• Welcome Visitor! Please take a few seconds and Register for our forum. Even if you don't want to post, you can still 'Like' and react to posts.

What did you do to your Ranger today? (Part Deux!)


ericbphoto

Overlander in development
TRS Event Staff
TRS Forum Moderator
Supporting Member
U.S. Military - Veteran
TRS 20th Anniversary
VAGABOND
TRS Event Participant
GMRS Radio License
Joined
Feb 7, 2016
Messages
15,202
Reaction score
16,340
Points
113
Age
59
Location
Wellford, SC
Vehicle Year
1993
Make / Model
Ford Ranger
Engine Type
3.0 V6
Engine Size
3.0L
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Total Lift
6"
Tire Size
35"
My credo
In theory, theory and practice are the same. In practice, they are different.
Have you considered a handle operated clutch on the shifter? kinda like a motorcycle.
No. I haven't. Aside from being complicated to install, I think I would have a very long, rough learning curve with that in my truck.

Getting enough throw on that to actually operate the clutch on an M5OD transmission sounds like quite a challenge. And operating it smoothly? Wow.

No thanks. My solution is easy.
 


sgtsandman

Aircraft Fuel Tank Diver
TRS Forum Moderator
U.S. Military - Active
TRS 20th Anniversary
TRS Event Participant
Ham Radio Operator
GMRS Radio License
Joined
Mar 11, 2017
Messages
12,695
Reaction score
12,382
Points
113
Location
Aliquippa, PA
Vehicle Year
2011/2019
Make / Model
Ranger XLT/FX4
Engine Size
4.0 SOHC/2.3 Ecoboost
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Total Lift
Pre-2008 lift/Stock
Tire Size
31X10.5R15/265/65R17
Got the pressure washer out and tried to clean it up. It's much better. But there is still some mud underneath. It would be great to get it up on a lift to wash the bottom
How did you get mud under your pressure washer?
 

Bgunner

Well-Known Member
Supporting Member
Joined
May 14, 2018
Messages
1,755
Reaction score
1,039
Points
113
Location
Western Mass.
Vehicle Year
1994
Make / Model
Ford/Ranger XLT
Engine Type
3.0 V6
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
2WD
Tire Size
225/70/R15
My credo
If it's not broken Don't Fix It!
I broke it again. Drove it to get gas and on the way to get food the peddle went to the floor. Checked all lines and no leak so I lost the master cylinder which is no big surprise since I've had a low peddle for some time now and the light has been on but dim since I got it 4 years ago. The parts and bleed kit is in stock at the GF's advanced so she is going to pick them up and help bleed the brakes tomorrow.

27 years isn't bad, at least I don't think that is bad for a life on it. I have inspection coming next month so it going bad now is better than just before inspection.
 

snoranger

Professional money waster
TRS Event Staff
TRS Forum Moderator
Supporting Member
Article Contributor
RBV's on Boost
ASE Certified Tech
VAGABOND
TRS Event Participant
GMRS Radio License
Joined
Nov 25, 2007
Messages
13,052
Reaction score
13,523
Points
113
Location
Jackson, NJ
Vehicle Year
'79,'94,'02,'23
Make / Model
All Fords
Engine Type
2.3 EcoBoost
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
4WD
My credo
I didn't ask for your life story, just answer the question!
Have you considered a handle operated clutch on the shifter? kinda like a motorcycle.
I’d go with a hand throttle on the shifter before I’d attempt a clutch lever. That would free up both feet for the clutch and brake.
A hand throttle wouldn’t be difficult, just use a bicycle brake lever and cable.
 

85_Ranger4x4

Forum Staff Member
TRS Event Staff
TRS Forum Moderator
Article Contributor
V8 Engine Swap
OTOTM Winner
TRS Banner 2010-2011
TRS 20th Anniversary
VAGABOND
TRS Event Participant
Joined
Aug 7, 2007
Messages
32,193
Reaction score
17,496
Points
113
Location
SW Iowa
Vehicle Year
1985
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Type
V8
Engine Size
5.0
Transmission
Manual
I had thought about using a A/C idle solenoid to bump my idle up for offroading on demand. I don't know how EFI deals with doing that though.
 

ericbphoto

Overlander in development
TRS Event Staff
TRS Forum Moderator
Supporting Member
U.S. Military - Veteran
TRS 20th Anniversary
VAGABOND
TRS Event Participant
GMRS Radio License
Joined
Feb 7, 2016
Messages
15,202
Reaction score
16,340
Points
113
Age
59
Location
Wellford, SC
Vehicle Year
1993
Make / Model
Ford Ranger
Engine Type
3.0 V6
Engine Size
3.0L
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Total Lift
6"
Tire Size
35"
My credo
In theory, theory and practice are the same. In practice, they are different.
How did you get mud under your pressure washer?
That's easy. Just roll the pressure washer over the mud that fell off the truck onto the driveway.
 

scotts90ranger

Well-Known Member
RBV's on Boost
Joined
Feb 28, 2001
Messages
7,925
Reaction score
4,227
Points
113
Location
Dayton Oregon
Vehicle Year
1990, 1997
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Type
2.3 (4 Cylinder)
Engine Size
2.3 Turbo
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Total Lift
6
Tire Size
35"
I got rear ended in my '97 this morning on the way to work... '95 Wrangler with aftermarket bumper, the push bar went just under the handle and the shackle mounts (no shackles) were just at the bottom body line, perfectly only hit the tailgate and just crushed the outer skin, it still opens... The insurance claim process is started, hopefully it goes smooth, they did have current insurance, with the same company as me so that should help with communication...

Hopefully I get enough to get a new JY tailgate and maybe a new better matching drivers door... Anyone know what years had the same dark red paint as a '97? I know '94 is a different shade since that's what I have now, would '95-01 be a better year range? I'll get a pic or two of the tailgate tonight.
 

Rowdy Fitzgerald

Hog hunter
Firefighter
EMT / Paramedic
V8 Engine Swap
OTOTM Winner
Solid Axle Swap
Joined
Aug 29, 2008
Messages
2,271
Reaction score
372
Points
113
Location
Nevada
Vehicle Year
1987, 1989
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Type
V8
Engine Size
5.0,4.0
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
Solid Axle Swap 4x4
Total Lift
6”
Tire Size
35

ericbphoto

Overlander in development
TRS Event Staff
TRS Forum Moderator
Supporting Member
U.S. Military - Veteran
TRS 20th Anniversary
VAGABOND
TRS Event Participant
GMRS Radio License
Joined
Feb 7, 2016
Messages
15,202
Reaction score
16,340
Points
113
Age
59
Location
Wellford, SC
Vehicle Year
1993
Make / Model
Ford Ranger
Engine Type
3.0 V6
Engine Size
3.0L
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Total Lift
6"
Tire Size
35"
My credo
In theory, theory and practice are the same. In practice, they are different.
I had thought about using a A/C idle solenoid to bump my idle up for offroading on demand. I don't know how EFI deals with doing that though.
I'm not trying to mess with engine rpm.

For those not familiar with it; the line lock or roll control is a solenoid operated valve in line with the front brakes. So, while I have the brake pedal pushed and there is pressure in the brake cylinders, I would push and hold a button energizing the solenoid valve. This valve closes and holds hydraulic pressure in the brake cylinders. Then I am free to release the brake pedal and use my foot on the clutch and the vehicle doesn't move until I release the button.

At the drag strip, that's one method to hold the car on the line so you can get engine RPMs up and hold the clutch in all at the same time. Or do a burnout without having to hold the brake pedal in. For me offroad, think of it as hill control.
 

Dirtman

Former Middleweight Moss Fighting Champion
Joined
May 28, 2018
Messages
19,304
Reaction score
13,326
Points
113
Location
41N 75W
Vehicle Year
2009
Engine Type
2.3 (4 Cylinder)
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
2WD
Total Lift
It's up there.
Total Drop
It's down there.
Tire Size
Round.
My credo
I poop in the furnace.
My old Ramcharger had manual brake valves for off-road. One locked pressure on or off for the front, one locked pressure on or off for the rear. Really helpful on big hills. Or fun for fast sand trails. Lock out the front and just use the rear so you can slide through turns. Or lock the front under pressure in 2wd and do burnouts for days.... I miss that truck...

The electric valves were better for drag racing as you just hit the button to launch but I preferred an automatic with a trans brake to do the same thing...
 

85_Ranger4x4

Forum Staff Member
TRS Event Staff
TRS Forum Moderator
Article Contributor
V8 Engine Swap
OTOTM Winner
TRS Banner 2010-2011
TRS 20th Anniversary
VAGABOND
TRS Event Participant
Joined
Aug 7, 2007
Messages
32,193
Reaction score
17,496
Points
113
Location
SW Iowa
Vehicle Year
1985
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Type
V8
Engine Size
5.0
Transmission
Manual
I'm not trying to mess with engine rpm.

For those not familiar with it; the line lock or roll control is a solenoid operated valve in line with the front brakes. So, while I have the brake pedal pushed and there is pressure in the brake cylinders, I would push and hold a button energizing the solenoid valve. This valve closes and holds hydraulic pressure in the brake cylinders. Then I am free to release the brake pedal and use my foot on the clutch and the vehicle doesn't move until I release the button.

At the drag strip, that's one method to hold the car on the line so you can get engine RPMs up and hold the clutch in all at the same time. Or do a burnout without having to hold the brake pedal in. For me offroad, think of it as hill control.
Yeah, I have looked into them for my twin stick for doing front digs.

Everybody else was talking about hand throttles so I threw in my bit about the A/C idle kickup solenoid.
 

Dirtman

Former Middleweight Moss Fighting Champion
Joined
May 28, 2018
Messages
19,304
Reaction score
13,326
Points
113
Location
41N 75W
Vehicle Year
2009
Engine Type
2.3 (4 Cylinder)
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
2WD
Total Lift
It's up there.
Total Drop
It's down there.
Tire Size
Round.
My credo
I poop in the furnace.
I refuse to accept a twin stick as anything but a Np203/205 doubler...

Simply adding a high-low lever to a single case isn't actually achieving anything but 2wd low. A twin stick doubler gives you 3 speeds in 4 and 2wd. Which is actually a triple stick if done right...

4wd on and off lever for the 205, hi-low on the 203 lever, and hi-low on the 205 lever.

So you have hi-hi, hi-low, and low-low in both 4x4 and 2x4.
 
Last edited:

ericbphoto

Overlander in development
TRS Event Staff
TRS Forum Moderator
Supporting Member
U.S. Military - Veteran
TRS 20th Anniversary
VAGABOND
TRS Event Participant
GMRS Radio License
Joined
Feb 7, 2016
Messages
15,202
Reaction score
16,340
Points
113
Age
59
Location
Wellford, SC
Vehicle Year
1993
Make / Model
Ford Ranger
Engine Type
3.0 V6
Engine Size
3.0L
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Total Lift
6"
Tire Size
35"
My credo
In theory, theory and practice are the same. In practice, they are different.
I refuse to accept a twin stick as anything but a Np203/205 doubler...

Simply adding a high-low lever to a single case isn't actually achieving anything but 2wd low. A twin stick doubler gives you 3 speeds in 4 and 2wd. Which is actually a triple stick if done right...

4wd on and off lever for the 205, hi-low on the 203 lever, and hi-low on the 205 lever.

So you have hi-hi, hi-low, and low-low in both 4x4 and 2x4.
But what if you want or need "front only" ?
 

Dirtman

Former Middleweight Moss Fighting Champion
Joined
May 28, 2018
Messages
19,304
Reaction score
13,326
Points
113
Location
41N 75W
Vehicle Year
2009
Engine Type
2.3 (4 Cylinder)
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
2WD
Total Lift
It's up there.
Total Drop
It's down there.
Tire Size
Round.
My credo
I poop in the furnace.
But what if you want or need "front only" ?
Line lock and drag the rear? :dunno:

The np203 is a AWD transfer case with lock mode. I'm sure you could set up a double with the open part of the 203 intact, add a fourth lever that would leave the 203 open or lock feature alone which in "open" would be sending most power to the front?

I'm not a scientist... I just think twin stick should mean you have a doubler.
 
Last edited:

ericbphoto

Overlander in development
TRS Event Staff
TRS Forum Moderator
Supporting Member
U.S. Military - Veteran
TRS 20th Anniversary
VAGABOND
TRS Event Participant
GMRS Radio License
Joined
Feb 7, 2016
Messages
15,202
Reaction score
16,340
Points
113
Age
59
Location
Wellford, SC
Vehicle Year
1993
Make / Model
Ford Ranger
Engine Type
3.0 V6
Engine Size
3.0L
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Total Lift
6"
Tire Size
35"
My credo
In theory, theory and practice are the same. In practice, they are different.
Line lock and drag the rear? :dunno:

The np203 is a AWD transfer case with lock mode. I'm sure you could set up a double with the open part of the 203 intact, add a fourth lever that would leave the 203 open or lock feature alone which in "open" would be sending most power to the front?

I'm not a scientist... I just think twin stick should mean you have a doubler.
A doubler would make my life much more fun.
 

Sponsored Ad


Sponsored Ad

Staff online

Member & Vendor Upgrades

For a small yearly donation, you can support this forum and receive a 'Supporting Member' banner, or become a 'Supporting Vendor' and promote your products here. Click the banner to find out how.

Truck of The Month


Kirby N.
March Truck of The Month

Recently Featured

Want to see your truck here? Share your photos and details in the forum.

Follow TRS On Instagram

TRS Events

25th Anniversary Sponsors

Check Out The TRS Store


Sponsored Ad


Sponsored Ad

Sponsored Ad


Amazon Deals

Top