'85 Ranger Restomod

[85_Ranger4x4]

Threw the tire on and took it for a rip. With the hubs locked in I got it up to about 50 and it was quiet.

Nothing fell apart either, I might drive it to work tomorrow if it quits raining.

 

[DRanger024]

I really wish you would have posted this a couple months back. I just tossed out a set of spindles and locking hubs that I couldn’t give away here . I started purging TTB stuff after I did the SAS.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I really wish you would have posted this a couple months back. I just tossed out a set of spindles and locking hubs that I couldn’t give away here . I started purging TTB stuff after I did the SAS.

Not like I haven't been pretending to not notice the noise for like 5 years...

When I didn't have a front driveshaft in it it was kinda no big deal. No need to mess with the hubs so it didn't make noise.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

For as long as I can remember to the point I know if it ever was "right" my seatbelt has been lazy. You gotta kinda snap it most times to get it to retract. Since in my mind the rewinder part is probably separate than the locking up part I just kinda let it ride.



I was browsing ebay the other night and found this:





Fit was kinda wishy washy, they were not positive what it was for, probably why it was so cheap. Attached picture showed Bronco/Ranger/Ranger supercab being mentioned in the directions so my bases were covered there. I looked it up in my parts book and the numbers lined up there for the driver side too... so I snagged it.



Now I just need to find one for the other side...

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Kind of weird, I was getting concerned. I could only pull the seat belt out like a foot and a half... that isn't going to work.

By chance I set it on the table to look at the top bracket that mounts at the top of the B pillar... and the belt just pulled out like nothing.

Turns out when I was playing with it I was actually lowering the retractor part which locks it up apparently. But if I hold the retractor and pull the belt out it just works perfect. Apparently lowering the retractor trips the mechanism to lock it up.

 

[Curious Hound]

Kind of weird, I was getting concerned. I could only pull the seat belt out like a foot and a half... that isn't going to work.

By chance I set it on the table to look at the top bracket that mounts at the top of the B pillar... and the belt just pulled out like nothing.

Turns out when I was playing with it I was actually lowering the retractor part which locks it up apparently. But if I hold the retractor and pull the belt out it just works perfect. Apparently lowering the retractor trips the mechanism to lock it up.

Yeah. It's based on inertia and momentum and stuff like that. Little levers and coubterweights. Real science crap.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Yeah. It's based on inertia and momentum and stuff like that. Little levers and coubterweights. Real science crap.

I figured that after the fact, just amusing because I wasn't moving it that fast. Basically any movement at all does it.

Kinda neat it is that sensitive. Curious how the one currently in the truck will compare when I get it out or if it is all gummed up like everything else.

 

[Curious Hound]

One in my F250 wasn't working. I found a pair of disposable earplugs in it with their cord tightly wound between the belt drum and side frame. Relatively easy fix.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

One in my F250 wasn't working. I found a pair of disposable earplugs in it with their cord tightly wound between the belt drum and side frame. Relatively eView attachment 103290
asy fix.

Mine will retract but you have to coax them to do it, I suspect the mechanism is gummed up since they are fairly open to the elements. When I get the one replaced I might experiment on cleaning the one I take out and see if I can bring the passenger side around.

I suspect it is going to be harder to turn up a NOS passenger side one.

 

[Curious Hound]

Mine will retract but you have to coax them to do it, I suspect the mechanism is gummed up since they are fairly open to the elements. When I get the one replaced I might experiment on cleaning the one I take out and see if I can bring the passenger side around.

I suspect it is going to be harder to turn up a NOS passenger side one.

Seems like they would have sold fewer passenger side assemblies since they don't normally get used as much as driver side. Should be millions of them lying around waiting to be purchased. Ha-ha.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Seems like they would have sold fewer passenger side assemblies since they don't normally get used as much as driver side. Should be millions of them lying around waiting to be purchased. Ha-ha.

... or something like that.

 

[Roert42]

If I’m not mistaken you can wind up the spring on the retractor top help with the seat belt sag. Just don’t let the doing go loose and all the little bits go flying.

I’ve had quite a few vehicles with a sloppy seat belt retractor, but never got around to trying to adjust the springs.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

If I’m not mistaken you can wind up the spring on the retractor top help with the seat belt sag. Just don’t let the doing go loose and all the little bits go flying.

I’ve had quite a few vehicles with a sloppy seat belt retractor, but never got around to trying to adjust the springs.

I want to take one apart... but I would rather replace it first in case something goes awry during the exploratory.

 

[Lefty]

I want to take one apart... but I would rather replace it first in case something goes awry during the exploratory.

Sometimes I go to the U Pull yard for just this reason. Try it first on junk.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Sometimes I go to the U Pull yard for just this reason. Try it first on junk.

I have been known to do that too... for some reason a pidly thing like a seatbelt never really rated high enough to go after lol.