Very Mild '03 Ranger

[Gotta_gofast]

I run the ATF because it is a lot lighter than normal gear oil designed for wet clutches. I've got a lock-up clutch and whirling extra weights and fingers through the oil makes a noticable difference if I use lightweight ATF or gear oil. But I do run amsoil MC oil in my superhawk. Whatever oil the previous owner used made the clutch feel like an on-off switch. Switching to amsoil really did smooth it out to the performance hydraulic refined clutch feel Hondas are known for. Not trying to sound like a salesman, but when it saves my from having to split the case on an engine that was designed to be a stressed member of the frame... I'll call that a win.

 

[getrdone52]

How did this get in there?

My K7 GSXR600:

That's where all your money is going! Just kidding. I just read through all of this and nice job! Those wheels make it look a hundred times better. I think you should take the pin stripe off and give it that nice clean look. I also have 4 stock shocks that were on my 98 4x4. I'm not sure if they are different or if they would fit even but just letting you know. I only replaced them because new ones came with my lift.

 

[Ranger Sport Honduras]

That's where all your money is going! Just kidding. I just read through all of this and nice job! Those wheels make it look a hundred times better. I think you should take the pin stripe off and give it that nice clean look. I also have 4 stock shocks that were on my 98 4x4. I'm not sure if they are different or if they would fit even but just letting you know. I only replaced them because new ones came with my lift.

They will fit, and will give a bit more travel for when he flexes it.
But if its not lifted he will be maxxing them every time the susp compresses. Giving an annoying ride.

Besides i saw somewhere that ull have to redrill the shock tabs to bolt em up on the 2wd lower arm.

 

[getrdone52]

They will fit, and will give a bit more travel for when he flexes it.
But if its not lifted he will be maxxing them every time the susp compresses. Giving an annoying ride.

Besides i saw somewhere that ull have to redrill the shock tabs to bolt em up on the 2wd lower arm.

So he would have to lift his truck to make my stock shocks work correctly? What a perfect excuse haha. Would it even be worth the work to make them work though?

 

[nb11]

I lifted the front a little. I've always heard that an easy way to go about shocks after leveling a 2wd is throwing some 4wd shocks on it. I have washers stacked on top of my shock to give me more down travel, and it's about the perfect length. The limiting factor in my droop is actually the upper control arm coming down and contacting the frame.

I got some new ball joints from rockauto that I had planned to install today, but I'm gonna do it tomorrow or Sunday because it's freezing here. When I have my suspension taken apart, I'll pop the spring out and check my bump/droop to get an idea of exactly what length shocks I need. Also, I plan to wirebrush/paint everything while I'm down there to make it look purdy.

Updated list:
lower balljoints- ready to install
headlights- new bulbs installed, still need to aim lights
shocks- not in a big hurry here
alignment- also not in a big hurry, but will def. be done by the time I need new tires (probably another year)
guage cluster lights- keep going out, need to get some led's.
still want some offroad lights. Thinking some hella 500 black magic's to stick behind the grille.
Sometime down the road, I'll get BFG KM2's, 31x10.5.

This weekend: will replace lower balljoints, paint suspension components, wash, and wax.

I have an idea for helping to keep mud from sticking to the frame too bad. Also, there's usually a huge clump that gets stuck in the cab corner that I'm sure will lead to rust. My proposed solution? In motocross racing, we use a foam matting under the fenders. It's peel-n-stick and keeps mud from caking up. Also, they stuff little blocks of foam in all the nooks and crannies around the engine so mud can't cake up. Might walk around Walmart and see what I can find lol.

 

[getrdone52]

still want some offroad lights. Thinking some hella 500 black magic's to stick behind the grille.

That would look sweet! And that mud thing sounds like a good idea. You may be on to something.

When your ready for shocks just let me know if you want mine. I'll give them to you for $5 plus shipping.

 

[nb11]

Dang that sounds like a sweet deal! I appreciate it, but don't worry about holding on to them too long. I'm not real concerned about them right now, and if somebody else offers to buy them for more, that would be a better deal for you.

In other news, ball joints are a pain! I finally got one installed after a couple of hours working on it. An impact wrench would have really helped. But I have one more for tomorrow, plus a good wash and wax.

 

[Ranger Sport Honduras]

I had the same issue with my upper ball joints.
i think theres no solution for it, other than getting a complete lift kit.

My ball joints died really soon because of the stress they get on that position

 

[nb11]

Yea, I can tell the uppers don't like being stretched. What I'm thinking, is since just the joint can't be replaced and I'll need a whole upper arm before too long, I'll go ahead and get some that are meant for a lifted application. I can't remember the name of the company that makes a lot of suspension parts for these trucks, 06rangerxlt bought his stuff from them, but they make a kit that includes coils and UCA's, and I'll just get the UCA's.

 

[getrdone52]

Dang that sounds like a sweet deal! I appreciate it, but don't worry about holding on to them too long. I'm not real concerned about them right now, and if somebody else offers to buy them for more, that would be a better deal for you.

In other news, ball joints are a pain! I finally got one installed after a couple of hours working on it. An impact wrench would have really helped. But I have one more for tomorrow, plus a good wash and wax.

I was about to throw them away when I put my new ones on but I figured I would regret it later. And I'd rather them get used than take up space.

 

[nb11]

One word: Gross

Old vs. new. Can't believe I drove around on these.

 

[Ranger Sport Honduras]

Any updates?

 

[nb11]

A couple of weeks ago, I was fed up with this truck and the little problems it had been giving me. Since I paid it off about a year and a half ago, I've had to change the radiator twice, the coolant line that runs behind the engine (major pain!), alternator, ball joints, and the A/C is torn up. Also, I need new upper ball joints, tierod ends, wheel bearings, clutch/slave, tires, shocks, etc. I was determined I was trading it in for a 4wd Tacoma.

I've decided to get my butt off my shoulders and spend a little time and money on the thing rather than lock myself in a loan for another 5 years. Today I changed my valve cover gasket and was happy to see that at least the cam lobes looked to be in great shape for 162k miles. I also gave the engine bay a good cleaning, as well as the undercarriage.

I decided it would be more economical to spend a couple thousand on this truck than it would be to spend several thousand on another truck that will also inevitably have items that will wear out and need to be replaced. So, looks like me and the Ranger will continue our relationship for a few more years.

In other news, I'm selling my motorcycle, so will hopefully have a little cash to have some fun with. I'll be taking welding and machining next semester, and would really probably need something to practice my homework on

 

[Knight1977]

Hit me up for those upper ball joints. I just replaced my ball joints and control arms 3 months ago but then decided to lower my truck. And bought the springs and control arms as a kit. They were $78 a peice I'll let you have both of them for $75 plus shipping. Good job on the truck man. Keep up the good work.

 

[nb11]

Hit me up for those upper ball joints. I just replaced my ball joints and control arms 3 months ago but then decided to lower my truck. And bought the springs and control arms as a kit. They were $78 a peice I'll let you have both of them for $75 plus shipping. Good job on the truck man. Keep up the good work.

Thanks for the offer, but I'm leaning towards another option for front suspension, one that won't involve control arms