1973 courier/ ranger build

BlackBII · Apr 23, 2018

As long as you use grade 8 bolts I don't that being a problem.

Is the crossmember supporting the engine? It looks like the motor mounts are welded to the inner side of the frame. You could always move the crossmember backwards or forward to help get it out of the way of the pumpkin. Or use two narrower crossmembers, one in front of the engine and one behind it.

1991fordranger1 · Apr 23, 2018

Yea to the inner of the frame i like the member where it is just need it to be narrower

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1991fordranger1 · Jun 3, 2018

Well it's been months since I got anywhere but with beautiful weather and a house and yard to work on truck has seen less attention.

I have made a set of tall jack stands got material cut for second set just need to weld them together but they are 18" at the lowest setting so I can level my truck out. Hope in the next month I can have axles slung under truck and mount them. I'm adding a tool room and fixing the roof on the garage so will make work space bigger with less clutter in there.

I need to set a goal and I think that's going to be next summer to be daily driving this thing.

I want to sell my 5th wheel camper and be able to sell the half ton so goals need to be set.

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1991fordranger1 · Aug 14, 2018

Still haven't looked at truck but such is life. Tool room went from a 8 foot lean too into a 12x16 addition so more work and money but will be sweet!

I've had a lot of walking by the truck get some ideas and clarity on how to go about it. Stuff is mapped out which Is most of the battle I've given up hope on starting back up on the truck until snow flies as I like being outside not cooped up and at the rate of tool purchases have been going I should have lots of toys to make it easier!

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1991fordranger1 · Sep 21, 2018

Finally got to do some stuff on my truck been a long summer. Have to still get power trenched in to garage for 220 but still.

Went out busted out the plum Bob's, tape measure, and a square started measuring out for my front diff. And found that the crossmember I built will give me issues.. I welded it in but didn't gusset like crazy so crappy but not bad. I fabbed up a new one and in my opinion it will look better anyways. Little progress but still progress.. the weather is turning so garage season is upon us so woo! I hope to start having regular updates and progress.

I picked up a 250amp mig welder with spool gun attachment need to get my truck rolling so I can do some side hustle to pay for parts! Would love to have it driving next summer but will see

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1991fordranger1 · Oct 8, 2018

Well I finally did something worth showing and not just blabbering about my side projects.

So I pulled the motor out and cut the first crossmember out. Fit the new one up welded it in place.

I cut the rest of the firewall out and it make good clearance and actually made the rebuild job less scary looking. Will come back to that job later.

I drug the axle in and sort of placed it where it needs to go. Upon looking at it I guess I'm going lifted and big tires to fill up wheel wells.
Also the leaf springs I got that are off a 87 wagoneer one they are sagged out of shape. Two they have no lift to them and three the guy i got them off of hit the eyelet with the torch so no good. I'm thinking maybe getting a set of jeep yj leafs eith a good lift to them. Unless someone's got a good idea of another good common leaf.

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dieseldane · Oct 8, 2018

Glad to see you back at it!

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BlackBII · Oct 8, 2018

Looking good man! Some YJ leaves should work well. Do you have an idea of how much it'll weigh when it's done? You may want to look at the spring rates of aftermarket YJ leaves and then decide; I imagine this truck will weigh quite a bit less than a YJ.

Excited to see more progress. :icon_welder:

1991fordranger1 · Oct 8, 2018

BlackBII said:
Looking good man! Some YJ leaves should work well. Do you have an idea of how much it'll weigh when it's done? You may want to look at the spring rates of aftermarket YJ leaves and then decide; I imagine this truck will weigh quite a bit less than a YJ.

Excited to see more progress.

It's got a 650lb diesel in front it might not weigh less. I am going to throw some sort of roll bar in it or cage

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Rowdy Fitzgerald · Oct 10, 2018

I'm glad to see you're making time again! What about some Toyota leafs? They're all over and fairly cheap.

1991fordranger1 · Oct 10, 2018

Rowdy Fitzgerald said:
I'm glad to see you're making time again! What about some Toyota leafs? They're all over and fairly cheap.

Ones I found are only 2.375 wide not 2.5 but I did look into them.

Open to suggestions though. Been looking online yj pro comp springs aren't too crazy

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Rowdy Fitzgerald · Oct 11, 2018

I wouldn't think that last 1/8" would make any difference. As far as them staying secure. I know the Toyota guys have their leafs dialed since they are so popular. Might get a better ride.

bobbywalter · Oct 11, 2018

258 is 600 plus pounds dressed with a york.

so cj springs easy...or waggy like ya gots...

i luv this thing.

get it....luv

1991fordranger1 · Oct 11, 2018

bobbywalter said:
258 is 600 plus pounds dressed with a york.

so cj springs easy...or waggy like ya gots...

i luv this thing.

get it....luv

I don't get half of what your saying

I went ahead and ordered pro comp 4inch lift yj springs and day star polyurethane bushings will be a week before I get them since I ordered out of the states. Have to work overtime this Saturday so won't have time on it or much time but. New leafs should make it easier and better in the end.

Shackle on the front of the spring or rear of the spring? Was thinking front like jeep does

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1991fordranger1 · Oct 11, 2018

bobbywalter said:
258 is 600 plus pounds dressed with a york.

so cj springs easy...or waggy like ya gots...

i luv this thing.

get it....luv

Little utility vehicle

got ya good one lol

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