SenorNoob's '88 Ext Cab "Build"

[Terrys87]

I can see it raised it up. You got it looking good. Great job and can see waiting a bit to get it realigned .

 

[SenorNoob]

Just got of the phone with the shop. Scheduled for the 30th at 8am. $100

 

[SenorNoob]

I'm going to try to level it out some this weekend.

99 F150 springs. Got em for $65 for the pair already of at the local yard.
Also got the coil retainers:

And another transfer case skid plate. It's definitely a little thicker. but has one less rib in it. Thoughts? I'm trying to decide which one to use under the transfer case and which one to use for material to mod the gas tank skidplate to be much better...

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

Probably a wash on strength with the skid plates but I’d probably throw the thicker one on if it fits and I was planning on the possibility of needing to use a skid plate…

 

[sgtsandman]

I would install the thicker one.

 

[SenorNoob]

I found some scrap metal for the fuel tank skid plate:

Ignore the ugly weld. It's stronger than the original plate.

So I decided to do both for the transfer case skid plate:

Though while bolting that up, I noticed another set of holes farther back that look about right to mount the second one directly in front of the fuel tank. Then I'd just need a couple plates to cover from the radius arm crossmember to about where the frame kicks up for the rear suspension... Hmm

 

[sgtsandman]

I found some scrap metal for the fuel tank skid plate:

Ignore the ugly weld. It's stronger than the original plate.

So I decided to do both for the transfer case skid plate:

Though while bolting that up, I noticed another set of holes farther back that look about right to mount the second one directly in front of the fuel tank. Then I'd just need a couple plates to cover from the radius arm crossmember to about where the frame kicks up for the rear suspension... Hmm

When it comes time to install skids on my 2011, I'm probably going to have to make my own or have someone make them. Factory transfer and fuel tank skid plates are all but impossible to get and are made too thin anyway. Skid plates for the engine and transmission never existed.

I do like how you were able to sandwich the two plates together.

 

[scotts90ranger]

I don't know what you're planning on doing that needs all of that, years ago I took off the T case skid and just have the stock gas tank skid plate on my '90, haven't had an issue "yet" but my relocated radius arm crossmember kinda protects a lot of that...

 

[SenorNoob]

I don't know what you're planning on doing that needs all of that...

Nothing really. Both of the transfer case skids were off in the yard and cost me $5 each. The extension under gas tank was because the factory setup put a nice crease in my tank somewhere at Turkey Bay. I wanted to make sure I didn't poke a hole in the tank. My first ranger had a homemade full size plate under it. (Was there when I got it.) Was kinda cool I guess pulling up on a rock and balancing all 4 wheels off the ground. LOL

 

[SenorNoob]

Just got back from the shop:

I was able to accelerate about a 1/4 mile of straight highway without steering input. I'm gonna say that's good.

I do find it interesting that anything moved on the back according to the computer. Or the camber on the front left. I know he wasn't able to get that pinch bolt loose.

 

[SenorNoob]

Well, found a couple problems.
One I think the driver side front wheel bearings are going out. Already ordered them and seals.

And 2 with the solid transmission crossmember, when things shift under load across a breakover point the output flange on the transfer case rubs the bottom of the cab. (I was pulling out of a very steep parking lot onto the highway. It grabbed enough to stall the truck.)

Guess I have an excuse to do the body lift now... LOL. The wife is gonna love that. She already won't get it in it since the lift kit...