Questionable Decisions being made in Seattle, WA...

[fordsn]

Hi all.

For some unexplained reason I decided to convert my 94 XLT 4x4 to battery electric.

Also for some reason I decided to start with a Michigan truck which has dramatically increased the amount of rust in my diet.

I've been holding on to the 3.0L engine and 5spd manual+transfer case just in case I chickened out and reversed course but I think I'm at the point where I need to enter the point of no return and get them out of the garage.

Once I'm through with the mundane derustification and chassis rebuild process I plan to document the electric portion more thoroughly.

Cheers!
fordsn

 

[pentode]

Welcome! What are you going to be using for batteries and motor(s)? I'll be following along.

 

[fordsn]

Welcome! What are you going to be using for batteries and motor(s)? I'll be following along.

Thanks!

Motorwise I’m pretty far down the Tesla large drive unit path. I’ve got the reduced 4.1:1 gearing, Quaife LSD and stub shafts - just waiting to make some space in the garage for the motor itself (and also reviewing the coolant sealing solutions in the Tesla forums). Motor will be mounted sideways and serve as the center diff like the Land Rover guys are doing.

Batteries are a huge question mark. I’m mostly dragging my feet on this one in hopes of more choices in the DIY aftermarket, lower prices, miracle chemistry breakthrough, etc. If I get there before that happens then likely will just keep it simple and go with Model S modules.

 

[pentode]

I think Toyota and a couple other companies are swearing they’ll have solid state batteries in production within a year. It’ll be really interesting to see which of any of these new chemistries hit mass production. Exciting times.

 

[fordsn]

Commencing point of no return: Free to a Good Home...

 

[fordsn]

I think Toyota and a couple other companies are swearing they’ll have solid state batteries in production within a year. It’ll be really interesting to see which of any of these new chemistries hit mass production. Exciting times.

Totally. And don't forget being DIY friendly. The Model S modules are popular because they can be divided and repackaged relatively easily. The Model 3 modules are so long that fewer folks are able to integrate them into their projects. Only gets worse with structural packs, pouch cells, etc.

 

[Jim Oaks]

For years I've actually thought it would be cool to build an all-electric Ford Ranger 4x4.

Ford offered an electric Ranger from 1998-2002:

1998 Ford Ranger EV - The Ranger Station

 

[pentode]

For years I've actually thought it would be cool to build an all-electric Ford Ranger 4x4.

Ford offered an electric Ranger from 1998-2002:

1998 Ford Ranger EV - The Ranger Station

I always wanted one of those. I can't remember the specs but I'm sure they pale in comparison to modern EVs, seems to me it was something like 100 miles range.
Edit; just read the article- 60hp and lead acid batteries. Amazing how things have changed in 25 years.

 

[fordsn]

1998 Ford Ranger EV - The Ranger Station

Thanks for the link Jim. Lot's of interesting design choices there - lightweight mono leaf spring! And also two-thousand pounds of lead acid batteries!!!

 

[pentode]

Thanks for the link Jim. Lot's of interesting design choices there - lightweight mono leaf spring! And also two-thousand pounds of lead acid batteries!!!

With 60hp I bet the quarter mile time was... well, I'm sure it got there. Probably.

 

[superj]

my karmann ghia had 42hp and would get on the highway fine and do 100mph.

you just have to be geared for that 60hp

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

With 60hp I bet the quarter mile time was... well, I'm sure it got there. Probably.

A 1985 2.8 Ranger had best in class horsepower at 110...

One thing about electric though is the torque is much different.

There was a guy on here a couple years ago upgrading/updating the batteries in his Range EV

 

[SenorNoob]

Electric torque is maximum at locked rotor to nameplate RPM. Assuming you can feed it enough power without melting anything. That why I think in a couple different from electric would be fun. A 4x4 buggy with relatively small motors on each corner and high travel suspension. And a similar low suspension awd go-kart type thing but road legal.

 

[pentode]

my karmann ghia had 42hp and would get on the highway fine and do 100mph.

you just have to be geared for that 60hp

True... But that VW didn't weigh 6000 lbs either. Agreed though, 60hp is enough to get down the road, especially with the electric motor torque mentioned above.