I haven't had a chance to assemble any new updates this week. I am still working on the interior but did manage to get the AC operational just last night with a lot of help from a couple friends. Thank you very much to Win ((fellow V8 Ranger owner), Steve (Auto Dynamics), and all the guys at Advance Auto Parts for putting up with me.
I will probably start back early next week with more updates as the project closes in on completion. Part of the issue this week was the 98 Ranger failing three counties away from home during the work day. It turned out to be a fuel pump but that didn't make the second half of Thursday any better. After another driver came to my rescue the truck was towed to Largo Florida and scheduled for repair. That left today with only one option for work, drive the new 99!!! : )
I left the house with 26 miles on the odometer and drove it another 223 miles, I now have 249 miles racked up. I averaged 17.6 MPG up and down US19 from St. Pete Beach to Homosassa and back with the AC running the entire time. I think the engine should loosen up as the odometer creeps up into the 2000-5000 mile range. I feel pretty confident that with a little more tuning and drive time I should be close to 20-22 MPG. Here is a photo of the truck at the end of a very rain filled work day in down town St Pete at the very last stop.
99 Ranger, First day at work!!!