46k mile 1988 Ranger “Outlaw” 4x4 Restomod and Build

[Franken5liter]

Beginning my build thread for the 88 Ranger 4x4 Std Cab Short Bed I scooped up in GA early summer 2020.
Details: 2.9L A4LD auto, high rider optioned XLT, 4.10 LimSlip 7.5 rear, original paint and interior.
Restomod plans: gut and clean interior with “new” ‘99 Exp 5.0 Engine and trans with a BW 4406e xfer case. I’m keeping lots of details mum now to stifle the trolls for as long as possible.
Here‘s pics of the trailering back home, initial exterior condition including engine. The interior has been gutted and sheet metal cleaned and seams sealed. Paint was glazed with penetrol to keep the GA patina look.
Looking forward to input and advice including which fuel tanks from the 98-00 rangers will fit to get whole fuel system return-less. Thanks!!!

 

[PNW Paul]

Looking good, really like the design features of these early Rangers. Following . . .

 

[Shran]

Keep up the good work!!!

 

[Franken5liter]

Ok y’all here’s a high level update on the recent work done on the Outlaw. As always Monk, my brother in arms, gave a crap ton of help and feedback on how not to die or lose limbs.
- Engine removed
- Trans removed
- Bed removed
- Body harnesses removed
- Fuel tank and lines removed
- Fender wells removed
- Ready for power washing and por 15 prep and rust proofing.
slow and steady she goes

 

[Franken5liter]

Update: Still haven’t treated frame but did seam seal the HE out of the rad support, firewall and rear of cab. After gutting the interior, down to the dash frame and cleaning out all the dead tenants and leaves from everywhere I am just about ready for the new carpet, panels and seat install. Interior has taken so much longer than I planned with all the floor and door plugs needing chased down and replaced, gauge needles painted back to neon and HVAC ducts cleaned repaired and restored.

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

if you are tossing the 2.9, this guy wants it

 

[Franken5liter]

if you are tossing the 2.9, this guy wants it

Oh I know! I got you top of the list if I end up parting with it.
Probably going to sell the A4LD transmission in the near future tho. Any interest?

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

A4LD transmission

Any interest?

Only as trebuchet ammunition

 

[Franken5liter]

Only as trebuchet ammunition

Or a boat anchor

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Or a boat anchor

Nah, it would probably still get too hot.

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

Nah, it would probably still get too hot.

Hence treb ammo.

BURN THEM ALL

 

[RobbieD]

Looking good! The quality of the workmanship is going to make this one a top-notch example of a first gen Ranger. Looking forward to seeing the next installment!

 

[Franken5liter]

Arrrgh!!! I’m stuck trying to find replacement plugs for the floor pan!!!! Any info in terms of part numbers or interchangeable vehicles??? The oval hole bore measures 3” x 1.5” (pic attached) and I cannot find the right one! LMC sold me something that fits door frame hole 1” x .5” and the body mount hole but does not fit the drain hole!! I’m losing my mind and is keeping me from getting carpet in
Like an idiot I threw the old ones out
Anyways I’m done venting for the moment. Gonna post a help request on the forum.
Thanks for any help guys!!!

 

[sgtsandman]

I don't know if these are the right size or not but #14 on LMC truck has some plugs the might work: https://www.lmctruck.com/1983-11-ford/fr-1993-11-exterior-rubber-components

When I did an internet search, I couldn't find anything Ranger specific but amazon does have some various body plugs for sale. One of those might be a winner. I'll see if I can find anything more helpful or specific but this is the best I can dig up at the moment.

 

[Franken5liter]

I don't know if these are the right size or not but #14 on LMC truck has some plugs the might work: https://www.lmctruck.com/1983-11-ford/fr-1993-11-exterior-rubber-components

When I did an internet search, I couldn't find anything Ranger specific but amazon does have some various body plugs for sale. One of those might be a winner. I'll see if I can find anything more helpful or specific but this is the best I can dig up at the moment.

Thank you Sarg! Actually I did buy that plug, it was for a different hole/location... I’m like wtf!? Anyways I gave up and used a a blanking grommet that I reinforced both sides of with custom cut pieces of kydex (sp?), I epoxied them to the grommet faces and then ran a silicone bead around the edge where it meets the floor pan. All that just to make sure nothing ridiculous happened when going through mud or something. The blanking grommet just wasn’t rigid enough, but was the right size. Got so tired of waiting on them silly plugs.