85 Ranger restore and Lift

[hank460]

Hi I am new here so if I screw up sorry I am restoring an 85 ranger it had a 2.8 short block in it I am changing it out to a 2.3 out of an 83 I priced the motor mounts for an 83 they were over 100 each the 85 mounts are less than 50 each does anyone know the difference and I am thinking about adding a 2" body lift I just want to be able to run 31" tires another thing I found is the 83 has an external clutch slave cylinder and the 85 has the internal the 2.3 won't bolt up to the 2.8 bellhousing so I am thinking I might need to get an 85 2.3 bellhousing so I can use an internal slave cylinder and does anyone know the best way to rust proof the body and frame whats the best way to paint it with out blasting it does the converter work ok how about the por 15 or zero rust or rust bullit ? thanks any information will be apriciated sorry about my spelling hank460@yahoo.com

 

[predator]

welcome young onego to the rbv project forum and start reading other people's build threads...you will see your vision more clearly, good luck

 

[strvger]

POR 15 everywhere on the frame and associated parts that isn't going to get hot. if you're planning on adding anything to the frame, drill the holes and do the welding first as the POR is a really tough coating.
i'd do bedliner on the underbody, inside on the floor and rear wall, and all of the bed to help with sound deadening and keep it rust free.
good luck with your build!!

 

[hank460]

Thanks for the information

 

[adsm08]

Personally, I'd go with a 2.9 instead of the 2.3, unless thats what you really want, or you already have one. the 2.3 is a sturdy little engine, but I'd rather have a V6. Thats just my opinion. Its your truck man.

 

[pastor bubba]

I'm doing an 86 Ranger for my daughter and the guy who is helping/teaching me did not give me a choice. He said I will use POR 15. I ordered the starter kit on Monday and hope to have it by Saturday so that we can use it on the body. From my understanding, it stops all rust. I also planned on undercoating everything as well but didn't think of using it on the inside so thanks for the info.

 

[strvger]

when you use it on the body, be aware that POR 15 is NOT UV PROTECTED. you will have to top coat it with paint, bed liner, etc. so it will not deteriorate! on the underbody and frame this is not an issue. otherwise, you will be very happy with the results.

 

[phatdaddy]

POR 15 is great stuff I have used it and it takes a hell of a beating and jist keeps on working