89 ranger SAS build

[escort_gts]

probably just another one from a junk yard. Thats the least of my worries. Need to find a motor first

 

[ben_2_go]

probably just another one from a junk yard. Thats the least of my worries. Need to find a motor first

If ya can't move no need for steering.

 

[escort_gts]

Got dumped on with snow today.. driving home in 5" of snow is fun, but not in 2wd. Had problems with it in 4hi. Kept growling and vibrating very bad, felt like driveshaft or something. Got next two days off might crawl under there after all the snow melts off it and see what the hell is wrong.

 

[dangerranger83]

Hopefully its not your gears making sounds on ya. I would check the gear lash on it hopefully your pinion nut hasnt backed off on ya. Mine growls but those are just my bearings just needing warmed up, getting new ones this summer.

I will say I loved the snow we got, going to go have fun in a bit.

 

[AzureMach1]

You are prolly goin to get alot of questions from me. What is the measurement on the shackle from bolt hole to bolt hole if you dont mind? Tryin to figure out a rear lift setup. Goin to run a 35/36 tire and the 4.5 or 3.5crawler coil spring for a 66 to 77 bronco. Im goin to do alittle cutting also on the fenderwells.

 

[ben_2_go]

probably just another one from a junk yard. Thats the least of my worries. Need to find a motor first

I was think of this thread the other day.I have a 1990 Mercury Blue Max Cougar that I'm going to do a diesel conversion on.My friend has,I believe,an 83 standard cab short bed Ranger.He wants me to build the 3.8L engine that I'm pulling out of my Cougar,convert it to carb,and drop it in his Ranger.He has a Mazda 4x4 5 speed trans with a manual shift transfer case out of a base model 4.2L F150.I was gonna drop the 4.2 in my cougar, since the long block is the same as the 3.8L, but it froze and cracked.I just thought his idea might work for you if you want a little more power.There are a lot of rear wheel drive carb 3.8L still around.The bad head gasket issue is an easy issue to fix.Just get the premium Felpro head gasket kit and new head bolts.Takes me about 1.5 hours to change them out with the engine on a stand.Just an idea while you're out parts scrounging.

 

[escort_gts]

Hopefully its not your gears making sounds on ya. I would check the gear lash on it hopefully your pinion nut hasnt backed off on ya. Mine growls but those are just my bearings just needing warmed up, getting new ones this summer.

I will say I loved the snow we got, going to go have fun in a bit.

So how much snow did you get over there today?

 

[escort_gts]

You are prolly goin to get alot of questions from me. What is the measurement on the shackle from bolt hole to bolt hole if you dont mind? Tryin to figure out a rear lift setup. Goin to run a 35/36 tire and the 4.5 or 3.5crawler coil spring for a 66 to 77 bronco. Im goin to do alittle cutting also on the fenderwells.

GIve me a day and i will check for you. Got to wait for the snow to melt off it in the garage.

 

[dangerranger83]

I think 4-5 inches in some areas. Streets were a mess but I just kept her in 4wd being that it is my first winter driving I have ever done. Wish my dad would keep his hubs locked so that if he neded 4wd to stay out of trouble he could quickly switch to it instead of situations that by the time he needs 4wd it could be to late. Call me a worry wart but thats how I am. At intersections and turns he was all over the place. Sure thre wasnt anybody around but all it takes is that one idiot not paying attention to have it end in desaster. Not saying my dad is a bad driver or wreckless.

If your wanting to know bolt hole to bolt hole on the rear leaves, its 63 or 64 inch chevy leaves. You have to move your front hanger forward 6 inches. One of the bolt holes on the hanger will line up with one of the holes on the frame from a different hole on the hanger.

 

[kroussinoffroad]

think he's lookin for shackle length.

mine's in the ballpark of 6 1/2 inches eye to eye with chev 63'' spring's and factory block's.
i can clear 35's with minor rubbing on my arm's (in front) and on the fender lip at full tuck ( i have 1'' of clearance with the 33's)
i would be able to drive around on 37's but to acctually wheel it i would need to trim my fender's. and run more offset on the wheel's

this is my truck just about maxed out front and rear ( prolly a different generation but hopefully give's you an idea)

 

[escort_gts]

Found out that the rear driveshaft ujoints are gone. might be why it is making noise, binding up fighting the front and rear shafts. went out yesterday to play in the snow, had fun, no pics though.
Found out also that the o2 sensor is shot, pulled the codes, says running lean but betting crappy gas mileage. might replace it see if it makes a difference.

 

[dangerranger83]

The 2.3 is still alive????? Good to hear that it up and going. Got all the parts for my truck finally too.

 

[escort_gts]

I wouldn't call it alive, more like on life support. Sounds awful, knocks for a few minutes every time I start it. I can see the oil pressure drop down 10psi to 40psi at idle, smokes all the time now. Almost embarrassing to drive it.
But, I am going to look at an 89 ranger ext.cab 4wd with the 2.9 sunday. Only wants $200 for it. Would it be worth puting a 2.9 in mine?

 

[The_Dealer]

yes and no. yes it will get u moving, and be pretty easy, but u will have serious lack of power to outweigh the work of doing it.

but at the same time its better then the 2.3 N/A, and considering its giving up on u, u will be in for the work anyways. so its kinda 50/50

u would need a new trans, which u know. but u could buy the donor and use the trans, which will work on the 4.0, part out the rest(btw i need some 2nd gen interior door handle bezels ), and buy a 4.0 and do that swap

but if your funds aint right, swap the 2.9 in, hell it aint that bad(if its got the updated heads) and it will keep u running and for 200 bux for everything u need y not

 

[4.0B2]

Idk if I'd wish a 2.9 on anyone... I guess it's not all bad.. Idk anything about about the 2.3 tho