Shorten a ranger

GETUSUM · Nov 14, 2007

Hey guys, Im new to this forum. I am building a v8 mazda/ranger. I own a 10 sec street stang. I know about the engine, trans, elec. etc etc. My question is has anyone ever shorten the frame/bed on one od these trucks? Thats how the s-10 guys get there trucks to hook up. Also, what do you guys do to make these trucks hook? I am planning on building it N/A then going with a single custom turbo setup. Thanks

projectnitemare · Nov 14, 2007

What is the reason to shorten the truck? Weight transfer? Some offroad guys bob the bed, it's not that hard. Chop off the rear of the frame and cut a section from the bed and graft it back together. Just a lot of work. I still don't see that making anything better on the strip though. If you want to get traction you need to focus on the suspension. A 4-link will may the best of your efforts.

Matt

kunar · Nov 14, 2007

how short do you want it? i would start with a reg cab, short bed truck. another option is a b2 frame with a ranger body. let me try to dig up some pics....

GETUSUM · Nov 14, 2007

I am totally new to this vehicle. It is a 1994 Maxda single cab, short bed. I am going to pick it up in about an hour. I was just wondering for wieght transfer. They have some really fast guys out here with S-10's and thats one of the tricks they do. They normally shorten it 4 inchs or so. One of them is a street truck that runs 9:40's at 141 on the juice. They cut the frame and them rework the bed. You would never know by looking at it

GETUSUM · Nov 14, 2007

whats a b2?

kunar · Nov 14, 2007

GETUSUM said:
whats a b2?

short for BroncoII but it sounds like that may be out of the question. i know you can shorten the frame and bed behind the axle but it wont really do much for weight transfer. you need to shorten the wheel base.

GETUSUM · Nov 14, 2007

kunar said:
short for BroncoII but it sounds like that may be out of the question. i know you can shorten the frame and bed behind the axle but it wont really do much for weight transfer. you need to shorten the wheel base.

Thanks, that was my thoughts. What rearend comes in a 1994 Mazda?

Pt_Ranger_V8 · Nov 14, 2007

depends on the engine - it's either a 7.5" rear (WEAK!) or an 8.8" rear (simliar to what is in similar year stangs)

GETUSUM · Nov 14, 2007

It has a 4 banger with 8 spark plugs. If it is the 7.5. What is the easiest way to put an 8.8 in and what year truck to look for the 8.8. in. Thanks

kunar · Nov 14, 2007

easiest and strongest by far is the fx4 level 2 (or an '02 fx4) which should be a bolt in 8.8 with 31 splines, 4.10 or 4.56 l/s. short of that, easiest is a 28 spline 8.8 from a newer ranger but an 8.8 from an explorer will be 31 splines. will take some welding to make it fit.

red85 · Nov 14, 2007

GETUSUM said:
It has a 4 banger with 8 spark plugs. If it is the 7.5. What is the easiest way to put an 8.8 in and what year truck to look for the 8.8. in. Thanks

Get a hold of an Explorer 8.8 and add spring perches to the top of the axle and weld on some shock mounts. The Explorers came with 31 spline axles and offered everything from a 3.08 to a 4.10 l/s. In 97 or so they also started to come with disc brakes too. Look for anything from 91-99 and you should do well. Another option is the Ranger 8.8's from about 94 up. Unless you get an FX4 Level 2, you'll have 28 spline axles though. They're a direct bolt in, but the 28 spline axles are a bit of a weak point for anybody putting a ton of hp to the wheels.

Phil

BigBlockRanger · Nov 14, 2007

How to hook up?

http://www.calvertracing.com

Call 'em. I know a guy with a FULL size Dodge pickup (512" BB) that is using these and cutting 1.3x sec 60 foots. That's what the BBR will have under it soon.

fordwheelinman · Nov 14, 2007

If it were me, id get the explorer 8.8 and leave it spring under. I dont know much, but it seems to me the axle wrap and wheel hop will be best controlled with a spring under set up.

GETUSUM · Nov 14, 2007

thanks for all the feedback. I just got back with the truck. I guess I will start hunting some parts down

GETUSUM · Nov 14, 2007

BigBlockRanger said:
How to hook up?

http://www.calvertracing.com

Call 'em. I know a guy with a FULL size Dodge pickup (512" BB) that is using these and cutting 1.3x sec 60 foots. That's what the BBR will have under it soon.

The site looks cool but has no pics of the product. Exactly what is it ? Leaf springs, 4 link ??

Shorten a ranger

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