Project Guinea Pig

[prerunner]

The Bronco was to both get me back into RBV's and to build as a decent wheeler. Its in better shape than the Ranger and is already a 4x4. The Ranger was supposed to be a 2wd dd that went sideways at some point - getting the motor, trans and t case intended for the Bronco because I effed up the clutch hydraulics on the pickup. I did this to get it running quickly but its never run again. So now its two half disassembled projects in the gf's yard (insert picture of scowling gf here.)
I want to do something with the Ranger to justify a buttload of cash I sank into it but I'm not that attached to it really. Most of the 4x4 stuff for it has been borrowed from the B-II which just keeps getting shoved further back from project status.
Lately I've been messing with the Bronco, trying to get the explorer front inner clip sorted out to attach to it. Mostly a problem with the mounts not coming apart on the truck.

I get what you're getting at though. If I gotta scrap one it'd have to be the Ranger as I'm not as attached to it. Plus its way farther apart and not a 4 by.

 

[Rowdy Fitzgerald]

There you go!!! Make that pretty lady happy!


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[prerunner]

Think I'll attack both trucks. The gf is my longest term project of all and gets more of my time and money than anything else in my life. She hasn't gotten rid of me over the trucks yet.
Key word "Yet." lol
She would be happier if I had no outlet for my "creativity" whatsoever so I'm keeping the trucks. I use them to keep her off my back for other things.
Its the hobby that just keeps on giving.

Hows yours coming along, Rowdy? I recall you had a collection too.

 

[Rowdy Fitzgerald]

Lol....
It's big...
Two Dodge 2500's, a bronco II cab
an 87 (the crawler)
Two third gen Rangers
A 77 F250
a 79 bronco
And my 99 that's my dd


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[prerunner]

Awesome.
In the "He who dies with the most toys wins" game you're kicking my ass.
I'm only at 4 if you include the half ton shortbox 72 IH pickup stored at my brothers. Clearly I don't have nearly enough vehicles so I'm gonna add a few in the coming months. The gf is obviously wrong.

Cleared some space to start on the Ranger. I'm thinking full width axles now.

 

[Rowdy Fitzgerald]

Full width axels are pretty sweet!


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[prerunner]

So, if the goal was something like this:

http://nanaimo.craigslist.ca/cto/5152910312.html

It would be easier and cheaper to just buy this one wouldn't it?

 

[Rowdy Fitzgerald]

Yeah and ready to go!


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[Mightyfordranger]

Looks like u got more than I have goin on one big overheating prob and a crap /a$$ d28 ha ha

 

[prerunner]

Looks like u got more than I have goin on one big overheating prob and a crap /a$$ d28 ha ha

Get ahold of an HD cooling rad from an 1st gen Exploder, have it tested and you should be good to go. Some guys swear by electric fans, some swear at them but if you go that route get as much of the rad covered as possible to really flow air through the whole thing not just some of it. Some guys go the aftermarket rad route. Griffin makes a great product and theres one from Summit some guys like (Ranger SVT, for instance.)
The Dana28 really is a piece of crap, the only advantage is that with a drop bracket lift you won't punch a hole through your diff on that axle since its so small. Any axle is an improvement so set your sights on the Dana 30, 35TTB, or 44 SAS for a strength improvement. I'd go to the 44 straight away myself.
You got this. Its yours to build, break and make better.

 

[300I6Ranger4x4]

I'm pretty sure the gf would slaughter me if I loaded a smallblock into the trunk of her car

haha

 

[300I6Ranger4x4]

Well the Ranger thing didn't work out so this was the backup deal.

Nice score!

 

[prerunner]

I'm kind of neutral about it. Its got a bunch of electrical problems, like no head or dash lights but its still doing dd duty since its all I've got right now.
It'll be a nice ride once I get it sorted out though. I'm just waiting on time, money and ambition.


Edit: Got a bunch of electrical crap sorted out on the sploder which has been named by my 5 year old niece "Dora."
Next on the list for the sploder are lower ball joints or control arms. That front end squeak is damned annoying.

 

[prerunner]

Well its been a while since I posted any progress on the Guinea Pig but I've actually been getting decent hours the last couple weeks (today excepted) and hope to have a somewhat better payday this weekend. So some parts will be procured. Not saying exactly what yet though. (Craigslist: don't jinx it.)

Started pricing 35 and 37" MT's this afternoon, probably go with 35's since 37's are twice as much. Plus I already have spares.
Sorry I've been quiet on here lately. Life gets in the way, you know? Currently I have a trench through the yard to redo the perimeter drains around the house. But the rental excavator did come in handy to put the box back on the Ranger.

Hopefully I can report some progress this weekend, after payday. lol

 

[Rowdy Fitzgerald]

Awesome! I've been going almost non stop my self too.
Between OT at work and working on my diesel and the training classes I will be taking this month I have no time for the ranger :,(


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