Beatin' it up in MA!!

[GodAmRanger]

So I figured it was time to do this, as I'd been lurking for a few years, and finally joined this site this year, after purchasing my 3rd Ranger.. I live in MA, and love cars/trucks!!! I used to be a suspension/steering tech, as well as a chassis-electrical and engine overhaul.. I never got my ASE for the last 2 (but passed the exams), but got it for suspension steering, probably 14 or 15 years ago. I do a lot of the work on my vehicles, although lately, since I don't have a driveway or a garage, I'm bound to working on my on Base at the auto-skills center (yep, in the military). Unfortunately, the closest Base is about 60 miles away, so if the truck is broken and undriveable, then I'm stuck bringing it somewhere to get stuff done..

I also don't do transmissions.. I've tried learning about ATs/MTs, but there's just so much going on in there, I have a great respect for people who can work them, as well as guys who can set 8.8's up in a couple hours, correctly..

This truck is going to be my first "off-road" rig, as my first Ranger was a 3.0 2wd, and my 2nd Ranger was special "Up-North Off-Road Edition". It had all sorts of stuff that I assume was donned by the original dealership in Minnesota. I only got rid of it because of serious electrical issues..

I'm not planning on going too crazy with the truck.. I just put on 265/75-16's on the truck after cranking the t-bars to 1.5" of lift (after settling). I've only owned the truck since October but have already replaced: wheel bearing/hub assy, UCAs, tie-rod ends, stabilizer bar bushings/links, inertia safety switch, tailgate, front dampeners, spark plugs/wires, K&N, front pilot shaft and I think that's about it..

Next, Explorer springs, new shackles, Trac-lok 8.8, rear shocks, diff. girdle and hopefully converting the rear drums to Cobra brakes.. I've got the calipers, just need to get the new axle in before I do the brakes.


Throwing money at problems is my speciality!! To bad I don't have much money!!

 

[Mark_88]

Welcome to TRS~!

With your experience you should find a good outlet on here to help others if you so choose...there are many great minds on TRS that have similar experience also and I'm sure you will share their enthusiasm and build threads...which is what you might want to start some day...

Enjoy the reading and posting experience!