da ranger project

[TRUNK_MONKEY]

we are making a 2wd into a 4x4 ruggy? rubiger? rangicon? LOL
we have--
HP d30 on leafs for the front
OX locker for the d30
8.8 out back
jeep rubicon Moab wheels and MTR's for rubber
rear is lifted 12 inches(between tires,springs and lifted spring hangers)
body lift is coming 1 inch pucks
home made rear bumper
it already had: new 2300 cc engine bored and ported
and was free for my son -- from his grand pa. more to follow
scott








http://www.virtualpowersports.com/forums/imagehosting/thum_1646a59c00d18be.jpg
that is raising the rear spring shackle
http://www.virtualpowersports.com/forums/imagehosting/thum_1646a59c01caedb.jpg
that is the front spring mount before the reinforcement
http://www.virtualpowersports.com/forums/imagehosting/thum_1646a679d121167.jpg
that shows the reinforcement from between the frame rails
http://www.virtualpowersports.com/forums/imagehosting/thum_1646b68ffe5af8f.jpg
that is after installing 2004 ranger 8.8 and rear leafs

[PaleBlue90]

heres it with the rubi wheels and stock axle/leafs
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h140/Blacklight6989/random/08_02_07_1259.jpg
heres what it looks like now
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h140/Blacklight6989/thum_1646b68fff5c4e6.jpg
like my dad said, more to come

[06yellowranger]

very nice, should be a fun project

[samsonitesamsonite]

nice, but that sure doesn't look like 12" of lift in the rear.....

[TRUNK_MONKEY]

it is spread out over different areas.
the new springs were 3 inches
tires 6 inches
re located spring mounts 2 1/2 inches front and rear.the new tires will net the last 1/2 in.all told 12 inches.the cab will have 1 inch added this week too.
and some will be lost as the front goes up.

[FastJake]

I think your error was in the amount of lift from the tires. Unless they are actually 1 foot taller than your old tires, you didn't gain 6" of lift from them. I'm guessing the tires are 6" taller which gives you 3" of lift.

[TRUNK_MONKEY]

I think your error was in the amount of lift from the tires. Unless they are actually 1 foot taller than your old tires, you didn't gain 6" of lift from them. I'm guessing the tires are 6" taller which gives you 3" of lift.

more or less.LOL but my rear bumper is 12 inches above what it was with trashed leafs and 14 in tires.i concede my possible math error,but the amount is 12.measured at my rear bumper top edge.i wrote on the fender and bumper so i have an idea what we have moved up in inches.
we are off to get either some steel or front axle parts.

[samsonitesamsonite]

well you are doing a fine job, but FYI lift isn't determined by tire height, that would be more under the category of ground clearance, to measure lift its more the mount of "lift given by your suspension itself, or a body lift.... just thought you would like to know.

[PaleBlue90]

we got our parts from Blue Torch fab today, i ordered yj shock mounts that my dads gonna weld up, a 8.8 diff cover kit, that you weld together, and some stickers. they forgot to put the cover kit in the box but with a phone call they are shipping it out today, very good at fixing mistakes, i highly recommend them to ppl looking to get some stuff. we shall let you all know how the 8.8 kit came out.

heres a link for the kit, they have a few diffrent ones. ones you can weld yourself or you can buy it together already.

http://bluetorchfab.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=286

[TRUNK_MONKEY]

well you are doing a fine job, but FYI lift isn't determined by tire height, that would be more under the category of ground clearance, to measure lift its more the mount of "lift given by your suspension itself, or a body lift.... just thought you would like to know.
my numbers are from where the bumper was at stock height,to where it is now. but i do see your point.if my son's BTF link is against da rules,let him know,we just want to share whats cooking and not get entangled into stuff that is not allowed .
we might have more pics this weekend..............hopefully !

[JoshT]

looks good, and like a fun project. On your measuring, that 12" still isn't an accurate measure for wen it's finished. The front hasn't been lifted (or atleast visibly) yet so the nose is down more than it will be, therefore anything aft of the rear wheels is higher than it'll sit finished. I'd guess that when finished it'd sit more in the range of 8-10 inches higher. Either way it'll be a good improvement.

[TRUNK_MONKEY]

looks good, and like a fun project. On your measuring, that 12" still isn't an accurate measure for wen it's finished. The front hasn't been lifted (or atleast visibly) yet so the nose is down more than it will be, therefore anything aft of the rear wheels is higher than it'll sit finished. I'd guess that when finished it'd sit more in the range of 8-10 inches higher. Either way it'll be a good improvement.yep,that what i figure too.

i am now trying to gather all the front axle parts.whheeeeee!!!!

[Sevensecondsuv]

What did you ever end up doing for a tranny?

[PaleBlue90]

were still working on the transmission and t-case

[JohnnyU]

Hack that frame off after the spring hanger and weld that box tube inbetween the frame rails for added support to the lowered spring hangers. No point in having more overhang than needed, especially if you are attempting to build a truggy.

[TRUNK_MONKEY]

Hack that frame off after the spring hanger and weld that box tube inbetween the frame rails for added support to the lowered spring hangers. No point in having more overhang than needed, especially if you are attempting to build a truggy.
not sure yet how to handle the rear.i want some room to play with for moving stuff around for weight distribution.the length can give more leverage for dealing with the rear if it is in fact too light,and it is as it sits.and the front spring mounts are right at the bottom of a crossmember,so no sweat there,and the rear 'member is gone,but my bumper is plenty stiff to keep the back from wobbling the rails and causing havoc.once i get the bed and weight distribution settled i will whack off any extra frame rails sticking out into space.and that thing in the front is to lift the front with for now,it will go away and be replaced by something more appropriate as a crossmember.
truck frames are like silly putty when you leave the bed off,i need to get something to bolt down and stiffen it back like stock somewhat.
if you all have any pics of home fabb'd beds i'd like to see ! here or start another thread is fine by me--thanks
scott

[ZMan]

heh I like how instead of trying to trade your truck for a jeep you're just gonna turn it into a jeep, good idea hehe.

[TRUNK_MONKEY]

heh I like how instead of trying to trade your truck for a jeep you're just gonna turn it into a jeep, good idea hehe.

i have a Jeep too hahahahahaah! ranger is for my 18 year old son :P
but seriously,i think the d30 is way better than TTB--wherther d30 is coil sprung or leaf.:D

[JoshT]

If I were you I'd bob the bed.

Found this one on Car Domain.
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/2/web/254000-254999/254092_379_full.jpg

[ranger_veazey]

no way thats a 12 in lift

[PaleBlue90]

its kinda hard to bob the bed when we tossed it in the trash

[Roger]

Interesting ideas, lowering the spring hangers. I have to wonder how well that will hold up. As I am reviving my old Ranger, it will be seeing some tough trails here in Utah. More lift, and getting rid of blocks are on my list. Even considering coils and 4 link in back. But the add-a-leaf and stack blocks just won't cut it.

Oh, that 12" you state at the back bumper will be off some, as you haven't done anything to the front yet...

[TRUNK_MONKEY]

got the rear diff DIY kit from blue torch fab all welded and ground,and installed.the bolts were wrong that were shipped with it,and the stock ones too short.so i gotta get more bolts,but no real big efff'n deal tho.LOL
also trimmed the rear of the frame back 6 inches,and capped off the rear bumper too.still waiting for some suspension doo dads before we can scrap the front suspension.i dont want a dead car in the driveway if i can avoid it.

[TRUNK_MONKEY]

Interesting ideas, lowering the spring hangers. I have to wonder how well that will hold up. As I am reviving my old Ranger, it will be seeing some tough trails here in Utah. More lift, and getting rid of blocks are on my list. Even considering coils and 4 link in back. But the add-a-leaf and stack blocks just won't cut it.

Oh, that 12" you state at the back bumper will be off some, as you haven't done anything to the front yet...
i thought about lowering the hangers,and then saw it done that way from the factory on a chevy 3/4 ton truck.and my angle is a tad thicker than the truck frame,and all are held in place with 1/2 inch bolts.the bed is all wobbly like a farkin' wet noodle,i need to get some kind of box on that to stiffen it up.
we kept the blocks on (on top of the leafs) the rear just to take up slack on the u bolts,they will be replaced and blocks will be gone.but for now am leaving it as is. got to get the front under it,and the tie rod situated.funny,jeep vs ranger tie rod is like vw beetle tie rod vs 3/4 ton chevy!!!

[TRUNK_MONKEY]

no way thats a 12 in lift

a cumulative number.no one component did all of that.and i got tired of the lift/clearance/tire size discussion.i only wanted a number so i would know what i have,this is the first thing i ever lifted LOL . as long as the suspension doesnt bind,and the tires dont rub and cut on the body , to me all the numbers dont mean squat.it had negative arched worn out leafs,and 14 in car tires on it.i am confident it has 10-11 inches at the rear tire,and 12 at the rear bumper where i made my measurement.and it sure will change as the front goes up,i understand that.cant wait to get that axle in!!

[TRUNK_MONKEY]

its kinda hard to bob the bed when we tossed it in the trash
yep LOL:icon_welder:

[TRUNK_MONKEY]

we have for the time being,bailed on the OX locker up front.i REALLY need to get an axle under it and get it rolling.
http://www.virtualpowersports.com/forums/imagehosting/1646c8db739d007.jpg
http://www.virtualpowersports.com/forums/imagehosting/1646ca073cb5eca.jpg
http://www.virtualpowersports.com/forums/imagehosting/1646ca07744043e.jpg
more to come later this week.

[Toreadorranger]

That bumper looks really big for a "truggy"

Should chop the ends off, so they dont get in the way.

I built this for my truggy project.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v69/redranger4.0/08-14-07/P8140134.jpg

[TRUNK_MONKEY]

http://www.virtualpowersports.com/forums/imagehosting/1646cf9da2aad53.jpg

WE ARE GETTING THERE.........under there and not yet mounted.will do that saturday and see how it goes.
damn i am glad to get to this point,been a while in getting here.:icon_welder:

[PaleBlue90]

heres the pics i got today as we were working

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h140/Blacklight6989/securedownload.jpg
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h140/Blacklight6989/securedownload-7.jpg
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h140/Blacklight6989/securedownload-6.jpg
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h140/Blacklight6989/securedownload-5.jpg
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h140/Blacklight6989/securedownload-3.jpg
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h140/Blacklight6989/securedownload-2.jpg
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h140/Blacklight6989/securedownload-1.jpg
:clapping: :yahoo: :icon_welder:

[TRUNK_MONKEY]

thanks for the pics mike :):yahoo:

[PaleBlue90]

no prob:bye:

[LittleBigFoot]

It's lookin good Mike and Mike's Dad! Old PaleBlue is commin a long quite well

[PaleBlue90]

yea it is

[PaleBlue90]

the ranger is sitting on all 4's, we need to finish it up some more things on the front, we will be posting pics tomorrow so be on the look out lol