06 ranger build “Boots”

[Bracket racer]

Finally starting this thread!
Picked up a 06 ranger for basically nothing (gallon of shine) it was a daily driver until the tranny blew(auto).
It sat for 3 years tore apart because the carpenter who owned it knew how to take stuff apart but not put back together. Then someone offered him good money for the box so he sold that. Sitting in grass for 3-4 years was not kind on the body or frame as you will see.
More in a second

 

[Bracket racer]

Ok, so, I got a transmission/tcase for $400 and got it running.
First problem was, there was no exh system on the truck and whoever took it off to do the tranny (previously mentioned carpenter) used a torch to cut everything off and nicked the manifolds in the process!

 

[Bracket racer]

So I used the tube bender and chop saw to manufacture a new one.

 

[Bracket racer]

Then I had to make bungs for the 02 sensors and make a Y pipe.

 

[Bracket racer]

The Y pipe installed

 

[Bracket racer]

Then I had to make the “Y” out of two pieces of 1 3/4” tube I bent then cut/welded then cut the end off and welded a 2” factory pipe on the end.

 

[Bracket racer]

The grass really ate the body and frame! Swiss cheese crossmembers!

 

[Bracket racer]

Anyway, took it for a test drive and heard a clunking from the front end. Ball joint? Tie rod end?
Went through the woods by home 2-3kms and all was well...soooo... let’s go a little farther.

 

[Bracket racer]

Got about 10kms from home and went over a steep bank, nosed it into the ground at a crawl. All of a sudden it had messed up steering!!
Ruh roh!!
Tie rod end blew out!
As it was a test run, never had any tools etc.
Wife had her mud truck (Dora the explorer) and a tarp in the back to lay on. I used a rock to beat the tie rod end back on but 5’ and it popped off again. Did it all over... another 5’

No tools just a tarp and a rock...10kms from home on a trail...
I do have a rag to check oil etc, I think I’ll tie it on!
It worked!!
Here’s a pic back in the garage.

 

[Bracket racer]

Also after sitting overnight I noticed a spot of tranny fluid.
Then I found a hose clamp so loose it was sliding back and forth on the hose. Don’t know HOW it didn’t pop off but I found it before it threw up on the trail!

 

[Bracket racer]

Another thing I found the next day. I guess it did stuff into the ground pretty good! Bumper cover came unplugged! Lol.

 

[Bracket racer]

Anyway, more to come...

 

[bobbywalter]

Busy busy.

 

[Bracket racer]

New tie rod end on and test drive.

 

[Bracket racer]

Still got a clunk... upper ball joint too!!
Ok, put a new upper control arm on