My slow build (lots of big? pictures)

[Dovestep]

Hello, I've been a long time lurker but I finally decided to make an account to interact with this wonderful community!
First off I was never interesting in wrenching on cars until later in my life, so I began looking for a project that I could learn all the basics and little custom work on. This is what I found

A 1993 4x4 Ranger that was a complete basket case.
The truck was a non runner, due to having a inaccurately swapped aerostar 3.0 in it and a bad fuel pump.

I began tearing into the truck

The interior had to be ripped out as well due to rat and bird nests

After I got the truck started, (timing was off to) I yanked the 3.0 to put new bearings in it.

Also bonus points if you can identify all 3 engines in this picture, and the car should be obvious.

I put the motor back in and daily drove the ranger to college, some point I painted it olive drab.

And heres what it looked like when I was driving it before I parked it for BIG plans.

I'll continue when photobucket speeds up

 

[Dovestep]

I also wheeled the truck quite a bit,

So my transmission started puking fluids and had to be pulled is why I parked the ranger. While I had the transmission off I pulled off my bed to re-do my sagging exhaust.

And then somehow this happened

Had to re-do my new exhaust as well...

I got tired of the olive drab, so I broke it up a little

So I started driving the truck again, but it developed a heavy oil leak in addition to that it was already burning oil, so the 3.0 came out again.....

Cylinder heads looked ok, not horrible, just ok.

Found my problem...

As of now I'm gasket matching my heads and intake, dolling up the engine, and waiting on some $$$ so I can start rebuilding the motor and start modifying my suspension.

 

[brinker88]

A doved stepside bed? Scribed for sure on this one!

 

[wizkid00104]

I'll watch!

 

[jhammel85]

The bed photo made me go a bit cross eyed before I noticed it was cut!

 

[86MUDRCJ]

X2^^^

 

[Dovestep]

So we had a 9 inch laying around that I've been tinkering on and getting ready to shorten.

Stripped for cleaning

I also decided to try and see if I could mount the f-150 leaf springs, pushed my axle forward and its a little stiff from just bouncing the frame, probably take them off, but I may try to remove a leaf or two and if I get really serious move the hangars back to center the axle.

F-150's on bottom, Ranger's on top.

Super rake status.

 

[wizkid00104]

Your always going downhill... I hear that's very good for fuel economy

 

[Beef52751]

I'll take stab at the 3 engine challenge. From left to right. GM Ls series, 3.0 Ford, and a 302/351 ford? Kind of hard to tell on my phone but that's my guess. The dove tail is awesome btw

 

[YooperSteeze]

You just inspired me to do a dove tail... Goddammit more work for me! Hahah build looks sweet so far man, I'm excited to see whats coming.

 

[Ed95]

I love the dove tail keep up the good work ill be watching for sure