My summer/fall build

[Not All There]

awesome to see so much progress, will be awesome once its done

 

[D.T.Starr]

I bought the front axle narrowed, and I narrowed the rear. The rims have only about 2-2.5" of backspacing so the tires are actually quite wide (I believe outside measurement is in the 86" range but i can measure tonight at the shop). I think it will be very stable as it is and still narrow enough for the trails I typically run. Inspite of the 44s it should be more nimble than it was in it's previuosly state, due to the shorter wheelbase and axle placement. time will tell.

 

[351ranger]

Damn dude, that is sweet as hell. What are you doing for sheet metal on the front?

 

[D.T.Starr]

I finished the tracbar last night so it sat down at roughly what it’s ride height will be for the first time. As it is now the top of the roof is 82” tall (28” from the ground to its belly) but that is without about 400-500lbs of stuff still to be put on (T-cases, bumpers, winch , cage, etc) so it should squat down another 1-2”. The outside width of the tires is in fact 86”. Any opinions on those numbers?

The front will most likely have the stock hood and tube work for the grill and fenders. The rad is going in the bed, and the winch is going where the rad would normally be so that I will have a better than 90* approach angle.

 

[zainyD]]

Sounds good!!!

 

[D.T.Starr]

tracbar partially done, just needs finish welding to tie it into the plate on the inside of the frame, and some gusseting.

 

[zainyD]]

Looks beefy! I like the way you chopped out the stock engine crossmember.

 

[red85]

Wow Derek! That thing is badass. I have a set of heads here that would really help that beast power throught the mud. If you want, I can make those heads on that motor flow about 30% more than they do right now. Let me know and I can have them ready pretty quick.

 

[Roadkill]

Dang Derek, like it wasn't big enough before. LOL

Looks like I need to get my ass in gear and get the 302 started along with prepping the 6" lift for the Mazda.

Looking really good. Those were the 60's that were in the barn right?

 

[fordguy64]

what coils are you using in the front?

 

[D.T.Starr]

Phil;
I have no money left in the budget for motor work this year. The plan is to run the 5.0L as is for a year or two, and then stroke it to 331cu in, aluminum heads and a mild nitrous oxide system. Unless of course someone buys my old 8.8”, then that might happen sooner.

Sean;
No, I sold the front 60 and sterling, then bought this front 60 already built up, then built the rear 60.
Get the Mazda done for next year because I plan on going wheeling as many weekends as possible next summer.
P.S. I think it will be only 1” maybe 2” taller than it was on 36’s.

Fordguy
B.C Broncos, early bronco 6.5” lift spring with a winch, 23” free length 220lbs/in compression.

 

[red85]

Derek;

I'll do the heads for free. I have some templates that I've been using and the ones I've done so far have come out great. Just pop the heads off and I can pick em up. I'm always looking for a day trip on the weekend.

Phil

 

[D.T.Starr]

Thanks phil, but I am going to pass, I do not want to tear into the motor again until I am ready to do everything at one time. I will have to live with the power the 5.0L puts out.
p.s. I still have that 351M if you want it.

 

[red85]

Yup, I'll take it Derek. We'll have to arrange to have a tractor there this time to get it into the back of the Ranger. My tailgate is just not up to the job of being a ramp for that motor LOL

 

[fordguy64]

what heim joints are you using for your trac bar?

Thanks
Rob