JMcFly’s XLT Simple Restoration and Mods

[pjtoledo]

it's in the large tube at the rear of the engine, the orange connector.

 

[JMcFly]

That looks like fun to get to

 

[JMcFly]

Finally have working center vents. Instead of patching the vacuum line that feeds the HVAC system I replaced the whole assembly.

Wasn’t too bad. Had to let the back half of the passenger fender line drop down and I could feed the vacuum lines through the firewall.

I also settled on my wheels for when I rebuild the suspension and do a 2/3 lowering kit (or a 4/5) if someone talks me into it.

 

[JMcFly]

I wonder if Nissan wheels would bolt up to the Ranger. These done in a teal base with a hot pink on the fins speak to me.

 

[Lefty]

Sorry to be bluntly honest, but I don't think these would look good on a Ranger

 

[JMcFly]

You’re probably right

 

[Lefty]

You’re probably right

But you could do it anyway. It's your truck

 

[JMcFly]

But you could do it anyway. It's your truck

We’ll see. I have a vision of what I want to do but it’s going to take a while to save up for the fun part of the build. Now it’s just fixing rust, body work, fixing AC, and the interior.

I’m keeping a look out for a later bench seat for up front. I don’t care for the center console setup

I’m going to hit the junkyard up soon for a set of 17” crown Vic 10 hole wheels and weld up the holes with a kit to make smoothies. Eventually I’ll get some Detroit steel wheels in 18 or 20” once I c notch the frame and slam it.

 

[JMcFly]

I was poking around the engine today looking at what needs to be done to get the AC working again. Every connection looks pretty easy to get to. I’m not sure the best way to check for leaks if the system is currently empty and no idea if it had dye in the system.

but that’s my guess is 20+ years and the seals gave up. AC was working when my buddy originally bought it off the original owner.

Noticed the radiator has a broken mount as does the fan shroud. I’m going to visit the junkyard this Friday since I’m off. Maybe pickup a good used radiator or should I just buy new? Also going to look for 4-5 17” crown Vic 10 hole wheels. I want to go with those once I rebuild the suspension and lower the truck, thinking a 4/5 drop.

 

[Lefty]

I was poking around the engine today looking at what needs to be done to get the AC working again. Every connection looks pretty easy to get to. I’m not sure the best way to check for leaks if the system is currently empty and no idea if it had dye in the system.

but that’s my guess is 20+ years and the seals gave up. AC was working when my buddy originally bought it off the original owner.

Noticed the radiator has a broken mount as does the fan shroud. I’m going to visit the junkyard this Friday since I’m off. Maybe pickup a good used radiator or should I just buy new? Also going to look for 4-5 17” crown Vic 10 hole wheels. I want to go with those once I rebuild the suspension and lower the truck, thinking a 4/5 drop.

Older radiators tend to fail. I just replaced mine. A lot of us have also installed electric fans. They are slightly more efficient, reducing drag on the engine, offering a little better mileage and horsepower.

 

[JMcFly]

Older radiators tend to fail. I just replaced mine. A lot of us have also installed electric fans. They are slightly more efficient, reducing drag on the engine, offering a little better mileage and horsepower.

I’ll have to check out the electric fan mod. Got a link?

I was also noticing the intake elbow has two chunky plastic mufflers hanging off it. I wonder if I can get rid of them to clean up the engine compartment. I don’t mind a little noise. That was the first mods I would do to any of my Chevy LT1 powered cars. Aka home plate mod since the intake muffler was the size of a home plate in baseball.

 

[Lefty]

I’ll have to check out the electric fan mod. Got a link?

I was also noticing the intake elbow has two chunky plastic mufflers hanging off it. I wonder if I can get rid of them to clean up the engine compartment. I don’t mind a little noise. That was the first mods I would do to any of my Chevy LT1 powered cars. Aka home plate mod since the intake muffler was the size of a home plate in baseball.

Here's a You Tube link.

There's many of them. The guy explains how the fan puts a good deal of drag on the engine. He recommended a very expensive fan. I just bought a new one at a parts store for eighty bucks. There's plenty to pick from. He recommends an uprated alternator. It's not really necessary. You can, if you like, buy an uprated voltage regulator for the alternator you already have. This is a decision you can make after installation.

 

[JMcFly]

Excellent, thank you.

 

[Lefty]

Excellent, thank you.

I just noticed you have a four cylinder. Your fan would be different, of course. The same principle remains.

Also If I recall, the engine idled smoother after the efan was installed. I've had it for five years now, no problems.