The Missing Linc (1987 4WD 2.9 5spd short short)

[Rick W]

This is how I do Ranger trailers... and others. Note how much frame I left, lots of them have a really short tongue and they track like shit. You want long so you can put a tool box or something on there and generate some tongue weight.

I build a T out of whatever is on hand - 2" square works good. Tack that between the frame, cut pie shapes out of each frame rail near where you put the top of the T and bend the frame in so that it's touching the middle piece. Clean the ends of the frame up so it looks nice, burn it all together and then put a cap of flat strap over the ends of the frame and bend that around. The T also serves as an excellent place to mount a jack but I've done them on the outside that pivot on a swivel deal too.

As I've said before I'm not judging your project, most of mine just focus on two things - (a) the easiest route to my goal and (b) what I feel is the safest. I have no doubt that a Ranger rear frame can handle a reasonable load and not break. In fact the trailer pictured has two complete 351w engines and a 4.0 engine in it, plus a whole bunch of other heavy stuff. I build things so that if I died tomorrow and my wife had to sell all my crap to strangers, I could rest easy knowing that it wasn't going to fall apart on the road.

You can make these look as nice as you want. I spent way more time than usual on this one because I wanted to keep it... it's not done, I am going to build a storage box on the front and make it look a little more elegant like you say.

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No issue taken, never ever. We all listen to a different drummer, mine just happens to be a five piece band that’s way out in left field.

As you said, shortest distance to your goal. Your goal is obviously a very flexible functional trailer. I’ve realized in hindsight that 90% of my goal was getting out of bed and working through my challenges, great therapy. On the trailer, the goal is to make a matching trailer to the Missing Linc, my 87 Ranger/Lincoln conversion. I’ve already had the vision of calling it the Lincoln “Towncart.” I’ll always have the F250 for anything heavy I do, so these are for light utility use like may be taking a trip, and mostly fooling around.

Keep all the comments coming in, it actually gives me vision. I hope mine always help or at least amuse….

 

[sgtsandman]

No issue taken, never ever. We all listen to a different drummer, mine just happens to be a five piece band that’s way out in left field.

As you said, shortest distance to your goal. Your goal is obviously a very flexible functional trailer. I’ve realized in hindsight that 90% of my goal was getting out of bed and working through my challenges, great therapy. On the trailer, the goal is to make a matching trailer to the Missing Linc, my 87 Ranger/Lincoln conversion. I’ve already had the vision of calling it the Lincoln “Towncart.” I’ll always have the F250 for anything heavy I do, so these are for light utility use like may be taking a trip, and mostly fooling around.

Keep all the comments coming in, it actually gives me vision. I hope mine always help or at least amuse….

Idea on securing the spare. What about using a hitch pin with a clip to secure it from bouncing around? I’m not sure of the distance you are working with from the box to the spare. So the bolt might be the better solution. You could always drill the end of the bolt to accept the clip as well.

I did the latter for the attachment points on my ramp for the trailer. No tools needed to secure or remove the bolt or pin that way.

 

[Rick W]

I haven’t worked out all the details yet.

Right now, it’s just an angle iron sling under the trailer, from back to front (scrap pieces from an old tool stand I built in the 80s, and a piece of bed frame). I don’t think the tire could slide out the sides, but I’m still going to put something on each side to make sure. Just for grins, I’m thinking of doing that with some chain, which will also cause the tire to self center.

And while I said “bolt,“ I’m thinking of some kind of pin, bent 90 at the top inside the box with a hole in it, so I could use a clevis pin or something if I put a little clip inside the bottom of the box. The main thing is, I’m trying to avoid a padlock and chain or anything like that.

I’m also planning on putting a flat plate over the exposed part of the tongue (geez, maybe diamond plate?), just for appearance. I could put a box lock on that with a matching key to the toolbox, but just dreams right now.

I want to strengthen the 2 x 2 frame from the trailer to the coupler a little bit too. So I was thinking of running angles, back and up from the tire sling, and also from the front and up, to create a mini truss situation, that will stiffen the 2 x 2. The 2 x 2 is plenty strong for my use, but I’ve learned putting a couple little struts in will take all the flex out of it, so you don’t run the risk of a fatigue crack in the long run. And they look cool.

Did I mention my five piece band is an experimental jazz band?