Raceranger's 4x4 Build

[RaceRanger97]

Hey all, got a new project id like to share and could likely use advice on. you may know me from my other build (https://www.therangerstation.com/forums/index.php?threads/racerangers-build.55602/page-117).
I live really close to some amazing trails and we are up there almost every weekend in our 22 Bronco. Even modified pretty heavily, some of the trails are just too much for that thing without risking body damage. That's where this thing comes into play, it's a 89 TTB Ranger with a CA legal 1990 Mustang AOD 5.0 swap.

The plan is to put it on some big axles and 39s so we can do these harder trails without ruining our new Bronco. Im hoping you guys can help me with the transfer case magic, I'm not very familiar with how to do a doubler set up on one of these but I know its possible. It has a manual shift 1354 I believe, and I'm hoping there some sort of kit out there to simplify that part. Other than that, it's been sitting for years ang going to take some work before she's on the trails.

 

[RaceRanger97]

Anybody know of a "kit" to do something similar to this? Or has anyone done this and beat on it with success? Hoping to not have to buy an Atlas to get a good crawl ratio.
https://www.therangerstation.com/tech/building-a-bw1350-1354-transfer-case-doubler/

 

[SenorNoob]

https://www.behemothdrivetrain.com/pages/strongbox-specifications

That's about as close to a kit as you get.

 

[RaceRanger97]

https://www.behemothdrivetrain.com/pages/strongbox-specifications

That's about as close to a kit as you get.

OoOoo I like that

 

[scotts90ranger]

I would look into bigger transfer cases than the Ranger stuff... I haven't looked into making a doubler out of them but the 4406 T case used in the '99-03 F150 is the narrowest case that will bolt to the standard 4x4 full size transmissions (it's what I used on my V8 Explorer). A doubler might be able to be made out of the likely easier to come by 1356 T case...

 

[RaceRanger97]

I would look into bigger transfer cases than the Ranger stuff... I haven't looked into making a doubler out of them but the 4406 T case used in the '99-03 F150 is the narrowest case that will bolt to the standard 4x4 full size transmissions (it's what I used on my V8 Explorer). A doubler might be able to be made out of the likely easier to come by 1356 T case...

Thanks for the info, I'll look into that.

 

[RaceRanger97]

Brought it to the shop and started tearing it down to redo the cooling system. Also picked up a donor front axle and started on the custom 9" housings.

 

[RaceRanger97]

Redid the cooling system, got it smogged and registered and drove it home. Almost time to tear it down.

 

[Blmpkn]

"Just got it registered... now let's take it all apart!"


One of the many reasons non-car people think car people are wierd lol. Love it.

 

[RaceRanger97]

So Thursday night I decided to dive into some of the issues it had under load. Found several issues and by 1am had it running way better. So of course I stuffed it full of gear and drug it to one of the hardest local trails. It did sooooo good, flexed well and made it into camp without any rock stacking which seemed crazy on 35s. ALMOST a shame to chop it up.

 

[RaceRanger97]

Anyone know is someone makes skid plates for these trucks? wondering if something is out there before build something. Looking to protect fuel tank and trans pan.

 

[RaceRanger97]

Rear housing finished.

 

[RaceRanger97]

More progress on the rear today.

 

[MaicoDoug]

Dang! A CNC, iron worker & 2 mills. Man could I be found pulling a few all nighters! Nice rear end housing no doubt.

Question; overall which front end suspension style do you find your favorite? The twin I beam or the newer A arm type? - Doug.

 

[RaceRanger97]

Dang! A CNC, iron worker & 2 mills. Man could I be found pulling a few all nighters! Nice rear end housing no doubt.

Question; overall which front end suspension style do you find your favorite? The twin I beam or the newer A arm type? - Doug.

Really depends on application, but for desert i am a huge fan of well built beam set up.