My 99 Ranger Build Thread

[RJLougee]

And after much waiting, the shocks finally arrived. Apparently, ORI is having a hard time keeping up with demand, I think it was like four months waiting list...

I'll be running 14" ORIs front and rear.
Joe

 

[RJLougee]

Spent a couple months traveling for work, so didn't get much done. Time for an update...

Working on getting the body set over the frame and lined up:

 

[RJLougee]

Getting the body mounts bent and welded on in place.

 

[RJLougee]

I set the mounts up so the body has a bit of a rake to it.

 

[RJLougee]

I really like the way it looks here...

The front fender flare is designed for an Early Bronco, but looks pretty good.

 

[RJLougee]

I cut a small hole in the body so I can run the vent for the Atlas through the floor. This gave me an extra 2" of clearance under the Atlas.

 

[RJLougee]

I've still got some significant trimming to do on the passenger side...

 

[RJLougee]

And looking at mounting methods for the struts...

 

[mavereq]

Looks awesome

 

[RJLougee]

Finally getting back on the build and able to post up some pics.

The radiator, with an electric fan and controller. Should keep it nice and cool.

 

[RJLougee]

And I totally changed my mind on the full hydro steering, and link suspension on the front, etc...

I've decided to build this according to the 4500 class rules, so max of 37" tires and must have mechanical linkage for steering. Kinda thought that might be a bump steer nightmare with a linked suspension.

I picked up a Nissan Frontier/Xterra box (common in the EB conversion) and got it mounted up. Built and set up the TRO setup and am working on the axle location method right now.

 

[RJLougee]

Plan for the front suspension is to use Montero rear suspension radius arms (similar to Land Rover arms). For this I had Wayne cut me some brackets that will fit, slightly offset the axle radius for clearance, and those will eventually get welded onto the axle.

Plan for the back end will have some joint/heim setup. I have some Curry Johnny Joints I can go with, as well as some 1" heims, same as on the back of Cage radius arms.

 

[RJLougee]

A little more work done for the rear axle location/brackets.

As well as building the back half of the frame and mounting the fuel cell to it.

 

[RJLougee]

And I was able to strip all the interior out, dash, wiring, everything...

Which will allow some room for the new wiring harness that I'll be putting in.

Anyone need some interior parts? The seats suck, but airbags are good, wiring, etc...
Joe

 

[RJLougee]

And my last update for today, got the bars bent up for the skidplate mount/link mounts for around the transfer case.

Joe