89 Ranger 4.0 Swap and Hunting Rig, the Houndrunner

[Rowdy Fitzgerald]

I was just looking at my ebay order. I misquoted the cost of everything. I only spent around $1100 on everything including taxes. I do need to order U-joints still, though. Plus materials for extending the radius arms, plate steel to reinforce the beams and buy quality shocks.

 

[Rowdy Fitzgerald]

Ordered a new radiator, Map sensor and TPS today. I figured I might as well replace them, the ECM doesn’t like them and the rad is leaking when it gets up to temp.

 

[Rowdy Fitzgerald]

So I found this today.

1983-1997 Ford Ranger 4wd - Tuff Country Extended radius arms (pair) | Tuff Country

Tuff Country #24863 Ford Ranger extended radius arms are for the off-road enthusiast looking for added tire clearance, more suspension articulation and a sharper turning radius. This kit is designed to be an upgrade to an existing lift kit.

www.suspensionconnection.com

 

[Rowdy Fitzgerald]

Then there’s this one that says it fits Explorers and Rangers. Has a different part number though.

https://www.truckspring.com/products/Extended-Radius-Arms-Tuff-Country-20861-25-And-4-Inch-Ford__TC24863.aspx

 

[Rowdy Fitzgerald]

I was looking at the TRS store because I wanted to support TRS, but when I can find the same products for 20% less, it’s kinda tough to do it.

 

[Rowdy Fitzgerald]

So I’m leaning more towards the set of radius arms in the first link. They give more ground clearance and they end up being around $130 cheaper. I like both benefits.

The axle parts are getting ready to start rolling in. I expect to start regearing and workin on the D35 reinforcement by mid April.

I think I’m gonna swap out the TTB coils for a set of Jeep coils I picked up years ago. I’m leaning towards a 6” center post in the coil bucket with a bump stop as a retainer, down the road. I’ll see what the ride height is and the flex is like, before I make that and buy a limiting strap.

 

[BlackBII]

Looks like those arms use a poly bushing at the frame end. Is that going to limit articulation? The radius arm does need to rotate a bit as the suspension cycles.

 

[Rowdy Fitzgerald]

I’m not sure. I’m not specifically looking to max out articulation. I’m just wanting to improve the ride quality. I noticed the bushing and I don’t think it will limit it much. It might actually prevent me from having to install limiting straps and clearancing the passenger beam for axle shaft. I’ll install them and see. It will save me several days and lots of measuring so it may be worth the loss of articulation.

 

[Rowdy Fitzgerald]

So I’ve started shopping around for shocks. I like the Bilstein M7100 reservoir shocks. I haven’t settled on them yet, just like them.

 

[Rowdy Fitzgerald]

So I got home from work today (I shift work out of state) and I started opening packages. The company I ordered the 8.8 gears and install kit from, sent me an install kit for a 8.8 AND a 14 bolt.... No 8.8 gears!!!
I sent them a message. I don’t expect to get the replacements for at least 2 weeks, because that’s how my luck goes.


But the radiator is nice! I also put the new map and tps on. The rough acceleration is still there. She sputters real hard when she’s cold, she almost dies.

 

[Rowdy Fitzgerald]

I’m stumped. I’ve replaced the TPS, MAP sensor, the IAC, cleaned the IAT sensor, FPR, fuel pump, air filter and it’s still running like crap while cold.

 

[Rowdy Fitzgerald]

It won’t let me upload a video, I was gonna try to show what it’s doing. But basically, it lacks all power when cold. It sputters and won’t go over 3k rpm, even when in neutral. Once it warms up, it still has a slight sputter but it’s much better.

 

[Rowdy Fitzgerald]

I’ve fixed all but 3 codes:
67- Neutral Pressure Switch circuit closed (A/C)
86- 3-4 Shift solenoid circuit failure
89- Converter clutch solenoid circuit failure.

 

[Rowdy Fitzgerald]

Went and picked up a new fuel filter for good measures. I’m gonna put it on in a little bit when it cools off. Also I’m gonna take it for its first shake down run tomorrow. I plan on putting a couple hundred miles on it. Maybe stretching her legs out and the sea foam in the tank will help.

 

[Rowdy Fitzgerald]

I test drove it last night instead of going today. I put maybe 50 miles on it. 30 of that was rocky and rutted. It did pretty good. I wish I could have put the rear gears and locker in this week to see how she does....

But even with the 3.55’s she cruised right through the sand where my F350 would bog down, causing me to put it in 4wd. It’s way over loaded with my dogs and gear. I’m gonna have to do the chevy leaf swap. I’ll be doing the rear spring hanger swap also.
I’ll post a pic of how much it’s squatting, loaded up. I filled up and it’s getting around 10mpg. I’m not sure if that will improve since I put the new MAP, TPS and swapped on a used IAT sensor the other day. I pretty much can’t use 5th gear. It barely maintains speed on flat ground at 55-60mph. I’m gonna try replacing the O-2 sensor and welding up a small hole in the exhaust today. I might replace it from the muffler back, since it’s rusted out and hanging.