1st 302 ranger build!! All help appreciated

Jessenelms · Mar 30, 2016

Ok it's been a busy few days but got to work on the truck a few days and quite a bit today.
I sanded down the frame, cross members, the rearend and springs and got them painted and clear coated. I also got all my hardware for the parking brakes, new 3/8" spring plates and u-bolts.
With a little help from a jack I got the explorer springs and rearend bolted up and in place.
Next step is going to measure and make custom stainless brake line from the front to rear and to install rear calipers on the old rotors (until I get drilled and slotted for front and rear on) and get my new parking brake cables on.

Some pics till next time!

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prymetime1 · Mar 30, 2016

Looking good man!

84FreakRanger · Mar 31, 2016

Looking awesome man!

Jessenelms · Mar 31, 2016

Thanks guys. Still hitting the manuals figuring out the wiring to everything. Quite the nightmare especially since I want it to have as little wires as I can. Hoping to end up looking close to this-

If any of you have any advice if would be nice.
Also, does anyone sell mount plates anymore? I'm wanting a set

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Jessenelms · Apr 2, 2016

So I got yo work on the truck a little today.
Got all the parking brake cables and brackets on and working properly after a little cable work and two fabricated brackets.
Also got some of the harness done. Gonna be a few days before I'll get the chance to do any work but gonna order a few parts.

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prymetime1 · Apr 3, 2016

Keep it coming brotha. As far as the pic above, that is a clean set up, looks like the firewall was smoothed while they were at it. The wiring for the engine can easily be done that way, you just need to take the time to tuck what's left for the engine harness for the lights, etc. Being that u want to use the stock gauges, I am thinking you'll need to get creative with the oil and tach since I think they were probably wired into the ecu for signals to guages. I'm no pro on this tho, just my thoughts when I was planning my build that I worked around. If you have a really good wire schematic you could probably take the time to make it all work.

Jessenelms · Aug 31, 2016

Ok guys it's been quite a while since I've done any work on the ranger. I've been getting a new business started and time and money have been tight. I just started back and I've changed the direction of my truck some what.

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Jessenelms · Aug 31, 2016

This is my new fuel tank so I'm going shop truck all the way. In remembrance of my late grandpa that got me in to turning wrenches in the first place. Also going auto meter gauges to free up some wiring.

I have my block back, washed and getting ready for paint by the weekend. Picked up all the explorer brackets and a new timing cover is on the way.

Has any one used a different harmonic balancer than the stock explorer? I have a summit balancer that I got balanced with the engine and a aluminum pulley but I'm not sure it will work. Any ideas?

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alwaysFlOoReD · Aug 31, 2016

If you're thinking of converting the air tank into fuel tank, be aware there will be lots and lots of rust inside.

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Jessenelms · Sep 2, 2016

No worries. It will be split open, sandblasted, baffled, and sealed before operation

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Jessenelms · Sep 3, 2016

Got the block, front cover and water pump primed, base coated and 1st coat of paint yesterday and today

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Jessenelms · Sep 3, 2016

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Lukey · Sep 4, 2016

Jessenelms said:
Thanks guys. Still hitting the manuals figuring out the wiring to everything. Quite the nightmare especially since I want it to have as little wires as I can. Hoping to end up looking close to this-

If any of you have any advice if would be nice.
Also, does anyone sell mount plates anymore? I'm wanting a set

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If you are comfortable with extending wires, I like to run all the engine wiring thru a piece of tubing I mount onto the frame rail to in front of the engine then bring it up between engine and alternator. Keeps all wire hidden out of sight except for my electric choke.

Jessenelms · Sep 5, 2016

I do like the idea of running most of the wires where they can't be seen. I have already thought of that but just not that far yet. Thanks for the idea and where to run it for ease.

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Jessenelms · Sep 5, 2016

I finally got enough time to get the last few coats of paint on and personally I love the look of it.

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1st 302 ranger build!! All help appreciated

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