88 Ranger 4x4 - An Ironclad restoration!


Kingoverace

15+ Year Member

V8 Engine Swap
Solid Axle Swap
Joined
Jul 13, 2009
Messages
395
Points
3,101
City
Jersey
Vehicle Year
1998
Transmission
Automatic
Another project for the trails no doubt. We've got an 88 2.3 4x4 manual trans. Here is how it sits at the moment. We've already installed bucket seats with a center console. Focused on body work firstly and cleaning up the rust on the frame.

88 Ranger 4x4 - An Ironclad restoration!



Plans:
-We're going to winch it someday
-Plans? No plans, we're biulding this as we go with a completley spontaneous mindset. As long as its 4wd capable.

Currently installing a rollbar/lightbar and painting the rims. Pics coming soon!
 
annnnddd... Heres the wheels painted.

88 Ranger 4x4 - An Ironclad restoration!
 
Looks like a fun little project truck!! Your white ranger looks really good!!! Any pics of the white one.
 
Looking forward to this...Those wheels came out great! Gives me an option since mine are looking pretty rough. Damn road salt...
 
You got this one to work on right? Did you ever get the 98 up and running yet?!?!?
 
This one is my dads. Its already working and running. Just had a faulty fuel inertia switch. All the rough spots on the body have been sanded and primed. Probably tackling the lightbar next.

The 98 just needs a main harness repinned, fuel lines adapted, steering linked, and trac bar welded. Just dropped a 4.0 in it.
 
We now have front tow hooks!!!

P.S. - will drill and run a 2nd bolt on each hook when its not raining.

88 Ranger 4x4 - An Ironclad restoration!
 
We're rebuilding the entire front end from scratch like I did with my truck. Not really a fan of what the aftermarket choices are. The custom grill should be cool and the bumper may take some time but will be unique!
 
Roll bar is in place!

still doing body wok lol

88 Ranger 4x4 - An Ironclad restoration!
 
Looking good!
 
Progress:
So since, have somewhat finished the bodywork. Roll bar is on. and we've layed down some paint. Need to get a good wetsand in and second layer it once we get the spray gun setup.
88 Ranger 4x4 - An Ironclad restoration!


On the interior, started to install a tach and toggle switch board to control the lighting. Heres a pic of it tacked in.
88 Ranger 4x4 - An Ironclad restoration!
 
Sounds unconventional but we're putting the rear bumper from my 98 on the 88 since the 98 is planned to have a steel roll pan anyways. Don't think it'll look too bad but more importantly, it will be functional which is always #1 goal with this rig. What you can't tell from the first picture in the thread is rear bumper was destroyed and frame was bent from a previous accident. which also affected the front bumper. But we'll have pics this weekend of how we're going to resolve this issue and get the step bumper on there.
 
Air flow
88 Ranger 4x4 - An Ironclad restoration!


Will add mesh screening to keep the bugs and crud out. Should definetley give more air flow.

Also have the oil pan removed. We're having imtermitant oil pressure. Engine is almost out just to get the pan off. Not too much gunk. Oil pump looks like new and suction strainer i clean. :icon_confused:
 
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