Project “Fat B!tch 2.0” is officially underway!!

[NakedDucks]

If I were doing an SAS and a 5.0 swap, I’d cut that huge stupid TTB/TIB crossmember out and build my own. That way I’m not limited on engine placement, oil pan restrictions, etc.

you have a point, but that “big, stupid cross member” is pretty important in keeping the frame straight. Besides, the only thing it restricts is the oil pan when you are doing a SAS…. And I can deal with simply swapping on oil pan.

 

[NakedDucks]

I'm looking forward to following this. If you want a simple transfer case to get started with that fits in the frame rails I'd look for a manual case out of a '97-03 F150 but grab both drivelines to butcher for your needs... They're similar to the Ranger units with ~2.5:1 gears, only downside is no speedo gear output and the rear output is slip spline like a 2wd transmission but they're available and bolt on and fit in the framerails...

Oh, and just cuz I have to, '89-92 is my favorite body style so I'm into it...

For a quick t-case, I may likely do an F-150 case, but it will be replaced pretty soon afterward.

Gen II Rangers have always been my favorite also!!

 

[NakedDucks]

UPDATE:

Today I came home after work and untangled the wiring harnesses that were laid back when the previous owner harvested the inner panels for the front end.

He was pretty cool in that he didn’t cut anything, just unattached it and laid it back over the motor.

This evening I’m gonna look into adapting the Explorer 5.0 harness to the harness(es) in the truck to make it work.

I am deleting the A/C so that’s not a problem anymore.

 

[Shran]

you have a point, but that “big, stupid cross member” is pretty important in keeping the frame straight. Besides, the only thing it restricts is the oil pan when you are doing a SAS…. And I can deal with simply swapping on oil pan.

It also severely limits your up travel because your differential will run into it unless you trim a lot of it off, and then what's the point.

I'm doing an SAS on my 2 door Explorer and am considering cutting it out, boxing the inside of the frame, building engine mounts on little posts that just use poly bushings and then put a big piece of channel iron between the frame rails right behind where the bumper sits that will keep it fairly rigid and allow me to mount a winch on it as well. Just about every other vehicle that came with a solid front axle has a frame like that, should be good enough for our purposes.

 

[NakedDucks]

Wiring unfolded and removed.

The “Headlight” harness

Harness coming from the PCM

The 79 D60 front I will be using.

My 5.0 Harnesses. There are 2 of them. One is PATS, and one is not. I will be using both if I need splices or connectors.

 

[NakedDucks]

It also severely limits your up travel because your differential will run into it unless you trim a lot of it off, and then what's the point.

I'm doing an SAS on my 2 door Explorer and am considering cutting it out, boxing the inside of the frame, building engine mounts on little posts that just use poly bushings and then put a big piece of channel iron between the frame rails right behind where the bumper sits that will keep it fairly rigid and allow me to mount a winch on it as well. Just about every other vehicle that came with a solid front axle has a frame like that, should be good enough for our purposes.

I’ll cross that bridge when I get to it.

 

[Jim Oaks]

Do you really think this is an appropriate name for a build thread?

Where's the moderators?

 

[NakedDucks]

Do you really think this is an appropriate name for a build thread?

Where's the moderators?

You got me there for a second!!

Thanks Jim!! I have always loved the page!!

 

[NakedDucks]

After looking at the harnesses last night, I’m thinking of making some “adapters” for the harnesses.

I’m gonna head out to my local yard and cut a few connectors off and wire them appropriately.

 

[NakedDucks]

Ended up not needing to go to the yard after all.

Harvested the connector I needed to get started off an 03 Ranger I had as a parts truck in the back yard.

Printed out some wiring diagrams for the 97 Explorer and 92 Ranger harnesses I will be using.

….and now I’m as confused as a baby at a strip joint!! But it’s ok, I’ll settle down and figure it out tomorrow.

 

[NakedDucks]

Got the 03 ranger plug that I harvested down to where I can see each wire, even though it’s still dirty….And my beautiful daughter is quite happy to hold it for me.

With the help of my wife and her scanner, I got both sides of this harness on one sheet of paper. To ease the confusion. If you’ll notice the circuit numbers are all *ALMOST* the same between the two, even thought a lot of the wire colors are different.

 

[NakedDucks]

Stripped a little more off the truck today in preparation of pulling the motor and trans.

Labeled a few wire pigtails, and confirmed that the 3.0 is, sadly, locked up. I’m gonna inspect the trans tomorrow.

So FREE 91 3.0 that’s locked up! If you want it, come get it!! I’m sure there’s a few usable parts on it.

 

[NakedDucks]

Out with the old 3.0

(Free if you want it!! There’s an Ad in the “Free parts section”)

(I’m keeping the flywheel and bolts though)

 

[NakedDucks]

Motor and trans gone. Gotta beat the pinch weld flat and modify the A/C box while it’s out.

 

[NakedDucks]

Pulled the rims off for another truck I got (89 Ranger ext cab, 2.9/auto, 2wd, manual windows. Even has the factory cassette stereo. Nicknamed “Old School”).

Gonna pull the Steelies off of Old School and swap the tires onto these rims and vice versa and then make it a roller again.