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  #1  
Old 09-19-2010, 04:31 PM
2010redfire 2010redfire is offline
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Default question about a project I wanna start

I would like to build a 4x4 from the ground up, literally. What generation Ranger is the best all around choice in your opinions? I can get a decent frame and drivetrain from an 87 right now, but not sure if its a good all around choice.
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2010 Ranger Sport 4x4 Redfire Red, stock 4.0, 3.73 gears, Putco bed rails, Line-X, Truxedo bed cover
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  #2  
Old 09-19-2010, 06:13 PM
SPless SPless is offline
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Default Re: question about a project I wanna start

if you are wanting to build the drivetrain and everything as in engine swap, sas, then a first gen (83-89) would be your best choice
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  #3  
Old 09-19-2010, 08:30 PM
2010redfire 2010redfire is offline
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Default Re: question about a project I wanna start

I just wanna take a frame and go from there...yes I also would be going 5.0 engine.
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2010 Ranger Sport 4x4 Redfire Red, stock 4.0, 3.73 gears, Putco bed rails, Line-X, Truxedo bed cover
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  #4  
Old 09-19-2010, 08:34 PM
SPless SPless is offline
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Default Re: question about a project I wanna start

As far as a nice base then the 87 would be awesome, because with the stock suspension set-up, you can get a radius arm type front axle (I believe an early bronco? correct me if i'm wrong guys) and the swap is quite simple all the way up until a 97 model. But with what you are wanting to do, to keep things simple I would say pretty much anything pre-97 would be an awesome project platform.
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  #5  
Old 09-19-2010, 09:11 PM
stephen.g.fiddes stephen.g.fiddes is offline
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Default Re: question about a project I wanna start

x2 on early bronco's... I see quite a few of them completely rebuilt inot some awesome rigs.
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Old 09-19-2010, 11:16 PM
Airtruksrus Airtruksrus is offline
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Default Re: question about a project I wanna start

Sounds like an ambitious project, should be plenty of spare parts for a 4x4 setup in the wrecking yards. If also converting over to the 5.0, don't skimp on parts, the motor will find the weak parts. The first gen rangers are definitely versatile for all sorts of modifications, good luck.
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87 Ranger
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  #7  
Old 09-20-2010, 05:35 AM
2010redfire 2010redfire is offline
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Default Re: question about a project I wanna start

I need a project besides working on my house...it may take years to complete but it'll be fun and a learning experience for me. I built a 74 Blazer years ago and had a blast.
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2010redfire-
2010 Ranger Sport 4x4 Redfire Red, stock 4.0, 3.73 gears, Putco bed rails, Line-X, Truxedo bed cover
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  #8  
Old 09-20-2010, 05:21 PM
2010redfire 2010redfire is offline
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Default Re: question about a project I wanna start

okay...I am getting this one I am almost 99.9% sure...its an '89..$400
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2010 Ranger Sport 4x4 Redfire Red, stock 4.0, 3.73 gears, Putco bed rails, Line-X, Truxedo bed cover
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  #9  
Old 09-20-2010, 05:23 PM
DieHard4rd DieHard4rd is offline
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Default Re: question about a project I wanna start

Nice find!!
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  #10  
Old 09-20-2010, 05:43 PM
More_Cowbell More_Cowbell is offline
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Default Re: question about a project I wanna start

If your feeling froggy you could sas it!
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1990 Ranger Extended Cab
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  #11  
Old 09-20-2010, 05:44 PM
DieHard4rd DieHard4rd is offline
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Default Re: question about a project I wanna start

Ok, explain for the old man here.. What is SAS?
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  #12  
Old 09-20-2010, 05:48 PM
More_Cowbell More_Cowbell is offline
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Default Re: question about a project I wanna start

Solid axle swap making it have a front strait axle like an 4x4 f250 suspenion is
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1990 Ranger Extended Cab
2.9L V6 5 Speed Transmission
Planning to put a 347 and a T-5 in it eventually

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Originally Posted by FireRanger View Post
It looks like someone attacked the front of the truck with a bedazzler.
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  #13  
Old 09-20-2010, 05:49 PM
DieHard4rd DieHard4rd is offline
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Default Re: question about a project I wanna start

Thanks!!
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  #14  
Old 09-20-2010, 07:48 PM
2010redfire 2010redfire is offline
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Default Re: question about a project I wanna start

thats what I was planning to do because I don't know how and I love to learn new things...woohoo
I just gave the guy 200 bucks and now I owe him 2 windshields for the balance...one Isuzu and one subaru..
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2010 Ranger Sport 4x4 Redfire Red, stock 4.0, 3.73 gears, Putco bed rails, Line-X, Truxedo bed cover
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  #15  
Old 09-26-2010, 07:54 PM
2010redfire 2010redfire is offline
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Default Re: question about a project I wanna start

well I got the 89 Ranger ext cab yesterday, I got into it today...stripped the interior and well, I did buy it for the frame only...cab floor is pretty rusted...I can't wait to get really into this project. I will be posting pics as I go.
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2010 Ranger Sport 4x4 Redfire Red, stock 4.0, 3.73 gears, Putco bed rails, Line-X, Truxedo bed cover
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