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  #31  
Old 06-15-2015, 10:43 PM
Undrstm8ed Undrstm8ed is offline
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Default Re: Undrstm8ed's 93' XLT Overlanding build...

I was busy today... will load pics up tomorrow afternoon and share of course.
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  #32  
Old 06-18-2015, 07:07 AM
JM74 JM74 is offline
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Default Re: Undrstm8ed's 93' XLT Overlanding build...

Nice overland build love the flipac topper really want one but cant bring my self to spend the money, recently picked up a m101a2 and a contractor cap gonna be building it for overlanding. Anyway keep up the great work!
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  #33  
Old 06-18-2015, 03:03 PM
Undrstm8ed Undrstm8ed is offline
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Default Re: Undrstm8ed's 93' XLT Overlanding build...

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Originally Posted by JM74 View Post
Nice overland build love the flipac topper really want one but cant bring my self to spend the money, recently picked up a m101a2 and a contractor cap gonna be building it for overlanding. Anyway keep up the great work!
Thank you, I appreciate the compliments and the motivation too.

I understand you've picked up a top already but what were you quoted for a Flip-Pac just out of curiosity?

Nice find on the trailer too. I'm toying with the idea of using another Ranger bed/frame area for a separate trailer build myself. I have this weird obsession for a matching body line trailer, wheel/tire combo.

Its going to incorporate a over the rail rack system which will lend home to a couple rotopacks for fuel cells. My quadro of Maxx-trax trail recovery panels, an additional shovel/axe, and two to three additional totes that can be tied down across the width.

The over the rail aspect will allow for a specific roll top tonneau I dound that is pretty water resilient for my needs, and doesnt use the top of the rail as much as the inside of the bed. yea, I'll lose an inch of reach in width but at a minimum loss.

The OEM fuel cell comes out, in its place I have a design for a water proof box that holds a 60 gal water bladder to reside in in its place. That enclosure also will be outfitted for fill/drain fittings for ease of use through the original fuel door.

Four more group 35 batteries underneath in another water-proof box that will be designed towards more encampment needs than my own personal needs. A four panel solar system that unfolds and rotates 45* to fine tune directional will assist any electrical demands, charging needs, or reserve power that may arise. one can never have too many ways of charging batteries, GPS, phones, MySpot's, camera's, or laptops along with a host of lighting needs for an entire campsite..

Im one of those people thats generally overly prepared and has everything everyone else doesnt or forgot.. Sometimes its a bad habit.

There are other provisions for another matching multi-carrier bumper on the trailer to bring along a 2nd spare, waterproof toolbox and if needed any additional storage space. Just in case I wanted to leave the trailer in base camp with others. I can stow additional unneeded items from the truck in it too and run into town for a fuel refill or ammo/food without weighing down the truck further or removing everyone hooked up for power needs back at camp.

I WILL NOT be doing a matching 2" body lift to it though however.. lol
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  #34  
Old 06-18-2015, 03:28 PM
Undrstm8ed Undrstm8ed is offline
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Default Re: Undrstm8ed's 93' XLT Overlanding build...

Given the window of opportunity I had this week I opted to remove a portion of the XLT package by removing as much of the external chrome I could, plus the front grill needed some attention. I removed the front bumper first.





Then I carefully removed the bumper trim and cleaned up the bumper of all road grease, dirt/dust, and oils.




The rear bumper I didnt want to mess with, so I just removed the trim, wrapped the tailgate in a sheet; tying it off behind the edges of the bed under the tail lights to keep any would be overspray from getting on the body and providing another project of removing it with some solvent or cleaners.

I then used two cans and two coats of textured bedliner spray-paint. Now keep in mind that while this paint does offer a nice and unique textured look that resembles that of the Ford dash plastics and bezels, it is nothing other than a paint. Meaning its not like actual Linex, Wolfliner, Rhino liner brand name materials that provide an actual protective barrier somewhat resistant to a truck bed used as a truck bed. An added benefit though is, I don't have all the extra weight hanging off the truck either those materials would do.

These bumpers are temporary as the TAG units are out approximately 12-16 weeks, I just was tired of looking at chrome on the truck and for a cheap fix, this seemed to be the ticket.










Overall, it's not my bad-ass bumpers from TAG, but they look better and they were cleanly done. For now I am happy to have a little less of a a fore and aft 4 foot wide signal mirror(s) out on the trails.
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Last edited by Undrstm8ed; 06-18-2015 at 04:02 PM.
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  #35  
Old 06-18-2015, 03:58 PM
Undrstm8ed Undrstm8ed is offline
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Default Re: Undrstm8ed's 93' XLT Overlanding build...

So an Aussie company I'm in speaks with makes a 33 gal replacement fuel cell that goes in the stock location, replacing the original fuel tank. It straddles over the top of the drive shaft and encourages using some unused real estate on that side without disturbing the exhaust so much....

For the Ford...

Courier.

and diesel at that. [SMH]




So for the last two weeks in between other things and life I've been specing out a US 93/97 Ford ranger setup as far as dimensions and placement trying to bring to light one for our use here. What a PITA to be honest but no one I've found state side has the creativity or want to do such a thing stateside. Everyone I've contact Stateside wants to sell you some diamond plate box that mounts in the bed like a truck toolbox or some L shaped version.

I don't like the idea or design(s). It puts more weight higher up in the middle of the truck unnecessarily causing potential risk for a rollover when off roading or at the very least a very unbalanced scary ride. Lets not forget about the useable space it would eat up and then what? Have a gasoline smell in the tent..? Ummmm no thanks. I don't want to suffocate or huff fuel fumes in mine or my girls sleep.


Another nice thing is the fact it puts the fuel pump and sending unit on a facet in a pocketed like area for ease of access rather than dropping the tank or pulling the bed.





This is going to be a substantial cost between a custom made tank and shipping it here. But if I can get back to averaging the 300-320 miles per tank I was, then double that with a teaser of more without having to worry about stopping... Awesome sauce !

The hard parts been getting all the photos at the local salvage yards I can, often fuel tanks are not on the vehicles anymore by the time they hit the yards here in Cali.

All said and done, I'm hoping the company will take my design revision and make it happen, I havent found any other source yet.

.
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Last edited by Undrstm8ed; 06-18-2015 at 04:23 PM.
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  #36  
Old 06-18-2015, 04:20 PM
Undrstm8ed Undrstm8ed is offline
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Default Re: Undrstm8ed's 93' XLT Overlanding build...



** Compliments of Dub_City714

.
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  #37  
Old 06-19-2015, 07:11 AM
JM74 JM74 is offline
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Default Re: Undrstm8ed's 93' XLT Overlanding build...

Quote:
Originally Posted by Undrstm8ed View Post
Thank you, I appreciate the compliments and the motivation too.

I understand you've picked up a top already but what were you quoted for a Flip-Pac just out of curiosity?

Nice find on the trailer too. I'm toying with the idea of using another Ranger bed/frame area for a separate trailer build myself. I have this weird obsession for a matching body line trailer, wheel/tire combo.

Its going to incorporate a over the rail rack system which will lend home to a couple rotopacks for fuel cells. My quadro of Maxx-trax trail recovery panels, an additional shovel/axe, and two to three additional totes that can be tied down across the width.

The over the rail aspect will allow for a specific roll top tonneau I dound that is pretty water resilient for my needs, and doesnt use the top of the rail as much as the inside of the bed. yea, I'll lose an inch of reach in width but at a minimum loss.

The OEM fuel cell comes out, in its place I have a design for a water proof box that holds a 60 gal water bladder to reside in in its place. That enclosure also will be outfitted for fill/drain fittings for ease of use through the original fuel door.

Four more group 35 batteries underneath in another water-proof box that will be designed towards more encampment needs than my own personal needs. A four panel solar system that unfolds and rotates 45* to fine tune directional will assist any electrical demands, charging needs, or reserve power that may arise. one can never have too many ways of charging batteries, GPS, phones, MySpot's, camera's, or laptops along with a host of lighting needs for an entire campsite..

Im one of those people thats generally overly prepared and has everything everyone else doesnt or forgot.. Sometimes its a bad habit.

There are other provisions for another matching multi-carrier bumper on the trailer to bring along a 2nd spare, waterproof toolbox and if needed any additional storage space. Just in case I wanted to leave the trailer in base camp with others. I can stow additional unneeded items from the truck in it too and run into town for a fuel refill or ammo/food without weighing down the truck further or removing everyone hooked up for power needs back at camp.

I WILL NOT be doing a matching 2" body lift to it though however.. lol

35 batteries that sounds pretty serious!!!! im just gonna run 2 deep cycles or a 3500 watt generator in a toung box on the m101. i was looking at rotapax but they are quite expensive compared to a normal jerry can. but they are pretty cool the way the lock into spot. Anyway keep up the great work.
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3inch PA bodylift, 33x12.5x15 Goodyear Duratracs, custom front valence trimming, MBRP exhaust, Dorkel air intake, Hella 500 with hid retrofit, abs toggle switch, extended diff breathers, DIY roof rails and side awning, Thule roof box, cobra 29 cb, Sway bar removal, etc
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  #38  
Old 06-19-2015, 06:58 PM
Undrstm8ed Undrstm8ed is offline
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Default Re: Undrstm8ed's 93' XLT Overlanding build...

Quote:
Originally Posted by JM74 View Post
35 batteries that sounds pretty serious!!!! im just gonna run 2 deep cycles or a 3500 watt generator in a toung box on the m101. i was looking at rotapax but they are quite expensive compared to a normal jerry can. but they are pretty cool the way the lock into spot. Anyway keep up the great work.
Not 35, group 35 is the size of the batteries themselves. I partially work in solar so there was a huge opportunity to keep it kinda green. Plus here in California they are starting to do generators like diesel trucks, DEF fluid and annual checks or emission testing.. plus i dont want to feed one of those when the sun comes up everyday for free.. lol
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  #39  
Old 07-11-2015, 09:35 PM
Undrstm8ed Undrstm8ed is offline
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Default Re: Undrstm8ed's 93' XLT Overlanding build...


What should be available here in the US, Why Ford decided to play marketing games just to get more sales to keep the F150 as the only option for a basic/small truck option to keep sales reporting numbers at an all time high.

They should have introduced a Diesel version of the Ranger (our Sport Trac) for those of us who could utilize it.... SAD
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  #40  
Old 08-23-2015, 01:58 PM
Undrstm8ed Undrstm8ed is offline
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Default Re: Undrstm8ed's 93' XLT Overlanding build...

Been a bit busy with work and other things but I have had a few moments to get out and go off roading some.

Thinking of planning a short 2-3 day excursion with a small circle of friends soon... We'll see.

In the interim, enjoy some recent pics...













My Mission,
Should I choose it....

To take out the communications array disabling the mental programming and distractionary dumbing down of the local/county wide inhabitants.... This message will self distruct 5.. 4.. 3... 2.. [insert mission impossible theme music]


lolz
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  #41  
Old 11-15-2015, 09:07 PM
Undrstm8ed Undrstm8ed is offline
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Default Re: Undrstm8ed's 93' XLT Overlanding build...

Sorry been busy with a ton of work, new goals and achievements to undertake. I also notice under some house cleaning my Photobucket, some photos are missing. I will clean those up as well.

So for some recent events and busy work, the next couple posts should give you some things to look at.

USB Charge Source

I've ben needing to do this for some time and finally got to doing it. So the 12Volt USB Charge source is a part of the original on/off Radio power circuit, on he ignition side of it. The 8 ports are as follows:







PORT / DEVICE
0 / Laptop file exchange port
1 / Bluetooth Module power source
2 / Samsung 7.0 Tablet 3 charge source
3 / Phone A, MAXI USB
4 / Phone B, Micro USB
5 / Temporary micro USB for TonePRO bluetooth headphones
6 / OPEN
7 / OPEN









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  #42  
Old 11-15-2015, 09:55 PM
Undrstm8ed Undrstm8ed is offline
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Default Re: Undrstm8ed's 93' XLT Overlanding build...

Also picked up some awesome deals along the way. FULL front suspension, transaxle and all parts associated with it along with rear end with 3.73 gearing and locking differential.

Later they will be replaced with 4:10 gears front and back along with new Chromoly halfshafts for the rear end...

Yes I know, I could have likely bought another truck ALREADY 4x4 but then what fun would that be not being able to do it myself and learn something more. I like a challenge and to be able to say I did everything needed for this build.

The parts donor was a 94' 4WD from the High desert. I picked up all of what you see along with the entire virgin I/P harness, all modules, 4x4 electronic switches, both entire door harnesses with regulators, door lock modules, and wiring for power mirror options... Total?

$300 + the $45 in gas to make a run from the bottom of Riverside County.










After the 20th, I am picking up the manual transfer case component, $200 and in good working order along with the slightly shorter drive shaft.

Also found a temporary hitch receiver until my multi carrier design can be made. A Factor55 Hitchlink 2.0 will work for my needs for now.


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  #43  
Old 11-15-2015, 11:07 PM
Undrstm8ed Undrstm8ed is offline
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Default Re: Undrstm8ed's 93' XLT Overlanding build...

Back to the dash work, my SPST switches finally came in along with my relay harness for the 12 added circuits being introduced into the vehicle. most of which are lighting mods and a few 'extras'...

I ended up with round colored LED identifiers in the switches but the good news is they are low key. I would have been highly annoyed with a blinding glow coming from the lower dash area between the door panel and steering column, too distracting. These were much more subtle and look great in the dash work.


[IMG][/IMG]

I still need to find time to finish file the switch holes. A couple arent aligned the way I want them in perfect alignment but thats an easy task to undertake with a little time this week before wiring of the relays commences.

[IMG]
[/IMG]

[IMG][/IMG]

[IMG][/IMG]

[IMG][/IMG]

These switches will all have their own fused circuit and relays for direct power from the battery. The fuse panel for this replaces the Drivers side rear speaker location. I'll be putting together a carbon fiber back-plate/box to mount it too do to another function piece I opted to use a thick piece of ABS plastic and without even installing it yet it showed signs of weakness and cracked on me. So that will likely get swapped out for a Carbon Fiber plate too and used as the template for it. I'll show that more later in the week.

This is fed directly from the battery and fused with its own 100 amp fuse and limited to a 100 amps on its own. I particularly like the way I did the wires for it and all the new big 3 wiring for the battery(s) both under the hood and those going in the rear. (That is another project under way).


[IMG][/IMG]

The two main cables coming through the firewall are an 8ga power cable and a 4ga cable and are routed through these two waterproof grommets. A third cable also routed through another 4ga waterproof grommet is a 9 conductor cable used for additional features needed external connections from the interior of the vehicle. All power cable 8ga through 1/0 are from Streetwires, including all battery terminals, ring terminals.

[IMG][/IMG]



All new cables are soldered, expanding loom for flexible protection, heat shrink ends of appropriate polarity, and if and when called on, re wrapped to "factory specs" as far as take outs, proper shielding, and upgraded wiring and terminals.

Starting with old terminals and wiring on the current battery system.


[IMG][/IMG]

My upgrades consist of 4ga positives replacing 6 ga original wiring. 8ga replacing 10-12ga wiring, and a 1/0 cable coming from the alternator along with upgraded wiring to the starter and all grounds to eliminate any ground drops across the chassis of the truck.

[IMG][/IMG]

[IMG][/IMG]

[IMG][/IMG]

[IMG][/IMG]

[IMG][/IMG]

.

----------

All added fuses for accessory power (II fuse box), Audio system, secondary batteries in back, and the alternator itself and through the dual battery isolator.

[IMG][/IMG]

[IMG][/IMG]

(buying in bulk helps some.. lol)

Main battery when charged to 13.1 volts then charges secondary batteries. If the main battery should be compromised, a push of a button connects all batteries together and allows the vehicle to start.

[IMG][/IMG]

----------

**Will update main post of products in use soon as I can.**
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  #44  
Old 11-24-2015, 11:56 PM
Undrstm8ed Undrstm8ed is offline
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Default Re: Undrstm8ed's 93' XLT Overlanding build...

I just started the sound deadening on the back wall of the cab. I'll show the doors soon as I get to them but the floor and back wall was key as well the roof at the current point I'm at for the moment in the interior changeovers..



















The whole underneath the floor and as high up on the firewall as I can get it will be done. Im just debating whether I want to take the time over a weekend to pull the I/P and go Ham on the firewall too. But this is what I did and How I will do the doors, roof, and even wrap the A-pillars.

In the large cavernous B-pillar posts I will be stopping by JoAnn fabrics to pick up some soft blocks of soft foam, kind of cushion like. just to stuff in those pillars and some in other areas of the roof to add the the quietness and eliminate as much N/V/H as possible.

In addition to changing out all the plastics to gray or a custom charcoal color dye variant. I am adding new black carpet and a new lighter gray headliner to match the Explorer Dbl visors and OHC I have installed already. I grew very tired of the headliner looking like I kept a Bobcat in my truck for a primitive alarm system.

.
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  #45  
Old 11-25-2015, 03:47 PM
shawn_house102 shawn_house102 is offline
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Default Re: Undrstm8ed's 93' XLT Overlanding build...

Quote:
Originally Posted by Undrstm8ed View Post
I just started the sound deadening on the back wall of the cab. I'll show the doors soon as I get to them but the floor and back wall was key as well the roof at the current point I'm at for the moment in the interior changeovers..







































The whole underneath the floor and as high up on the firewall as I can get it will be done. Im just debating whether I want to take the time over a weekend to pull the I/P and go Ham on the firewall too. But this is what I did and How I will do the doors, roof, and even wrap the A-pillars.



In the large cavernous B-pillar posts I will be stopping by JoAnn fabrics to pick up some soft blocks of soft foam, kind of cushion like. just to stuff in those pillars and some in other areas of the roof to add the the quietness and eliminate as much N/V/H as possible.



In addition to changing out all the plastics to gray or a custom charcoal color dye variant. I am adding new black carpet and a new lighter gray headliner to match the Explorer Dbl visors and OHC I have installed already. I grew very tired of the headliner looking like I kept a Bobcat in my truck for a primitive alarm system.



.


Photos not found
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