Project Little Green Turd

[wizkid00104]

I spent yesterday working on the Ranger. I got several things crossed off my todo list.

First, I got the 1/4" NPT fittings to add the replacement oil pressure switch and add the oil pressure gauge for the A pillar. I got a brass T and nipple from the hardware store. It all fit in very nice. i assembled the nipple, T, and pressure switch on the bench and was able to thread it into the block. Then I added the fitting for the gauge.

Next, I got the new clutch installed. I have to say... torqueing the bolts on the pressure plate was a pain in the ass.

Next, redid the rear brake lines. I learned that I have 3/16" tube nuts and RABS module and the wheel cylinders use 1/4" tube nuts. The James Duff extended stainless brake line uses 3/16" fittings. This called for 1/4" to 3/16" brass tube nut adapters (I still have to buy 2 more for the rear wheel cylinders). I also need to replace the right rear wheel cylinder. I realized yesterday that there was no bleeder valve.

This was the third rear brakeline to go bad:

I cut the old splitter block off of the bracket and reused the bracket to hold the RABS sensor wire.

I got all of the correct greasable bolts in the leaf springs now and torqued all the rear bolts for the brackets. Then I test fitted the shocks... and much to my surprise, they were too short. Without the Teraflex shackles, the shocks were still 2 inches too short. I am going to call James Duff this week and see why. I took measurements with the shackles open and I need and extended length of 33". Without, I need about 27" of extended length. I do realize there is no weight on the rear end, but I still want the shocks to be the correct length in full droop.

Weight on the axle:

Full Droop:

Finally, I painted the cat converter mount and the transmission mount and got the transmission ready for installation on the next trip home.

At the end of Saturday, i was putting stuff on the cart I have the Chassis Saver on. I noticed that the Coors Light can I was using as a paint scoop was stuck to the cart. I was able to pull the cart around the garage just using a finger on the can. That is some stick stuff!

Cheers

 

[n_bannerman]

What did you build your tranny x-member out of? Do you have any more pictures of how it bolts up?

 

[wizkid00104]

It was made by James duff. There are 2 bolts on either side of it. A 1" and a 1/2". If you can see the brackets where the radius arm connects to the frame, it goes in between those. It actually matches the shape of the blue bracket.


Sent from my iPhone

 

[wizkid00104]

If it helps, here are the photos of what it mounts to:

 

[wizkid00104]

To-Do List

Edit: 07/07/13 - Updated

This is the items that I can think of that still need addressed (X indicates complete):

Immediately Addressable
(X) Finish Clutch Change
(X) Change Fuel Filter
(X) Change Oil Pressure switch and add T for pressure gauge
(X) Run new rear brake lines
(X) Change rear greasable bolts to correct length and torque all bolts
(X) Re-install transmission
(X) Add transmission fluid and change transfer case fluid
(X) Install cross member
(X) Install Transfer case
(X) Bleed clutch
(X) Clean up rear drum brakes
(X) Change front brake bleeders
(X) Fill and bleed brakes
(X) Add gear lube to rear differential
(X) Add gear lube to front differential
(X) Grease all fittings
( ) Find power steering leak
(X) Install gauges (Vac needs conneced and wiring needs run)
(X) Polish Headlights
( ) Clean and paint battery tray
(X) Clean and paint skid plate and front drive shaft
(X) Replace front hub
(X) Straighten rear bumper mounts
(X) Reroute rear electrical wiring
(X) Buy and mount rear shocks
(X) Torque radius arm bolts

Waiting on Frame Crossmember
(X) Install frame crossmember and paint
(X) Install 6 cab mounts and new hardware
( ) Install new exhaust system
(X) Reinstall E-brake
( ) Reassemble front clip
(X) Reinstall fuel tank
(X) Remount bed
( ) Reinstall bumpers
( ) Alignment
( ) Vehicle Inspection

I'll get to it when I get to it
( ) Install Dixie horns and horn switch
( ) Install Electric fan
( ) Build power distribution case

( ) DONE

 

[wizkid00104]

Meguiar's headlight Restore Kit

Tonight, I gave polishing the headlights a try. Meguiars kit comes with a 1000 grit disc, 3000 grits disc, foam holder for the discs, a microfiber cloth, Plastic restore compound, and UV Ray plastic protectant compound. Kit is about $30 and I think it was well worth it. I have included some pictures, but they don't really do it justice. There is enough compound in that kit to probably do 30 fixtures too

Before:

After 3000 grit sanding:

After Polishing:

Lily approves
Left is untouched, right is polished

Took about an hour to do both. Next, I am going to try it on the factory roof marker lights for my F250.

Cheers

 

[1badexplorer]

Looks good. Speaking of those marker lights.......I think you still owe me for them lol.

 

[wizkid00104]

I do and I haven't forgot. I just haven't seen you lol.

 

[1badexplorer]

Lol it happens. Not a big deal. I guess you got your clutch pilot bearing out without many problems. I was waiting to hear from you about that puller Sat.

 

[wizkid00104]

I rented a puller and when I got back to the garage, Joey's dad had got it out. I asked him to take a look at it he just took it out. I don't what I would've done without him. He has solved my toughest problems without even blinking an eye.

Hows the Bronco treating you? Are you going to be around on Saturday?

 

[1badexplorer]

I rented a puller and when I got back to the garage, Joey's dad had got it out. I asked him to take a look at it he just took it out. I don't what I would've done without him. He has solved my toughest problems without even blinking an eye.

Hows the Bronco treating you? Are you going to be around on Saturday?

The bronco has been holding down my back yard since Dec 30th lol. I do need to pull it down and do about 2hr worth of work on it to get it ready to run. I shoud be around Sat. I have to go pickup a trailer to work on but I should only be gone for a little.

 

[1badexplorer]

I've been busy with other projects haven't had time to work on the Bronco.

Been building this:

And bought this:

 

[wizkid00104]

Nice. I call you Saturday when I am over at Joeys.

Is the motor for the Mustang? And the second thing looks like a 1-ton transfer case. Is that an overdrive unit on the back of it?

 

[1badexplorer]

The motor is for my 79. Its a 501. the second pic is a gearvendors unit. Check my build thread.

 

[wizkid00104]

Is the gear vendors unit for the F250 too? Or for your dually?

And I just found out that our offer was accepted on the house like. I'll now have a 2 car garage all of my own lmao!!!