80's Ranger 4x4 for the Trails

[eightynine4x4]

Just remember to check torque a few times after driving places. When the nuts stop moving, the suspension is settled in and ain't gonna move no more. It think it took me four times before the nuts would no longer torque.

Will do! Happen to know what torque it's supposed to be? Can't find it in the Haynes or anywhere formal.

 

[sgtsandman]

I could look up the torque for mine but it's a 2011. I don't know if the torque values have changed since 1989 or not. If you still want them, I can check for you.

 

[eightynine4x4]

I could look up the torque for mine but it's a 2011. I don't know if the torque values have changed since 1989 or not. If you still want them, I can check for you.

Thanks! But i just took another look in the Haynes and found that I hadn't been looking hard enough. It's 65 to 75 ft-lbs.

 

[eightynine4x4]

Is the 6ft bed lightweight enough for two healthy people to lift and take off and put on ground behind truck? Or is it more of a 4 person job?
I’m thinking once I get these bed bolts off, might as well take the opportunity to do some frame brushing/cleaning/coating and also maybe paint the back of the cab while exposed. Also coat the underside of bed of easy to flip.

 

[Curious Hound]

2 people can do it pretty easy. It's too bulky and almost too heavy for one person. Take the tailgate off first.

Don't forget to unplug the wiring harness at the rear and unbolt the fuel filler neck and remove the cap.

 

[eightynine4x4]

2 people can do it pretty easy. It's too bulky and almost too heavy for one person. Take the tailgate off first.

Don't forget to unplug the wiring harness at the rear and unbolt the fuel filler neck and remove the cap.

Ok great thanks.

 

[eightynine4x4]

Silly question..,
Is PB Blaster going to ignite if I had drenched bolts in it an hour before and then put a small torch to it?

 

[Curious Hound]

An hour ago? Eh. Maybe. I wouldn't think it would cause a huge flare-up. The really volatile components have evaporated away. It will just be a bit if oily residue burning off.

If I'm wrong, I will gladly buy you an eyebrow pencil so you can draw them on until they grow back.

 

[eightynine4x4]

An hour ago? Eh. Maybe. I wouldn't think it would cause a huge flare-up. The really volatile components have evaporated away. It will just be a bit if oily residue burning off.

If I'm wrong, I will gladly buy you an eyebrow pencil so you can draw them on until they grow back.

I'll make sure to include eyebrow regrowth progress pics here.

 

[eightynine4x4]

Here’s my question about heating the bolts and/or clip nuts of bed...
Is that small black neck segment surrounding the upper threads actually part of the clip nut? Is it where the stubborn threads are that’s holding me back? Should I torch it as I torch the bolt head? And is this thread neck made of metal or is it some hard plastic material that will simply melt if I torch it and thus would only make things worse?

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Yup, that is the threaded part of it. It is steel.

 

[Shran]

My 13 year old and I lift beds on and off all the time. Ranger beds are pretty light.

Don't let the PB Blaster drip into your hair. That happened to me years ago. I didn't realize it until I woke up in the middle of the night, wondering why my pillow smelled so bad.

 

[eightynine4x4]

One bed bolt done. Torch and breaker bar slowly.
Anyone know of how to find new replacements of bolts and clip nuts? I could maybe clean these up but working fresh would be nice.
Hasn’t been easy to find body mount hardware either.

 

[eightynine4x4]

Damn

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Somebody did not sacrifice a chicken correctly...

James Duff has hardware kits with new poly bushings. Factory cab hardware will be a PITA to deal with too.