Lwhite97
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- Sep 27, 2017
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"Budget Dream Truck": manual 3.0L 95 Ford Ranger 4x4 (Sorry for newbie questions)
I recently picked up a dented up (body only) 95 ford ranger for cheap. My end (is there really ever an "end" though?) goal for now is to drop a 351W into it along with a M5OD-R2 transmission and an exploder 8.8.
My current plan is to first to get the brakes working (3/4 bleeder valves are snapped off, probably just going to replace the brakes unless otherwise advised), then I want fix up the large dent in the side (at least enough so that I can replace the fuel feeder hose without it being stressed). After that my plan is to go to the junkyard and pick up a engine, the transmission, the 8.8, and any extra parts I needed for installation. I have also read that lifting the truck a little (body lift) will make it slightly easier to fit everything in, so I am planning on doing that as well when I install the engine and trans.
Problems
My first problem is that right now I have installed new brake lines (had a broken one when I purchased it) but can't bleed any of the brakes as all but one of the bleeder valves crumbled away as soon as I sprayed them with WD40. I'm not sure if you can drill those out or if it would even be worth doing so I was planning on just replacing the entire brake system.
My second problem with that is that I am planning on replacing the rear axle at some point so I don't want to waste the money on new brakes (or waste the time pulling old ones from a junkyard) if they wont fit the new axle (currently I have drums in the back but iirc the 8.8 that is common in this swap has disc brakes).
Not really a problem, but my dad thinks it's already been lifted a little, I thought it's just on large tires but for some reason I remember a little snippet of something that the leaf springs are mounted "under" sometimes while mine are mounted "over," can't remember which one is stock though
All Ready Done
I have replaced all the brake lines, and I have pulled the dent out enough to fill the tank with relative ease.
Questions
What do you think of my transmission choice? I know they put it behind the 302 in f150's and stuff.
What year should I try for for the engine& trans?
Misc. advice is always welcome
full picture album w/additional pictures
If more info is needed/pictures are needed please let me know.
I recently picked up a dented up (body only) 95 ford ranger for cheap. My end (is there really ever an "end" though?) goal for now is to drop a 351W into it along with a M5OD-R2 transmission and an exploder 8.8.
My current plan is to first to get the brakes working (3/4 bleeder valves are snapped off, probably just going to replace the brakes unless otherwise advised), then I want fix up the large dent in the side (at least enough so that I can replace the fuel feeder hose without it being stressed). After that my plan is to go to the junkyard and pick up a engine, the transmission, the 8.8, and any extra parts I needed for installation. I have also read that lifting the truck a little (body lift) will make it slightly easier to fit everything in, so I am planning on doing that as well when I install the engine and trans.
Problems
My first problem is that right now I have installed new brake lines (had a broken one when I purchased it) but can't bleed any of the brakes as all but one of the bleeder valves crumbled away as soon as I sprayed them with WD40. I'm not sure if you can drill those out or if it would even be worth doing so I was planning on just replacing the entire brake system.
My second problem with that is that I am planning on replacing the rear axle at some point so I don't want to waste the money on new brakes (or waste the time pulling old ones from a junkyard) if they wont fit the new axle (currently I have drums in the back but iirc the 8.8 that is common in this swap has disc brakes).
Not really a problem, but my dad thinks it's already been lifted a little, I thought it's just on large tires but for some reason I remember a little snippet of something that the leaf springs are mounted "under" sometimes while mine are mounted "over," can't remember which one is stock though
All Ready Done
I have replaced all the brake lines, and I have pulled the dent out enough to fill the tank with relative ease.
Questions
What do you think of my transmission choice? I know they put it behind the 302 in f150's and stuff.
What year should I try for for the engine& trans?
Misc. advice is always welcome
full picture album w/additional pictures
If more info is needed/pictures are needed please let me know.