Project SVT

[RangerSVT]

Thanks for the input, Bray. I didn't cycle the suspension yet as I still need to get the tracbar in and the steering linkage. I plan to fab some type of bumpstop, and definitely a heavy-duty limit strap. I wanted the shocks to have more of a vertical or preferably slightly inward lean at the top ( / \ ), but they didn't fall that way. I've got some bracing on the frame, but this is temporary as next year around summer time I'm building a custom boxed frame out of 2 x 4 x 3/16 tubing (maybe even 2 x 5) By my figures this setup will only have about 12 rides on it not counting the occasional sunday street drives... I don't know if I got a decent pic to show, but judging by when the axle is stuffed, the upper link if any longer would contact the frame. The lower links are 0.250 wall, so I think they would be strong enough, but I could be wrong, time will tell. I could have done parellel upper and lower links, but the only place with the room for that would be the outside framerail, and even then the body mount would make contact. If I have any problems, I might fab something like Cage's RA's, wouldnt take too much to do that. Why RA's?? They work, and have minimal design. I haven't researched much into 3 links, and to be honest I haven't seen many setups with that design. But I'm not ruling that out as a future option, I just need to do more research on it...
Also on the frame mounts, I burned them in the length of the plate top and bottom, but only about a 1/3 of the way on the vertical welds, I didn't want to create a weak point in the frame...
SVT

 

[RangerSVT]

Thanks guys for the comments and questions, I always enjoy feedback as I might not see something someone else does. I enjoy your build threads as well and chime in from time to time, but pretty much follow them day to day. Everyone keep up the good work on your builds. Hope to wheel with ya'll someday. Kyle, how's the healing coming??
SVT

 

[Kyle M.]

I am healing good, I would say I am about 95%, only have pain from time to time, thanks for asking!

I like critizism and input on my builds, let me know people are watching and keeping me honest lol

 

[Bray D]

I didn't want that to come off too harsh, but I was on lunch and had to say what I needed to say in a timely manner. haha.

I am radius arm as well, but my axle can't be run any other way without serious modifications. If I had a stripped axle (no cast wedges), I would've gone 3 link. Stupid easy. If you just put one link on one side (axis of the link intersects the axle centerline) and leave the RA on the other, with a panhard, you've got a 3 link. No bind, less cost, etc. I saw that you had aftermarket RA brackets on the axle, which made me wonder why you did 2 RA's over the 3 link. 3 link would remove 2 joints, one link, and simplify one side's axle bracket.

Like ya said, RA's work though. You won't bend your lower unless you come down hard on a rock. It's amazing what will really work when it comes down to it.

Like Kyle said, I would probably relocate my axle side mounts. You'll need to watch your clearances though. You're playing with a big tire here. Don't want a tire getting intimate with your nice shock.

Have you checked your turning radius with the straight RA's? My 35's rub my RA's a smidge if I'm aired down a lot and sidehilling/turning hard. 47's are stupid big.

 

[RangerSVT]

I didn't want that to come off too harsh, but I was on lunch and had to say what I needed to say in a timely manner. haha.

Naw man, you didn't. I take feedback/criticism well

Like Kyle said, I would probably relocate my axle side mounts. You'll need to watch your clearances though. You're playing with a big tire here. Don't want a tire getting intimate with your nice shock.

Yeah, I'm picky and careful when it comes to damage that requires attention (IE, fixing/replacing) once I get the axle centered and the tracbar in, I'll check full movement and cycle the suspension through its range. It's likely I will move the lower shock mounts outwards though. I just didn't have the knuckles mounted when I made the lower mounts, and its been probably 6 months since I did the lower mounts from the upper mounts, I had a lot of engine bay mods to do to get the clearance I needed to fit the shock hoop and shock. Once I get the lowers relocated outward, I may get some new longer tabs for the top, I'll have to look into that and see how much room I'll have.

Have you checked your turning radius with the straight RA's? My 35's rub my RA's a smidge if I'm aired down a lot and sidehilling/turning hard. 47's are stupid big.

I haven't got the steering system installed yet, ran out of time on that work day, but I'm not too worrried about contact, the knuckles have steering stops if I need to adjust them. My frame link mounts are also only bolted on, so if I need to, I can move those inward and off the new trans mount. I'll be moving the motor towards the firewall about 2" and trying to get the motor a little more level. I don't like the way its sitting right now, so I'll get that done before I fab the new trans member...
SVT

 

[Bray D]

I'm not too worrried about contact, the knuckles have steering stops if I need to adjust them.

I don't think you understand how big those tires are. Looking at your RA mount locations, you'll barely be able to turn at all. Of course this all depends on your wheel offset, so I can't say too much just yet. My axle side mounts are closer to the center than yours, and my frame side is inboarded (a lot) and I still rub 35's (15x8, 4"bs wheel), that's all I'm sayin.

 

[86 slo-vo]

Why go through the trouble to cut down a 60 and then stuff a big offset wheel under it. Doesn't make a whole lot of sense.

Extended can ranger, 47's and no turning radius. Doesn't sound fun in the woods to me.

 

[RangerSVT]

plans are to shorten the wb, but not right away. Good thing is, is the build is never complete Upgrades and design changes and new ideas are always in the works...
SVT

 

[disciplerocks]

Check it when you get back to a computer.
http://www.focusfanatics.com/forum/showthread.php?t=195452&

 

[disciplerocks]

http://evansville.craigslist.org/pts/2708842791.html

 

[RangerSVT]

He wants way too much for that, not to mention that axle is a 10 lug. Even though its got close to the gear ratio, its still overpriced, and its only a 35 spline axle....I'm building a 40 spline, but thanks for keeping an eye out!
SVT

 

[disciplerocks]

http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/classifieds/showentry.php?e=1950&catid=7

Just saying...

 

[RangerSVT]

I've already been talking to Dan about it before it hit the classifieds...It would be a nice addition, but I don't have enough pennies in my kid's piggy bank to get it just yet...
SVT

 

[Robert_1967]

http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/classifieds/showentry.php?e=1950&catid=7

Just saying...

DANG, too bad I can't win the lottery and that fit a 4.0



Robert

 

[Jay'94]

As long as you've been at this, maybe you should seriously consider getting Railman to show you how to stuff Tons under a Ranger! Y'all have the same year, wheelbase & even the paint matches! Only difference is you stuffed that exploder motor in there! Looks like he could definately save ya some downtime!