ajmiller's 89 Ranger build

[escort_gts]

Awesome truck. It reminds me of my old 89. RIP.... I had the d28 explode the carrier with 30's trying to get out of a snow filled ditch. The shafts never gave. The 7.5 will be ok but i wouldnt spend the money on a detoit unless u get a good deal on one like free... Spend the extra money and get an 8.8.

 

[ajmiller]

Yeah the only thing with the 8.8 is i would have to flip everything and weld new shock mounts on, and i really dont know how hard that is.

 

[88_Eddie]

it's not that hard. more physically hard than anything, especially if you're doing it by yourself. spring perches and shock tabs can be had for less than $25 before shipping. ruffstuff also makes a really stout kit as well that includes everything you'd need.

it's also recomended to weld the axle tubs to the diff housing as well

 

[ajmiller]

Ya just got them puut on a couple weeks ago and they actually sound nice on a factory exhaust system but want more so going to play around with the exhaust system and see what that does.

If you have the 2.9, mine sounds like a v8 at idle with a 40 series flowmaster, but i also hollowed out my cat ha But it sounds almost like a small block v8 when u get it up in the rpms too. I also have pacesetter headers and new 2 1/4 inch pipe all the way back. Its very quiet in the cab, but sounds great with the windows down

 

[ajmiller]

Thanks Eddie, That will come after the D35 swap though. Might as well just keep the open diff in the rear and try to find a locker for the D35, it should do fine until then.

 

[dangerranger83]

But if you do get an 8.8 out of a ranger, it bolts right in. Ya ones from explorers have the 31 spline and disk brakes but you could always just put disk brakes on a ranger 7.5 or 8.8 and not have to mess with flipping stuff and whatnot.

 

[gjm4l]

Don't have a ranger pic but heres a 4runner with bedliner halfway up I think it's herculiner brand, been on for a year and still looks new

 

[Viva*the*Ranger]

But if you do get an 8.8 out of a ranger, it bolts right in. Ya ones from explorers have the 31 spline and disk brakes but you could always just put disk brakes on a ranger 7.5 or 8.8 and not have to mess with flipping stuff and whatnot.

I almost did this. There aren't that many benefits over the Ranger 8.8, and the 7.5 though. Basically it's just a stronger carrier/gear setup. It's still worth doing though. Ranger 8.8's are cheap, easy to get ahold of, and if you gear it, you can always switch the gears to the 31 spline when you feel you're ready for it.

Flipping the perches isn't hard at all, and the shock tabs are simple enough to make out of 1/4" cold roll. It's very basic stuff. The Disc brakes just bolt right up too

On the other hand, I had the 8.8 in my 03 Ranger, and it held up just fine with 33's. I beat the crap out of that thing! So..... I regress...

 

[Viva*the*Ranger]

Don't have a ranger pic but heres a 4runner with bedliner halfway up I think it's herculiner brand, been on for a year and still looks new

Dude! There's an owl on your table

 

[ajmiller]

I might just have to get one out of a ranger and make it easy. It will hold up fine with 31's. And it will give me a wider stance. Disc brakes will be nice to get too. Thanks!

 

[ajmiller]

Don't have a ranger pic but heres a 4runner with bedliner halfway up I think it's herculiner brand, been on for a year and still looks new

Nice! Looks good! Im either gonna do Rhino lining or Line x. I might just spend the extra hunk of cash to get line x.

 

[gjm4l]

That's my buddies 'runner, not my owl either, his house is log so it's to "scare" away woodpeckers. Sucks for him cause it's illegal to shoot the darn things and they absolutely destroy the timber in the house.

AJMiller I actually talked to him today and he said it's hercliner and it's still holding up great. It looks and feels exactly like line-x but is wayyy cheaper. Just remember if you DIY it's ALL about the preperation before laying it on. But at $150 vs. $300+(it was around $500 years ago for rhinoing the bed of my 150) I think it's worth it.

 

[ajmiller]

Update.

New belltech 6400 shackles. Leveled the rear out perfectly.

Before.

Had to take the bed off because i broke a clip off a bolt from the top of the hanger.

My only concern is how close the shackle is to my exhaust pipe. I bounced on the bumper and it never touched, ill flex it out and see tomorrow if it is going to touch.

 

[ajmiller]

Pulling the Dana35 this weekend! While i have the thing out im going to go ahead and put a locker in. any suggestions for a locker? I dont wanna spend high dollar on a detroit but if it comes down to it and i absolutely have to i will. Also going to put 4 10's in.

 

[escort_gts]

Go with a Spartan or ausie lunch box locker

Sent from my HTC using Tapatalk