What do you think is a good choice?

[WerxRacing]

Looking for a crawler & trail rider. I have a few ideas. But not sure on which would be a good choice . I have looked for past 7mnths at all kinda of post all over the web. I do know my 98Ranger 2wd would be best left alone. Wish I kept my 93 short bed now..
But I have a list of what I think is good idea. Looking for a yes , no & why.. I am looking to be between 105 to 110 wheelbase

93-97 Ranger short bed , 107.9
95-97 Explorer four dr , 111.5
93-97 Ranger long bed, 113.9

 

[WerxRacing]

Also I know a 4.0 has the HP of a non-HO 5.0. Also I can know how to get 425hp out of a 4cyl. So I was thinking a 4cyl 2wd to find to build if I went ranger. but if not the a 4.0 in either ranger or explorer. Just unsure on which is easy to build or find parts for. Been all over google looking at all kind of forums for info. Nothing to the point on my choices I posted

 

[509lifted]

ok to start off a if ur gonna be lifting it dont go expo cause the years u have specified there are no lifts, now if i were to build a crawler i would use a 92 expo or 93 short bed ranger, that way when going up steeper inclines u dont drag the back end, then i would drop a straight axle in and stretch it forward 2-3 inches. one thing i wanna know is how in the hell would u expect to get 425 hp out of a 2.3 4cyl. ranger motor?

 

[scooter]

one thing i wanna know is how in the hell would u expect to get 425 hp out of a 2.3 4cyl. ranger motor?

Yeaaaaaaaaa, im calling B.S. on that one too.
Im sure its possiable, but not without major $$$$$$ and it will not be reliable at all. ( I.E. heat issues due to massive amounts of boost from supercharger/turbo) just saying.

 

[shane96ranger]

Also I can know how to get 425hp out of a 4cyl.

Yes, please tell those of us that can't know how to get 425 hp out of the 2.3 motor. Additionally, is it safe HP? I personally wouldn't push a SBF much beyond 450 hp without worrying. I can't imagine 425 hp would be good on the 2.3 motor.

Sent from a Commodore 64 using a 300 baud modem

 

[509lifted]

guys i can just see it now....... oh wait no i cant cause once he starts it up its gonna blow up haha

 

[Mark_88]

I have a 2.3 with 42.5 HP...and it's been dinosaur proven...I even have bones to prove it...

I've heard of people who can get 750 HP out of a 2.3...but that's with quite a bit of cash and a 6 month waiting list...I wouldn't go over 300 HP with one though...more than enough to get me to the nearest Tim Horton's...but you can get through the Drive-Thru really fast...8.5 seconds and 140 MPH...

 

[brinker88]

98+ Rangers and 95+ expo's IFS suspension is horrible. A ****in shopping cart flexes better than that front suspension. Building a crawler means custom suspension. Who gives a shit what the body is? You'll be starting with a bare frame either way.

 

[WerxRacing]

Yes I plan to crawl it & trail ride. lot of hills. two guys I ride with both have 93-97 rangers. f-150 axles. Go everyplace. I like riding with them. But more & more want my own toy.

Also a 2.3 turbo engine with 25lbs boost. A frnd had one in his drag stang. had a HY35 Holset off a 2001 dodge ram truck/ He made 422.7 at 448tq. All junk yard built. He is all over Google (Randy Heinlin , eville140). He even had a web site. So not hard to get a 2.3 to make the tq & hp needed.

 

[WerxRacing]

I have a 98 XLT EXtcab 4dr 2wd now that my riding frnds say is a pain to swap over or build a 4x4 out of.

The wheel base is 126. So was going ot try to stay on the 105 to 110 range for the areas by me. 2 to 4 hrs away & know about 8 places to ride. So want to build to match them trails

 

[WerxRacing]

98+ Rangers and 95+ expo's IFS suspension is horrible. A ****in shopping cart flexes better than that front suspension. Building a crawler means custom suspension. Who gives a shit what the body is? You'll be starting with a bare frame either way.

Good point. My idea was something like a 93-97 standard cab short bed frame.. Then put a 93-97 Ext cab on it. no bed at all. Cage wrk only. Close to a few frnds builds..

 

[shane96ranger]

I agree that 1998 Ford Ranger is a good choice. I have read some positive reviews about it.

Its Wheelbase is 125.7, 117.5 long bed, and 111.6 short bed.

Son..... of..... a.....

Spammer.

 

[WerxRacing]

The two pics I posted are from a trail ride we did this past weekend. Toys for Tots at a place called Interlake here in Indiana..

 

[WerxRacing]

So I jst talked to a frnd that owns two salvage yards. He told me once a truck is picked clean I can buy fframe for price of scap. Then I will find me all other to build with. May even get a truck with 50-60% of my needed parts. So for sure a list of good frame choices. I really want to put 93 ti newer Ranger extnd cab on my frame.