1993 Splash in SC

[Lefty]

I bought this truck a few weeks ago - 1993 Ranger "Splash" 4X4, 3.0l, M50D, 1354 transfer case, 7.5" rear Dana 35 front, 3.73 gears. All stock except for the stereo. I live on 12 acres in the country. The truck will be used around the property, around town, and hopefully for trail riding and moderate rock crawling.

So far, I have found the following;
rear brakes grabbing, rusted, leaking - already fixed
leak at top of fuel tank - parts on order (fill tube, new fuel pump, strainer
and gasket
headliner is bad - being replaced today
dash is cracked and many parts are broken due to stereo installation
butcher years ago. - bought used dash parts this past weekend
heater control cable detached (plastic pin broken)
accelerator cable stretched - did the zip-tie mod as temporary fix

My Plans;
8.8" rear
4.56 gears
Lock-Rite - both ends
6" lift
33" tires on 15x8 steel wheels
Make a doubler? (got a 1350 for $75 yesterday - long-term project)
Might sacrifice A/C compressor to convert to air compressor
Engine mods? probably not until it dies

That's most of my plans at the moment. I have to repair and sell an '04 Yukon to finance most of this. I have been reading this forum and checking out the tech articles. In fact, a few of you have already helped me in the thread I started in General Discussions. Here are a couple pictures to get this thread started off right.


That's my stunt driver behind the wheel.

One very nice truck! Stunt driver too!

 

[Uncle Gump]

I like it...

 

[bobbywalter]

Carrier needs options.

With that empty rock quarry here transporter you built ...it can ride in the bed....

She can haul something fierce.

Now you have to go full overlander and air suspension.

 

[Curious Hound]

Sorry, guys. I had another beautiful day to work outside. Got the truck out from under the bed. This gives me a lot more freedom to move around and weld stuff. Finished the cross bracing for the front end. Framed in for the fuel pump access hatch and got the hinges in place for that. Got my supports in place for license plate and tail lights. And cleaned up some topside welds. I need to get another roll of MIG wire ordered quick.

Fuel pump hatch

 

[Curious Hound]

Half day at work today. Stopped for MIG wire on the way home. Then still had a couple hours to work on it. Not bad progress for 2 or 2 1/2 hrs. It looks a lot better with skin on. Not sure if the weather will cooperate tomorrow while I'm off.

 

[Uncle Gump]

Can't wait to see it done.

Did you do any math to see how much the flatbed will weigh vs. the original bed?

 

[Curious Hound]

Can't wait to see it done.

Did you do any math to see how much the flatbed will weigh vs. the original bed?

No. I didn't calculate the weight. When I lifted it off the truck, I guessed that it felt similar in weight to the old bed. I did weigh my new bumper. It is 4 lbs heavier than the one I removed.

 

[Uncle Gump]

We always kept our buggies as light as possible. While you don't want to go overboard on weight... some extra on the rear of a Ranger is probably a good thing.

 

[Curious Hound]

We always kept our buggies as light as possible. While you don't want to go overboard on weight... some extra on the rear of a Ranger is probably a good thing.

I think it's going to be alright. I'm afraid I might need a few more pounds on the front of the truck when I get my new springs on.

 

[Roert42]

Are you going to put the skin on the inside or outside?

 

[Curious Hound]

Are you going to put the skin on the inside or outside?

Inside.

 

[Curious Hound]

Well, I finished the fuel filler hose tunnel today. It took nearly the whole afternoon to get it this good. And this is not how I originally envisioned it. Next time, all flat geometric shapes. No more #%&>=$%÷*& round stuff! That was very difficult for the tools I have available.

 

[Curious Hound]

Livvy got some new springs for the front of her Ranger today. Skyjacker 176. These are for older F150s with 6" lift.

 

[Curious Hound]

Pretty good progress for a day that started out foggy and rainy.

Laid out the position of my toolbox. Then drilled mounting holes and welded reinforcements and nuts on the bottom side.

Started fitting the skin on it. Also welded in some tie-down rings.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Pretty good progress for a day that started out foggy and rainy.

Laid out the position of my toolbox. Then drilled mounting holes and welded reinforcements and nuts on the bottom side.
View attachment 72846

Started fitting the skin on it. Also welded in some tie-down rings.
View attachment 72847

View attachment 72848

I have really bad knees, so I would have mounted a box like that on top of the passenger tire kick. Access over the side...
And it would offset the lean from my overweight ass....