My Project

[ArcticRaiders]

**Updated with current projects done**

So almost 3 years ago I bought a '92 Ford Ranger for about $3000 to use for my every day truck. It has treated me very well, only problems I have had with it so far deal with belts breaking and a spring in the rear drum breaks breaking.


Specs
'92 Ford Ranger Extended Cab(Green)
4x4
2.9L V6
5 speed w/overdrive Manual
Stock

Plans

First
I first plan to put a new engine in it. I am looking at putting a V8 in it. I was originally looking to put a 302 in it but I have came across a good deal on a 351 that comes with a 5speed manual for it that I want to put in it too. I am looking on any ideas or helpful tips with this that anyone can give me. The engine and tranny will be coming out of a 90 F-250. Also I plan on installing air conditioning so I will probably have to get some new parts for the dash.

Second
I plan to paint the truck a metallic twilight blue with black bumpers and black tinted windows. Also an 8'' rock guard around the bottom of the whole truck painted on with Rhino liner. The bed will also be lined with Rhino liner and have a Black roll bar. It will also have a black grill. I have been thinking about painting the whole truck with a the primer I believe it is call Por 15 even though there is very little rust on the truck. I also plan to paint the under body with Rhino liner as well to protect from anything that might hit up underneath. The bumpers I plan to custom build.

Third
Interior I plan to take out all of the carpet and cloth seats and put some thick Rhino liner coats on the floor of the truck to ease with drying if water gets in a long with some drain plugs. The interior is grey right now which I am thinking about keeping.

Forth
I plan to put about a 6inch lift on it and some bigger tires. Haven't decided on what size I plan on going with at this time though.

I would like to hear what everyone thinks about the project that is ahead of me. It is in several steps because of cost and the fact the truck will still be my daily driving vehicle. I would also like to hear any tips or tricks that would help me along with this project. If anyone has any parts I might be interested in feel free to contact me.

**Current work completed**
Added new mirrors. Bronco II style to replace the stock paddle mirrors
Replaced the stock grill with another stock one. The old one was cracked
New tires - 30x9.5 Goodyear Wrangler GSA tires and changed speedometer gear to compensate
Measure 351w to see how it will fit in my engine compartment. Noticed I may need to move my brake booster and steering linkage. Plan on doing a 3 inch body lift to make things fit easier.

**Pictures**
coming soon

 

[94STXRanger]

You might want to consider a 4 inch lift if its a dd. Other than that, good luck. Sounds like you have more money than me. If any of your plans come together, be sure to get some pics.

 

[ArcticRaiders]

Well I know the plan for the engine swap is in order. It is planned for my Christmas break.

And money wise I am not that well off, I am a college kid so I will have to be putting in extra work to pay for it.

 

[ArcticRaiders]

and your idea for the 4 inch lift might be a good idea

 

[predator]

definantly go with the 351...im sick of 5.0's,5.0 H.O.'s and such...its cool that every now and then i see someone with a 351 swap in mind....but being a college kid how are you gonna afford gas??

 

[AgPete139]

definantly go with the 351...im sick of 5.0's,5.0 H.O.'s and such...its cool that every now and then i see someone with a 351 swap in mind....but being a college kid how are you gonna afford gas??

I've always dreamt of the Mustang 4.6 DOHC beast myself...maybe one day...


The 351 sounds good. There was a guy on the old TRS that had a 351 and had a mini writeup on his Cardomain page. Too bad... Pics = very good. We like pics. The metallic paint job sounds sweet. That'll come later with time though...

Good job, and good luck with your build. You may even want to start your own buildup thread...

 

[ArcticRaiders]

but being a college kid how are you gonna afford gas??

Actually looking at gas considering I live in the Mountains in Colorado, my truck will actually initially improve from the 17mpg right now since the 2,9 engine I have right now is not that powerful and has to work very hard. Either V8 I put in there will actually increase miles per gallon. When I do decide to put on the bigger tires thats when the mpgs will go down, that is why it is one of the last on the list. I will do it probably shortly after I graduate or right before. And after I graduate I should end up with a job where I can afford it since starting salaries in my field of choice generally are around 65k a year.

 

[Natedog]

Sounds cool, but fitting a 351 AND air conditioning is going to be a real chore. Pics and a build thread when you get started!

 

[ArcticRaiders]

Sounds cool, but fitting a 351 AND air conditioning is going to be a real chore. Pics and a build thread when you get started!

Ya I know it is going to be a pain in the ass but I hate heat so I am going to try and fit it in there.

Also if anyone is interested in buying my 2.9L engine and/or 5speed manual tranny w/overdrive just let me know

 

[ArcticRaiders]

I will make sure I get some pictures when I start the project and keep everyone updated on what I do and include pictures

 

[dogboy]

I can't remember where I read it, but I read that a 2-3 inch body lift REALLY helps fit the 351 under the hood, makes alot more room to work with too.

Other than that, sounds like a cool project. And I agree, it is nice to see someone go for the 351 rather than a 302.

 

[predator]

sweet...definantly do a writeup on this with lots of pics!! will be interesting to see it done and hear the milage report

 

[BlackBII]

Yeah, I agree, going with a 2 or 3 inch body lift is a superb idear, tons more room to work with in tranny tunnel, hood and heater box situations Pics are good

 

[ArcticRaiders]

Ya I have been thinking a lot about how much room I will have to work with. I think I will decide for sure what I am doing next week when I have time to get the dimensions of all of the compartments and look at the engine I might be purchasing to put into it.

 

[ArcticRaiders]

Oh and I will try to post some pictures of everything I do. I should be able to get some pictures of my truck as it is right now next week also.