PDA

View Full Version : The start of my project "Cheap Street". 2001 2.5L 5sp


BigRed10287
07-07-2011, 01:06 AM
Well this is the official start of my idea for my Ranger. I'm setting a limit of $6k (including the purchase of my truck, $2100) to make this a super clean spleeperish Mustang slayer. The goals are 300-350 horsepower to the wheels with the 4 banger, custom interior that only a trained eye will notice, boxed frame & 4 link rear, a home made Cobra brake swap, and tuxedo black paint with 18" FR500's. Might brake budget for wheels, but then again who hasn't LOL.

Will post some pictures in the morning, it's late and I have to resize almost every single picture anyways.

BigRed10287
07-07-2011, 04:48 AM
How it all started.

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/rsz_ranger_1.jpg
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/rsz_ranger_3.jpg
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/rsz_ranger_4.jpg
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/rsz_ranger_5.jpg
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/rsz_rangers_1.jpg
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/rsz_1ranger_2.jpg

----------

The set backs. LOL.

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/260.jpg
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/261.jpg
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/262.jpg
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/263.jpg
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/113.jpg
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/114.jpg

SalRanger2
07-07-2011, 09:30 AM
nice project man! im going to keep updated with this for sure. whats the story on the window?

StealthRanger
07-07-2011, 01:57 PM
Hey man! Glad to see you started one of these build threads. Very cool! And X2! on the window story. I don't remember you mentioning that. Lol! It does not look like it was fun!

BigRed10287
07-07-2011, 04:00 PM
Some ******* thought it would be funny to shoot out my window last winter around 3-4am, I got home from work at 2am. Cost me $250 to get a new one installed, but at least they got it done that day. It's never sealed up right since, I have to roll my window up and down a couple of times before it'll seal up.

StealthRanger
07-07-2011, 04:14 PM
Some ******* thought it would be funny to shoot out my window last winter around 3-4am, I got home from work at 2am. Cost me $250 to get a new one installed, but at least they got it done that day. It's never sealed up right since, I have to roll my window up and down a couple of times before it'll seal up.


Dang! That's no fun at all man! Some people are just unreal...

DangerRanger01
07-07-2011, 05:05 PM
What are the details of the engine, man?

BigRed10287
07-07-2011, 08:19 PM
My first attempts at modding my truck LOL. Gotta crawl before you can run I guess.

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/119.jpg
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/122.jpg
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/121.jpg
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/117.jpg
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/118.jpg

----------

The secret to my Cheap/Free performance mod. HAHA!

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/265.jpg
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/266.jpg
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/267.jpg
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/239.jpg
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/240.jpg
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/241.jpg
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/268.jpg
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/269.jpg
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/270.jpg
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/271.jpg

The orange ones are the 19lb injectors from my parts car.

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/254.jpg
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/255.jpg

BigRed10287
07-07-2011, 08:35 PM
What are the details of the engine, man?
So far only minor bolt-ons, but there's enough of them that it's made a big difference from stock.

Air box mod, K&N filter, port & polished upper and lower intake manifold, port & polished head, 19lb injectors, turbo muffler (soon to be replaced with a MUCH louder and higher flowing one), and Royal purple fluids.

That's about it for the motor, but I've also put Dex/Merc IV with lucas in the trans, and Royal purple gear oil in axle.

I have the electric fan from my parts car (94 cougar) waiting to go in, as well a much higher flowing muffler.

Lot's of small things but a big difference so far, and will be doing more in the near future.

2004xlmiller
07-07-2011, 08:52 PM
looks like an interesting build. keep it up!

BigRed10287
07-07-2011, 09:22 PM
My ongoing black interior conversion.

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/rsz_004.jpg
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/rsz_009.jpg
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/rsz_025.jpg
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/rsz_026.jpg
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/rsz_027.jpg
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/rsz_028.jpg
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/rsz_029.jpg
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/rsz_030.jpg
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/rsz_031.jpg
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/rsz_032.jpg
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/rsz_033.jpg
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/rsz_040.jpg
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/rsz_041.jpg
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/rsz_042.jpg
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/rsz_043.jpg
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/rsz_044.jpg
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/rsz_045.jpg
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/rsz_046.jpg
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/rsz_047.jpg
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/rsz_048.jpg
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/rsz_049.jpg
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/rsz_209.jpg
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/rsz_210.jpg
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/rsz_211.jpg
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/rsz_212.jpg
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/rsz_213.jpg
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/rsz_214.jpg
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/rsz_215.jpg
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/rsz_217.jpg
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/rsz_218.jpg

2004xlmiller
07-07-2011, 09:25 PM
dash loooks great.

brett20
07-07-2011, 09:30 PM
looking good, def subscribed

BigRed10287
07-07-2011, 09:50 PM
Lowered my truck a couple of inches last weekend, 3/3" drop. Only cost me $10 LOL.

Front Driver side: Cut 1 full coil

Front Passenger side: Cut 1 1/2 coils

Rear: Flipped the shackles (spent $10 on Grade 8 3/8"x1" bolt, nuts, and lock washers).

BigRed10287
07-07-2011, 11:09 PM
Here's some pics of the drop, as well as my straightened front bumper. It may not look perfect, but It was free. I'll get a shop to use a frame straightener when I'm getting close to paint.

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/031.jpg
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/030.jpg
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/028.jpg
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/029.jpg

Also detailed my engine a few days ago.

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/012.jpg
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/013.jpg
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/014.jpg
And a reminder of how my engine has always looked until a few days ago. LOL
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/Ranger2-1.jpg

BigRed10287
07-07-2011, 11:27 PM
Quick preview of the next upgrades coming real soon. Both were free HAHA!

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/015.jpg
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/008.jpg

Sean02fx4
07-07-2011, 11:45 PM
I love the truck so far and im gonna remember that satin paint the finish on the dash is a beauty

StealthRanger
07-08-2011, 06:44 AM
Dude! That drop looks awesome! Very cool. And I'm lovin that clean engine bay! Can't wait to see it in person! ;)

SalRanger2
07-08-2011, 11:05 AM
nice man! this is going to turn out awesome!

BigRed10287
07-10-2011, 01:37 AM
Painted the rear half of the frame today. Will post pictures after I get back from a car show tomorrow.

BigRed10287
07-12-2011, 09:33 PM
Just installed the resonator from a 1994 Cougar in place of my muffler, has better flow than ANY muffler outside of a full race header mount bullet muffler. :rock:

Installing my electric fan this weekend, and then I'll be ordering MSD coils and wires hopefully next week as well as trying to find a BII rear sway bar.

RangeRansom
07-13-2011, 12:21 AM
looking good man, i cant sum paying $250 for a crappy window install....mine broke as well, but i paid $50 for glass and did it myself, got it to roll up and down perfectly too :)

im curious as to who did the P/P on the head and intake because i want to get mine done as well form my old motor.

well keep it up man, ill be keeping an eye on this thread. we'll have to get a meet going soon cause im outside of houston!!

P.S. have you thought about putting a nice header on there from a 97? i have one, its a 4 to 1 tubular header thats going on my engine as well, i got it for $40, and i know it out-flows stock supremely!!

Psychopete
07-13-2011, 05:41 AM
That fan is a pretty good fit on that radiator, did you end up using the one from the Cougar?

StealthRanger
07-13-2011, 11:12 AM
Just installed the resonator from a 1994 Cougar in place of my muffler, has better flow than ANY muffler outside of a full race header mount bullet muffler. :rock:

Installing my electric fan this weekend, and then I'll be ordering MSD coils and wires hopefully next week as well as trying to find a BII rear sway bar.


That's awesome man! Very cool!

Dcrymes99ranger
07-13-2011, 11:24 AM
Looks awesome dude. You went all out on that paint lolz. I like it a lot. Subscribed.

BigRed10287
07-13-2011, 05:46 PM
looking good man, i cant sum paying $250 for a crappy window install....mine broke as well, but i paid $50 for glass and did it myself, got it to roll up and down perfectly too :)

im curious as to who did the P/P on the head and intake because i want to get mine done as well form my old motor.

well keep it up man, ill be keeping an eye on this thread. we'll have to get a meet going soon cause im outside of houston!!

P.S. have you thought about putting a nice header on there from a 97? i have one, its a 4 to 1 tubular header thats going on my engine as well, i got it for $40, and i know it out-flows stock supremely!!

Did the port & polish myself, may not be as good as the pro's but it's still a lot better than stock. I'm thinking of getting the Hooker Super Comp Truck Series header when I order my high flow cat.

http://www.holley.com/data/products/pictures/large6837HKR.jpg

----------

That fan is a pretty good fit on that radiator, did you end up using the one from the Cougar?

Yep! Turns out the the Cougar has the same exact radiator mounts as the Ranger. Just need to get the relay kit with thermostat.

----------

Looks awesome dude. You went all out on that paint lolz. I like it a lot. Subscribed.Yeah lol, I'm a bit of a perfectionist. I armor-alled all the panels and that actually made everything more than twice as dark!!! :thrasher:

Getting pictures tonight!

BigRed10287
07-13-2011, 09:31 PM
Amor All'ed the interior, and fell in love with how deep and dark it made the black panels look!

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/059.jpg
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/060.jpg
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/061.jpg
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/062.jpg
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/063.jpg

Also removed my CherryBomb Turbo muffler and replaced it with the resonator from a 94 Cougar. Much louder!

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/069.jpg
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/070.jpg

Only problem is that it's now TOO loud for my mic on my camera LOL.

http://s87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/?action=view&current=068.mp4

And I finally took some pictures of the back half of my frame. I need to do some touch up, but that'll have to wait till next week.

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/067.jpg
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/066.jpg
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/065.jpg
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/064.jpg

Also did the blinker mod.

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/033.jpg
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/034.jpg

http://s87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/?action=view&current=037.mp4

Well that's all for this week. Next week will be getting a Bronco II rear sway bar and installing the electric fan.

RangeRansom
07-13-2011, 09:39 PM
dam, that header is serious buisness!! how much will that set you back? and is that an 02 sensor bung or the EGR bung?

BigRed10287
07-13-2011, 09:53 PM
Heck yeah! But it'll set me back a pretty penny at $375, and the Dynatech high flow cat $169 :eek: And that is the EGR bung

ranger dangr
07-13-2011, 10:52 PM
wow that looks great

2004xlmiller
07-13-2011, 11:06 PM
its comin along dude

BigRed10287
07-15-2011, 04:56 PM
Cheap Street strikes again! Just got a set of wheels and tires for $150. Will post pictures tomorrow, leaving for drag races right now.

:driver:

StealthRanger
07-15-2011, 05:05 PM
Cheap Street strikes again! Just got a set of wheels and tires for $150. Will post pictures tomorrow, leaving for drag races right now.

:driver:


Very cool man! Sounds like a real sweet deal! Look forward to seeing them! ;)

RangeRansom
07-16-2011, 05:00 AM
holy crap! LoL, i will keep my little $40 header for now...

here it is in case you havent seen one

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m58/hsiegele05/520405113_photobucket_52978_.jpg

BigRed10287
07-17-2011, 06:00 AM
Oh yeah I've seen those. Heard that they barely flow better than a manifold though. The only reason I could figure that would be because of the rather small tubing used on it.

SalRanger2
07-17-2011, 10:07 AM
lookin great man, your giving me some good ideas...

GeorgiaRanger
07-17-2011, 11:04 AM
Wow dude this truck has come along way in a short amount of time. Kepp up the kick ass work! That resonator makes ur engine sound beast! You should get a video of u driving!

BigRed10287
07-17-2011, 07:28 PM
Here's the price list so far.

Truck: $2100
60/40 bench to bucket conversion: Fee
Stereo system: $290
Rebuild kit for larger injectors: $35
Larger injectors: Free
Port and Polish intake & head: Free
Resonator: Free
Resonator welded in place of muffler: $30
Blacked out interior panels & dash: $40
Lowered truck 2/3": $10
K&N Filter: $40
Intake silencer removal: Free
Royal Purple fluids: $80
Trans fluid with Lucas: $25
Intenna mod: Free
Blinker mod: Free
Bronco II rear sway bar: $20
Wheels & tires: $150
Paint for wheels: $12

That totals out to: $2832


If these wheels seem familiar, thats because they're the factory wheels off of a 2010 Nissan Maxima LOL.

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/001-1.jpg
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/002-1.jpg
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/003-1.jpg
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/004.jpg
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/005-1.jpg

Couldn't just put any new parts on without sprucing it up first. :p

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/006-1.jpg
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/007-1.jpg
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/008-1.jpg
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/009.jpg

Some Pics of a local mini-meet that we're having weekly

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/010.jpg
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/011.jpg

----------

Wow dude this truck has come along way in a short amount of time. Kepp up the kick ass work! That resonator makes ur engine sound beast! You should get a video of u driving!I will have to do that some time soon. Kinda wandering what it sounds like to somebody else when I'm driving by too. :y:

StealthRanger
07-17-2011, 07:38 PM
You've already got the pics posted! Very cool! I had a blast hanging out with all of ya'll tonight! And I've already said it, but I'll say it again! Your truck is lookin awesome man!

BigRed10287
07-17-2011, 07:45 PM
Thanks Seth. Had a great time too. It was cool that someone brought a ranger up there that was exactly like mine started as, made for a cool comparison to see what all's been changed.

When're you going to let me tear into your truck? LOL!

StealthRanger
07-17-2011, 07:55 PM
Thanks Seth. Had a great time too. It was cool that someone brought a ranger up there that was exactly like mine started as, made for a cool comparison to see what all's been changed.

When're you going to let me tear into your truck? LOL!


I know! when you are sitting next to the same stock truck, It makes it even more obvious just how far your truck has come! It's very cool!


And as soon as I fully decide the route I want to go with my truck, then we can tear into it! LOL! :D:D

RangeRansom
07-17-2011, 11:28 PM
hmm, i wonder if its even worth it putting that header on my engine now...

nice rims man! they look great blacked out.....and tell your friend to quit throwing sparks directly at your truck, WTF....

i need to come up for a meet sometime with yall!! we need a meet in WACO or something...

BigRed10287
07-18-2011, 12:48 AM
hmm, i wonder if its even worth it putting that header on my engine now...

nice rims man! they look great blacked out.....and tell your friend to quit throwing sparks directly at your truck, WTF....

i need to come up for a meet sometime with yall!! we need a meet in WACO or something...

Well it does still flow better than the manifold, just not by much. Looks a heck of a lot better though!

Thanks! That's actually my dad and he was sending the sparks in the other direction, just doesn't look like it in that picture. We're a car family, each person at my house has a project vehicle ( two for me ). My parents literally first met when street racing against each other LOL.

We might have to set up a meet then if we could get enough guys involed.

BigRed10287
07-21-2011, 11:18 PM
lookin great man, your giving me some good ideas...
Glad to hear that. I hope this budget build can inspire others to get out and change things up a little. I'm doing all of this on top of paying for school, insurance for two vehicles, and a cell phone with a part time job. I HAVE to know how to build with a budget. LOL.

Now that's not as expensive as a house and family, but it still doesn't leave a person with much to work with.

BigRed10287
08-23-2011, 10:04 PM
Well I figured I would let every one know. My truck is now DEAD, it spun a connecting rod bearing Monday. What's most irritating is that while I like to shift at 4500-5000rpms alot, it spun a bearing when I was cruising around 45mph in 5th gear!!!

2004xlmiller
08-25-2011, 09:57 PM
are you gonna repair it or sell it?

BigRed10287
08-27-2011, 03:05 PM
Most likely both. I just happened to find my dream car here in town, and since I'll be buying it as a mechanics lean I'll finally be able to afford it for what I can get for my ranger.

2004xlmiller
08-27-2011, 03:27 PM
awesome. whats the dream car?

OhSoLowBoxBdy
08-27-2011, 05:40 PM
Quick question what all did you do to all the panels before painting them. Last time I tried it I cld never get the paint to stick to the plastic

BigRed10287
08-28-2011, 03:39 PM
2004XlMiller - It's a 1993 Mitsubishi 3000GT VR4.

OhSoLowBoxBdy - I just cleaned everything thoroughly with dish soap and hot water then made sure to rinse off every ounce of soap. Simple as that, you can't have ANY body oil or contaminant on the panels at all if you want the paint to actually stick.

Neo
08-28-2011, 03:44 PM
2004XlMiller - It's a 1993 Mitsubishi 3000GT VR4.

OhSoLowBoxBdy - I just cleaned everything thoroughly with dish soap and hot water then made sure to rinse of every ounce of soap. Simple as that, you can't have ANY body oil or contaminant on the panels at all if you want the paint to actually stick.

Did you do any sanding?

BigRed10287
08-28-2011, 08:33 PM
Did you do any sanding?

Nope. Well aside from my radio bezel since the vinyl had peeled off, you just need to scuff it up with a medium scotch brite pad is all.

hazmat ranger
08-28-2011, 08:54 PM
BigRed

Damn I cannot believe you will be selling the Ranger! She has come a long way in a short time, but if it will get you into the car of your dreams, then that is what you must do.

Hope you keep up with the meets and such . . .

OhSoLowBoxBdy
08-28-2011, 09:23 PM
Nope. Well aside from my radio bezel since the vinyl had peeled off, you just need to scuff it up with a medium scotch brite pad is all.

sweet. everytime ive tried it i used some kinda oil remover the paint store told me to use and it would never stick lol

BigRed10287
08-29-2011, 09:46 PM
sweet. everytime ive tried it i used some kinda oil remover the paint store told me to use and it would never stick lol

Just clean it well with soap and water, then spray it with rustoleum. Simple as that.

----------

BigRed

Damn I cannot believe you will be selling the Ranger! She has come a long way in a short time, but if it will get you into the car of your dreams, then that is what you must do.

Hope you keep up with the meets and such . . .Will do! I'll probably pick up another Ranger later and show what I can really do if the Ranger isn't my daily driver. Do you think I'll be able to get $3500 for my truck once the motors fixed?

hazmat ranger
08-29-2011, 10:28 PM
Do you think I'll be able to get $3500 for my truck once the motors fixed?

Fix up those body dings and such and I believe you should be able to get that if not more. Good luck with it BR.

BigRed10287
08-30-2011, 01:53 AM
That was the plan. I can't sell a vehicle without it being up to MY standards. LOL.

Creed
09-05-2011, 11:11 PM
truck was really lookin good but i can understand. i myself also have the 96 dodge stealth that has the twin turbo VR4 and damb its fast. but mitsu uses that same engine. expensive to build but worth the fun you can have with em.

BigRed10287
09-09-2011, 05:21 PM
What year is your Stealth?

Creed
09-14-2011, 02:54 PM
i put it in the post. its a 96.

RangeRansom
10-21-2011, 03:24 AM
Well I figured I would let every one know. My truck is now DEAD, it spun a connecting rod bearing Monday. What's most irritating is that while I like to shift at 4500-5000rpms alot, it spun a bearing when I was cruising around 45mph in 5th gear!!!

dude, i know wxactly how you feel, these motors can be had for cheap though...i got mine for $450 with everything still on it.

sorry about the bad news man...

BigRed10287
11-06-2011, 10:58 PM
dude, i know wxactly how you feel, these motors can be had for cheap though...i got mine for $450 with everything still on it.

sorry about the bad news man...I've been trying to find one around here, but I haven't been able to find one for less than $800. And I just can't swing that kind of cast right now. I'm about to just pull this one out and rebuild it, I've rebuilt a 2 SBC's, 1 Mustang 3.8L, and 1 Nissan KA24DE to date, this'll be my first American 4 cyl that I've rebuilt. Might even add a cam while I'm at it. :cool:

BigRed10287
12-25-2011, 01:44 PM
Ok so I got tired of waiting for all of the parts for the rebuild to show up, so I just started pulling everything and cleaning them up.

then I got carried-away....

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/P191211_0050-1.jpg
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/Resize_P191211_00511000006.jpg

----------

Also found I have a large crack in my transmission crossmember, along with a few other failed parts. I'll upload pictures of those after Christmas.

BigRed10287
12-31-2011, 11:30 AM
Guess it's time for an update.

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/IMG_0039.jpg
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/IMG_0040.jpg
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/IMG_0041.jpg
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/IMG_0042.jpg
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/IMG_0043.jpg
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/IMG_0044.jpg

Also got our 97 Chevy 1/2 ton back on the road while we were at it. I know it's a Chevy but we just can't kill it even with over 300K miles on the un-overhauled 4.3L lol.
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/IMG_0045.jpg
Ever used a 1" drive socket set before? Bet most of you guys don't have one. :P
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/IMG_0046.jpg
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/IMG_0047.jpg
Here's a comparison of a 1" drive extension to a normal 3/8" extension.
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/IMG_0048.jpg
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/IMG_0049.jpg

OK back to Ford!
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/IMG_0050.jpg
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/IMG_0051.jpg
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/IMG_0052.jpg
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/IMG_0053.jpg
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/IMG_0054.jpg
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/IMG_0055.jpg
Good lord this thing has a big @ss Cat!!
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/IMG_0056.jpg


More to come later.

BigRed10287
01-02-2012, 02:31 PM
Update.

Found a crack in my trans crossmember....UGH!

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/152.jpg

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/153.jpg



Got the bottom end open...and now I'm really quite surprised at the condition. Everything looks really clean.

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/057-3.jpg

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/058-1.jpg

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/059-1.jpg

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/060-1.jpg

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/061-1.jpg

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/062-1.jpg



Popped off the main caps and connecting rod ends to inspect the bearings. If I didn't know better I'd say that all but one looking nearly brand new lol.

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/063-1.jpg

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/064-1.jpg

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/065-1.jpg

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/066-1.jpg

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/067-1.jpg

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/068-1.jpg

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/069-1.jpg

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/070-1.jpg

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/071.jpg

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/072.jpg

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/073.jpg

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/074.jpg

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/075.jpg

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/076.jpg

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/077.jpg



This was the only bearing in the whole bottom end that showed ANY signs of wear!

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/078.jpg

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/079.jpg

2004xlmiller
01-02-2012, 02:44 PM
yea i have that wrech, that 1in drive. used it alot to swap the springs on my CJ, mines bigger.. lol. i call it the roller coaster wrench cause crankin sounds like youre climbin a roller coaster. click click click..

BigRed10287
01-02-2012, 06:30 PM
yea i have that wrech, that 1in drive. used it alot to swap the springs on my CJ, mines bigger.. lol. i call it the roller coaster wrench cause crankin sounds like youre climbin a roller coaster. click click click..
HAHA yes it does sound like a roller coaster! That 1" drive set is over 50 years old lol.

BigRed10287
01-02-2012, 07:56 PM
Well I found what went wrong. Pistons 1 and 4 decided to come apart on me......damn.


Piston #1

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/001-2.jpg

Piston #2

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/005-2.jpg

Piston #3

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/004-1.jpg

Piston #4

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/BigRed10287/Project%20Cheap%20Street/003-2.jpg

BigRed10287
01-03-2012, 07:54 AM
After studying the burn pattern on the combustion chambers I've found that cylinders 1 and 4 were running rich?! While cylinders 2 and 3 were running lean. If anything I would've expected 1 and 4 to be running lean causing detonation, that could cause the pistons to come apart, but instead it's the exact opposite!?