Hello

AKdude · Apr 22, 2015

Hello everyone. I am new to this forum but not new to rangers. I have been stalking this forum for info for a couple years now, so I figured now is time to join up.

I am active duty Air Force, soon to leave NJ for Alaska. I have owned a 1999 Ranger 4x4, 2002 FX4, and now I just bought a 1986 Ranger STX 4x4. I am currently in the process for locating a donor vehicle for a 4.0 swap.

On the note I have a question from those who have experience in this. I have an auto transmission but am think about converting it to a manual so I can use the M50D-R1. Any thoughts? Worth the trouble?

Excited to be a part of the forum! Nice to meet everyone!

SenorNoob · Apr 24, 2015

The conversion shouldn't be too bad. Just find a donor with the manual and the 4.0. You'll be set for parts. If you're REALLY lucky, you'll find a 91-93 Explorer with the manual and manual transfer case. That way you can use both axles too and better brakes would be a bolt on affair later. Ranger parts are more common in manual though and should still offer a stronger axles.

AKdude · Apr 25, 2015

I decided to just stick with auto. I found a 91 ranger stx 4x4 for $650. In good condition. Should be pretty straight forward.

AKdude · Apr 25, 2015

Jerryy said:
Wow.. Beautiful car..

I am honored the your first post on this site is to point out the sheer beauty of my truck. Thank you.

artic alf · Apr 25, 2015

i'm seeing snow on the ground so are you in the Fairbanks - Northpole Alaska area? if so i have all kinds of parts if you need. by the way nice truck.

alwaysFlOoReD · Apr 25, 2015

AKdude said:
I am honored the your first post on this site is to point out the sheer beauty of my truck. Thank you.

I think you will fit right in here. Welcome to TRS!

Richard

AKdude · Apr 26, 2015

artic alf said:
i'm seeing snow on the ground so are you in the Fairbanks - Northpole Alaska area? if so i have all kinds of parts if you need. by the way nice truck.

Yep, the truck is in Fairbanks right now. My brother picked up for me. I'm actually in NJ til the end of may and then will be stationed at Eielson starting in June. I will definitely keep in mind that you have parts! Have you done a swap before by chance?

artic alf · Apr 26, 2015

trans and transfer case. dana 35 to replace dana28.explorer 8.8 . will be spaw 2.9 to 4.0 in fall. this is happening on a 89 Bronco 2.plus 5.5 explorer lift with extended radius arms. this next winter will be doing sas. plus once the bronco is done i've got a 88 ranger extended cab i will be swaping a 92 explorer engine and chassis into. here's link to bronco 2 build http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/showthread.php?t=157974. and link to ranger build.http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/showthread.php?t=157972. by the way thank you for serving our country. if you like trail riding check out this link http://www.arcticoffroad.com/i'm a member of pretty good group of off roaders and a lot of military.i'm arctic alf on there two. can't wait to meet you.

AKdude · Apr 26, 2015

I have always wanted to get into trail riding. We'll definitely have to meet up this summer. I might need your expertise if my brother and I get stuck on the build. I might want some body parts (passenger fender and vent cowl) if you have some to spare.

artic alf · Apr 26, 2015

yeah i've got those parts.the cowl panel is welded in place just so you know. trail riding is a blast . great views, friends and pushing your rig to it's limits and getting home.

artic alf · Apr 26, 2015

i should have a good bumper. not sure on grille though

AKdude · Apr 27, 2015

I actually picked up a nice grille out here in NJ. I've been trying to get what I can out here because I know things can get limited in Alaska.

AKdude · Jun 19, 2015

I finally got to see the truck in person! I like it even more now. I picked up a couple seats out of an 86 Merkur to replace my crappy, broken, stock seats. I also removed the ladder rack. This weekend will be the big project. I'll be sure to post lots of pics.

LIMA BEAN · Jun 20, 2015

Belated welcome to TRS and also welcome to Alaska. I grew up a 100 miles South of FBX down in Delta and its prime wheeling country all over the interior as I am sure you figured out by now but havnt been up to FBX for a few years when I put up a steel building out in Fox. The cool thing about like Eielson/Wainwright/Greely is that there are untold miles of old tank/apc trails to explore that civilians can't access as long as they are not restricted areas its like a private playground. I used to know every rabbit trail on Greely and it was pretty chill there in the late 70's so the MP's never wondered around out there and all they had was little postal jeeps anyway lol but with the missile defense system these days things may be a bit more controled. A couple of us guys used to bring our rigs to FBX and hit the big mud bog events out on South Cushman, I have a few trophies packed away somewhere still. Oh and Delta has a big mud bog event at the Deltana fair so that may be fun for you to go see and camp out. Your gen 1 ranger looks sweet and keep posting as you build it, most importantly thank you very much for your military service :icon_thumby:

.

AKdude · Jun 24, 2015

Lime Bean, thanks for the support! I'm going to have to check out the fair for sure. I started posting my build in the builds thread if you want to stay tuned. I'll be finishing my engine swap this weekend! So excited about it.

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