08 FX4 SAS

[Uncle Gump]

I like those sliders...

They have some step functionality... most that I've seen don't. That rear step would be helpful when loading/securing things in a roof basket. The only problem with that would be slipping on them.

 

[ericbphoto]

I like those sliders...

They have some step functionality... most that I've seen don't. That rear step would be helpful when loading/securing things in a roof basket. The only problem with that would be slipping on them.

I welded some expanded metal to the top of mine to give them some grip. I only had a couple small pieces at the time. I might add some more now that I have additional scrap to use.

 

[09fx4guy]

If I ever win the lotto, I will probably transform my Ranger into something very similar to yours. Excellent work.

 

[sgtsandman]

With all those grade 8 bolts, the frame is going to fail before the bracketry and mounts do.

 

[Mr. Bossley]

I like those sliders...

They have some step functionality... most that I've seen don't. That rear step would be helpful when loading/securing things in a roof basket. The only problem with that would be slipping on them.

Very true. Especially when you add snow and ice.. I'll probably throw on some traction tape just like I did on my front bumper. Seems top hold up quite well.

With all those grade 8 bolts, the frame is going to fail before the bracketry and mounts do.

You're probably not wrong lol

 

[Mr. Bossley]

Frame is painted and leafs are in. For now. Just got it back on the ground last night to check ride height, pinion angle etc. Honestly I was hoping for a bit more height out of these springs. The truck is sitting pretty much level right now. Once I add my gear and the springs settle, it's gonna squat a bit. I really don't want to add a block. That defeats the whole purpose of this swap. I'm considering either an add a leaf or getting these springs re-arched. Not sure yet...

But it'll do for now. Good enough to get the truck out on the trails again. I would like to feel how these ride and see how they flex before I make any decisions.

I'll be finishing up the sliders next.

 

[Mr. Bossley]

The sliders are finally done! I've been talking about doing these for almost two years lol. But I'm happy with the way they turned out. Bolt on was so much more work but worth it I think. Now I just gotta get out and beat them up.

As for the leaf springs, I've driven the truck around town a few times and they ride well. Pretty sure I'm going to do an Add-a-leaf to bring the rear end up a little bit though.

 

[Mr. Bossley]

Finally some wheeling! The sliders did their job. And the springs definitely flex better. My rear tires rub now. Might actually have to put in bump stops lol. Also I think I'm going to get the springs re arched +2" next week. I'm putting the tent back on today getting ready for some camping next month. So I'll probably need the extra height.

 

[Mr. Bossley]

I got the tent back on last weekend and it definitely made the truck sit too low for my liking. So I pulled the springs out on Monday to get them re-arched and just got them back in tonight. Now it's sitting a tiny bit higher in the rear even with the tent on. I'm pretty happy about that.

Also I welded some square tube to the top plates while I had them out. This is so my new bump stops will have something to make contact with. I ordered them a couple days ago. Should be here next week.

 

[Uncle Gump]

Any higher and you will be putting a taller door in the garage...

 

[Mr. Bossley]

Any higher and you will be putting a taller door in the garage...

Yes that's definitely a limiting factor. There's only a couple inches to spare currently. But the truck is as high as I want it to be for now. I'll need a detached garage if I ever want 40's...

 

[Mr. Bossley]

We did some camping last weekend out in the Kootenays about 4 hours from home. We have some friends out there to show us around and lend us a welder when we need it.. Climbed a couple mountains and found some sled cabins. Stayed the night in one. Was a good Thanksgiving adventure.

This morning I'm replacing my coolant bypass hose. It looks like it's gonna blow any day now. Also giving the truck a once over getting ready for another trip next weekend. We are heading out to Chilliwack to meet up with the BC Ranger Club for a little trip up to some lake. Should be fun.

 

[Mr. Bossley]

Another successful trip. We drove about 4 hours to Harrsion and met up with 25+ other Rangers. Then headed up the mountain to Harrison Lake. Just went up for the day then headed home.

The trail was pretty mild. Just a few rocky sections and creek crossings. But was still a good time.

 

[Mr. Bossley]

We did the Kelowna 4wd Toy Run yesterday. Didn't take many pictures but it was a helluva good time. Probably around 200 trucks showed up.

I've also been working on the Explorer 8.8 a bit. I may have ordered some parts for it that I wasn't planning on doing...whoops

 

[Mr. Bossley]

So all my parts came in. Here's how the 8.8 sits right now.

Got it all cleaned up, truss and axle tubes are fully welded, spring perches are tacked on hopefully in the right spot, parking brakes are all assembled, brake lines are made, c-clip eliminators are installed and the full spool is next. It just came in yesterday.

I'm basically at the point where I need to pull my stock axle out of the the truck to swap the gears over. But I'm gonna wait on that for a bit. Still enjoying the snow too much. We're going out to hit some trails tonight