1990 ranger diesel conversion

[1991fordranger1]

I swapped the transmission to a fm146 from a 145 its 2 inches longer. I havent got both shafts hooked up but the rear shaft fit so no more spacer block. I had to take the carrier bearing off and die grind the slots back about a 1/4" but it fits.

I damaged my mcl in my knee and am on light duty so maybe I'll have some time to finish up my gauges and wiring. I have only really drove the truck for one month and then took it off the road.

 

[1991fordranger1]

I built a little bezel for the boots and to cover up the hole came out looking alright

 

[1991fordranger1]

Egt gauge fit in there nicely.

Dont worry the stereo isnt working. So dont have to work about how ugly it is

 

[1991fordranger1]

So I got some free springs they are a bit big but thought I could just cut them down if I didnt like the height. Well I went to jack up my truck to discover the ball joints are shot on the bottom and the wheel bearings are even worse.

I think this is turning into a sas swap now.

I've found a 3.73 dana30 from a xj guy is suppose to get back to me on complete condition but I think I'm gonna buy it and do a 3 link set up. I'll have to make a new trans crossmember but I want to use the mounting points that are already there for the trans mounts to make my pivot points.


Going to be a wild adventure

 

[Curious Hound]

View attachment 49991

So I got some free springs they are a bit big but thought I could just cut them down if I didnt like the height. Well I went to jack up my truck to discover the ball joints are shot on the bottom and the wheel bearings are even worse.

I think this is turning into a sas swap now.

I've found a 3.73 dana30 from a xj guy is suppose to get back to me on complete condition but I think I'm gonna buy it and do a 3 link set up. I'll have to make a new trans crossmember but I want to use the mounting points that are already there for the trans mounts to make my pivot points.


Going to be a wild adventure

If the springs are too tall, install a bigger heavier engine.

 

[1991fordranger1]

If the springs are too tall, install a bigger heavier engine.

I was thinking more like taller buckets. I like your thinking pattern tho. But to be a true motor head I'd need to drag this truck out to my front yard with the diff tore out of it and start a new project with one of those blue tarps but a ripped up one to flap in the wind until the truck rusts back into the ground. That plan is foiled tho because my truck has leaked enough oil all over it already

 

[vasivan89]

This is great. I would love to do this in my 91 Ranger. I could only wish I had fabrication skills. I think that is what would make this project more achivable for me.

You should post a video of this bad boy running. If we are lucky, a driving video!

 

[1991fordranger1]

My transmission blew on my mini van so things are on hold. Until I get rebuilt one in there.

I am going to swap the front and then do the rear to match still

 

[EasternNC]

I'm following this. How much do you reckon you have tied up in the project so far?

 

[1991fordranger1]

I'm following this. How much do you reckon you have tied up in the project so far?

I don't know I bought the motor years ago. I dont keep track. I like the challenge of overcoming challenges. I just want to do it is all.

But probably 5 grand ish. But you have to gauge what your skill level is and access to tools and stuff like that.

 

[1991fordranger1]

It's happening now

 

[1991fordranger1]

I machined my own end links to make my radius arms

Finished product.

One end of the radius arm is solid

I need you position the axle where I want it. I plan on using the 3 bolt holes from the trans crossmember that are parallel on the frame either side to locate my rear mount and then using a new custom made trans crossmember to tie them together hopefully making it all nice and strong.

While I have the truck tore back down I'm putting in some different motor mounts made from rubber. I also am going to lower the front of the motor as much as I can. So a little bit of work to do before fitting the axle.

I also will be building every piece so slow going. But I've acquired a plasma cutter so things are getting faster..

 

[1991fordranger1]

Rubber mounts built

Long arms placed and cut to length I only got one welded together.

I have new coils coming hopefully here today or Monday. Then I can start building the upper buckets. Lots of little stuff to do but it makes alot more sense after starting the project then just thinking a bout it non stop

 

[1991fordranger1]

Little more progress for those still following along

Decided to go 3 link just becuase I want to no other reason.

Went with zj 4.5inch coils because they were a good deal to get brand new. Zjs were the v8 cheerokee should help with the diesels weight

 

[1991fordranger1]

Test fitted.

Looks good now I can finish bracing the coil buckets and move on to steering and track bar.