1998 Ranger 4x4 Ground Up Restoration

[ThatBostonGuy]

This is my 1998 Ranger 4x4 restoration build that I have been working on since March. This was my first vehicle that I bought over 15 years ago now. The previous summer I lost oil pressure on the highway and before I could pull over and shutdown, the motor was seized. Since this truck has a truck load of sentimental value I decided to do a full restoration on it.

I hope you guys enjoy.

This was the start of the tear down process. The truck was tired and needed some loving

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Looking good so far!
What size tarp shed are you working in? How did you put the floor together?
Looking forward to your progress.

 

[ThatBostonGuy]

The garage is a 12' x 20' that I bought from Northern Tool. The floor is 3/4" plywood that I waterproofed with Thompson water seal and screwed together with strapping that I cut into 8" brackets and painted so they wouldn't rust. Considering it only cost me about $600 total, I've really been able to do some good things in there.

 

[ThatBostonGuy]

The suspension was a mess and the 4 wheel drive no longer worked. All the vacuum lines for the hubs were rotted away. I converted over to live axles and sealed hubs from an explorer with help from the tech article on this forum

 

[ThatBostonGuy]

 

[planeflyer21]

Looks good!

I'm getting ready to start some upgrading on my '99 3.0 4x4, to include the live axles and also an Explorer rear axle.

Which transmission do you have? Any plans on changing it out? If you have the manual 5-speed, replace the hydraulic master cylinder for the clutch while you have it apart!

 

[pjtoledo]

staying with the factory 11.25" front rotors, or upgrading to 2004 Ranger 12" rotors? it makes a big difference, the knuckles bolt right on. larger wheels are required. 16s or some 15s with low backspace.

 

[ThatBostonGuy]

Looks good!

I'm getting ready to start some upgrading on my '99 3.0 4x4, to include the live axles and also an Explorer rear axle.

Which transmission do you have? Any plans on changing it out? If you have the manual 5-speed, replace the hydraulic master cylinder for the clutch while you have it apart!

I have the stock automatic. I have a buddy that's a Ford Transmission tech that rebuilt the tranny for me. I'm going to stick with the auto. This truck will be my daily so I didn't feel like having to deal with a stick. I have a 91 5.0 5speed for when I want some manual action.

 

[ThatBostonGuy]

staying with the factory 11.25" front rotors, or upgrading to 2004 Ranger 12" rotors? it makes a big difference, the knuckles bolt right on. larger wheels are required. 16s or some 15s with low backspace.

I stuck with the stock. I have never had any issue with braking performance. I have 16" wheels on it now but I'm not sure they would have cleared the bigger brakes.

 

[ThatBostonGuy]

Getting the driveline built and painted

 

[DannyG]

I love the blue on the valve covers! Excited for the build! Keep up the good work!

 

[ThatBostonGuy]

Getting the engine bay prep and painted.

 

[ThatBostonGuy]

Running the stainless lines was very time consuming but I think they came out awesome. I also restored the factory air box to like new condition and getting butting up the engine bay for the motor installa.

 

[chris1972]

looking great...love the color

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Very nice work.