NFG 97 Ranger

[NeverEnough]

So I figured I might as well do a project log since I've kinda gone into the deep end with what was supposed to be a dumb daily driver that I wouldn't mess with so I could better build other stuff in my garage.

Just a 1997 ford ranger xlt 2wd, 2.3 5spd, with 4.10 gears.
The plan with it in the end is to make it a low CG truck with a bunch of up travel, kill some backroads, haul motorcycles, go camping, and not be a boring old slow ranger.
A lot of these "mods" are just temporary as I will have a lot of suspension and bodywork to do to get to my end goal and they are just to help me figure out what will need done and allow me to measure and build as I drive it.



Mods as they happened-
Leather PT Cruiser seats



Redid the entire suspension- new hangers and shackles as well
Replaced leaf springs with heavy duty ones and did a spring under with lift shackles and 2" drop springs up front










Chopped the rearend and started on a tube bumper.


31x10.5 BFG KO2 tires on Mickey Thompson aluminum wheels


And then started on the front.






----------

Pulled the bedsides about 2" to make room for the 31" tires
And here is to right now... Putting in a 1pc aluminum driveshaft and it doesn't clear the cab

I cut a hole


Got redbull and metal


Made some cuts


Did some tacking

 

[NeverEnough]

Well pretty soon it's gonna be a brand new truck... I've replaced so many things that I haven't listed on here but don't really consider it anything really other than normal upkeep....

But here is the last like 3days

Shifter was shaking pretty bad....ripped out this worthless non rebuildable transmission crossmember (top) and put in a solid mount one. Took for a quick drive and it was soooo much better.




Then finally installed a brand new steering box and pump. Needed a BFH and pitman arm puller and separator at the same time to get the arm off.



New box and everything on and finally I had phenomal steering. Which is about time, since replacing pretty much everything with poly bushings and it never feeling much improved.
Went down some backroads and whatnot and it was better than I have ever expected it to be- my old steering box was absolute junk! I adjusted the old one but it was just shot. Also had put in new rag joint just because. Then as I hopped on the highway it was all good and thennnnn :driver: holy------- batman! It shook like no tomorrow. Went home tossed it on jacks and yup, WASTED rear axle bearings. Maybe I'll catch a break someday?

 

[NeverEnough]

Really want to get bulge fenders and lower it more...