1988 Ranger Restoration - Keeping a Promise

[85_Ranger4x4]

Been a while since I updated, so a brief word on ongoing work, and some other interesting things.

Had the cap off the other day to haul the scrap 4.0 and the D35 I'm swapping in for a front axle, so I snapped a photo.

Next steps are to finish prep work on the new frame and get the new axles hung. Dana 35 from a 1994 Ranger, and 8.8 limited slip off an Explorer. Despite the severe gear reduction the 31" tires gave me, I'm sticking with 3.73 gears for now. I may change them later, but I'm quite happy with how low my RPMs stay on the highway. 2.9 isn't want for power either, and still readily passes at 70-75mph.

I should note, when I bought it with 205/70/15 tires on it, the truck would not exceed 60 mph, even downhill. I think I've done alright.

If the winter goes as planned, I'm hoping to have my frame swap finished by spring, just so I can take it all apart again next winter to do the body work lol

Amazing how far the little guy has come, and I know how much further I have to go. But, for daily driving it, I'm mostly satisfied with the progress.

Don't know if I mentioned this in my build thread, but I found out that my Ranger rolled off the line the day I was born in 1987. I knew we were close in age, but never would have guessed we both rolled off the line the same day. That, to me, was a clear sign that it and I are sticking together till they bury me; I'll never give up on it, no matter what happens.


View attachment 33384

Holy crap man, the shared birthday thing is pretty neat. Mine is 7mo newer than I am.

Looks nice without the topper too, it has come a long ways even since the roundup, tires and wheels really perked it up.

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

Holy crap man, the shared birthday thing is pretty neat. Mine is 7mo newer than I am.

Looks nice without the topper too, it has come a long ways even since the roundup, tires and wheels really perked it up.

I was floored when I researched the vin. It was too perfect.

Our birthday is coming up shortly. Might pick it up a new grill emblem as a present ?

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I'm floored every day....

 

[Ranger850]

I'm floored every day....

Every Day? I thought you were Always Floored. lol

 

[Rangerx2]

Happy early Birthday to both you and your truck Junkie! That is really cool that you and the truck were both born on the same day!
But see now you went ahead and ruined its birthday surprise. You're gonna have to get it a different gift now! LOL

 

[snoranger]

I have a new idea for you...

Twin supercharged-twin 2.9L...

 

[Bgunner]

Been a while since I updated, so a brief word on ongoing work, and some other interesting things.

Had the cap off the other day to haul the scrap 4.0 and the D35 I'm swapping in for a front axle, so I snapped a photo.

Next steps are to finish prep work on the new frame and get the new axles hung. Dana 35 from a 1994 Ranger, and 8.8 limited slip off an Explorer. Despite the severe gear reduction the 31" tires gave me, I'm sticking with 3.73 gears for now. I may change them later, but I'm quite happy with how low my RPMs stay on the highway. 2.9 isn't want for power either, and still readily passes at 70-75mph.

I should note, when I bought it with 205/70/15 tires on it, the truck would not exceed 60 mph, even downhill. I think I've done alright.

If the winter goes as planned, I'm hoping to have my frame swap finished by spring, just so I can take it all apart again next winter to do the body work lol

Amazing how far the little guy has come, and I know how much further I have to go. But, for daily driving it, I'm mostly satisfied with the progress.

Don't know if I mentioned this in my build thread, but I found out that my Ranger rolled off the line the day I was born in 1987. I knew we were close in age, but never would have guessed we both rolled off the line the same day. That, to me, was a clear sign that it and I are sticking together till they bury me; I'll never give up on it, no matter what happens.


View attachment 33384

Is it me or does your bed in this pic look like it is to far back/separated from the cab? Honestly its your truck have it how ever you like it but here in MA. we don't see many older rangers and being years since one of my step bro's had one, a 2.8 version, it could be my eyes being used to the 93+ models throwing me. Either way, cap no cap it has come a long way from the beginning of the build. Loving the rims since I had them on my first truck.

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

Is it me or does your bed in this pic look like it is to far back/separated from the cab? Honestly its your truck have it how ever you like it but here in MA. we don't see many older rangers and being years since one of my step bro's had one, a 2.8 version, it could be my eyes being used to the 93+ models throwing me. Either way, cap no cap it has come a long way from the beginning of the build. Loving the rims since I had them on my first truck.

Oh, yeah, I only have 4/6 cab mounts. It only had 1/6 when I bought it, so sweet upgrades!

Seriously that things a ****ing mess. Frame is a little bendy as well. Not bent- yet, but the new drivers side rear cab mount bracket is 65% of that frame sections strength. Perfect candidate for a supercharger build.?


Also greatly appreciate the positive and negative feedback on the build. Has made the project feel a little lighter.

 

[Bgunner]

Oh, yeah, I only have 4/6 cab mounts. It only had 1/6 when I bought it, so sweet upgrades!

Does this include the the steering column?

On a serious note I don't think I would have taken on such a project myself at this point. Cu does to you for taking on such a deeply involved pita.

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

Forgot to post this as well:

Frame donor on its last ride

A shame I couldn't save this one; tree fell on it and demolished the roof.

But. Strong running 2.9 with world heads, rust-free frame, bed that's in better shape than mine, and cab support crossmembers I can use as a pattern to build new ones for mine. All in all, it's a win in my book for parts.

Anyone out there want a blue interior or tan seats??

 

[4.0blue98]

Blue interior and tan seats? The Ray Charles edition?

 

[flwsock]

Petroleum, great build! Just found the thread yesterday and just finished it. I noticed that you swapped the 215s for 235s. My 83 has had 215's on it since I bought it. I was 16. Everywhere I look online lists that as one of the stocker sizes, along with 225 and 235. What made you prefer the 235 over the 215? I always liked the way my ranger drove, but I think its time for some new tires soon. I'd like your opinion.

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

Petroleum, great build! Just found the thread yesterday and just finished it. I noticed that you swapped the 215s for 235s. My 83 has had 215's on it since I bought it. I was 16. Everywhere I look online lists that as one of the stocker sizes, along with 225 and 235. What made you prefer the 235 over the 215? I always liked the way my ranger drove, but I think its time for some new tires soon. I'd like your opinion.

So, I've had 205/70/15, 225/75/15, 235/70/15, and currently 31x10.5s on it.

Gotta say the two best were the 225s and the 31s.

225s looked like crap, but as I built the engine, the results were most noticeable.

31s mess up the torque curve a bit due to reducing effective axle ratio to 3.33 up from the 3.73s in the axles. So first gear is a little more "meh" at an uphill intersection, but 18-20mpg on the highway due to low cruise rpms.

 

[Rangerx2]

Come to think of it Petroleum Junkie I think I remember seeing your frame donor truck in the local Craigslist here in Pgh. Sad to see another old Ranger die but glad you got it and are able to use the parts off of it.
I see you're using a Ford Super Duty to tow it home with. Have you finally seen the light of the Blue Oval?

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

Come to think of it Petroleum Junkie I think I remember seeing your frame donor truck in the local Craigslist here in Pgh. Sad to see another old Ranger die but glad you got it and are able to use the parts off of it.
I see you're using a Ford Super Duty to tow it home with. Have you finally seen the light of the Blue Oval?

Good eye with the parts truck, it's one in the same.

As far as the F350 is concerned, I've tried to trade it in twice now on a Dodge. Neither dealer would offer enough for it. (13500 for a F350 with 46k on it. Wtf.)

First chance I get I'm crushing the F350. Biggest piece of garbage I've ever driven. Gutless pig that gets 12mpg and the trans launches you out of your seat shifting 2 to 3. According to the dealer though, "There's nothing wrong with it" ?