1990 ford ranger 300 swap in progress

[Thatbrokeranger]

Super productive afternoon! Was able to bring some support back into the chassis with some extra bracing. The front shackle mounts need finsh welded and done support just for insurance but overall couldn’t be happier. Depending on how tomorrow goes I’m hoping to get the bumper back on and take a break from welding engine mounts are welded in now. Fronts back to being pretty well good!

 

[Thatbrokeranger]

Added in some thicker braces across the top corners of the frame and box tubing. Set my shackles and built a few more gussets. I’m officially out of 1/4 “ plate time to haul in what’s left of the scrap steel I suppose.

I will say though I’m super pleased with the height! Especially for still being on 32s I guess I’ll keep the 4.10s after all!

 

[SenorNoob]

I'm sure it's stronger than the factory stamped parts in the rear, but that shackle mount just looks wrong... In fact it might be the best possible thing for suspension travel.

 

[Thatbrokeranger]

I'm sure it's stronger than the factory stamped parts in the rear, but that shackle mount just looks wrong... In fact it might be the best possible thing for suspension travel.

It’s an outboarded mount ? Nothing really you can do about it lol it’s pretty common these days honestly just needs finish welded but like I said I ran out of 1/4” plate and I’m about out of gas too

 

[SenorNoob]

I didn't say it was bad. Just looks weird to me. That's on me not the mount.

 

[pjtoledo]

aren't front shackles supposed to have a blocking tab to keep them from flipping backwards?

 

[Thatbrokeranger]

I didn't say it was bad. Just looks weird to me. That's on me not the mount.

Ahh my bad I misunderstood lol

 

[Thatbrokeranger]

aren't front shackles supposed to have a blocking tab to keep them from flipping backwards?

Some guys run them some don’t. It’s a possibility yes but they are just under 30degree angle right now and if I feel it needs it I’ll add them but I can’t see it becoming an issue with this setup especially being stock yj springs. But ya never know. It’s low on the list of concerns and needs right now

 

[Thatbrokeranger]

definitely over due for new hangers and shackles… leafs are nearly negative arched at this point too lol this is with my 2.5yon jack and a 14” riser maxed out. have some good used Ranger leafs to swap in to.

 

[Thatbrokeranger]

Floor and firewall now in storage for next years task! I’d like to have tackled it this year but I just don’t think it’s gonna happen with as windy and rainy as it’s getting… hard to do nice welds when the wind blows your gas away

 

[Thatbrokeranger]

Tossed a quick coat of black on everything since it’s supposed to rain for about a week straight…. Gotta say I dig the “stubby bumper” but need to modify the stock bumper to go back on. Luckily I left provisions and welded nuts in so I should be able to just move my brackets and bolt it back on…. Oh the joys of working in the driveway and elements

 

[Thatbrokeranger]

Well decided since I can’t accomplish much right now I’d pull some measurements… the axle came with high steer already on it but it will pose a problem as it sets unless I notch out the pan. So I measured for the yjclinkage which wouldn’t drive as nice but would avoid the pan by a mile. So I guess time will tell which direction I go. No denying the flat high steer would be SMOOTH to live with and non existent bump steer.

 

[Thatbrokeranger]

And just like that after pulling tape for a half hour and removing the pan I’d decided the high steer is going. It was a fun attempt but ultimately just not ideal for the setup. Would have been mint with a stock ranger drivetrain but none the less this will let me set lower and I’ll just build my own steering setup bit by bit.

 

[PlumCrazy]

Did you stretch the wheelbase a bit? With YJ springs my rear mounts are probably 2" further back, my fronts are pretty much in the same spot though, which may explain the shackle angle difference too.

 

[bobbywalter]

I'm wondering why you didn't put the shackle at the back so when you hit something the natural movement of the axle is back. Shackle in front movement is forward.

you can run out of drive shaft slip fast. and folding up the springs ...especially yj is much easier. death wobble has a different set of values once shackle length gets 5 or more long..

depending on what tires i am running...bigger than 42's i will often use my trac-bar.


this setup he has landed upon is pretty much what i would start with. tune from here. looks real rough for up travel but i suspect it will be stable. death wobble is a wait and see.