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What did you do to your Ranger today? (Part Deux!)


Scott, when you put it all back together, remember Ekrampitzjr's rule of thumb: antiseize is (usually) your friend. :LOL:

Is that the same as KY?
 
Yeah, I was going to chase most of the holes with taps and on some use some anti-seize here and there... Not sure how I got it that tight, I threaded a new 7/16" bolt into that hole about as deep as that bolt was by hand a few minutes ago for the load leveler so I could lift the engine out... of course it didn't want to so it sits for now, I'll poke and pry at it to see why it's stuck on Thursday... I'm sure I missed some things, don't think I have any bellhousing bolts left... I took the nuts out of the one engine mount that is still attached to the engine :)

Brother has tractor problems so I get to help him see if it's valvetrain or injector, bunch of grey smoke (4 cylinder diesel), isolated it to cylinder 4 since it is cold where the other 3 increase in temp when running, conveniently we have 3 injectors on hand from one of his other similar tractors (he has mostly Ford diesel tractors, 3 to 6 cylinder, some things are fairly interchangeable) so we shall see...
 
Well after having the "loosening lugnuts" issue and seemingly having it solved, I used a paint pen to make marks on my lugnuts and wheel so I can visually see if they're coming loose again without getting the torque wrench out.
Also made marks on all the bolts used in the lift kit. Just for good measure.
 
Well after having the "loosening lugnuts" issue and seemingly having it solved, I used a paint pen to make marks on my lugnuts and wheel so I can visually see if they're coming loose again without getting the torque wrench out.
Also made marks on all the bolts used in the lift kit. Just for good measure.
This is something I do on any bolt I torque. It's easy and quick and can save major headaches.
 
Today I took the day to get the 89 extended cab moving under its own power. Tried to bleed the clutch, but it just wouldn't do, and the pedal was slow and notchy to return. So I got a new one on the way. While I waited for it I got the new starter solenoid installed and cleaned hup all the wire ends. Then I installed the new door locks. By that time the master cylinder arrived. So I got that installed and bleed. Now it turns over and shifts so I drove it over to the gas station to fill with good new gas. While there the truck died. Lo and behold. Alternator was putting out 7 volts. So got a new one on the way. While I waited I charged the battery. Also replaced the terminal endsand cleaned up and replaced a few ground wires/connections. Finally the second try got the correct Alternator delivered, and installed. However the batt conection plug on the bottom came with a built in wire harness instead of a plug. So i went to cut it off and cut the wrong one off. 😒 I think the sun was getting the best of me. Luckily the shop has a 92 junk 4.0 truck I was able to steal the plug from. Now she runs and drives, even does burn outs 😀. Still many things to do but it's finally in my driveway a year after I bought it.
 
Yesterday I tackled mom’s 02 Explorer. Just needed to do the right front wheel bearing for inspection and figured while I was in there I’d do the axle seal too. I’ll still have to do the other side, but just need to get one side fixed for the inspection quick because they’re holding the sticker. Well, apparently you have to take the upper ball joint free to get the axle shaft out to get the seal done and the rusty upper ball joint nut rounded off when I tried to remove it, so the seal didn’t get changed yet and a ball joint is on order. Whole control arm is in stock, but I’m not trying to get into all that.

As for the bearing, all the bolts came out nicely for that, but the f@#$&* thing was stuck like it was welded to the knuckle. Of course I don’t have a slide hammer attachment for that and the local parts store doesn’t sell them anymore. Ended up spending like 3 hours beating the ever loving snot out of it with a 20 ounce ball peen and a 3# sledge (thought of trying something bigger, but there’s only so much room to swing without being able to take the knuckle off and I didn’t want to cut off said upper ball joint without having a replacement on hand and the Explorer needing to go back to the shop for the sticker today). Apparently all that pounding tightened up the wheel bearing because the old one no longer rattles, lol. Anyway, it’s off and the new one is on.

Also gave in and bought a 250# torque wrench…
 
Gave the 89 a good bath and wet sanding 1000 grit to 2000 grit. Cleaned the door jambs, did a quick wipe of the interior. Probably gonna pay a detailer to do a deep vacume and shampoo.once the sun dips below the trees I'll polish and wax
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If you look at the 5th photo you can see my conga line of trucks the 89 in front the 95 mazda b2300, and the 83 ranger in the back. Too bad I couldn't fit the 93 explorer in my drive way :ROFLMAO: :unsure:
 
Looking good! You might also wish to try wiping down your upholstery with some rubbing alcohol and scrubbing away the more stubborn stains with a stiff bristle bush.
 
Actually detailed the 2011 for once. Now I remember why I stopped detailing vehicles. Aside from whatever bugs I smash on the way, the truck is ready for the Carlisle Event.
 
Soo… Ace had my paint on sale…
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And then I tried something…
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Might need another can of paint and finish what I started…
 
Not too many new vehicles have all-red interiors like that today. Not a big fan of red usually, but that one looks good.
Ya normally they have faded to quite the dull color. I don't know what dark hole of a garage this came from but it's a survivor. I've never seen another in this nice of shape. Sure the paint isn't perfect, and the fender flairs need some love along with a few spots on the body. But that interior tells me this truck was loved, and the 80k miles are the actual milage. I'm so glad nobody else seen the potential when I had it up for sale. Or were scared of the engine being some assembly required 🤔
 

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