85 ranger unknown what to do

[1976 seabee ranger]

85 lowrider, brother passed away needs work, should I go back to old school or do a runner style for out here in desert

 

[Robertmangrum.rm]

Man I have always had a soft spot for lowered first gens. I'm sorry for the circumstances. I'm sure he would be proud of what ever direction you decide to go. I look forward to watching your progress which ever direction you decide.

 

[SenorNoob]

Welcome to TRS!

Since it's already setup for low I'd keep it that way.

 

[Curious Hound]

Looks great as it is. I won’t tell you what to do, due to my personal bias towards a certain style.

 

[901wd#2]

Sorry for your loss, I’d make the bed match the cab and cruise.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

First, sorry for your loss.

Second, putting aside for a minute that it was your brother’s truck, the question of lifting or lowering (in this case leaving it low), is always a highly subjective question. Some people have really strong feelings for or against lifting and lowering. Personally, I’ve always had appreciation for both schools of thought. I lifted my Choptop (89 Bronco II) and I lowered my 00 green Ranger. I love both trucks, they are both a lot of fun. My F-150 is lifted when compared to stock trucks of its vintage but it’s really more heavy duty suspension and bigger tires. I’m looking at going with even bigger tires on the rebuild but maybe not really lifting it because it’s supposed to be a work rig and when you need a ladder to reach the ladder rack it becomes a little more awkward.

I try to build my vehicles for a particular purpose. I like a lot of different stuff and styles. Personally, considering that truck is already lowered, I’d be inclined to finish it out, make it nice, maybe build it for better performance if there’s anything left to do on that side of things. It would be a huge amount of work to build it the other direction and a big expense. Be easier to pick up a stock truck or someone’s abandoned project to build into a desert runner. But ultimately it’s your decision and we shouldn’t influence that too much.

 

[sgtsandman]

Sorry for your loss. Me personally, I would leave it as is and finish it. It will be a better reminder of your brother that way.

But it all depends on your aims for the truck as well. What do you want to do with it? Then consider what it would take to get you there, meaning labor and costs. Only you can decide what direction is worth it to you.

 

[scotts90ranger]

High speed stuff is fun out at Christmas Valley since I'm sure that's what you're talking about! I go there at least once a year, I might be the only other member here that's driven through Gilchrist...

That said I'm with the guys above, depending on how much emotional attachment you have with it from your brother would likely swing my thoughts... a low cruiser would be fun here and there, my preferences are offroad though...

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Do what you want, if you don't like the end vehicle you won't do much with it once it is done if you even finish it.

 

[superj]

that truck looks awesome already so i would just complete the paint and make sure its dependable.

 

[1976 seabee ranger]

Ithank you everyone, you live in a desert setting but I also have his jacked up GMC.
So lost so much stuff needs to be done or at least it seems

 

[1976 seabee ranger]

Back in the day it never seemed much, I could be just overwhelmed plus not having a space might get to me
Should I start with the GMC or ranger? Both need at this point a lot or at least it seems.
Just want them back on road nothing show quality at this point but I think I need to get them back on road

 

[1976 seabee ranger]

dependable

Thank you, just everything is overwhelming, also have to get the GMC monster truck set up as well.
So much at one time might be much

 

[1976 seabee ranger]

High speed stuff is fun out at Christmas Valley since I'm sure that's what you're talking about! I go there at least once a year, I might be the only other member here that's driven through Gilchrist...

That said I'm with the guys above, depending on how much emotional attachment you have with it from your brother would likely swing my thoughts... a low cruiser would be fun here and there, my preferences are offroad though...

Just unknown might be right now crazy, I'm not a mini truck guy being out here just want to get this as well as his jacked up GMC on the road.
The pretty work comes after

 

[1976 seabee ranger]

Welcome to TRS!

Since it's already setup for low I'd keep it that way.

Any tips to get it back cause it's been ripped out? I found out he wanted a v8 but I think he should have done at least a set up before ripping out the electric stuff, that's the biggest thing I don't know, I can handle the other parts.
Both the trucks I got need it and that's what scares me