crankyjew2d2
Member
- Joined
- Apr 3, 2012
- Messages
- 60
- Reaction score
- 6
- Points
- 8
- Location
- Rochester, NY
- Vehicle Year
- 2004
- Make / Model
- Ford
- Engine Size
- 4.0 Flex
- Transmission
- Automatic
howdy yall-
been a while away from TRS. had a 1994 ranger splash that was rolled, followed by a 2002 fx4 that was wrecked. Currently my dd is a 2004 sport trac, with about 4" of lift on 33's.
the itch to get back into an early ranger and build a trail rig has been strong.
picked up a 1992 one-owner recently. 4.0 auto, 4x4, reg cab long bed. the truck is in phenomenal shape given that it's spent it's whole life in western ny. less than 100k on it. body mounts are solid, the body is very decent. old man kept it inside and kept a cap on the bed.
the plan- jeep xj dana 30, leaf springs, skinny 35's. I'd like to go 4.56 gears.
why a d30? similar width, same wheel bolt pattern. the xj axles were non-disconnect, high pinion, better u-joints. i found one locally for $60 with 3.73 gears.
why leaf springs? I like how simple, old-school and clean they are. I got a set of superlift (i think) full size blazer springs for free.
I'm a welder-fabricator - I work 7 days a week most weeks. I'll be buying most of the brackets from Rusty's. shackle frame mounts, spring perches, u bolts and plates. I'll be fabricating a front crossmember, a new trans crossmember, and steering linkages.
shocks, driveshaft, and rear axle will be sorted out once the truck is sitting under it's own weight again.
I plan on running either a Blue Torch Fab or M.O.R.E off road dana 30 crossover steering setup.
I'm looking to build this truck into a SIMPLE, durable, CHEAP, trail vehicle. it won't be a mudder, it won't be a rock crawler.
here's how the truck sits now. I'll do my best to take pictures as I go!
been a while away from TRS. had a 1994 ranger splash that was rolled, followed by a 2002 fx4 that was wrecked. Currently my dd is a 2004 sport trac, with about 4" of lift on 33's.
the itch to get back into an early ranger and build a trail rig has been strong.
picked up a 1992 one-owner recently. 4.0 auto, 4x4, reg cab long bed. the truck is in phenomenal shape given that it's spent it's whole life in western ny. less than 100k on it. body mounts are solid, the body is very decent. old man kept it inside and kept a cap on the bed.
the plan- jeep xj dana 30, leaf springs, skinny 35's. I'd like to go 4.56 gears.
why a d30? similar width, same wheel bolt pattern. the xj axles were non-disconnect, high pinion, better u-joints. i found one locally for $60 with 3.73 gears.
why leaf springs? I like how simple, old-school and clean they are. I got a set of superlift (i think) full size blazer springs for free.
I'm a welder-fabricator - I work 7 days a week most weeks. I'll be buying most of the brackets from Rusty's. shackle frame mounts, spring perches, u bolts and plates. I'll be fabricating a front crossmember, a new trans crossmember, and steering linkages.
shocks, driveshaft, and rear axle will be sorted out once the truck is sitting under it's own weight again.
I plan on running either a Blue Torch Fab or M.O.R.E off road dana 30 crossover steering setup.
I'm looking to build this truck into a SIMPLE, durable, CHEAP, trail vehicle. it won't be a mudder, it won't be a rock crawler.
here's how the truck sits now. I'll do my best to take pictures as I go!