Finally done.....1st Gen, 351W


Dan B.

January 2012 STOTM Winner

MTOTM Winner
V8 Engine Swap
Joined
Jan 6, 2008
Messages
275
Points
3,101
Age
49
City
Armagh, PA
Vehicle Year
1985
Engine
Transmission
Automatic
It's been a long time coming. I built this truck back when dino's still roamed the earth and the internet was still in its infancy....well, ok, about 15yrs ago...and it is finally done, completed in August of 2011.

I used to post around here often then faded away but figured I'd pop over and post up some pics.

The Ranger has been through several different phases in its life. The current (and hopefully last) phase has it toting a .030" over 351W that is pretty stout, TP long tube headers, dual 3" exhaust w/ Flowmaster Delta Force race mufflers, built C4 w/ 3500 stall TCI convertor, Mopar 8.75" narrowed 15" and loaded w/ 3.55's, S-10 springs, several small body mods and coated in 2011 Vista Blue Metallic. The wheels are Summit Warrior R/T (15x7 front, 15x10 rear) w/ 205/60 and 275/60 BFG RTA's. The hood is ALL STEEL and fab'd by yours truly. Also running an Innovate wideband...which is just awesome!! I'd recommend this as a must-have for anyone running a well built combo. Makes tuning a cinch.

It does not see rain and will never see snow! I used to race it quite a bit and ran deep into the 13's w/ a .450" lift cam, no gears and no convertor. Based on local friends running fox bodycars with similar set ups that I am currently running it should go deep 12's w/ no problems. But now I just cruise it around with my kids and take it to shows.....however, hazing the tires from a 20mph roll and keeping them spinning through second hear is a hoot!

Finally done.....1st Gen, 351W


Finally done.....1st Gen, 351W


Finally done.....1st Gen, 351W
 
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Very clean truck, I hope someday mine looks like a 4wd longbed version of that. :icon_thumby:
 
Thanks.

Interior....all stock except carpet.

Finally done.....1st Gen, 351W


Engine pic....needs cleaned up and heater core replaced.

Finally done.....1st Gen, 351W
 
Underneath.....tranny cooler w/ fan mounted under bed/cab. Notice the heat shields on the exhaust...made these from 4" exhaust pipe split down the sides then a clamp welded to the inside. They work great.

Finally done.....1st Gen, 351W


Closer view.
Finally done.....1st Gen, 351W


Rear suspension set up w/ S-10 springs, Mopar rear, shock flip and slapper bars...please don't mind the dirt. This was right after paint and before I got to detail it.. Also going to make a set of CalTracs to replace the slappers.

Finally done.....1st Gen, 351W


Money shot!

Finally done.....1st Gen, 351W


Pass side motor mount.

Finally done.....1st Gen, 351W


Driver side.

Finally done.....1st Gen, 351W


....and my dog house! :D

Finally done.....1st Gen, 351W
 
beautiful truck! only thing i'm not a big fan of is the trac bars on the springs, but they are a little bit of a necessity on a car like that... they just ALWAYS look out of place to me...

wicked color too! i must add that DSG accents it nicely too ;)
 
Now for videos of it driving/in action!!!
 
....not a big fan of is the trac bars on the springs......i must add that DSG accents it nicely too ;)

I agree. When I was racing it, the addition of those bars dropped my ET .15 seconds. In the spring I'm going to fab a set of CalTracs. The set much closer to the spring and look much "cleaner", not so old school, and are barely noticable.

DSG??? Don't know that one.

Action shots....not till spring, man! Right now she (yes a SHE) is taking a winter nap. I may be able to dig up some stuff from before it was painted.
 
Scribed for donut vids.
 
I agree. When I was racing it, the addition of those bars dropped my ET .15 seconds. In the spring I'm going to fab a set of CalTracs. The set much closer to the spring and look much "cleaner", not so old school, and are barely noticable.

DSG??? Don't know that one.

Action shots....not till spring, man! Right now she (yes a SHE) is taking a winter nap. I may be able to dig up some stuff from before it was painted.

DSG is a ford factory color "Dark Shadow Gray"

yes, exactly this...



i don't mean to whore my pics, but here's some of my pics...

Finally done.....1st Gen, 351W
 

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