Removing the front clip first gen ranger

[smallcarguy]

I just completed this, so I thought I would document it for others who may be considering doing the same thing.

First, remove the hood, the grille and both fenders.
Remove the two front body mount bolts.
Remove the hood latch and disconnect the release cable, pull the cable back through the radiator support.
Remove the battery.
Disconnect the radiator hoses, and the a/c hoses.
Disconnect the windshield washer fluid hose.
Remove the air intake hose.
Disconnect any wire harnesses that attach to the inner fenders.

Locate the 50 spot welds on the outside of the inner fenders documented in the attached pictures. Put a divot in the center of each weld with a center punch.
Drill a small hole (3/32nds-ish) in the center of each weld.
Use a spot weld cutter like the cheap one shown in the pic from hf to cut around the welds. ( take care to only cut through the first panel )
Have a buddy grab the other side and lift the front clip away from the truck.

Hope this helps someone out.
Rob

 

[ksack]

Thank you thank you thank you. This is very helpful. Drilling them out tomorrow

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Nice write up.
I counted 27 spot welds per side when I did mine. I could have miss-counted.
I found the following bit much better than the one you posted and requires no pre-drilling;

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The bit is pricey at $14.00 each but I think worth it.