Kyle M's Ranger Rebuild

[Kyle M.]

Thanks!

More pictures...

Flexed it on jack stands

Got the steering put on, might shorten my drag link and do a double shear mount on the crossover tie rod, then I might flip the crossover to the top of the knuckles too...all depends on my angles of the drag link and track bar.

Ran into some issues with putting the brake calipers on the EB drub knuckles, they hit by a little. Figured I would just run the 10 bolt knuckles, but then I would have to remake the tie rod that I made to work on the EB knuckles. SO back to the EB knuckles and I hit them with the grinder....

Not much grinding, run em till they break, I want high steer anyway.

Brakes fit, just now I have to put the caliper on upsidedown....WTF, I don't see even on the other axle how these would work with where the brake lines hook up, they hit the ears on the knuckles, but upsidedown they clear. Maybe I have the wrong calipers or the backers are on opposite sides. Also in the closeup picture where it shows where I ground and it looks like I hit the backer, well I did that on purpose to clear for the caliper, but when I flip the calipers, that clears also/// Might just have to swap backers and see.

 

[Iron Ranger]

That............is.......awesome!!


You got some pretty good articulation out of to, huh?

 

[Kyle M.]

Ok, shock hoops take 2. After looking at them for a day and talking with my buddies, I am going to redesign them, same basic design. just more refined. The shock mount will be located more under the hoop and the hoop will be moved in closer to the engine. Got one done so far and I like it better, much stronger and less gay looking. I am also working on the track bar mount, making it more sleek. Gonna be gusseted to the engine crossmember I am thinking....pictures to follow


One last thing, added a new welder to the arsenal, a Hobart Handler 187......LOVE IT!

 

[MountainMike]

Subbing because this is just plain awesome Kyle. How did I miss you crashing your truck?

 

[Kyle M.]

Cab on, sorta, still need to make rear cab mounts. Got it sitting on 1" body lift to clear the frame some.....looks tall to me. I might have to lower it a little when it is done. New design for shock hoops still in progress(that is why the cab got put on)

 

[4x4b2]

its lookin good kyle, that front end looks sweet

 

[Kyle M.]

Thanks! Been a lot of work!

Here is another picture with the front fender sitting in place...get an idea of the wheel base too.

And my new welder.....this thing is sweet!

Any input on the height???

 

[nate09]

what model is it? have you gotten a chance to use it much yet?

 

[86 slo-vo]

It's looking good, deffinantly looks tall

 

[Kyle M.]

what model is it? have you gotten a chance to use it much yet?

It is the Handler 187. I have used it a little, all heavy metal and it works sweet. I was using .024 wire first and it was sweet, but had to have the wires speed cranked up, switch to .030 wire and it is even better. Very nice, worth the cash.

 

[Kyle M.]

It's looking good, deffinantly looks tall

Thanks! If it's too tall, I can lower it down....air shocks are cool. Then I can take the blocks out.

 

[Grunizzle]

so with the air shocks there isn't any coil springs just a standalone shock?

 

[Kyle M.]

so with the air shocks there isn't any coil springs just a standalone shock?

Yup, just the shock. They are adjustable in ride height and dampening by changing nitrogen pressure and shock oil level. You can also change the valving for different ride quality.

 

[Grunizzle]

thats pretty cool. I wonder what road driving will be like with them. Is this new reincarnation going to see much street?

 

[Kyle M.]

I hear it is ok. I don't plan on making it a DD, but you never know. I have a sway bar with disconnects I will run if I need to.