1999 Ranger Ohv

[MEAKIN]

Big Ol' Ranger

I just picked up a 1999 ranger xlt ext.cab. Its not my first OHV (currently running an early bronco) but wanted to go a lil more extreme with this build. My ever changing plan is to run 5.0L - C6 - BW1356 which im not entirely set on (concidering C4 with Dana 20). As for axles im going to run 10.25 sterling on 5.5" procomp chevy leafs with belltech 6400 shackles rear and for the front Dana 60 on EB coils using ford radius arms (extended). looking for around 7"-9" of suspension lift plus 3" body and will be running 39.5x18x15 boggers This will be a junkyard build for the most part. Im new to rangers and any feedback or advise is appreciated.

 

[MEAKIN]

nevermind

Here are some pics of when i brought it home.

 

[MEAKIN]

back end stripped and waiting on springs to show up

 

[MEAKIN]

yanked out the 4.0L, trans, tcase, front diff, ect.....

 

[MEAKIN]

installed 3" body lift blocks for cab

 

[MEAKIN]

now waiting on motor mounts and some gaskets so i can put this baby in. till then ill be on the end of a grinder taking care of all the useless bracketry

 

[MEAKIN]

coils vs leafs

im concidering using leafs on the front instead of coils due to the simplicity and strength. can anyone reccomend a good set of leafs for the front that will have a soft ride and decent flex? cant decide between the two. any opinions?? keep in mind this is going to be used on trails in mud and snow. not much for rocks out here.

 

[MEAKIN]

Springs

my springs for the rear showed up today, they are 5.5" procomp 63" chevys. now the problem is these have 4 leafs plus overload. im definatly ditching the overload but im not sure if i should pull out another leaf as well and if so wich one? i believe the stock ones people are having sucsess with are 3 leafs plus overload and they are ditching the overload or using ranger overload instead. i will not be hauling anymore than the usual trail gear (beer) and spare tire in the back and will never tow any trailers. want as much flex as possible as this is strickly off road.

 

[wahlstrom1]

What tranny was in the truck (stick/auto? Might be interested in the driveline, replied to your pm as well. We should meet up sometime, I'd definately be interested in helpin with an SLA IFS SAS swap....enough acronyms for ya?

 

[MEAKIN]

tranny

sorry, no tranny. it was an automatic but part of the deal when i bought the truck for $200 was i had to give all the drivetrain back. but help is always good and the beer is always cold

 

[MEAKIN]

well ended up removing the cab and stripping the frame completely of all bracketry, lines and crossmembers. i ground out the rivits and removed the rear half of the frame all together, im going to build a sub frame out of 2x6 1/8 wall just long enough to mount the rear hangers. should be a little cleaner to build a rear cage/deck off of. the rear axle will be moved forward around 12". sould have some pics soon

 

[MEAKIN]

went on a parts run today and picked up a 85 mustang 5.0 HO motor with all the explorer acc. bolted to it for 100 bucks. has low oil pressure but i only wanted acc for now. should be a good core to work with for a spare. also picked up my 10.25 rear end and tore into it. removed carrier and cleaned up to get it welded this week. tryin to figure out how to remove the rear hubs so i can get rid of the rear drums/backing plates for disc conversion. never played with a full floater before.

 

[MEAKIN]

some pics of the rear frame and spring mounts, and the 10.25 apart

 

[railman]

lookin' cool

keep up the good work...

l8r, John

 

[wahlstrom1]

You went as far to build a new rear frame, I'd fab new rear spring hangers as well due to the lousy reliability of the stock ranger ones and their tendancy to rust and fall apart. Aside from that, it all looks good.