Burnt out on projects?

[Mark_88]

Sometimes you just have to sit down and decide what you want to do going forward. We all change as we age and our interests change. At some point we need to make a decision and move forward.

For me, I had to start unloading stuff so I could get it off my back. I had so much stuff going on that I couldn't get anything done. I just look at what needed doing and sit back down because it was overwhelming.

So, I made some hard decisions and started putting stuff on CL. And, every time something went down the road the load got lighter and my desire to get things done to what I kept went up. I had to decide that some stuff is just junk that I didn't need/want and move on!!!

That was pretty much where I was when I got out of the hospital in January. I had parts and junk from three different Rangers to deal with and parts and junk from my recently defunct business. Worse thing was it was still winter and I wasn't quite ready to go out and deal with it...so it sat there and I got to look at it out my window...

In early spring I started moving things around as they thawed out and the snow melted...organized things slowly and managed to get rid of some stuff either through junk pickup or selling...

Last month I was able to actually go out and start doing a few small things on the Ranger...piece by piece I've been working on it and I feel much better than I did six months ago...not to mention I have gained quite a bit of mobility too...

Not quite ready for leaping over tall junkpiles, but getting there...

 

[Hagan]

Sorry for the slow response. I've been having internet issues and 12 hour work days have me beat.

Its been over 2 years since the Ranger last ran with a 2.3t. I started to install a 4bt and realized the Ranger is too junky for such a cool engine. I pulled it out and started looking for other options.

I found a '91 F250 with a 351w zf5 and 4wd for $1000. It was totalled but I drove it home. I tore it apart and parted it out and got about $700 out of it. I kept the 351w, zf5, and 10.25. I mocked up the 351w and took it back out to do gaskets and it needed to be rebuilt. I decided to find a different engine.

I found a 302 on craigslist and bought it for $50. Swapped in a roller cam and cleaned and painted it. Its been rebuilt recently so its good to go. I installed it in the truck and got the zf mounted as far back as I can. I got a doubler and NP205 on. I got a radiator in and moved it into the core suppport. All accessories are mounted.

My problems...

-No room between radiator and engine for fan (1.75")
-If I move the engine back the zf will hit the tunnel and need major modifications
-I cut out my engine crossmember and the oil pan contacts it. I only have 3" of clearance from oil pan to track bar. And no idea how to rebuild it
-Oil filter relocation is 1/32" from the steering box.
-No idea how to wire anything or even where to start
-Dip stick won't fit with headers.


Basically I feel so lost I want to give up. Been thinking about parting it and buying a full size Bronco.

-

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

A lot of guys move the radiator ahead to gain clearance. A bodylift if you don't have it will open things up on the back end.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Basically what you have is a lot of small details. It is overwhelming BUT. Make a list like your previous post, then break it down into smaller parts.
Ask yourself questions and then answer, writing it down so you don't forget the brilliant ideas you come up with.
EG;
The rad;
Can I move it forward if I cut the core support?
Is there room for an electric fan? How about in front of the rad?
Can I move the rad to the back box using electric fans?
How do I route the water lines?
What lines do I use?
How do I route wiring for the fans?
Can I use a temp sensor to control the fans?

Then you do some research and answer yourself, and then do it one little bit at a time. Don't be afraid to make mistakes, it's how everyone learns.

If I had looked at my racetruck like you're looking at your truck I would never have started. And you have a good start already. Probably the most important is the engine crossmember. Start a new thread and post pics, we'll help you with ideas and maybe someone close to you can help physically.

We're rooting for you,

Richard

 

[Shran]

My problems...

-No room between radiator and engine for fan (1.75")
-If I move the engine back the zf will hit the tunnel and need major modifications
-I cut out my engine crossmember and the oil pan contacts it. I only have 3" of clearance from oil pan to track bar. And no idea how to rebuild it
-Oil filter relocation is 1/32" from the steering box.
-No idea how to wire anything or even where to start
-Dip stick won't fit with headers.

I was right there during my V8 swap too. Years later I am still working bugs out of it. I ran into the same radiator and transmission tunnel issues with an NP435...it's just the nature of the beast...but it sounds like your best option is to modify the tunnel so you gain clearance everywhere else.

Wiring is not hard. Once you break both harnesses down you will understand why - it looks like a huge mess but there are literally like 8 or 9 wires that need to be connected, and everything will work. I'd recommend tracing EVERY single wire in your donor harness, labeling them, and even drawing a diagram if you need to. Do the same for the truck's harness, then connect everything together.

If the dipstick doesn't fit, use different headers or a different oil pan. What oil pan are you using, anyway? Truck pan I'm guessing? A dual sump car pan makes life a LOT easier...

 

[PlumCrazy]

I cut wayyyy back on the Ranger when I started working stupid hours and fixing up my OneFiddy. But I dumped a pile of cash on go fast parts for Ranger and sparked life back into the turd. The other killer is my two main wheeling partners tore their rigs down for major reconstruction too.....so I know when its together...Ill be solo anyways.

 

[Hagan]

This is my build thread...http://therangerstation.com/forums/showthread.php?t=149306

I actually got a couple things done this weekend. The majority of my time I sit and look at it and researching for hours.

 

[Mark_88]

This is my build thread...http://therangerstation.com/forums/showthread.php?t=149306

I actually got a couple things done this weekend. The majority of my time I sit and look at it and researching for hours.

Wow, that's quite the build! No wonder you're a bit overwhelemed...I'd be screaming at my duck for less...

I don't actually have a duck...but I might get one if screaming at them helps...

I think you got some good help on this one and it makes my build look like a paint by numbers painting...although I did something today that I haven't been able to do for 8 months...I went outside and got down on my right knee and tried to remove the passenger side fender...TWICE! Both times I had the wrong socket so I retreated to search for my 10 mm...

Since losing my right leg last August that is much harder to do than it sounded...lol but I'd been holding back doing anything involving getting down on the ground for that reason...but today...I did it...I was sweating like a pig by the time I stood up the second time, but that was inspiring too...

 

[1qaz]

I'm a card carrying introvert. But when I need some inspiration I sometimes reach for a six pack and a couple friends to share some of the tasks...guys doing guy things talking about guy stuff...you know, garage therapy. Sometimes it's not about the project. But the project still gets done.