorrow and we should be good to go (minus the front bars under the fenders to the frame).

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m60/sdiddy999/S7300742.jpg

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m60/sdiddy999/S7300743.jpg

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m60/sdiddy999/S7300744.jpg

The bar on the back is for the spare tire. I'm going to be adding the bolts to it tomorrow as well.

And thanks for all the compliments guys!

[pickuptrucker]

looks cool! i like it. i like your tires too!

[99RangerKrazy]

Thanks! Those are just some Les Schwab brand mud tires, they're pretty cheap but effective. The guy I bought the truck from just put them on shortly before I bought it from him, so they're pretty new.

Here's what I got done today, the bed sheet metal ready to be tacked down:

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m60/sdiddy999/flatbed9006.jpg

The winch will be covered with a plate that will be on a hinge, so it will be covered yet still accessible. On the fenders, instead of using regular plate, I bought some diamond plate. Hopefully I can get it cut to size tomorrow. Monday I don't have school so it should be 100% done by then.

[sloue]

thats a nice fab job. really like the winch mount. is it me or is you garage 2 feet deep

[99RangerKrazy]

haha, thanks! Yeah, that WAS a real garage. But we turned it into a pool table and poker room.

[sloue]

haha, thanks! Yeah, that WAS a real garage. But we turned it into a pool table and poker room. thats cool . if your going to turn a garage into some thing than a play room is :icon_thumby:

[99RangerKrazy]

Here's what got finished today - bolted down the bed plate except for the last piece against the cab. Damn the snow is all I have to say. Just randomly snowing.. Anyways, here you go:

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m60/sdiddy999/flatbed10001.jpg

The plate on the end near the winch is hinged for access:

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m60/sdiddy999/flatbed10002.jpg

Pending the weather over the next two hours, I might be able to get the last piece of the bed cut and in place, but we'll see.

[COPPERHEAD85]

nice job!
are you going to put any kind of latch on the winch cover door?
again............really nice job man!

[99RangerKrazy]

Thanks! I appreciate the compliment. The door is actually pretty heavy, I don't think I'll put a latch on it. The spare is also going to be above it, which will act kind of like a stopper so it can't fly all the way open. But I might put a bolt through it that can have a cotter pin inserted into keep it to keep it shut. But we'll see what happens.

Thanks again for the compliments. This is the first project I've ever done that I really took my time on and everything came out square, like measurements and stuff. Ha

[lil red]

mabe a cheap hood pin set would do well there, or if you have axcess to dzues buttons, they'd work even better

[Kyle M.]

Looks really good! I suggest using a strong magnet to hold the wench cover shut, that should keep it down.

[99RangerKrazy]

Yeah either of those would work great. Good thinking guys, I'll have to make another Home Depot run tomorrow and see what they got.

[99RangerKrazy]

Finished! :yahoo:

I ended up getting small circular magnets to hold the winch cover down.

Diamond plate mounted today. Taillights and blinkers are on. Everything painted. Now it's tranny work time :icon_idea:

On to the pictures:

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m60/sdiddy999/flatbed11009.jpg
http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m60/sdiddy999/flatbed11008.jpg
http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m60/sdiddy999/flatbed11007.jpg
http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m60/sdiddy999/flatbed11003.jpg

The only thing that is kind of screwed up right now is the wiring for the blinkers...somehow they aren't pulsing, just a solid light when you turn the signal..so I have manual blinkers. Ha. My dad said the wiring is right, so maybe there's a bad relay? Not sure yet.

[lil red]

are the lights LED?

if so you need a specal box thingy for LED lights, my mom wanted LED blinkers on her harley and it took us a while to figure it out

it go with regular bulbs anyway


if not its your flasher, its the round(usually blue) part in your under dash fuse panel, in a corner, cant miss it

[Kyle M.]

WOW, it looks sweet! Good work!

Question, what are you going to do with your filler neck? And, are you going to do anything to clean up(not that it looks bad) the side of the frame rails? I was thinking it would look nice with some dimond plate on the outsides from the box sides to the frame.

Again, very nice job!

[99RangerKrazy]

Thanks a ton! For the filler neck, I was going to go through the diamond plate on the fenders so the end of the neck would be on top. But the hose wasn't long enough, so I just shortened it to right at the frame, so it's out of the way and not just flopping around everywhere.

And I thought about using diamond plate for the outsides..but I don't know, I like the way it looks. I may do it, we'll see. That would look pretty dece too.

Oh and for the taillights - the square ones are LED but the circle ones arent. The square lights are just tail lights for when the headlights are on, the circle ones are the turn signal and brake lights. I'm going to replace the blue flasher piece on the fuse panel tomorrow and see how that goes.

[lil red]

o and your magnet fell off, its on your lisince plate....

[pickuptrucker]

lookin good! i like your truck alot!

[tpking]

lift and bigger tires would make it 100x better :)

[lil red]

ya, i like it too much, now emagine it but the "bed" part wider and with a working gate and no spare, on a flat red first gen , 6"lift and 33s

[99RangerKrazy]

I know! I kind of got the A4LD working today, it'll now shift to second and hold instead of trying to shift and pop right out. So I'm going to keep messing with it tomorrow maybe... a neighbor from down the street just came over and said that his neighbor called the cops on the Ranger for the exhaust being too loud and for going up and down the street too many times (adjusting the vacuum modulator). I only went down the street maybe five times with five-ten minutes between each trip..but whatev. I'll stop for the day haha. Anyways, HOPEFULLY a lift will be coming this Spring/Summer when I get some more funding available and pending the A4LD.

[pickuptrucker]

all you need to do is cut the fenders or bl the cab or lift the front and the back already has clearace for probably 38 if you wanted to go that big. i guess i'm just trying to say you have lots of clearnce in the back.

[99RangerKrazy]

No I'm going to get a 4 inch suspension lift. I only want to clear 33s (for now). Maybe 35s. But then I have to start worrying more about breaking stuff when I get to that point. That's a little ways down the road though.

[b16hatcher]

looks extremly good you should use some sheet metal or diamond plate to cover the sides of the frame that are showing

[99RangerKrazy]

Yeah that'd be a good idea. But I'd have to notch out places for the leaf hangers and shackle. And a couple other places. Which isn't bad, but I'm almost out of diamond plate and sheet metal which are both expensive as balls.

[94 4.0 5-spd 4wd ranger]

now you just need some sliders and a front bumper. The bed looks amazing though! good job!

[xtremeRanger]

Im very interested in your flat bed. i would like do something simular!

[99RangerKrazy]

now you just need some sliders and a front bumper. The bed looks amazing though! good job!

Yeahyeah! Sliders and a bumper are actually on the to do list. I'm not sure what I want for a front bumper though. I'm thinking just a simple box steel and then weld the brush guard that is on it already on top of it. The brush guard already has a winch mount and I like the look of it. But I'll think of some different ideas.

And thanks for all the compliments everyone, much appreciated.

Ok I got my tow hooks and mud flaps on today. The flaps look a little ridic, they're probably too small, but I think it's enough to keep law enforcement happy. And they're removeable so when I hit the trail, one pin and they're off.

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m60/sdiddy999/flatbed12001.jpg

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m60/sdiddy999/flatbed12002.jpg

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m60/sdiddy999/flatbed12003.jpg

[xtremeRanger]

are you going to have a tail gate of some sort? what about reverse lights?

[99RangerKrazy]

I'm not going to have reverse lights on it. And I'm looking to get some sort of cargo net to go across the back end but they're all too big. It's only 30 inches wide. Any suggestions?

[xtremeRanger]

could you not buy the net and make it 30" wide? whats the net made of? find someone that can sew?


why not put some 3" spot lights at the back have them for reverse? and have them on a switch.

[pickuptrucker]

rig is lookin better every day! flaps look good enough to me ha ha

[99RangerKrazy]

They're kind of hard to see, but up on top of the "roll bar' there are five tabs for lights welded on - four facing forward, one backwards. Eventually, it's going to have a 150W KC light facing backwards. And I don't think reverse lights are required and I didin't feel like cutting another hole in each plate to put another light in.

And for the cargo net, I was thinking that, just cutting it down. Which would work if it doesn't have a logo in the middle of it, which most do (so the logo isn't off to one side..unless I cut shorten it from both sides). But...yeah I might have have to do that. I can't think of anything else

And yeah I'm hoping just by at least putting the effort into putting mud flaps on, law enforcement will be happy. I see a lot of rigs who just don't even bother putting flaps at all. I think/hope it'll be ok.

[dusto2]

looks awesome, and for a net look into those spider nets that are made from bungee material, and you could trim it up to fit

[99RangerKrazy]

Got a "toolbox" mounted in the bed today. It's just a very heavy duty tote bolted to the bed in each corner. It's going to hold a second battery for the lights, winch, and other misc electric stuff. It'll also have an isolator that recharges the battery, misc tools, and other stuff.

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m60/sdiddy999/flatbed13005.jpg

[compleckz]

lovin' it! great work

[lil red]

did your blinkers ever get working?

and you couls make a tailgate or a swinging door out of angle or c channel and expanded metal, that would be sweet

[99RangerKrazy]

No, I haven't gotten the blinkers to work yet. I replaced the little blue part and it didn't affect it. I'm not too worried about it, I'm just going to have manual blinkers. It's not a DD anyways, just for wheeling.

And that kind of tailgate may be poss.. diamond plate or regular plate?

Ok here's what I was thinking - regular plate for the tailgate on a hinge. Then there will be a two inch border of diamond plate centered on top of the regular plate. Then on the inside, I will paint "Mud Duck" as it's what I"m going to call it. What do you think?

[Rangerman4158]

Ok here's what I was thinking - regular plate for the tailgate on a hinge. Then there will be a two inch border of diamond plate centered on top of the regular plate. Then on the inside, I will paint "Mud Duck" as it's what I"m going to call it. What do you think?[/QUOTE]

That sound like the ticket there and your rig looks real good I like the work youv'e done alot of time and thought to do that good of a job:icon_thumby:
awesome job:icon_hornsup:

[99RangerKrazy]

Thanks! Yeah, I ripped the bed off in early January but I could never settle with an idea of what I wanted to do. I actually sold the bed off of it to force myself to make one haha..I know kind of weird. But now I can't decide if I want the metal tailgate with Mud Duck on it, or just a cargo net across. I've had some mixed opinions on what would be best.

[CheapThrillB2]

i would do a metal gate

looks good i like it

[BlackBII]

Very very cool.

I like it a lot.

I second the metal gate.

[99RangerKrazy]

Thanks guys.

Here's what I got done today, tailgate with Mud Duck on it. Not quite what I wanted, but not too bad. The letters are also kind of crooked, so I might redo those tomorrow, but we'll see.

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m60/sdiddy999/flatbed14001.jpg

[97BlackBetty]

To tell you the truth, I would have made the letters a little more crooked. It kind of works for it well. Looks really good.

[pickuptrucker]

oh yeah that is good! the letters are a great touch, you put that thing together pretty quick. you'll never have to look back now when your weaving in between trees!!

[xtremeRanger]

Looks Great! i like it. How much do you think it costed you for all the metal? if you don't mind me asking. a list of materials used. Im wanting to put something together. your finished product has inspired me.

[99RangerKrazy]

Thanks a lot everyone. Yeah the letters are starting to grow on me, not being in a straight line and perfect. I'm gonna leave it. For materials...I have all the receipts scattered around but a rough estimate for materials would be:

~100 feet of 2"X2" .120 square tubing - ~$300

4'x10' sheet of .120 steel (although I only used 4'X6') and 4'X6' 3/16 wall diamond plate - $150 (these two sheets were out of the remnants pile too, so it's actually about 1/3 of the price of "new" sheet metal - so go for remnants)

Taillights (all four) - $40

Four spools of 1lb welding wire - $40

Toolbox - $20

Several cutoff blades and grinding discs - ~$20

Three 10" cutoff wheels for a chop saw - $20

Mud flaps - $25

Misc bolts and self tapping screws - $20

Grand total - around $600 which is pretty good compared to buying one I guess. $400 of that was also income tax return, so really it only cost $200...since I always look at tax returns as "found money". Haha.

I'm happy with how it turned out. Here's my updated list of things to do now:

Get tranny totally fixed/adjusted

KC style lights up top/second battery and isolator

Front bumper and winch

Some sort of suspension lift - I'm thinking Tuff Country four inch. Not too sure yet, I only want to clear 33's so I might try to get some Explorer or F-150 coils up front, Explorer leafs and Chevy drop shackles in back. Probably will have to do a little fender trimming up front to clear the tires.

All of this won't happen for a while as I need to build up some funds again

[swynx]

haha u even got a little seat now =] nice truck

[Nipplechops]

That thing looks like it came right out of the Road Warrior series!

Nice work! I like it! :beer:

[99RangerKrazy]

Picked up some dual whips today for the CB:

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m60/sdiddy999/flattybed001.jpg

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m60/sdiddy999/flattybed002.jpg

A buddy and I are going to go do some light wheeling, just to test things out. I'll be sure to snap some pics.

[99RangerKrazy]

First wheeling in this Ranger...shoot its been almost a year since I've been wheeling, felt good to get back out again. It was kind of depressing though, the place my buddies always used go to is a dump now, just garbage and crap everywhere. Kind of saddening, anyways, here's the pics from today:

My buddy's Jeep. 2.5L, on 31s. He's going to be getting a 3" lift here soon, you can see the rear wheel is stuffed and it's fairly flat ground:

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m60/sdiddy999/Wheeling2-24-09002.jpg
http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m60/sdiddy999/Wheeling2-24-09012.jpg


Mud Duck:

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m60/sdiddy999/Wheeling2-24-09003.jpg
http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m60/sdiddy999/Wheeling2-24-09004.jpg
http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m60/sdiddy999/Wheeling2-24-09005.jpg

Climbing through a semi-narrow spot:

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m60/sdiddy999/Wheeling2-24-09009.jpg
http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m60/sdiddy999/Wheeling2-24-09010.jpg


Face Off - of course the Range would take it

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m60/sdiddy999/Wheeling2-24-09014.jpg

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m60/sdiddy999/Wheeling2-24-09017.jpg

I know it wasn't much, but it was fun to get out for a while. It rained like a bast the past few days, but the wind was blowing hard all day, so it pretty much dried it up. We may go down to this other place tomorrow, but we'll see what happens.

[RacinNdrummin]

Where were you guys at??

[99RangerKrazy]

On the outskirts of Kennewick, WA. "Jump Off Joe" is what it's mostly known by.

[fordxranger]

Some sort of suspension lift - I'm thinking Tuff Country four inch. Not too sure yet, I only want to clear 33's so I might try to get some Explorer or F-150 coils up front, Explorer leafs and Chevy drop shackles in back. Probably will have to do a little fender trimming up front to clear the tires.


why not just run 63" chevy leaves? same price as explorer leaves, longer and flexier, and you don't have to get a shackle to get 4" of lift.

[99RangerKrazy]

I haven't ruled out Chevy leaves yet. I was just thinking for what I need, it'd just be easier to do Explorer leaves so I don't have to move the front spring hangers. But I still might go that route. That won't be for a while.

[99RangerKrazy]

Finally got around to putting on these bars from the front corner of the bed to the frame:

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m60/sdiddy999/Wheeling2-26-09001.jpg

Then went and did a little more wheeling:

The playground:

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m60/sdiddy999/Wheeling2-26-09004.jpg

Buddy's Jeep:

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m60/sdiddy999/Wheeling2-26-09007.jpg

The Ranger:

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m60/sdiddy999/Wheeling2-26-09010.jpg
http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m60/sdiddy999/Wheeling2-26-09011.jpg

Head to head:

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m60/sdiddy999/Wheeling2-26-09014.jpg

And of course...

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m60/sdiddy999/Wheeling2-26-09016.jpg

[Pete D]

are the lights LED?

if so you need a specal box thingy for LED lights, my mom wanted LED blinkers on her harley and it took us a while to figure it out

it go with regular bulbs anyway


if not its your flasher, its the round(usually blue) part in your under dash fuse panel, in a corner, cant miss it

LED lights draw a lot less current that regular incandescent bulbs do, so a stock flasher doesn't get loaded enough to function, depending on how many bulbs are converted.

[lil red]

lookin great, atleast a whole lot better than mine is
http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll44/lilred85ranger/engbay.jpg
i really want to go snow wheelin today, we have around 8 inches right now
but the motor is in the other ranger and im not allowed to wheel the jeep

[99RangerKrazy]

Got dual batteries set up last night. I'll throw a pic up later

[97BlackBetty]

Definately want to see the dual battery set up, would you also mind showing your charging system if you did anything special with it.

[jobar]

This is an awsome build 99ranger, you've got some skills.

[KENWIL138]

Hey man. Any chance you could post up some measurements of the bed? Looks great. Awesome work.

[99RangerKrazy]

Ok, for the battery set up (I still don't have pictures, it's dark again) but I bought an Isolator off of eBay, this one in particular:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/140-AMP-DUAL-MULTI-BATTERY-ISOLATOR-COLE-H-NEW-48120_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trkparmsZ72Q3a1205Q7c66Q3 a2Q7c65Q3a12Q7c39Q3a1Q7c240Q3a1318Q7c301Q3a1Q7c293 Q3a1Q7c294Q3a50QQ_trksidZp3286Q2ec0Q2em14QQhashZit em370169557387QQitemZ370169557387QQptZOtherQ5fVehi cleQ5fParts

Holy hell that's a long link. Anyways, the instructions are connect the positive terminal of your main battery to the Battery 1 terminal on the isolator, and the positive terminal of your second/auxillary battery to the Battery 2 on the isolator. Then it said connect the ALT port on the isolator to the "alternator output wire" of your rig. So starting at the alternator, I traced the wire to see where it went and it goes to the relay, which then goes to the main battery to charge it up. So I just connected the ALT port on the isolator to the place where the alternator makes contact at the relay.

So it SHOULD be all wired up. I put a multimeter on it, and tested both batteries while the truck wasn't running and they tested about the same, the main battery had a little bit more charge than the second battery as the second one has been sitting for a bit. Then I started the truck, let it sit idle for a few minutes, then took two more readings and both batteries have risen. Now this is assuming I had the multimeter on the right settings (I'm pretty sure I did) as it has been a while since I've used one haha. But they both did rise, so I think it's working. We'll find out when I get seven 150W lights hooked up to it.

I bought this isolator before I did a lot of research. If I didn't buy the isolator, I would just hook up two batteries in parallel, which a lot of people have done with great success. It just doubles your capacity while having the having the same output voltage. Anyways, this seems to be working, I'll keep y'all updated on it, and get pictures later if anyone needs any clarification.

As for the charging system, I didn't do anything special, it still has the stock alternator (95 Amps I think). When that craps out, I'm going to put a 130 Amp alternator in it, just to get a little more juice flowing.

And thanks for the compliments, I greatly appreciate it. It's far from done but I like where it's at for now. I'm going to be starting a front bumper soon, still not sure what to do...(any suggestions please feel free to let me know!)

As for getting some measurements..I'll have to get some tomorrow, it's too dark to do much. But I know the bed part is 30 inches wide, the fenders are 13 at the rear (by the taillights) and end up 15 wide when they reach the other end, so they're not perfectly square. The bed is also about 10 inches deep and 72 inches long. I can take some more measurements tomorrow for you.

EDIT: I just went out and retested the dual battery set up, and it is working. I was curious as to if where I connected the alternator to the isolator would be good enough, and apparently it is.

I also wanted to add, just in case others didn't know, what the isolator does. It allows you to use a second battery as an auxillary battery, for your lights, winch, etc. So the isolator will recharge the second battery as well as your main battery. The good thing about it is, just in case you run yours lights, winch, and other stuff while your truck is not running, it will only drain your auxillary battery and not the main battery, allowing you to still start your rig.

[jobar]

Got another question, why green for the cab? I think it looked pretty good when it was red.

[99RangerKrazy]

Yeah, that picture is the picture from the craigslist ad that I responded too. It looks great from that angle, however, the other side was all faded, it had the classic Ford clearcoat peeling on the hood, and overall was in pretty rough shape, paint wise (it's straight, just a lot of scratches and whatnot). I always like OD green, so I figured, what the hell, might as well just paint it since it was in bad shape anyways.

[97BlackBetty]

Thanks for the write up on the battery installation, I was just curious on how you went about it.

I am going to be running a dual battery set up but my charging system is going to have to change since I plan on running both a starting battery and an AGM battery (they charge at different rates). I want the Starting battery to be isolated to only the starting system, but still be able to parallel the AGM to use as an auxilliary starting battery just in case. I like electrical.

[99RangerKrazy]

Yeah that would be a good way to go..hmm..I'm not too familiar with all the electrical stuff..maybe run a similar set up to mine, but then also have another set of wires to connect both the batteries in parallel, but have some sort of quick disconnect to the auxillary battery so you can just plug it in when you need that extra flow? I don't know, just throwing that out there, you probably already have it all wired up in your head haha.



Anyone have any suggestions for rear bumpers? I'm having a tough time deciding on what to do.

Option 1 - I already have a brush guard up front that also has the winch mount on it, it mounts over the stock bumper directly to the frame(it's not just a bolt on to the stock bumper). It is also 1/4 inch throughout with 1/2 inch mounting plates at the frame. I was thinking of just getting 5x2 square tubing and essentially just replacing the stock bumper with it, so it has just a little more beef. It would wrap all the way around, just like the stock bumper. That would be the cheap and easy way to go.

Option 2 - I was thinking of doing something like this, all from scratch:

http://www.pirate4x4.com/tech/billavista/frontbumper/frontbumper.htm

This would be the more "badass" way, since it's all homemade and such. It also looks good, maybe better (depending on people's opinions). But this would be the more expensive and time consuming way.

I don't know, anyone have any suggestions?

The only requirements are it has to have a winch mount and be strong enough to be able to take out someone if they decide to run a red light, pull in front of me, etc., and not cause much damage to my rig.

[99RangerKrazy]

Got started on the bumper today. I pulled the front bumper off just to see how much space I would have behind it, and there's not much space there because of the front crossmember. If there was a lot of room I was going to make the whole thing custom with the winch behind the bumper up in that space. So now I decided I'm going to make a simple box steel bumper and the brush guard that is on it will just go over the top of it. Here's a picture of the brush guard/winch carrier:

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m60/sdiddy999/S7300806.jpg

Here's my progress for today, only worked on it for about a half hour:

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m60/sdiddy999/S7300807.jpg

So right now I'm thinking that I will chop off the rounded ends of the brush guards that cover the headlights and weld on new pipe that bends around the headlight and ties into the bumper I'm making. Probably doesn't make a whole lot of sense but it will when I make it. I might get a little progress done tomorrow, but not a whole lot as I have some studying to do. Any other opinions on what I should do?

[99RangerKrazy]

Here's what I got done today.

Angled the front corners so it doesn't look as boxy:

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m60/sdiddy999/S7300808.jpg

The work station:

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m60/sdiddy999/S7300811.jpg

Angled the part of the bumper that wraps around the front end, I thought it would like better than just being square:

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m60/sdiddy999/S7300812.jpg

How it's going to mount, 4X4 .25 wall angle iron:

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m60/sdiddy999/S7300816.jpg

Should get a bunch of work done tomorrow as I only have one class and will have all afternoon.

[doorgunner]

Looks good AND if yu find a stalled freight train you can always give him a push start without bending your bumper:icon_hornsup:

[99RangerKrazy]

Haha that's the plan! But seriously, I don't know about where everyone else is from, but there seems to be an abundance of stupid drivers here. If one of them happens to pull out in front of me, I just want to make sure that I don't receive too much damage.

[99RangerKrazy]

More progress:

Mounts welded up:

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m60/sdiddy999/S7300817.jpg

Where the winch will mount:

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m60/sdiddy999/S7300818.jpg

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m60/sdiddy999/S7300819.jpg

Gonna get some 3/16 plate to finish up the winch mount...then I'm going to mount some bars, not really a stinger, but other bars for headlight protection.

[99RangerKrazy]

Got the bottom plate welded on:

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m60/sdiddy999/S7300820.jpg

Hopefully it'll be finished up tomorrow.

[Kyle M.]

Lookin pretty sweet!

[Iron Ranger]

You got some pretty darn good fabbin' skills, my friend!! :icon_welder: :icon_thumby: This is one more chalked up to the guys who see something they want to do and do it.

Doesn't need to be a high dollar, made in Mexico part. You just need a welder and a good imagination................:icon_cheers:

[99RangerKrazy]

Thanks for all the compliments! Here's the finished product, not quite what I had in mind originally but it's what we came up with, I like how it came out:

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m60/sdiddy999/S7300824.jpg

It'll definately survive a couple hits. Once I get a winch I'll mount the roller fairlead in front. That'll be a little while.

[xtremeRanger]

Nice work!

[99RangerKrazy]

Got my lights in finally. They are all 150W.

Four up top facing forwards:

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m60/sdiddy999/S7300825.jpg

I'm going to move the one that is currently facing backwards to down on the fender. There will be one on each side, just above the taillights:

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m60/sdiddy999/S7300826.jpg

Then I have two more to put up on the front bumper, will have that done tomorrow.

[Woods-Rider]

that looks great. you really need a lift now!

[99RangerKrazy]

Yeah that will be this summer when I get back to my full time summer job. I'm thinking a Tuff Country lift for the front and then 63 inch Chevy leaves for the rear. Just get me up to 33s.

[PaleBlue90]

jeeze what a bad ass rig, glad to see im not the only one who likes there RBV OD Green:D

[99RangerKrazy]

Took the Ranger to Aamco today to see what was up with the A4LD. They think it's something internal but he's going to have his "good guy" look at it tomorrow as he was sick today. So...if that's the case and it costs too much to fix I'm just going to drive it til it explodes then put a manual in it.

[JohnnyU]

Hopefully you put some large drain holes in the winch tray.... Looks good otherwise.

[99RangerKrazy]

Yeah I just drilled several half inch holes in the bottom, one in each corner then a few more along the perimeter. Thanks for saying that, I totally forgot about it.

Got the other lights on, all wired up and good to go. There's four switches, one controlling the bumper lights, one controlling the reverse/tailgater lights, one controlling the outer two lights on top and then one controlling the two inner lights on top.

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m60/sdiddy999/S7300827.jpg

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m60/sdiddy999/S7300828.jpg

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m60/sdiddy999/S7300829.jpg

[99RangerKrazy]

My buddy and I went wheeling again today. Not much, just a couple hills and mud. Videos this time.

Could not get past the first rut..given it was pretty deep and on a fairly large incline:

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k285/Jeepster3/th_VCLP0231.jpg (http://s91.photobucket.com/albums/k285/Jeepster3/?action=view&current=VCLP0231.flv)

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k285/Jeepster3/th_VCLP0230.jpg (http://s91.photobucket.com/albums/k285/Jeepster3/?action=view&current=VCLP0230.flv)

Going down the same hill, huge ruts all the way down, notice the rear passenger side tire lift about halfway down:

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k285/Jeepster3/th_VCLP0235.jpg (http://s91.photobucket.com/albums/k285/Jeepster3/?action=view&current=VCLP0235.flv)

[99RangerKrazy]

Got my tube/half doors finished. They were just plain jane tube doors last summer, but I decided to fill it in with diamond plate.

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m60/sdiddy999/S7300847.jpg

I didn't have enough diamond plate for the drivers side, which is why it's about three inches too short on the quarter panel side of the door:

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m60/sdiddy999/S7300848.jpg

[pickuptrucker]

i like the doors looks like fun!

[99RangerKrazy]

Got my Smittybilt XRC8 today. Bought it from a dealer on eBay (oconeoff-road was the seller, highly recommended, incredible shipping).

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m60/sdiddy999/S7300849.jpg
http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m60/sdiddy999/S7300850.jpg

[99RangerKrazy]

Harbor Freight had a great deal on Hi-Lift jacks, so I bought the 48" model:

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m60/sdiddy999/S7300852.jpg

[Shran]

Your truck is bitchin. Excellent choice of tire too :D

[99RangerKrazy]

Thanks! Yeah I really like the tires. They've done pretty well so far. They don't like it when you're going down a steep, slick grade though. The ass end just slides out the entire time. But they throw mud like mad.

[koda6966]

Would you be mad if I copied your bed for my Nissan? Haha.

[99RangerKrazy]

Haha go for it, Koda. Have you always had the Nissan? I thought you just had the Ranger.

EDIT - Nevermind, I just remembered you started the Rust Bucket thread. Nice!

[koda6966]

Yeah, it's been sitting around for a while.

I'm still hoping on a Nissan bed popping up cheap and rust free, but that's not going to happen. I'll probably build something like this about the same time I build a tube frame from the cab --> back. If anyone's wondering why, frame rot.

Anyway, is that blue thing a bike chain holding your hi lift jack on?

[That Baker Guy]

damn dude i cant believe i just found this, that is one ba truck i love the doors and bed, when i grow up im going to find some fabbing skills like that. but the bed does need some sort of fenders imo, but amazing job.

and i just noticed your ranger emblem, very custom.

[99RangerKrazy]

Awesome awesome. Gotta love the rust belt, right?

And the blue thing is just a bungee cord holding the red arm up, since it's on the bottom. The hi-lift itself has one bolt on the top and one on the bottom, and also a lock in the middle.

[WNY964x4]

i must say i haven't seen this thread since mt comment about the "roll bar" and i must say , it turned out to be one badass truck

[ranger_runner]

that is one cool truck. great work.:icon_thumby:

[99RangerKrazy]

Thanks everyone! The flatbed thing turned out better than I expected to be honest...it was my first big project that I've ever done. It's not perfect, but I like it. I like where the rig sits as of now, but it has a long way to go! I'm hoping to pick up a 6" Skyjacker lift for up front and run 63" Chevy leaves this winter. It all depends on how my school money situation turns out, which I think it should be ok. Then, I want to buy a whole Explorer, take the motor/tranny and put em in the Ranger. That may be a ways off though :icon_twisted:

[99RangerKrazy]

I got pulled over tonight! I guess the Sheriff couldn't tell that my taillights worked because the sun was beaming right on them. So he pulled me over and made checked them to make sure they worked, which they did. He then said that I didn't come to a complete stop at a stop sign (which I didn't, I admit). If I didn't go when I did, I would have been sitting at the intersection for ten minutes...I know it's no excuse to break the law, but..oh well. Anyways, he just gave me a verbal warning since I have never been pulled over before in my (nearly) four years of driving.

But it's good to know that my Ranger is street legal!!

[99RangerKrazy]

I sold the racing seats out of the Ranger because they were too big. I was hugging the steering wheel and my head was about a half-inch from the roof. So I sold those babies, and I got some new seats. I've been checking craigslist religiously for some, and I have always been a day late and a dollar short. I would call the guy an hour after someone else had. However...today I remembered that my cousin had overheated her car badly and she was going to be scrapping it. So I went up and scored the seats from her.

The seats are out of a mid-90s Mazda Protege.

Before:

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m60/sdiddy999/S7301166.jpg


After:

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m60/sdiddy999/S7301170.jpg
http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m60/sdiddy999/S7301171.jpg

So far I really like them. It may not look like I got more room with the new seats, however I actually gained some headroom and leg room. It is also easier to get in and out now, since the seats don't have as much side support as the other racing seats.

[RDR]

i dont think i can stand up!!! thats probly one of the sweetest trucks iv seen in a while, but why did u change the seats???

[99RangerKrazy]

Thanks!!

I really liked those racing seats that I had. They were a little snug, meaning the steering wheel was in my lap when seated. My head was also nearly touching the roof. They were also pretty tough to get in and out of because of the large side supports that you had to climb over just to get in the seat. I got used to them...but my dad didn't. We're building this project together and he hated those seats, so they had to go.

I like these seats better anyways. They are a lot smaller. My head doesn't hit the roof. There is actually some space between me and the steering wheel. And you can get in and out MUCH easier. And they were free. Haha.

[RDR]

i can take them racing seats off your hands!! lol

[99RangerKrazy]

Ah dang! I already sold them locally to a kid with a Bronco II. Sorry!

[rngr4x4beast]

this build is looking good man

[feellnfroggy]

Thanks! I appreciate the compliment. The door is actually pretty heavy, I don't think I'll put a latch on it. The spare is also going to be above it, which will act kind of like a stopper so it can't fly all the way open. But I might put a bolt through it that can have a cotter pin inserted into keep it to keep it shut. But we'll see what happens.

Thanks again for the compliments. This is the first project I've ever done that I really took my time on and everything came out square, like measurements and stuff. Ha

I was just browsing your build again and AGAIN, I AM THOROUGHLY IMPRESSED. I like the idea of an OD green truck. I might go that route with my 93. Your rear winch bumper and light setup gave me a few good ideas for mine thouhg. Thanks again for taking the time to post.

[99_3.0]

Do you like those KC lights? With 6 of them up front they must be pretty bright. Where did you get them and how much did it cost, if I may ask?

[99RangerKrazy]

Sorry it's been so long to get you guys a response. I haven't checked up on my thread in a while. I really like the KC lights I have. They are actually just knock-offs I got on eBay. They were called "KC Style" lights. I paid $150 for all eight which included shipping. They also came packaged with 100W bulbs in them and then separate 150W replacements. I really like them, they put out quite a bit of light.

And feellnfroggy, thanks for the compliments! I'm glad I could provide a couple ideas for you!

[zukirider21]

great work dude!

you should post some more wheelin vids!

[drifterawh]

WOW Thats really cool Hell i liked it as a p/u too Good job

[99RangerKrazy]

Well, I finally made me a welding cart to go with my recently purchased welder (Lincoln Electric Pro-Mig 140). I got tired of having to drag the welder out, then the tank, then hook em up, get the gloves and mask, etc, and THEN start welding. So I built this little guy. It has storage underneath for gloves, mask, and whatever else, room for two tanks on the end just in case one day I get bold and decide to try welding aluminum or stainless steel. I also made a small storage box that is welded to the side to hold tips, nozzles, spools of wire, etc. Anyways, here are some pics:

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m60/sdiddy999/S7301189.jpg
http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m60/sdiddy999/S7301192.jpg
http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m60/sdiddy999/S7301190.jpg
http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m60/sdiddy999/S7301191.jpg

I might get a junction box and make it so that the welder is always plugged in and ready to go. It'll have four outlets wired into it, one for the welder, and then a couple more for grinder, chop saw, etc. Then all I have to do it plug one extension cord into the junction box and have power to all four outlets.

[MountainMike]

Nice looking cart. If I can make a suggestion though I would like to see that bottle held up with a couple chains intead of bungees. Those bottles just too damn dangerous to skimp on the mountings. And maybe put on another cross peice with a tube sticking out between the two bottles (in line with the divider at the bottom), have the cross peice so it sits just under where that bottle starts to dome at the top. That way the bottle doesn't lean in so much on the top valve.

[99RangerKrazy]

Thanks for your concern. I totally agree. This is just temporary until I can run to Home Depot tomorrow and get some chain. Thanks!

[dangerranger911]

:shok: wow just wow love it i like the one of a kind look i try with every vehicle to do that but run into money short comings. hand built is always better than bought. feels better when someone asks "where did you get that?" and you say i built it with a :D and they say "looks awesome." but i might have to that now love the square tube design :icon_thumby: cant wait to see it completely done if it ever is. :rockon:

[99RangerKrazy]

:) Thanks, man! Yeah she's come a little ways from when I first got her, but I have a lot left to do! And yeah, I hear you about money short-comings. I just save, save, save and then think about what else I can do to it. Right now, the truck is at Aamco (tranny shop) getting the A4LD looked at. It was a remanufactured tranny, only about 10,000 miles old or so. But they called and said that it's something with the bands (I think they just need re-adjusted) so they'll fix it and I'll have it back Monday. That'd be such a relief if that's all it was! But we'll find out.

If that's all it is, I'm hoping to get either a 4" Tuff Country or 6" Skyjacker lift for up front, and run 63" Chevy leaves in the back for a winter project. But we'll see.

Again, thanks for the compliment, I'm glad you like it!

[99RangerKrazy]

Got my truck back from Aamco today...

:yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo:

Runs like a champ! Shifts perfectly, better than it ever has. They probably saved me at least $400, the cost of what it would have cost to do a manual swap. But all they did was readjust the bands. He said they were totally backed out and weren't touching anything. So $80 later, I've got a truck ready for hunting season!

[84stealthranger]

dude nasty build i wish i learned more on welding but i kinda gave up on it in school. what would u say would be a good mig welder for less then 400?

[99RangerKrazy]

I only paid $450 for mine (on eBay - it's normally $525 at Home Depot/Lowes). But you also have to take in account the cost of the tank (unless you decide to just lease it, which I think is still like $50 a year). But buying it outright is roughly $225. Check craigslist for used welders, you can find good deals on them. The Hobart 135, from what I have read, is also a good welder for the price.

My first welder was a cheapo welder I bought on eBay. The brand was Speedway Series. It was just a flux-core welder, it didn't have the MIG option. But I ran that thing into the ground. It is what made my bed, bumper, and other various things. And it was only $170 brand new. It still worked when I gave it away, but it had two wires stuck inside the hose, so I couldn't get a new wire to feed through without jamming it up. But if those two wires weren't in there, it still would have worked just fine.

[fordxranger]

It still worked when I gave it away, but it had two wires stuck inside the hose, so I couldn't get a new wire to feed through without jamming it up. But if those two wires weren't in there, it still would have worked just fine.

you could have probably just bought a new gun liner for around $10-$20 and fixed it FYI.

[99RangerKrazy]

Oh I'm sure I could have. But my friend is just starting a welding class so he needed a cheap little welder for practicing and whatnot. It also gave me a good excuse to buy a new welder! :headbang:

[kemicalburns]

you know someone at Aamco? I wouldnt trust them working on any of my vehicles. they are almost as bad as midas lol.

glad to hear its up and running properly now though.

[99RangerKrazy]

Haha nope, I don't know anyone that works there. But I figured, they at least diagnose it for free, and they got it working (for now), good enough for me haha. I was just getting tired of how it was driving. And there really aren't any other places to go here...except the dealership :icon_surprised:

[R3v3rs3 slips]

i must say i absolutely love your truck cant wait to see it higher up:headbang:

:icon_cheers:

[99RangerKrazy]

I am so torn on what to do with this rig! I'm thinking of selling it to get a B2 or Explorer Sport because I just can't haul anything with this Ranger. I need to able to haul a couple bags of decoys, guns, stools, etc, etc. So I have it on craigslist for $2,250 or for trade.

What do you guys think? I really love this rig and how it has turned out thus far...but looking back at it, the "flatbed" isn't as functional as I thought it would be.

Here's the craigslist ad: http://kpr.craigslist.org/cto/1440501590.html

[Chance]

I'd offer to trade but I think I beat mine past getting rid of it :icon_rofl:

[99RangerKrazy]

Well, I got a free trailer from my grandpa. He had it sitting behind his little shop in his backyard. It's about 4' X 6' in size. This will be used to haul my hunting crap...so now I need a hitch for the Ranger so I can pull it. Here's what I got so far. I'm using my Lincoln Electric Pro-MIG 140, flux-cored for better penetration. Not pretty welds, but effective.

It's made of:

2.5" X 3.5" X 0.25" angle iron (where it attaches to the frame)
2.5" X 2.5" X 0.25" square tubing
Plenty of gussets

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m60/sdiddy999/S7301194.jpg
http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m60/sdiddy999/S7301195.jpg
http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m60/sdiddy999/S7301196.jpg
http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m60/sdiddy999/S7301197.jpg
http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m60/sdiddy999/S7301198.jpg
http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m60/sdiddy999/S7301199.jpg

I've got a little more gusseting to do, as well as drilling a whole for a hitch pin.

[JohnnyU]

You had me until you added the receiver section. You need some additional gussteing or something to help prevent that thing from tearing off from the main cross tube. I would have figured you were going to weld the receiver directly underneath the crosstube with some gussets/safety chain loops.

Looks like a good start otherwise. :icon_thumby:

[Kyle M.]

I think since you need safety chain hook ups, get some 1/4" plate, cut it in a triangle about the size of the receiver length, then weld that on there. It would give it considerable amount of strength.

Looks great other wise! Keep up the good work!

[99RangerKrazy]

I think since you need safety chain hook ups, get some 1/4" plate, cut it in a triangle about the size of the receiver length, then weld that on there. It would give it considerable amount of strength.

Looks great other wise! Keep up the good work!

That's exactly what I'm going to do. There is going to be a triangle on both top and bottom of the receiver section, overlapping on both the receiver section and the main cross tube. Then, on the bottom triangle is where the safety chain holes are going to be (I'm just going to cut holes out right in the triangle itself).

I'll be sure to add some more pictures when I'm finished!

[pickuptrucker]

yeah the problem with your gussets in the middle of the tube i that they don't line up with the stress, so they will just cause cracking rather than add strenght. i know i'm just dumb kid but don't worry, i learned it from a smart old guy

[99RangerKrazy]

yeah the problem with your gussets in the middle of the tube i that they don't line up with the stress, so they will just cause cracking rather than add strenght. i know i'm just dumb kid but don't worry, i learned it from a smart old guy

Yeah I agree. Those gussets are to help with side to side movement. I'm going to be making some other gussets that will go on the other sides of the receiver section to help with the downward stress that the weight of the trailer will create.

[99RangerKrazy]

Alright, pretty much finished. I just need to get the truck wired for the trailer and probably fix my safety chain holes since I screwed them up.

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m60/sdiddy999/S7301200.jpg
http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m60/sdiddy999/S7301201.jpg
http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m60/sdiddy999/S7301203.jpg

[99RangerKrazy]

Got rid of the old bumper, it was just way too big and reduced my approach angle by a lot..so time to make a new one. Here's what I've got so far:

4" x 4" x .25" angle iron with six inch wide, .25" plate in between:

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m60/sdiddy999/S7301204.jpg

This will go over the top:
http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m60/sdiddy999/S7301205.jpg

I'll have it done by tomorrow (I hope).

[99RangerKrazy]

Pretty much done, just need to get a new fairlead on it:

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m60/sdiddy999/S7301206.jpg

[Chance]

I like it :icon_thumby:

[ForOffRoadDriving]

i love the bumper it small yet functional, thats what i like to see. this truck is awesome, i wish i had something like this to work/play with. keep up the good work man!

[detty_motorsports]

i liked the other bumper better:headbang::headbang:

[escort_gts]

New one is better. Very simple. Gives me ideas.

[99RangerKrazy]

Well...I lost a member of my family today. I had to let the Ranger go..the offer was right and I've been eyeing this other Ranger on craigslist (4.0L, 5 speed, extended cab).

I'm going to keep my eyes open for a Bronco II though..maybe one will pop up here.

/build thread :bawling:

[99RangerKrazy]

Well,

After a weird series of events, which included me buying another 92 Ranger with the 4.0L, 5 speed, already lifted on 35s, I have the opportunity to buy back this rig. I have since sold the other 92 Ranger (the one I just mentioned). It's just not the same working on a rig that someone else already lifted - basically someone else's project. And in all honesty, I kind of miss the Mud Duck. I had quite a bit of time into it.

Here's my dilemma:

I grew quite fond of the extended cab. It was really nice to put stuff in it. I also liked the 5 speed vs the A4LD of the Mud Duck. Although I am more confident in performing a 5 speed swap if needed. However, the Mud Duck already has 4.10 L/S gears, Dana 35 front, manual hubs, and 7.5 rear.

I talked to the guy I sold it to, he would be interested in selling the truck back. He has since bed lined the floor of the cab, added a snorkel, and did some other minor work to it.

I guess it depends on how much he wants for it. I sold it for $2,000.

But what do you think would be a fair price for it?

EDIT - talked to the guy, he said $2,000 is what he'd ask for it.

[Chevelle Kid]

Buy it. My FIRST major mechanical undertaking was a 5spd swap on my Bronco II now I have a 4.0 Ranger 4x4 with the dreaded A4LD, when it blows I'm swapping an M50D in there. It's not hard, it's pulling the trans, putting a new flywheel on, bolting up a clutch putting transmission back in and putting new pedals in. It'll take you a week of on and off working.

Get the Ducky Back!!!

[kris97ranger]

I'd say 2000 is fair he's offering to give it back for what he bought it for. Except now it's better with the snorkel and such

[99RangerKrazy]

I'm confident that I can do the 5 speed swap. I did the clutch on that other 92 Ranger, pulled the tranny, put it back together, bled it and whatnot myself. The only real concern is the pedal assembly, I've just heard that's kind of a pain in the ass. How bad is that?

I'm undecided on what to do. Part of me really wants to buy it. The other part wants me to wait for a BII or another Ranger to come up for sale. I really liked the extended cab. If I were to get another Ranger, I'd build another flatbed for it. A little different than this one, but another one nonetheless.

[Robert_1967]

four bolts on the fire wall, no problem, it's the one's around the master cylinder that hold it on, plus two more on up a little, Six bolt all together hold the pedal plate on.





Robert

[Chevelle Kid]

They're not truly hard, just a pain in the ass...lol

Go for a B2, you'll love the wheelbase and tons of storage potential. I can't wait to get mine up and running.

Oh, remember this M50D. Mine is down to a FM-145 that decided to start acting funky...lol

Ben

[99RangerKrazy]

Actually I found a BII about 40 miles away this girl is selling. 1989 BII, 170k miles, 5 speed, electric transfer case (she thinks - kind of sucks, but I guess I could live with the electric t-case), converted to manual hubs. Clutch done a year ago, new fuel tank and pump, new brakes (rotors/pads/calipers). No rust (Washington rig). Asking $1,200 OBO.

I've always wanted a BII, haven't had one yet. I thought about the Explorer sport, but my Jeep XJ loving friend keeps telling me how they look like soccer mom rigs...I'd rather buy a BII just so I don't have to listen to that haha.

Anyways, thanks for all the advice y'all. Maybe I'll get a BII soon, I'm dying to wrench on something!!

[Chevelle Kid]

The T-case swap is easy as crap! Do it!!!

[99RangerKrazy]

I'm tryin'! I have finals next week, then I'm done for a month. I should be able to go take a look at it in that time.

[99RangerKrazy]

How about this? I called on this one a while back actually, said it's an 87. Don't remember the mileage. I was looking for an 89-90 due to the newer heads on the 2.9, as well as being easier to swap in a 4.0L if I felt so inclined, but that thing looks super clean. It's an auto, which sucks, but as I've already said, 5 speed swap.

http://kpr.craigslist.org/ctd/2030793167.html