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My '85 Ranger 4x4 Build Thread


FordFanatic

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1985
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Transmission
Manual
Hey everyone, just thought I'd make a build thread for my '85 Ranger 4x4. I picked it up in July. It has a 2.8L and an FM145 5-speed with 3.73 gears. Was a former Oregon State Forestry truck. Has a mere 43xxx miles on it as of now, with only 40,9xx when I picked it up. Has functioning R-134 converted A/C as well.

When I picked it up.









The 2.8L and all of it's raw 115hp and 150 ft-lbs of torque. (It does fire right up and run like a top though.)



Removed the ladder rack.



All the literature that was in the glovebox.


Added some little interior pieces as well as a Ford badge.


I decided the 2.8L just was not powerful enough, so I decided to double the output with an H.O. 302 (the fuelie ones were rated at 225hp and 300 ft-lbs stock). Found a rebuild BW1350 and an Advance Adaptors Adaptor to a C4 for $100 on Craigslist.



Doesn't look like much but this will be the powerplant. An H.O. 302 ('87 I think) from a rear-ended Mustang with only 60k on it. Plan is to do a little headwork, install an HO cam, 1.7 rockers, aluminum intake, and a 600-650cfm 4-bbl.



Picked up a C4 from a buddy, needs to be gone through, I have the 4wd output shaft as well.



Had it Ziebart coated so I can drive it yearly in Michigan.


Decided to get a 3" bodylift to help with the clearance for the 302. (Plus it sits a little too low for me.



Stock TTB flex! Lol



Scored a push bar for $20, a little cutting and welding made it fit. Also added some 100W KC HiLites I had laying around.





In just a few weeks I should be pulling the 2.8L, installing the lift and getting everything ready to drop in the new drivetrain. Pretty excited!
 


B2 Addict

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V8 Engine Swap
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1984
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V8
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5.0
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2WD / 4WD
Solid Axle Swap 4x4
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Nice!! That thing looks awesome man!!! :icon_thumby:

:icon_cheers: B2 Addict
 

forgey4x4

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Nice truck
 

FordFanatic

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Thanks guys! She does seem to draw some attention just because it's so clean for a 1st gen. I'm ready to mess with people at stop lights with it though! Lol
 

Twister

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1985 1987
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Nice looking truck. Very nice score on the tcase/adapter.

Sent from my SPH-L900 using Tapatalk
 

96Indyram

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Good looking truck! I love the 1st gens.
If you wasen't located so far from me, I would try to buy that 2.8 from you for my 84.
 

FordFanatic

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Manual
Should be doing the body lift on her very soon! Then to pull the 2.8L and FM145!
 

armadillon

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coo. Need to do the swap myself soon. I may end up going 360 thought ;)
 

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