80's Ranger 4x4 for the Trails

[Curious Hound]

Damn

View attachment 52194

You can get the rest of that when the bed is off. No problem. You're doing great.

 

[pjtoledo]

Damn

View attachment 52194

that's actually the easiest way to remove them.

what you have is plain 'ol hardware store bolts, not the factory stuff.
standard clip nuts can be found at most hardware stores. get stainless washers.


factory bolts are metric. some aftermarket replacements are SAE.

 

[eightynine4x4]

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.

Yeah I've seen the Duff stuff that's for the cab hardware, but i did see that customers complain that the hardware somehow or another doesn't line up with third party bushings, notably the Prothane bushings which i had already purchased. I contacted Duff to ask about this and they didn't reply about it. I'm not sure how the Duff hardware would not line up with Prothane bushings though. Bolts are bolts. Holes are holes. But maybe something about washers? Or length being too long? Maybe I should just order the Duff hardware knowing i may need to modify small pieces or add a washer or something.

As for the bed... i don't think i've seen any kits for sale that is bed hardware. So yeah I guess I'll just order up some good bolts from McMaster of the same sizing. Maybe clip nuts too.

I guess if i end up (or deciding to) break the rest of the bed bolts, i could just angle grind the side edge of each clip nut and everything would easily come out. It took me like over an hour to successfully do the first bolt, so may not be worth my time if i can just angle grind them after and replace with new hardware.

 

[pjtoledo]

most parts stores have them, hopefully some cheaper than others.




Truck Bed Mounting Hardware NOE 7356849 | Buy Online - NAPA Auto Parts (napaonline.com)

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Look where they go before you run around breaking bolts willy nilly, especially the one or two behind the fuel tank unless you want drop the tank.

 

[eightynine4x4]

Look where they go before you run around breaking bolts willy nilly, especially the one or two behind the fuel tank unless you want drop the tank.

I looked around first. Plenty of clearance, as far as i could tell. Tank isn't anywhere close. The two front ones are a little different, but still accessible. Worst case is i discover something after the bed is off that makes my world suck a little but i just went and got them all off in 5 minutes which is nicer than spending a full day and probably breaking most anyways. Bed is coming off soon and I will be grinding the clips out later today. I'll certainly be sure to generously cover the tank with some kind of thick material so as to avoid any sparks hitting it or anything involved with it!
Having the bed off will be the big reveal overall. Having access to the frame is going to be a can of worms probably.

 

[Curious Hound]

Try rock auto.

 

[scotts90ranger]

Yeah, that doesn't look bad, there's plenty of options on Amazon too just looking up that part number...

 

[eightynine4x4]

Didn’t have time to lift bed off and to the ground yet but it’s all disconnected from accessories and ready and completely loose.
When I put it back on without the 3” lift, what about the gas tank neck length? Do i need to make an adjustment or modification somewhere or is it flexible and will follow the opening down and inward slightly?

 

[eightynine4x4]

crappy pic but exciting day! Buddy stopped by and helped me pull it down.
Time to dig in with the wire brush and some sprayed protective surfacing. And of course removing the clip nuts.
This also gives easier access to the rear most body mounts of cab which is a perk. Will be redoing those soon too.

 

[eightynine4x4]

Hole in the gas tank!
Now I wonder if there’s a tank filter or if the only thing stopping debris is the fuel line filter.

 

[Curious Hound]

There's normally a sock filter on the pickup at the bottom of the pump. I would definitely try to figure out something to fix that hole. Maybe some kind of epoxy putty made for plastics.

 

[eightynine4x4]

Yes I’m going to see if JB Weld has something appropriate for this material.
It’s a little frightening to slap some paste directly on there and potentially fall down in so I might put a piece of plastic over it first and get that adhered well.

There's normally a sock filter on the pickup at the bottom of the pump. I would definitely try to figure out something to fix that hole. Maybe some kind of epoxy putty made for plastics.

 

[eightynine4x4]

This is pretty crazy..
The body lift bushings are essentially welded to the bolt segments that remain. There’s just no chance I would have ever been able to get these bolts out properly.
I’ve PB Blasted in all spots and crevasses and and let soak and still can’t get them to rise up when hammering a large flat head underneath. Probably will have to just keep at it for a long time and hope they crack off. I’m actually worried about warping the frame a little bit in certain places.

 

[Curious Hound]

I

This is pretty crazy..
The body lift bushings are essentially welded to the bolt segments that remain. There’s just no chance I would have ever been able to get these bolts out properly.
I’ve PB Blasted in all spots and crevasses and and let soak and still can’t get them to rise up when hammering a large flat head underneath. Probably will have to just keep at it for a long time and hope they crack off. I’m actually worried about warping the frame a little bit in certain places.

View attachment 52278

Think I would try just hammering straight down on the bolt until something gives enough so you can get a hacksaw blade under the spacer to cut the bolt. Once that is off, you will be able to bend/break the u-nut enough to get it off the frame.