1986 Ranger Prerunner in NH

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Are the bleeders at the top of the calipers? I seem to remember something about calipers being on the wrong side and the bleeders not being in the correct position. Not necessarily in your case. Not even sure if the calipers fit on the opposite side.

 

[rngrracing96]

Bleeders are at the bottom of the front calipers and bottom of the rear ones.

Are the bleeders at the top of the calipers? I seem to remember something about calipers being on the wrong side and the bleeders not being in the correct position. Not necessarily in your case. Not even sure if the calipers fit on the opposite side.

 

[G8orFord]

Bleeders are at the bottom of the front calipers and bottom of the rear ones.

Then they are not bleeders, they're drains.
The bleeders are supposed to be on top. The calipers are on the wrong sides.

 

[sgtsandman]

I agree with G8orFord. The bleeders should be on top so the air can be bled out properly. If they aren't on top, someone installed then incorrectly.

 

[Blmpkn]

What they said... First time I did calipers myself I put them on backwards and couldn't figure out for the life of me why I couldnt get them to bleed. Had my buddy come over and call me a dummy and show me the issue. Lesson learned!

 

[rngrracing96]

Never would I have thought of that. I simply put them back as I found em. Thank you! I will swap them and see if that fixes the issue.
Follow up question though. Swaping the fronts calipers will change it from drain to bleeder. But swaping the rear calipers wouldnt change anything, the "bleeder" valve would still be below the line. Maybe it doesnt mater for the rears?

 

[sgtsandman]

Below the line isn't usually an issue but being on the top of the cylinder so bubbles that have floated to the top of the cylinder chamber can be bled out is.

 

[rngrracing96]

Got it. Well I swapped the calipers over, bled the system twice anddddd I still have the same issue... no brakes while running. Pedal sinks to the floor and makes a lovely hissing sound. Think its time for a new master and might as well do the booster too.

 

[rngrracing96]

OK! updates and photo dump
1. Replaced Booster and Master and that fixed the spongy brake pedal.
2. Got truck running driving and even passed state inspection, despite refusals from a few shops.
3. Mounted new wheels with more back spacing to cure clearance issues
4. Installed Mustang GT steering wheel which looks light at home! Very pleased it fit!
5. Created Instagram page for the truck! Follow me, I will follow back @ 86_space_ranger

Hovertruck

New stance

Old vs New wheels

old offset

New offset

 

[rngrracing96]

Mustang GT steering wheel! Slid and bolted right on to the ranger column, only thing I need to move are the horn pins for the horn to work.
Also looks like a smiley face IMO

 

[mtnrgr]

Your ranger turned out amazing. How is the fabtech kit doing?

 

[Blmpkn]

What did they want to fail you for?

 

[rngrracing96]

Your ranger turned out amazing. How is the fabtech kit doing?

So far the kit is great! Havent pushed it too hard yet though.

 

[rngrracing96]

What did they want to fail you for?

Apparently the state of NH cracked down on inspection stations some years ago over lift kits. It seems to have spooked a lot of garages from even attempting to inspect lifted vehicles. I had one guy say "If its lifted I won't touch it"

I made sure to read and understand the NH lift laws and I knew I was well within the limits. It just took a few attempts till I found a shop that would do it. And even that guy said "the state would have me fail you just because it is lifted. But its within the limits and I can tell it was done right. Plus I can appreciate that you put a lot of work into the truck" so he passed me. THANK GOD
I was pretty baffled that it caused so much trouble because I see lifted jeeps and trucks literally every day on the roads. They all have stickers.
Hopefully now that it has a current "Sticker" that it will mean less trouble next time.

 

[Blmpkn]

Live free or die right? Lol. Glad it worked out for you, I'm sure you have the only prerunner ranger in the state now.