Today was back on the parts ranger, but I did drive the '99 over there to work on it.
I pulled the rear axle and leaf spring assembly. The exhaust was saved in hopes that I can use parts of it with the V8 swap, looks like an aftermarket 2.5" dual system that someone welded in instead of bolting in. The hitch was removed so dad can use it to make a hitch for pulling trailer behind his tractor. Don't need it now, but also snatched out the driveshaft for future use.
After doing all that I figured out I won't be able to use the axle like I intended. I thought it was a 3.73 and I was going to pair it with the Explorer front diff in my V8 swap. Turns out it was a 3.55. Still needed to come out since I wanted the leaf springs to replace the Explorer leafs that are currently in the '99. I'll still be keepting the axle, I might be able to put it to use in the '85 Ranger. The axle tag says that has a 4.11 (doesn't match door) and I don't think that will be a good match for its engine and tire size.
Only things left are to pull airbags, load it on a trailer, and pull the front wheels. Tail lights look decent so they might get saved for dad's Ranger just in case, I'd like that style light (red & clear, no amber) on mine but different bed styles. I think my BIL said that he wants the trans cooler, radiator, and/or condenser. He might be able to use the trans cooler on his truck, but I don't know what he's going to do with the other two since he has nothing they will fit. I don't need them so he's welcome to them if he wants to remove them.
In other news, it looks like it's getting about time to replace the rear parking brake cables. When the temperature drops below freezing, the pedal doesn't return all the way to the disengaged position without help. She's starting to show her age and needs some attention.
Good luck with that. This was a southern truck and I had to cut the intermediate cable to get them disconnected. Once that was done the connector where they split came right on off with a pair of vice grips and a hammer.
For a northern truck, you might want to start spraying it with the penetrant now.