dangerranger1983 build

[escort_gts]

I get looks when I go to parts stores and tell them I need a jeep part for a ranger

 

[dangerranger83]

I figured out how I'm going to do this. First get my wheels pointing straight. Next get jackstands under the frame. Jack up the axle so that I can get the wheels off the undo my linkage from the pitman rm and undo my track bar from tue frame. Next turn my steering wheel so that my pitman arm points straight. Then push my axle over until my linkage hooks into the pitman arm with it and my wheels being straight. But before assembling it all back together, I need to push my axle back and set my pinion angle a bit better. Then finally, put it all back together and see what mods. I need to do and what not.

I think that sums up what I'm doing next, let's hope it works out halfway smoothly.

 

[dangerranger83]

Got most of the stuff done but due to a bleeder screw on my driverside caliper is seized in it, have to buy a new caliper, no biggy though.

 

[escort_gts]

Did you get the axle centered that way?

 

[dangerranger83]

Got it centered by jacking up the truck, put it on jackstands take the tires off putting a motorcycle jack under the axle then undid the linkage from the pitman and track bar, pushed it to the passenger side then put it all back together.

 

[escort_gts]

Did it work for you then?

 

[Kyle M.]

Got most of the stuff done but due to a bleeder screw on my driverside caliper is seized in it, have to buy a new caliper, no biggy though.

Just something to try before you buy a new one, take a bottle torch and heat the bleeder up as hot as you can get it, then pour water on it to cool it quick. Do that 2 or 3 times and I can almost guarantee you will get it apart. I have never had one I couldn't get.

 

[dangerranger83]

Well heat and the rubber seals may not mix well, I know the brakes get hot but putting water on hot metal can warp/crack it and even weakin it. I'll give it a try tomorrow and see what I can do.

As for the axle, I used the steering linkage to center it where it hooks into the pitman arm.

 

[Kyle M.]

Well heat and the rubber seals may not mix well, I know the brakes get hot but putting water on hot metal can warp/crack it and even weakin it. I'll give it a try tomorrow and see what I can do.

As for the axle, I used the steering linkage to center it where it hooks into the pitman arm.

Just heat the bleeder valve....how do you think the pros do it? Think they replace calipers all the time???

You are too concerned! You were gonna replace it anyway.......it will be fine, not my first rodeo. Heat is your friend!

 

[dangerranger83]

I'll try heating the bleeder valve tomorrow.

Now as for my track bar and steering linkage, it is all temporary until next spring when I'm going to get an adjustable track bar and buid custom steering linkage out of DOM tubing. That's also when she's going to get new tires, rims and body work.

As for tomorrow, hopefully she will be drivable but won't have shocks.

 

[dangerranger83]

Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!!!!!!

She drives!!!!!!!

Took it around my neighborhood block, about a mile in first gear doing about 10-15mph and it made it back home (and man was my heart racing).

Cant drive it much more due to having no shocks and cant order any till after I get paid this Friday.

And the heating of the bleeder screw worked, saved me a ton of money and time.

Still need to get the driveshaft taken off and lengthend but for now, Im happy she drives again.

Never fails though, everytime I go to test drive a vehicle after doing mods./work to it, EVERYBODY in the the neighborhood has to be walking in the middle of the street and they dont move out of your way until your almost right on top of them. Guess they just want to test my push bar I have on the front.

Thanks everybody who have helped me with this, watched me build it, etc... far from done but closer to the finish then I was.

 

[escort_gts]

Congrats,
don't you just like the feeling of accomplishing a job?

 

[dangerranger83]

Ya felt it in my chest, excitment/nerviuosness.

I forgot to say I also need to hook up my steering stablizer (and get a new one soon too).

Was anybody else nerviuos after there SAS?

 

[disciplerocks]

Finished pics?

 

[Kyle M.]

I was nervous....worried I forgot to tighten a bolt or something!