1986 Ranger Prerunner in NH

[86MUDRCJ]

Some fiberglass up front so you can put those beams in! Youre gonna need them so might as well buy them now, so if wanna paint it you can. Shoot maybe a lockrer in the rear, or a rear bumper/tire carrier?

 

[rngrracing96]

not sure these beams make it too much wider but i looked up some fiberglass and fiberwerx has both sides for $300 not too shabby. Shipping might be an arm and a leg though. Think I might built my own bumper/tire carrier once i get more practice welding. But thanks for the suggestions I like them!!

 

[86MUDRCJ]

not sure these beams make it too much wider but i looked up some fiberglass and fiberwerx has both sides for $300 not too shabby. Shipping might be an arm and a leg though. Think I might built my own bumper/tire carrier once i get more practice welding. But thanks for the suggestions I like them!!

They look like might be alittle wider than stock but its a good start. I was gonna run fibergllass fenders on mine and bedsides but, I don't know if I want to keep the bed or build a flatbed. Shipping might be expensive but I think you could call them before hand and ask how much it would cost. Building bumpers and small stuff like that is good practice. No problem, truck looks good.

 

[rngrracing96]

Thanks for the info MUDRCJ. I just read through your whole build. Love the progress and the truck looks B/A!!! I think my truck was that dark blue before the last owner painted it. Any ways heres a little update of what I did yesterday. Floor board on drivers side was swiss cheese so got a new panel from LMC. Cut it all out and the new piece fits pretty well, just some minor adjustments with a persuader and i will weld it in!!

 

[86MUDRCJ]

Thanks man, its a never ending project just like everybody elses truck.lol just pulled the motor thinking 302 swap. I think I might do some rust repair anyway since the motor is out and I can get to the front frame area.

 

[rngrracing96]

Yeah I love seeing other 1st gens still alive though! But I think the 302 swap would be awesome, most cost efficient and easier because of all the conversion parts out there. Plus I've seen a lot of people on here do it so good for references. Good call on cleaning up the frame its hard to get in there so do it while you can

 

[86MUDRCJ]

I like the 1st gens too cuz they still have the more fullsize look to them than the newer ones.I think I might take the whole front clip off and the do the front, then take the cab off, then the bed so. Then I know the frame won't rust out from under the truck. The 302 is one of the easiest motors to swap into a 1st gen out of all the years from what I've read. Plus it will be nice to have some kind of get up and go compared to the 2.9

 

[rngrracing96]

Do it up!! and take plenty of pictures incase someone else is considering the swap in the future...
Update, I am currently removing the front suspension. The getting new balljoints pressed into the lift beams and throwing them on!! hopefully before it gets too cold. Also making a short road trip to NJ soon to pick up a nice looking bedcage from a member on here!!!! And Im going to pair it with a 63" leaf swap. Currently hunting for leafs. Stay tuned pics to follow

 

[rngrracing96]

Got most of the suspension out except for the passenger side beam! The beam and radius arm bolts are out. Bolt that connects the two rusted and wont turn. Its just wedged in there, when i pull it either way the other side gets stuck. Any suggestions besides taking the radius arm crossmember out?

 

[nooch450]

Looks like a good start. You going to want to get rid of that radius arm crossmember anyways. The stock arms are way to short for any real travel #'s.

 

[disturbedgoat21]

Looks good grind n punch out the rivets holding the shock n coil towers u wont need those no more

 

[rngrracing96]

Well here are some updates! Traveled to NJ last weekend to pick up a bed cage from Nooch450!!! Build quality looks awesome, as does his bronco II build. Thanks again Dominick, I’ll be sure to send you some pictures once I get it all mocked up with a chevy leaf pack. Also I found out I hate rivets, especially in awkward places like directly behind body mount bolts!!!! Why ford why. Anyways all the front suspension is out after a lot of swearing and hammering. And I tossed in the new beams real quick just for a peek. Getting new ball joints pressed into them this weekend and reassembling everything. Unfortunately since I don’t have extended radius arms or new shock mounting locations both those brackets are going to stay for now
Thinking of buying the Harbor Freight kinker this winter, I want to start fabricating some of my own stuff. Start with a rear bumper and then radius arms and see how it goes.
Now here’s what everyone wants to see picturessss

 

[disturbedgoat21]

Sweet action do you know how long of shocks your looking to go yet and i wouldn't suggest the harbor freight kinker if your talking bout what i think you are i had one and had to make brackets to hold the pipe in place and filled it with sand n still couldn't make good bends i found it cheaper to just find a local shop to do it for me or spend the extra buck n get something like this
www.AffordableBender.com

 

[rngrracing96]

Yes I'm talking about the "bender" from harbor freight. I've heard mixed reviews but seen some impressive successes. I didn't know about that website though thanks!

 

[disturbedgoat21]

If ur interested il sell ya mine have all the dies and its hardly used probably did bout 8 bends with before i got tired of packing sand lol i used exhaust clamps to keep the pipes in place