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

[mtnrgr]

Had those bluish/purple pinstripe removed today. Didn't like them. Found a local detail shop, originally quoted a fair cost over the phone..went there in person so he could look at and he said, I will not charge you..had them removed for free..
Super great guy to deal with. The truck is alot cleaner looking. I had a another post about the 3.0..not sure what happened to it. Here are some pictures of as I have been keeping it in clean good condition. Also painted the numbers and letters on the valve covers silver touch match the truck.

 

[holyford86]

Finished this thing up yesterday but forgot to post then. The transfer case has been lightly rebuilt with new bearings, seals, and a pump hose. It is a very nice low mileage unit out of a 96. I know it doesn't look pretty but that isn't really my thing, I also realized I clocked the shifter wrong right after I took this pic. It'll get the later 3 inch bolt circle flange once I grab my 7 tooth speedometer gear out of storage and install it. As a side note, another transfer case half makes a handy stand for assembly.

 

[Jtrussell1890]

So on Saturday I did a mostly complete a/c r&r. Everything got replaced except the evaporator core. All new o-rings, orifice tube, dryer, compressor, hoses and condenser. Spent all day taking my time, doing things correctly and fighting with my hoses on my gauges. The set is probably 20 yrs or older and the hoses are showing dry rotting in places. I did order a new set of hoses, but of course they don't match the fittings on the manifold. That's an issue for another day I guess. Once I was able to mainting a vacuum, I let it run for about 2 hours, sit under vacuum for 2 hours and then charged the system. I had prefilled the PAG oil in the compressor and a couple ounces in the line. After all said and done, the vent temp was just above 39° (mind you it was already after sun down and things were starting to cool off outside, so it was right where it should have been). Compressor wasn't cycling, found a dirty connection at the high pressure switch. Once that was fixed, everything was working like a champ (mind you I'm ASE certified in automotive HVAC and have been for almost 20 years).

Here is where complacency will get you every time. I was too sure of myself and didn't do the smart thing and add uv dye just in case. Found out the next day, I have a leak in the system somewhere. Not sure where, but it's definitely low on freon Ave doesn't get cool. The compressor cycles very rapidly and high side pressure doesn't get over 150. I have a UV dye and light kit coming so that maybe Wednesday I can troubleshoot where the leak is and get it working.

I also replaced the positive battery cable with a generic one from O'Reilly's (not my first choice, but it was convenient).