thinking about the ranger again. build ideals

[59flatbedford]

So i have a 89 ext cab 4x4 ranger that i got cheap about a year ago because i have always wanted one. This one looks like crap and the bed is toast but that no biggie. since i got it i have been thinking about how to build it and think i am finally honing in on it. I want to build a bad ass off road rig that i can still drive on the street and in reality will use it more for remote camping than hard 4wheeling but i over build stuff. I have some ideals and would love to hear what you guys think or give me some advice or tell me no thats retarded do this instead.

-Motor-4.6l ford. (getting one to build up from a buddy for free)
-transmission-manual preferably zf-5 or something else tough as hell
-front axle-explorer dana 35 with dana 44 impovements (or narrowed dana 60 sas )
-rear axle-ford 8.8 or narrowed dana 60 (overkill yea but i do like full floaters)
-rear suspension- flipped shackles and chevy springs rearched.
-front suspension- cut and turned beams with coils, longer radius arms ect. (or leave springs if sas)
-gears- not sure yet maybe 4.11 with lockers?
-interior-explorer bucket seats, 71 f150 dash, custom guages, sound system, etc, etc, ect,
-misc- tall skinny tires probably at least 33s but maybe 35s. Custom flatbed, maybe 6inches of lift with some fender flares. slider bars, lights, visor, who knows what else.

Well thats the major componets of the drive train so let me know what you think or what i should change to make this truck on optimal rocky mtn camping truck.

 

[AccordRanger]

Like what you have for ideas. If it were me on the rear i would go with 8.8 with the super 88 kit.

 

[country0001]

Sounds like u got it figured out. If its just for remote camping, I'd say go for the beefed up D35.

 

[Grunizzle]

It would be retarded to run 33s on D60s...

Its fun to write about what you want to build, but the question is are you actually going to walk the walk?

 

[hoosier1104]

The motor is the only place I see an issue. It takes a lot of work to shoe horn a 4.6 under the hood. I thought about the terminator out a SVT Cobra for a while and after a good research I am going with a 5.0 Explorer swap instead. But if you like the challenge then step up to the plate and knock one out the park.

 

[86 slo-vo]

It would be retarded to run 33s on D60s...

Its fun to right about what you want to build, but the question is are you actually going to walk the walk?

agreed, anything under a 37+ doesnt need 60's...just kills ground clearance

 

[feellnfroggy]

My personal opinion, if your gonna run 33's (and you say tall skinny so I assum 33x10.50's?) I wouldnt run hte 4.6. I would prolly go with a 3.8swap, with 4.2 crank and 352 rods, as well as a supercoupe M90 supercharger for torque. Otherwise I would stick with the 4.0 swap also supercharged, but since your getting the 4.6 for free, you might as well run with it. For the front end I wouldnt bother swapping to the d35. You can get the entire d44 setup from a bronco for pretty cheap. An expo 8.8 with discs in the rear would be fine. 4.11's are the minimum gear I would go with, BUt since you plan to DD they should be ok, I would just consider building a doubler for offroad. Will you be towing any kind of camper setup with this or small trailer? When you say remote camping are you talking about deep trails, or bustin your own brush? Where are you at? Will there be snow? Mud? Logs? Creeks? How much weight will be in the bed to offset the weight of the 4.6? FLatbed?

 

[59flatbedford]

well im in wyoming so yes there will be snow, mud, lots of rocks and logs, deep ruts, creek crossings, you name i will probably be able to find it. I want lots of power and i have researched the 4.6 swap a lot so i know its pretty involved. im still up in the air about axles, im thinking a dana 35/44 hybrid up front, or a straight axle but not sure yet. Any opionons on what you be best for all around off roading??

 

[superds]

I'm just not sold on the '71 F150 dash. Why step that far back in time as far as technology and styling? IMO, I would rather have the stock '89 dash, and it requires less work!

The ZF5, while an excellent transmission for heavy duty uses, is probably overkill for your application, and an extra 100 pounds over using a M5OD-R2 from an F150 of similar vintage. But the ZF5 does give you the granny low first gear.

I personally prefer the TTB, but some people would tell you that the solid front axle is the best for all around off roading.

 

[59flatbedford]

well i realize the zf would add a lot of weight but i haven't heard great things about the m50d as far as strength and shifting goes. and like mentioned the granny gear would be nice. As far as the dash goes that just a little personal preference of mine because i hate the plactic dash thats in it. all my other projects are old ford pickups so im used to the metal dashes and i just like it. and the interior of this truck will likely get more and more ripped out as its life progresses. It will probably start out as a mild build with 33 or 35 inch tires but then when i dont need it to drive around town any more it might get more mods to the motor, more lift, and huge tires. and id rather not have to change a bunch of stuff down the road as far as axles.

 

[superds]

It will probably start out as a mild build with 33 or 35 inch tires but then when i dont need it to drive around town any more it might get more mods to the motor, more lift, and huge tires. and id rather not have to change a bunch of stuff down the road as far as axles.

If that's the case, D60s or Rockwells and the ZF tranny. Less to break later.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

If money wasn't an issue I would have a 5.4 with a standalone harness in a heartbeat. The 4.6 isn't much of a slouch either.

Do some browsing around in the v-8 swap forum, there are a couple guys that have put mod motors in older trucks and they really don't fit all that bad.

 

[superds]

If money wasn't an issue I would have a 5.4 with a standalone harness in a heartbeat. The 4.6 isn't much of a slouch either.

Do some browsing around in the v-8 swap forum, there are a couple guys that have put mod motors in older trucks and they really don't fit all that bad.

The couple I've seen on here required the exhaust from the manifold to be run on the outside of the frame rails because the engine was so wide! That's the only thing that sticks in my mind as being a little weird with the modular engine in a Ranger.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

The couple I've seen on here required the exhaust from the manifold to be run on the outside of the frame rails because the engine was so wide! That's the only thing that sticks in my mind as being a little weird with the modular engine in a Ranger.

I have seen people do that with windsors too.

Here is one I found real quick:
http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/showthread.php?t=32615

 

[59flatbedford]

auctually i love the fact that i will run exhuast on the out side of the frame.