PlumCrazy's Build

[PlumCrazy]

I put them on the same way the factory ones were on.

 

[WNY964x4]

I put them on the same way the factory ones were on.

i mounted mine with the opening facing forward

 

[PlumCrazy]

I cheacked, and my 94 has them on tha same way I mounted the new ones. The factory ones look like they can only go on one way.

-plumcrazy

 

[BlackBII]

Cool build so far!

I'm diggin the extended arms and custom cross member.

I kind of want to find a full explorer center console now....

 

[PlumCrazy]

Cool build so far!

I'm diggin the extended arms and custom cross member.

I kind of want to find a full explorer center console now....

Thanks, I was originally planning on fixing some wheel bearings and spring hangers and running it stock for a while. Then I decided that since the rotors were off I might as well fix the sloppy ball joints and frozen u joints. And there is no point in replacing the ball joints and not replacing the worn out RA bushings. And if I am going to take it all apart anyway I might as well throw some drop brakets and lift coils in there, and since the RA cross member has to come off to put the lift on, I might as well pitch it and make a new that is 12 inches farther back. And if the spring hangers have to come off, Imight as well move them foward 6 inches, and why fight with the leafspring buhings when I have a set of 64" leaves with good bushings? I decided that I couldn't live with 3.27's so rather than regear my drum braked 8.8, I decided to throw a 31 spline l/s disc braked exploder rear with 3.73's under there. Lift shackles were cheaper than stock ones so it only made since to put those back there.lol

Needless to say this build happened a lot faster and sooner then I expected it too. I don't think it has turned out too bad for and 18 yr olds first real build.

update soon to follow,
-plumcrazy

 

[PlumCrazy]

I made some progress today.

I picked up a 130 amp alternator for 15 bucks

I made my p brake bracket, I used some stainless tubing scraps my dad brought home from work. Used some of the original springs to keep the cables away from the wheel when they are not uder tension.

I drilled and tapped out a hole in the rotors,and counter sumk the hole in the hub for a countersunk 1/4" stainless bolt. I was tired of the hubs sliding off with the wheel.

I swapped bumpers with my 2wd DD. I kinda like the look of the chrome bumper w/o valance on my 2wd. I cut the corners of the bumper to clear some bigger tires (some thing I should have done when I made the bumper originally, but I gues I didn't know I would ever have a 4x4 with 33's)

I also managed to get the lights all wired up, but I still havnt settled on what kind of switches I want yet so I dont have any pics of the lights on

I had to weld some tabs on the perches to hold the brake hoses,and i got the rear caliper pins all greased up and put the calipers on, I also found out that a 14" rim will not clear the calipers

I also snapped some random pics of the Extended RA's and the almost completed front end.

I also got some pics of the Exploder sway bar I found at the JY. It drops about 3 inches further than the Ranger sway bar. I think I am going to put swap out the lower sway bar link bolts with some pins so I can disconnect the sway bar for those times when a little flex needs to come into play

I put my drop pitman arm on aswell. After breaking two pitman arm pullers and using up a can of PB blaster I ended up cutting the old arm off I know I could have heated it with the torch and it would have slipped off, but I didnt want to risk damaging the steering box seal.

-plumcrazy

 

[PlumCrazy]

Ok, so I got my brake lines. I ordered lines for a lifted Ranger, but I wasn't thinking about the fact that I have an Exploder rear. On a Ranger the rear brake line tee's on top of the rear diff, and on a an Exploder (w/ disc) the tee is biult into the DS caliper hose.

So I decided to put a PS caliper hose on both sides that way I could put my tee in the Ranger location. I hope this makes sense.

Nobody was around to help me lift bed up and put it on, so I got creative

Now she has to sit until I get my wheels and tires.

I also got my one peice and bolted it on today with some new u joints. I am still waiting on my rear shocks as well. I made my switch panel for all my lights and stereo but I didnt grab a pic. I am going to start on making my rear bumper on my next day off.

 

[PlumCrazy]

Welp, I made my bumper last night, I still have to paint it and drill the holes for the plate, light plugs, and plate light.and I need to weld something on the bottom for trailer safety chains to hok on.

It is made out of 6" channel, 2"x1/4" flat, 3"x1/4" flat, and 3"x3"x1/4" angle. It weighs a good 80 lbs., Now it matches the front that weighs about 110 lbs.

And I finally got my wheels they are 15X8's with 3.75 backspace.

 

[crawlin91]

I really like your radius arm/tranny crossmember. I gotta get to work on mine. (doing a similar RA buildup) Your build looks pretty solid so far. 18 or not, I think youve got some good working skills and creative ideas.

 

[PlumCrazy]

Thanks Crawlin.


I snapped a few pics of my switch panel. The buttons are all push on push again to turn off.

 

[7.5L_STX]

that switch panel looks great!! wish i could fab like that.

 

[TS6034]

Nice panel. Where did you get those button switches?

 

[Flash Gordan]

Looks like one of your picture links didn't work correctly.

 

[PlumCrazy]

Nice panel. Where did you get those button switches?

They are from NAPA, I am pretty sure you can get them at Radio Shack too.

Thanks, Flash Gordan I didnt even notice

-plumcrazy

 

[nate09]

envious of your build. same truck except mines a 93. great work, cant wait to see how it turns out.