Undrstm8ed's 93' XLT Overlanding build... - Page 10

Undrstm8ed · #**136** 05-11-2018, 02:46 AM

Must have the bug..

Went ahead and bought today a https://www.12degnorth.com/product-p...-led-light-bar to update the front bumper with some additional forward facing light and have something tucked away sort of low key but useful until I do the 36-40" up top.

The pods work great but the forwards are spots and shine far down the road for sure. The side (ditch) lights are combo spot-flood and obviously aimed in a whole other direction. And let admit fact, 93' Ford Ranger headlights weren't all that great in their time let alone now and out in the middle of no where, NV. USA; I swear one of these days I'll be the victim of a suicidal wild burro. The pods already somewhat helped in preventing it once...

Also, for some research purposes for a couple other interested parties, on top of myself with an idea, and in helping design some lighting options for their rigs. I had to finally bring in via ordering a 12" version of the above light too and some additional lenses for swapping pieces to test light patterns and optics. Either way of the 6" or the 12" version I'll have the answers I need for the needs and wants of others in their builds and help them make some better informed decisions.

Those should be here in a few days so some updates w/pics soon again.

Undrstm8ed · #**137** 05-19-2018, 12:21 AM

Decided I needed to do something today so after hours I decided to mount the 20" SR light bar into the front bumper. I had to finesse it in there and with the way I inverted the brackets to make accessing the bolts more difficult, it also was difficult in the assembly thereof as well. I took some pics as usual but due to photobucket deciding to be picky and irritating. I'll upload them tomorrow with other pics of the Camburg SS brake lines for the fronts installed as those will be getting knocked out too. Drivers side Brake line just went south for sure and its now a safety concern and well we know how Vegas drivers are.. and NO can do!

In the interim, I spent a great deal of time creating a circuitry for what was the only realistic option for switching for the Ranger. Unfortunately while everyone else in the automotive industry seemed to have seen the writing on the wall that "Carling" type switches would one day be the industry standard and norm. Ford implemented some horizontal BS and didn't even take into consideration that someone would want/need to add to the design somehow. NOPE... Not a deal breaker.. just got creative one day and went old school. I just cant wait to get rid of this blue interior and exteriors!

Anyway, wouldnt you know it.. 3 years or so in and switch one LED failed. The switch works as it operates the A-Pillar/Cowl cube lights. but the indicator seemed to give up the ghost. I had purchased a few extras of each color so I do have spares. I guess the good news is I won't have to wait for a replacement. But I will have to disassemble some of the dash work, de-solder the switch leads, replace it, solder it and reassemble. Then it will be a complete and telling system again as the odd color scheme and pattern actually have a telling function.

Tonight I had checked...

Checked again..,

Sure enough.. the sumbitch went dark on me alright!

Then if I have time.. I'll have to figure out what I am going to do with these soon. I could leave them off and just cover up the holes. I had pulled them off in preparation of wrapping the vehicle anyway but I held off due to too many other obstacles and modifications needing to be done before I could go there. I may have to be creative and modify them as well to go along with the end theme.

I also came to a conclusion of what wheels I will finally utilize on this build, the tires and size. A slight conversion will be needed as well a deposit to order. The Reveal soon! lol (Just in case I pull some last minute change on you all)...

Undrstm8ed · #**138** 05-20-2018, 02:36 AM

Got to the brakes today.. Wow talk about pushing it.

I knew the line(s) were on borrowed time for 24 yr old vehicle but mos def pushed it.

Obviously if you have a single line here at the bulkhead near the frame, you're going to be dealing with a 4w ABS setup. There are different lines for that setup and I think those are also 95-97+.

If you have the two lines going in then you dont have ABS. Being a West coast truck, mine came apart pretty easily. Some of you up in that rust belt of the nation may find this to be a can of worms waiting to happen.

The Old...

The New...

Starting on the drivers side, I cracked loose both the top line with a line wrench and then the bacl line through the bulkhead. Now unknown to me at the time. The rear line has a clip with one side closed off. I forgot to take a pic of it but to make your job easier should you follow this. Loosen and remove the rear line first. This way the clip pulls free and then off as the sealed side won't let you slide the clip just off.

I may just have to take a pic of the clip and edit this post just to show what I mean later.

Once I popped the line off the bulkhead, the 14mm socket to the Banjo bolt on the Caliper. I like to clean all my parts during removal simply because it keeps the maintenance down and allows you to see things when trouble shooting other items of concern. Not to mention, i love working on cars/trucks but really hate getting dirty. So If I ever work on your rig and it comes back cleaner than you left it with me.. well now you know why.

Following my own advice in reverse, I put the rear line in loosely, same with the top line. Finished off tightening the rear line and then the top line again.. Voila ! You should end up with something like this on the drivers side..

The Passenger side..

Both lines should have the label always sticking outward (lol jk)..

Finally use the two new copper crush washers; slide the first one over the Banjo-bolt, the line block itself,another crush washer, and then thread the block to the caliper. Tighten but don't over tighten (26 ft/lb) is all that is needed.

Bleed the brakes, preferably with a competent friend, test drive slowly around the block/3 acres of property what have you, and enjoy the new positive pedal pressure and have a beer or two.

For me this is partially temporary. For one I just got a set of the 95-97' spindles for use with the dual piston calipers and brake brackets in order to rid myself of these single piston floating slide pin BS.

So once those brackets come back from powder coating, I'll be moving forward buttoning them up with new calipers and some custom spacers to move the caliper out an 1.5" or so, 12" Sport Trac rotors, inner seals, inner/outer bearings, and the proper Hawk performance pads for those calipers...

2nd thought of the day.. The failing switch indicator is officially fixed as well.. That was gonna bug me as bad as the blinking 12:00 on the VCR back in the day.

Thanks for reading as always...

.

Undrstm8ed · #**139** 06-02-2018, 02:04 AM

I got some new toys recently and today... I need to start replacing sold tools and my shop like tools.

And earlier in the week..

Both will come in handy for a plethora of things I'm sure... Next is a parts washer, moderately decent air compressor, and a small bench to work on in the shed.. OH and some real fricken lights in there!

.

Undrstm8ed · #**140** 06-02-2018, 03:15 PM

Got there a little late.. but its mine now.., Whats left of body and bed. No wheels/tires, tailgate or drivers side door. and the engine and trans were pulled too. The important thing is I got the frame and entire Dana 35, rear axle intact and the dash panel isn't cracked all across the top and passenger side. It's also gray so I can start my interior swap to gray and black. It has the Bucket seats which might be worth saving but I dunno yet.

The wheels and tires are gone.. Anyone got any suggestions for dismounting off a flatbed trailer without wheels??

JAMMANICA · #**141** 06-02-2018, 05:50 PM

Forklift.

Undrstm8ed · #**142** 06-02-2018, 11:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JAMMANICA

Forklift.

Thats how its getting on the trailer, off is the issue. lol

Considering hooking it up to a buddies truck with a winch and dragging it off slowly as I pull the trailer away perhaps.. I really need to learn how to weld and make a custom trailer for these kinds of needs.

JAMMANICA · #**143** 06-03-2018, 10:20 AM

Helicopter? You got one of those?

I always keep a spare set of 4 ranger wheels around for such things. It is much easier than dealing with dragging something and much less damaging. I'd bring mine over but you are a brazillion miles away.

Undrstm8ed · #**144** 06-04-2018, 01:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JAMMANICA

Helicopter? You got one of those?

I always keep a spare set of 4 ranger wheels around for such things. It is much easier than dealing with dragging something and much less damaging. I'd bring mine over but you are a brazillion miles away.

I think you know i'd kill for a properly outfitted Hugh's 500C or Lil Bird setup.. Well since a Bell 222 setup like Airwolf would be a 80's kid pipe dream. lmao

And yea, these ass-tards sold the wheels and tires off of it before I got there so its sitting on the typical JY Welded wheel on top of wheel stands.

My biggest issue may be resolved if I can find a new "Friend" with a Flatbed truck. I could use another one of those kinda friends in life again.. very handy to have indeed. But I do appreciate the offer for the spare wheels. I kind of wish I didnt rid myself of the set I had a couple years ago. Wasn't thinking that far ahead I guess. [sigh] Then I could have just used a tow dolly from Uhaul.

Undrstm8ed · #**145** 06-06-2018, 11:59 PM

Made a new friend and now have a Flatbed towing company as a friend and resource under my belt.. for $70 I had the 94' truck towed 17 miles and dropped where I wanted. And so with that;

The following updates are brought to you by Vegas Hot days, Blue Moon Belgian White beer... and Sven, my Swedish minority assistant [lmao]

SO.. Updates

Pulled the interior today, frustrations, temps, and a near failing MAC T45 due to a Magilla-gorilla ratcheted on seat belt bolt leaving the traveler side seat belt and the rear trim piece attached to the truck. All the trim was pulled except the headliner and visors; I'll do that tomorrow. But the seats were pulled, the trim, dash.. well, you can see.

Was there a center console in the 50/50 seating arrangement? Anyone have a pic to go by? Just curious.

Also got the bed off as well. Tomorrow I will double check whats involved in the cab pull and get a a couple guys over to help lift it off the frame. Far as I can see.. I am 6 cab bolts, two brake lines, and a couple harnesses away from removing the cab from the frame itself.

I wish I could run the Vin to see the Old Window Sticker and see what rear end it had in it. No tag, no driver door.. grrrr

Undrstm8ed · #**146** 06-23-2018, 04:32 PM

With recent temps being in the 112* range, progress has been a bit slow. However, yesterday I finally got the last two body cab bolts out, one of which broke due to some increased retard strength I acquired. Next Tuesday or Wednesday I have 3 other guys willing to help lift it of the frame itself and walk it 10 ft in front of the frame.

Only thing left to disconnect is that bicycle cable looking thing that seems to be a last resort from the cab shearing off the frame. Then I can start pulling the fuel tank, sway bars, axles, exhaust.. etc once the cab is off all the way.

btw? anyone looking for a good solid cab for a project? Desert runner build up? For Sale soon. Will need a new core support put in place if not doing a full tube chassis front end I think.

JeremyK · #**147** 07-08-2018, 09:12 PM

If the spindle on the 04 Explorer Sport Trac is the same as on the 2000 Ranger could you not just use the caliper bracket from the Sport Trac instead of making a bracket?

Undrstm8ed · #**148** 07-09-2018, 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JeremyK

If the spindle on the 04 Explorer Sport Trac is the same as on the 2000 Ranger could you not just use the caliper bracket from the Sport Trac instead of making a bracket?

From my understanding.. The spindle is the only "like" shared component outside of that the knuckle itself is different therefore even if the Sport Trac bracket was to fit, the ears or tabs on the knuckle would end up still being short or too long possibly. Truthfully I'd have to measure both myself to clarify and verify that.

I'm certainly not the first to do this and the three guys mentioned most about this on TRS, if that was possible they would not have wasted the time I am sure to make brackets as I will end up doing; They would have taken the shortcut as well I'm sure.

Undrstm8ed · #**149** 07-23-2018, 12:40 PM

So I just ordered a new set of tires this morning. Still love the Hankook Dynapro MT, went with a 285/70/17 LT over the 265/70/17 LT.. Got a fair deal on them again through a different shop. Originally I purchased my first set through Ramona Tire in SoCal and this time I bought local again through 12* North. I'll have to order an extra 4 later on for the spare (2) and eventually two more for my trailer project tires. This way all the tires can be swapped back and forth... The idea is both the trailer and the truck will have multi-carriers since the trailer will be made from a 94' Ranger bed I have and the left over 2WD frame, body lift spacers, and working 10.25" drum brakes, so having two spares would be nice.

Even if I remove the Flip-Pac for the Norweld Flat aluminum UTE tray and matching aluminum canopy I've been lusting after for the last year now [which I keep saying I'll throw on the back of an extra cab chassis], I can mount up to two 35" tires on the back of it if I recall right and I don't have to take the trailer, just its spare for a longer travel.

Come fall, I'll make the jump on the new wheels. Need/WANT the 17x9.5 wheels I found and I think by that time the newness will have worn off and i could get equally a good deal on the eight (8) of them I'll need to make things complete.

Still a lot to do.. it never ends or I get some odd inspiration to add in or change something. Just like the bed configuration is changing now that the trailer is coming to fruition.

Undrstm8ed · #**150** 07-29-2018, 01:11 AM

Today was exciting.. 114* in the damn shade with a week long temps in the 109-111* range.. Love ya Vegas!!

I had a day to myself and decided to entertain the thought of starting some of my interior swap from blue to gray. Let me first say, although I am not the biggest animal lover out there, I'm certainly no hater either but there is a reason why I don't have any dog hair in my vehicles, house, or on my clothing...

There was so much hair on/in the seat material that just doing the Passenger side seat for over an hour that the motor in the shop-vac got so hot the on/off button has melted itself into the On position now and the rear portion of the motor in the aesthetics of the plastic started to heat up and sag off kilter now too..

So when I started, they were covered in dog hair as i said and since I pulled the seats out 2-3 weeks ago. They've been behind the 5th wheel and have endured 3 thunderstorms partially covered by a 8x12 tarp 9 feet above. So they acquired some additional elemental seasoning.

To start, the before pics:

After I was done with vacuuming and finally steam cleaning the rest of the dog hair, cola, and coffee out, along with dust and dirt...

Overall came out good.. A spot or two I still think I will hit again after I get them mounted in but for now, good enough for government work.

I kicked around some ideas after seeing a lot of peoples transplanted center consoles, custom, and even OEM options. I think what I am going to do is create a soft bag like center console. 12* North has some rather interesting if not just useful EDC/Sling bags and packs and some even come in a gray color that's really damn close.

Plus with the down firing sub port right there as well, it lends to some additional features for me. I'm thinking something like one of these;

Element Pack

Riot Pack

or, maybe.. but this looks too wide to me.

Raider Pack

I will be adding some seat covers to these, may keep them grey, may go towards black.. I don't really know yet what I want in that sense yet. Either way, seems black or grey, those bags above are available in either or too. Wasn't really thinking about a 60/40 bench seat to buckets swap but since it seemed to have fell into my hands and they came out alright. why da' hell not. I even get power lumbar with them. lol

Next will come out the current trim plastics and headliner after I get the seat belts cleaned up this mid week. By then I am hoping I can get some new plastic insert X-mas tree fasteners. The ones I pulled from the donor vehicle in the Vegas heat basically exploded even while trying my best to recover them. I think only one survived.. Then I will pick up new door panels from a source and electric ones at that as I am adding the electrics as the new door harnesses , electric regulators W/ new motors, and while I am plumbing in there for my 7" Midbass Door speakers, the Type II wiring from Audioquest in this truck; like I did in my last two cars..