Thread:

The "Waste of Money" Ranger

That's the name Jordy gave it back on Hotboat several years ago before I started. The name has kinda stuck.

1992 Reg cab long bed. It is still just being mocked up. Everything still needs to be taken apart for blasting and powdercoating before I can begin on bodywork. It will primarily be a show truck, but might see a couple drag passes. I hope to have it completed ~2012.
Engine is a 1989 roller cam 5.0L. Trick Flow Track Heat heads, Trick Flow .542/.563 cam, 10.5:1 compression, gear drive timing set, RPm air gap intake, 670cfm Holley Street Avenger. Full MSD ignition with billet distributor, 6AL box, superconductor wires, and Blaster 3 coil. Swap components are all from Advance Adapters. Transmission is a C4 with 3000 stall JW converter and manual valvebody. Rear end still needs to be built, but will be a 8.8 w 3.55 gears, Detroit Locker, 31 spline Moser axles and c-clip eliminators. Steering converted to manual, still debating manual brakes.
Here's a few random pictures from so far.
This first picture is from the last day I drove it before totally dismantling. It will be much nicer the next time it moves.

With dual quad setup I decided against running.

Well, it is totally disassembled. Not a single fastener of any kind on the frame, cab or box. I'll be taking the frame to be blasted, and the cab and box into the body shop as soon as I have a chance. It's all loaded up on the trailer.
Cab off, box still on.


Its upside down! All rusty brackets cut off the frame. Ordered new leaf spring hangers and one front spring bucket.


This is where the rear suspension used to be

Stripping the front I beams.



This is one rusty bucket. Note the big hole in it. I was very relieved that the frame under this was unaffected. Luckily the driver's side had a leaky power steering pump to keep it looking like new.

This will be the end of working with junk. Everything from this point forward will be with clean, freshly painted parts.

Originally Posted by Tahiti Boss21

looks bitchin...whatcha goingto do with those mustang rims on there? i want em!

I think I'll keep the 17 inch Mach1 rims. They are the Ford Racing version of the 2003 Mustang Mach1 rims, but because they are from Ford Racing, they have blue oval centercaps instead of prancing horse. I bought them the week before parking the truck for the last time, so the nubs aren't even worn off the tires yet. They'll go back into rotation on the truck with a few other sets of rims I plan to run.

Dual feed carb line. I bought the Russel black anodized stuff since I figured it was a little more low key than the usual red and blue anodized stuff.


Sandblasted frame, still needs a few small touchups.


31 spline vs 28 spline


New crossmember and spring buckets. I sprayed red oxide primer under the joints so it won't bleed rust. The Ford paint on these brackets was kinda shitty, so I wanted to get them all painted together.

Still looks like a waste of money....................JK Looks like it,s gonna be a fun ride.

Some weekend progress pics.
Saturday was spent setting up the new compressor.



Spent some time stripping and detailing the spindles.
Before:

After:



Also stopped in at the bodyshop and took a look at the cab. All the rust areas are dealt with except for the drivers cab corner (yuck). It should be done this week. So far, no filler has been applied, so it will be nice when its done.

I wish I had the skills to pull off a concept drawing, but no dice. I'll have to just see how it turns out.

New cab corner is in, so the cab is now officially rust free. The box can now start getting the attention. Who would have thought bedsides would be so hard to get? Cost me way over $1000 to get the passenger one, and I am still trying to get the drivers side.



Shaved drip rails are evident here.

I ended up painting the frame, rear end, front i beams, etc myself with epoxy primer and urethane paint. That urethane paint definately shortened my lifespan. I was watching TV later in the holidays and found out it requires a fresh air supply, even a respirator isn't enough. I had a dust mask, and then a long term headache. At least it came out looking great.

And finally, a little assembly. Only parts reused were the I beams, radius arms, and spindles. Every wear part is new; bushings, ball joints, rotors, calipers, bearings, tie rods, etc.
Here's one side put together with I beam, radius arm, spindle and rotor.

second side to same stage

with brake caliper and steering hooked up.



And now, as it sits, with the brakes lines, front wheels, leaf springs, and powertrain installed. Front end is done except for sway bars and shocks.

Nice job!! You might have to go to dual exhaust now though.