Street Rod Ranger

[snoopjonnyjon]

I'll have to check tire size when I see the truck next. I bought the wheels and tires used, so didn't select tire size. The rears are noticeably larger.

 

[JoshT]

No rush, I'm in the same boat. Bought the wheels with tires off another Ranger owner, and not exactly sure how they will fit. I know two of them need replacing cause they are to narrow for my taste, the other two may have to go as well. Two have a 225 and while that size looked great on a 6" wide Ranger wheel it's too narrow for these. The others are better with 235s, but may have too tall of a sidewall (I'm doing drop at same time as rebuild). They are almost to narrow for my taste as well, I think a 245 tire would be great as a minimum width for these wheels. While I'm on the subject of the wheels, did you use spacers?

I also meant to ask in my last post, where did you get the seat belts? I'm trying to decide between replacing mine or having them refurbished.

 

[snoopjonnyjon]

I used spacers in the front to clear the centercap from the dust cap of the hub. I don't know thickness, as they came with the wheels. He had them on a 79 Fairmont Futura.

I might get some deeper spacers for the rear, just to bring the wheels out closer to flush. They tuck inside the fenders a lot. I might just buy some deeper wheels too. It doesn't have enough rear rubber. I really would like to have a set of slicks and front runners on appropriate wheels. Maybe Welds with Hoosiers. I just don't know what size of rear rubber would fit. Ranger drag trucks aren't quite as well documented as Fox body Stangs... haha

 

[snoopjonnyjon]

Oh, and the seatbelts are from Autoloc.

 

[JoshT]

I think that's probably the only thing I hate about these Mach 1 wheels. For a little while after they came out everybody made deep dish and wider aftermarket versions of it. Suddenly all sources dried up for them, I think one company still offers them according to the site. Other than that company you have to find someone that is getting rid of a set.

Personally I think I'm going to find a set of 06+ Crown Vic PI steel wheels to use for "racing tires." Not interested in drag racing, I'd rather try to run road course/autocross type events, so wide tire all round is preferred. If they aren't wide enough steel wheels can be made wider fairly easily, and I think I know of atleast one shop in the area that can do it.

Checked out the Autoloc website, but I think I'll probably have mine rebuilt. IIRC the quote I got in the past was about the same price.

I got to stop looking at your thread, it makes me want to drive mine too much. Yours looks great now, can't wait to see it finished.

 

[snoopjonnyjon]

I wouldn't run 2006+ Crown Vic wheels. The offset is wrong. You'll need serious thick spacers. Maybe stock width would work because they are narrow. I have some 22x9 wheels that I special ordered for my 2008 Grand Marquis. They are a little wider than stock but all to the inside, with the outside lip is in the stock location. I tried them on my Ranger for fun, and the inside of the rim would scrub hard into the tie rod at anything approaching full lock.

 

[JoshT]

I was thinking about those because they are the only Ford OEM steel wheels (AKA cheap and plentiful) I know of in 17" with the right bolt pattern. I'd look at other sizes but I have to have at least a 17 to clear the brakes I'm going to run in front and don't want to go larger.

 

[Mark_88]

Cool. I like...

 

[TheTwanksta]

Awesome build, love the attention to detail! Ive always wanted to strip a car/truck down to nothing and start over from scratch with my own customizations. Good luck on TOTM!

 

[multiranger]

Just went back and read the whole thread again.. Awesome job... Makes me want to V8 mine...

 

[TheTwanksta]

Just went back and read the whole thread again.. Awesome job... Makes me want to V8 mine...

You wont!

 

[snoopjonnyjon]

Awesome build, love the attention to detail! Ive always wanted to strip a car/truck down to nothing and start over from scratch with my own customizations. Good luck on TOTM!

Thanks for the nomination! Although, I still have a long ways to go before the truck is finished, so I almost wish I could wait until it is completely done and pinstriped.

 

[TheTwanksta]

Thanks for the nomination! Although, I still have a long ways to go before the truck is finished, so I almost wish I could wait until it is completely done and pinstriped.

I felt the same way when I was nominated last month, lol. Its still cool though. Besides, when is it ever FINISHED?

 

[snoopjonnyjon]

Just went back and read the whole thread again.. Awesome job... Makes me want to V8 mine...

You know it's gonna happen sooner or later, might as well start building the motor now...

It's been 6 years since I built my engine, and I still haven't stepped on the throttle. All I've done is idle around, because I am several miles from pavement. You have no idea how hard that has been. Next summer this thing is finally going to make a proper roast.

 

[snoopjonnyjon]

I felt the same way when I was nominated last month, lol. Its still cool though. Besides, when is it ever FINISHED?

It needs to be finished for easter weekend next spring for the indoor car show! I actually hope to have it done at Christmas. I don't think this Ranger will go through many iterations, I think when it's done it will be done, with the exception of wheel/tire changes. I would love to put a 4 Weber carb intake on it too, but I doubt I'll ever find the money for that.

I've already got the next project in queue and am very anxious to make some progress on it, too. The motor is already built for it, and it should be a monster.