RaceRangers Build

[RaceRanger97]

Yup, I have only seen two so far but still scary. I'm sure they would have a great time examaning the ranger. lol

 

[djschick88]

Was the 8.8 you had in there from an Explorer? If so how did you mount the leafs to it?

 

[RaceRanger97]

Was the 8.8 you had in there from an Explorer? If so how did you mount the leafs to it?

No it wasn't. But all you would have to do is cut the mounts off the explorer axle, mock up and weld on new perches.

 

[RaceRanger97]

Working on engine cage this week, ill have pics up tomorrow. Motor isn't ready to start yet. I finally got a belt for it, just need finish up some grounds, wire the battery, add oil and trans fluid and it should run and move. Still have to figure out shifting linkage and what I am going to do about a dash though. I really wish I had more time to work on it, can;t wait to drive it again.

 

[djschick88]

Im trying to get the leafs to bolt underneath the axle just dont know if the chevy 64's will work for that...

 

[RaceRanger97]

Im trying to get the leafs to bolt underneath the axle just dont know if the chevy 64's will work for that...

Yeah i would probably go spring over unless its a giant 64 pack

 

[RaceRanger97]

Started the motor finally! Soo much better lol...still have alot of little things to do to make it run right though. Also still trying to figure out how to do the shifting linkage and control over drive. Added more tube to the engine bay as well. Gotta make some room for my equal length brackets and cross over steering.

 

[charlie brown]

why remove the smog stuff when your making it. if you just leave it then you wont have any problem.

 

[RaceRanger97]

why remove the smog stuff when your making it. if you just leave it then you wont have any problem.

Aside from exhaust and charcoal canister the motor will stay just as it was in the other truck. I actually already mounted the canister and may leave that even.

 

[RaceRanger97]

Been a while since i have posted. The swap is done and it drives great, can't believe how much more power it has with the 4.0. It really winds out quick with no A/C, clutch fan, or power steering. Aside from that all i have really done is order parts.

ordered a B&M Zgate shifter, 16" 2100cfm electric fan, and a New red-top optima.

 

[dhkonrad]

Totally random question: did you use your stock I-beam mounts, or are they custom. If they are custom, are they dropped down?

 

[RaceRanger97]

Totally random question: did you use your stock I-beam mounts, or are they custom. If they are custom, are they dropped down?

They are currently stock, soon the truck will have equal length which will use custom mounts.

 

[RaceRanger97]

Got a few things done but still have a huge list before Huckfest in June.

Trans mount
Finsh 9"
mount header panel and head lights
wire fan
wire HIDs/Tail lights
Double shear rear shock mounts
Mount front glass
Buy/mount Rear glass
Install shifter and linkage
replace ujoints/balance driveline
wire overdrive switch
mount amo boxes
revalve shocks
change spring rates
build equal length and X-over

im sure im forgeting a few things

 

[polancs2803]

Nice Truck!

Hey bro Kudos on your truck build and your forum. I can honestly say you have inspired me to finish my Ranger. I have 2.3L in mine, how big of a diference did the motor swapt do for you? do you think that should be something I should consider now or wait till all my suspension is completely done?

 

[RaceRanger97]

Hey bro Kudos on your truck build and your forum. I can honestly say you have inspired me to finish my Ranger. I have 2.3L in mine, how big of a diference did the motor swapt do for you? do you think that should be something I should consider now or wait till all my suspension is completely done?

Thanks man, The motor swap made a huge difference but I would suggest building the truck with the 2.3 first. You want to make it so that the motor is the only thing holding you back. Having more power/speed than the truck can handle is what gets you hurt. As you can see my 2.3 has done very well for me this far. In most rough sections on the mdr tracks in lucerne, it can hold me at about 60-70mph which is plenty fast. I wont be going much faster with the 4.0 but it will be nice to get there quicker and not have to have my foot on the floor the whole time.