What did you do to your Ranger today? (Part Deux!)

[lil_Blue_Ford]

Perhaps this is a good place and time to mention that no one recommends cinder blocks. Some years ago I purchased some for another project (but not for the truck). I grabbed one when I was loading at the lumberyard and it fell apart in my hands.

Sometimes I use ramps. Now I wonder if they are any safer. And just thinking out loud here: maybe if working on wheels it might even be safer to jack the truck up, slide the ramp under the frame, making sure to have boards underneath, and let the truck rest on them?

Maybe nothing is certain on loose gravel or soft ground.

So… I’ll use concrete blocks sometimes, with an explanation. Concrete blocks are often referred to as cinder blocks but the two are actually a little different concrete blocks are what you mostly find for sale these days and are stronger than true cinder blocks, but still brittle. I do not use hollow core concrete blocks, except to weigh tarps down or build with. I have occasionally used ”termite” block (cored on one side and solid on the other), but usually that’s because it’s needed and all I had and I will build a level, compacted limestone spot to set it on. I will also use solid block and treat them the same way, they sit on level compacted limestone, and I do the same for any stone (I have a couple cut sandstone blocks I’ll use for jackstand pads), wood or steel pads I use. Always worried about just this thing happening which is why I re-set some things and added an extra house jack and tried to keep it as stable as possible. I think no matter what it’s the uncertainty of not being on concrete or asphalt.

 

[thorsranger91]

Installed a Alpena trektek 15" lightbar on the $200 driver. This truck is a beast that refuses to die. Love it

 

[Lefty]

So… I’ll use concrete blocks sometimes, with an explanation. Concrete blocks are often referred to as cinder blocks but the two are actually a little different concrete blocks are what you mostly find for sale these days and are stronger than true cinder blocks, but still brittle. I do not use hollow core concrete blocks, except to weigh tarps down or build with. I have occasionally used ”termite” block (cored on one side and solid on the other), but usually that’s because it’s needed and all I had and I will build a level, compacted limestone spot to set it on. I will also use solid block and treat them the same way, they sit on level compacted limestone, and I do the same for any stone (I have a couple cut sandstone blocks I’ll use for jackstand pads), wood or steel pads I use. Always worried about just this thing happening which is why I re-set some things and added an extra house jack and tried to keep it as stable as possible. I think no matter what it’s the uncertainty of not being on concrete or asphalt.

I have never needed to try it, but it might actually be safe with 2"x12" board laying on top of it. After all, blocks can, and will, manage a compression load.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

I have never needed to try it, but it might actually be safe with 2"x12" board laying on top of it. After all, blocks can, and will, manage a compression load.

Yes, but hollow core block are still notoriously brittle and ideally you would have a board on the bottom to spread the load back out and it’s just generally a bad idea for anything other than a termite block or solid

 

[scotts90ranger]

Finally tearing back into the transmission of the '90, found the bad bearing, it was the rear tapered bearing on the output shaft, some of the rollers were pitted and 1/4 or so of the inner race is DESTROYED, like dang near a file type abrasive... not to mention discolored...

So in a bit if I get ambitious I'll pull some stuff off and put it through the parts washer and maybe see about reassembling... but most of that will likely happen tomorrow...

 

[pjtoledo]

installed A pillar grab handles on the 2000.
FYI, Mazda trim is not the same as Ranger trim.

 

[scotts90ranger]

I forgot I got gas this morning on the '97, it's just starting to warm up and the mileage was over 25mpg for the first time! The fuel injectors must have made a difference... that is unless I just got less gas at that particular pump... we'll see next week...

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Day two of winter daily driving and I am starting to think about different wheel offset or mudflaps.

Couldn't hardly see out of the side windows the mud was so thick.

 

[Curious Hound]

Couldn't hardly see out of the side windows the mud was so thick.

You only need side windows when you’re drifting. Look forward. Full speed ahead.

 

[rubydist]

Just build some mud fenders like the Morrvair has and you'll be fine. And you can remove them for the sunny days...

 

[Blmpkn]

Day two of winter daily driving and I am starting to think about different wheel offset or mudflaps.

View attachment 90200

Couldn't hardly see out of the side windows the mud was so thick.

Offset is perfect imo, it'd be a shame to change that.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Just build some mud fenders like the Morrvair has and you'll be fine. And you can remove them for the sunny days...

I don't think I really have enough offset to pull off flares.

Offset is perfect imo, it'd be a shame to change that.

It wasnt bad with the D28, seemed to throw less gravel too.

 

[Lefty]

Day two of winter daily driving and I am starting to think about different wheel offset or mudflaps.

View attachment 90200

Couldn't hardly see out of the side windows the mud was so thick.

Next time roll down the windows.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

Just take the doors off like I do with the choptop!

 

[Lefty]

Just take the doors off like I do with the choptop!

Sage advice here at the Ranger Station