1986 Ranger Prerunner in NH

[sgtsandman]

Why was it hard to work with? It wouldn’t lay flat or hard to cut the holes for the bolts?

 

[rngrracing96]

Why was it hard to work with? It wouldn’t lay flat or hard to cut the holes for the bolts?

It comes folded up in a box and to get the folds out they say lay it flat in 70+ degrees and the folds come out. The cold keeps the material stiff and doesnt lay all the way out. So you end up fighting the folds to line it up properly in the truck.
I also found there to be a ton of excess around the edges which is good but also bad because it pushes against the walls creating a wavy floor. You just have to trim alot till it lays flat.
Tip: use a space heater in the cab with doors closed to warm the vinyl up.

 

[sgtsandman]

Good to know. I thought it might be a lay flat issue. As tough as the flooring can be, I wasn’t sure. This is a future project for me, so it’s good info.

 

[rngrracing96]

Yeah best recommendation is to save that project for warmer weather. Also i followed this video

May be easier with a single cab or a supercab with doors that open. Then you dont have the walls squishing everything.

 

[rngrracing96]

Got Fox 2.0x12 shocks for the front




And I found the old style Glassworks Unlimited fiberglass fenders and bedsides in Maine of all places! Truck was being parted out. Super pumped because I like look of the square wheelwells. Front passenger side has a big crack but I will fix that.





Currently in the process of mounting the bedsides. I initially cut the besides to just put the bedsides over the sheetmetal but the fiberglass was too thick for that so I drilled out the spot welds and removed the whole panel. Still need to bolt them down but I like how they are looking.

 

[mtnrgr]

Loving the way this ranger is turning out. Finding fiberglass in Maine, last place I would have thought of. Great job on putting it together.

 

[rngrracing96]

Loving the way this ranger is turning out. Finding fiberglass in Maine, last place I would have thought of. Great job on putting it together.

Thanks man,
Hoping to get the exhaust finished up tomorrow and get a short test drive in. Also a chance to take some better photos lol

 

[mtnrgr]

What exhaust setup will this ole 2.9 have? Look forward to those photos. Some reason I like the way ranger prerunners look with the tailgate still attached.

 

[rngrracing96]

Nothing fancy just 2.25 tubing from cat back with a thrush welded muffler and a 60degree kickoff before the rear axle. I think it sounds great for a V6 and the hope is to do a 4.0 swap so not going crazy with exhaust.

 

[Blmpkn]

Quit taking all the cool shit out of my state dammit.

 

[rngrracing96]

Couple updates for you all.
Picked this up a couple weeks ago. 1991 4.0, m5od trans and complete wiring harness. Going to clean it up, go through the top end and replace the 2.9 over the winter.




Got it from Bodied91ranger. Check out his build, its wild! https://www.therangerstation.com/forums/index.php?threads/91-ranger-bodied-5-3-ls-swap.186059/

 

[rngrracing96]

Made a few scores at the junkyard recently too.
1. found "prerunner package" bumpers. Never seen them in person before. Got to see if i like how they look on my truck vs the JD bumpers.
2. Found a dual tank set up from an 85. Took the wiring, fuel lines, selector valve, dash switch, rear tank and xmember. Not sure when i will get to that project but couldnt pass up the parts lol

 

[rngrracing96]

Pumped that this worked! Installed a lift up BII passenger seat bracket. Works PERFECT with the suspension seats so I can still get in the back of the cab!
Don't mind the multicoloredness of the seats at the moment lol

 

[bodied91ranger]

man im super excited this went to such a cool fella. I can't wait to see your swap unfold man.

 

[rngrracing96]

Went to take the truck for a quick test ride the other day only to find my brake pedal going to the floor.
I had good pressure after the disc brake rear axle swap. Since then I swapped the front to the dual calliper pistons. Bled the brakes twice now and still the same issue.
Brake pedal holds some pressure when the truck is off but when I start it the pedal drops to the floor immediately. No leaks anywhere so I am assuming its the master cylinder unless someone else has a better idea.
Also not sure if this just an issue of a worn out master, or could it be having too small a master cylinder for more and larger pistons? My gut tells me to switch to a 95-97 master since those had the dual calipers pistons up front. Thoughts? Experiences?

didn't get very far out of the garage before I noticed the brakes were shot... so quick photo op