compleckz's ranger build

[compleckz]

updated first post with about a dozen new pics, still not caught up.

i also started adding further down, the stuff i am currently working on, that way i dont get further behind.

 

[Dishtowel]

5/31/08

Awesome X2.
I'm totally stealing that idea, props to your GF.

 

[compleckz]

Awesome X2.
I'm totally stealing that idea, props to your GF.

she was my spotter when this happened:

so she dosent get any points for the paint idea, i'll call it even though

 

[94Rangeron37s]

the paint is so she can see the drive shaft next time right ?
by the way the truck is looking awesome cant wait to see what else you have in mind for it.

 

[metalmacguyver]

I am sure stuff will start happening as soon as I teach his ass how to weld......

 

[kevinsranger]

i love the truck, and this build thread is very useful for me, one question i have for you tho, when you origionally did the lift did you lower the 2 piece driveshaft carrier bearing or was it ok as stock?

 

[mkpecor]

you are gunna start going through u-joints. i need to lower the carrier bearing or go with a 98 + drive line. every 5- 6 months i throw the middle joint in the shaft.

 

[CopyKat]

you are gunna start going through u-joints. i need to lower the carrier bearing or go with a 98 + drive line. every 5- 6 months i throw the middle joint in the shaft.

IIRC it is a 98 shaft.

 

[kevinsranger]

yea definitely 98 + i just am trying to get it lifted and then worry about buying the shaft, i am just wondering if he had to lower his immediatly or not, did you have to or is that why your throwing joints?

 

[compleckz]

the paint is so she can see the drive shaft next time right ?

lol, exactly!

when you originally did the lift did you lower the 2 piece driveshaft carrier bearing or was it ok as stock?

well the truck only had about 90k when i lifted it, and i think i drove another 10k or so on the 2-piece stock shaft. it did vibrate quite a bit up until about 25mph, but i never had any problems/joint failures.

i finally replaced it with my first 98+ shaft, to eliminate the vibration and prevent the failures that were sure to happen eventually. although, the skyjacker 6" kit isn't a true 6" lift (or wasn't on my extended cab), so if you actually have 6" of lift--the wear would be accelerated on the joints, and the vibration would be worse.

cliff notes: no i didnt lower the carrier bearing, i drove about 10k miles (daily driver) before installing the 1-piece shaft.

thanks for all the comments guys! currently the truck is being 'lowered' for state safety inspection. will get pics tomorrow!

 

[compleckz]

UPDATED FIRST POST! added my 8" coil and 6" leaf swaps, explorer 8.8 rear swap... lockright, powertrax no slip.. all old stuff.. no new progress on truck

 

[kevinsranger]

lol, exactly!



well the truck only had about 90k when i lifted it, and i think i drove another 10k or so on the 2-piece stock shaft. it did vibrate quite a bit up until about 25mph, but i never had any problems/joint failures.

i finally replaced it with my first 98+ shaft, to eliminate the vibration and prevent the failures that were sure to happen eventually. although, the skyjacker 6" kit isn't a true 6" lift (or wasn't on my extended cab), so if you actually have 6" of lift--the wear would be accelerated on the joints, and the vibration would be worse.

cliff notes: no i didnt lower the carrier bearing, i drove about 10k miles (daily driver) before installing the 1-piece shaft.

thanks for all the comments guys! currently the truck is being 'lowered' for state safety inspection. will get pics tomorrow!

thanks bro, i appreciate the reply. keep the pics coming, this is one of the only builds i am 100% interested in!

 

[Danger-Ranger96]

very nice compleckz, i love your gen 3 especially! it has come a long way.

 

[compleckz]

back from the dead aka page 11!

i decided to add some recent breaks and fixes.. nothing really new.. and the first page isn't up to date with where the truck is now..

all new ball joints + steering, drive shaft u-joints,
skyjacker nitro's up front, to match the rear (2" longer, replacing awful skyjacker hydros)
relocated/extended front hard brake lines ((again) giving about 3" more slack in the flexible lines)
unbent, non-cracked: drivers TTBeam
repaired/reinforced drivers radius arm
freshly painted: coil springs, radius arms, brackets, random hardware



here are the latest pics:

this happened on a ranger meet here in western mass, in october, broken upper rad arm tab:

plan to fix

cracked beam

stripped new beam:

cleaned up:

this is how we do:

stripping bent and cracked beam:

diff yoke bolts:

bend:

crack:

front diff, gears, locker--all still mint.

repaired and painted arm.

pretty!

 

[compleckz]

got it all fixed.. and everything was fine for a few weeks.. then i broke: every single shaft in the front end again.... i let the truck sit for months, school and my gti project took over..

then i finally got around to putting in a fresh set of shafts, brand new 760x's tacked.. all fixed.

testing...

next day:

and this:

today i did this:

then i was able to drive out..

and then i did this 100feet ahead:

sad face:

so i gave up for the day (this area is on my property).. then the next day i dug out, and

ended up busting the right hub too..

new hubz

other side, oops, i guess i twisted the shaft, and it took out... everything. i was really hoping it was just the hub.

got that ish out 3wd: