'85 Ranger Restomod

[85_Ranger4x4]

I need to get on the regular site more, didn't even know.

Congrats.

I am not on as much as I used to be either, makes me feel bad I didn't even know I was nominated.

 

[dangerranger83]

Everybody that is part of TRS on Facebook knows now.

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[merch]

congrats! ive enjoyed your build thread,glad to see someone else noticed and nominated your rig! i hope to see mine up there one day (if it ever lets me drive it outa the garage again) Great rig,love those first gens!

 

[tidmarshsmiths5]

That is one awesome truck! And built very well! Like everything about it...one day when I win the lottery...

 

[dangerranger83]

I have a question that I think it's pretty good. What spark plugs were you running before you did your HO cam and e7 head swap and what are you running after? I looked up the plugs that I am currently running, what my engine runs when it came from the factory and 86 mustang FI plugs and they are the same despite a 45hp difference and head difference. There autolite copper plug numbers are 2545 an have a slightly different shape to them.

But when I looked up plugs for an 85 mustang, basically what our setups are, there Is a difference. Autolite copper 25

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[85_Ranger4x4]

The first time I just told them '87 crown vic, I THINK the last time I told them '87 Mustang GT.

I am hoping to address my oil leak this weekend, I will try to remember to check while it is under the knife.

I also want to change out the 160* tstat so I can get some decent heat out of it.

 

[dangerranger83]

Then you are running the same plugs.

I'm going to try the 85 ones soon and see what they do.

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[85_Ranger4x4]

Did you change the heads on yours?

The only difference between mine and a '87 HO is that mine is carbed. It also has flattops but since the engine isn't new that is probably at best a wash. The plug won't see as perfect of a mix but otherwise I wouldn't think it would be able to tell much a difference.

The only difference between mine and an '85 is a better carb/intake and the heads...

 

[dangerranger83]

Change the heads, no. But if Ford did a slight change like that from them changing carb to FI and that be the only difference then they must have had a reason to change the plugs too.

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[85_Ranger4x4]

I think Ford gets bored and changes things for the heck of it too...

I had a t-stat for a '87 Mustang, looked different than what was in there... might be a different brand or something so I tried it. It had 1/16" of rock sitting in my 95 Mustang t-stat housing. I snugged it up finger tight and the housing had a huge gap all the way around it. So I go back down there and after looking at the other two the had on the shelf I ask to see one for a '95 Mustang... fit like a glove. Who would have thought they would have changed it after all these years?

BTW I have Autolite 2545 spark plugs in it right now.

 

[dangerranger83]

Your running the exact same plugs as me. I drove it for the first time today after the wire upgrade/change and no more back firing and night and day in what power I had before and after.

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[getoffroad]

Great job on your ranger. I put a 302 in my 84 Bronco II this fall. Wish I had the body lift you do. I went through a lot of the same issues you have but all at once, I built the 302 as part of my engine rebuild class in tech school and had it in the garage waiting for a project after dropping it in my c5 made it about one trip around the block and it started to slip so add on another 600 bucks for a rebuild... my weekend project turned into two months of head scratchin and no sleep at times...but the finished product is an AWESOME vehicle that will fly down the highway. My c5 is now a c4 and I plan on regearing to 3.08 gears to drive this on the highway to get better mpg. Its my daily driver and better than the gazillion jeeps I pass everyday. My next project is a ranger extended cab on a full size bronco frame I am just enjoying the winter till spring to begin my off road toy build up.
Ok now that I got way off subject...Maybe I missed it but were you able to use that tach cluster in your Ranger? I'm limited in my options being an 84 but would like to install a factory tach cluster if it is an easy swap.
Thanks for the great pictures and tech about your build up.

 

[cobraranger85]

I just finished reading your build. You have a awesome truck and congrats getting the truck of the month. I am getting ready to start on my 302 swap as soon as I get the engine built.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Ok now that I got way off subject...Maybe I missed it but were you able to use that tach cluster in your Ranger? I'm limited in my options being an 84 but would like to install a factory tach cluster if it is an easy swap.

Shran posted a how-to recently in the "submit tech" section towards the top of the main forum menu on how to repin your dash harness to work with the tach.

I got started mapping it out back when I got it and never got back to it.

I just finished reading your build. You have a awesome truck and congrats getting the truck of the month. I am getting ready to start on my 302 swap as soon as I get the engine built.

Good luck on your swap, they are a lot of fun to both put together and to enjoy afterwards.

BTW, I rolled it across the scales at the local co-op last Sunday, weighs 4140 with a full tank of gas and me in it, minus my nominal 270lb weight it would be around 3870. Kind of a hefty little feller...

 

[DECRanger]

Your truck looks incredible! Always thought the first generation Rangers had the cleanest lines. It's a great look with the slight lift and rollbar/brush guard combo. I love the color especially - don't see too many in that shade of green. Is that the factory color?