Ford Ranger Forum - Forums for Ford Ranger enthusiasts!

Go Back   Ford Ranger Forum - Forums for Ford Ranger enthusiasts! > >
Forgot Password? Join Us!

Welcome to Ford Ranger Forum

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread

  #1  
Old 10-09-2018, 06:00 PM
ben10 ben10 is offline
slut life
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 3,031
Default Fazda ranger build

So I am a long time member here. Kinda fell off the map for several years letting life get in the way, but I miss some of the forum stuff, and i have started a new build.

There may be a few of you around who remember me, I had a few rangers a while back.

The first was my grey 99 xlt auto 4.0 4x4. Had a few things done, loved it and I seriously miss that truck.

I wanted a 2wd commuter so I picked up this 98 2.5 manual truck and dropped it. And had 2 rangers for a bit. Times were great, and I had the best of both worlds.


I sold the mini when I moved back up into the hills and realized the 2.5 didn't have enough power to be fun to drive, then I traded the tired old grey truck for a solid axled 92 explorer project that turned out to be a way bigger project than I could have ever anticipated...


Over a few years I transformed it from a complete pile of junk with mismatched axle gears, to a pile of junk with 1 ton axles, 5.38 gears, atlas 5.0:1 t case, 40 inch tires, disc brakes and an electrical nightmare. The explorer was a blast. Put it on the trailer, drive up to fordyce 2-3 times a year and drive one of the hardest trails in the country. But then it would sit. Either with broken and worn out parts, or all my other friends had broken rigs.

I decided I wanted something that was street friendly and still capable off road. 50% overland and 50% rock crawler. I decided to sell the beat to hell explorer and this is where my newest project begins.




Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
__________________
99 extended cab, 4.0, auto, 33s, 4x4 lifted with some stuff done

98 2wd 2.5, 5 speed, dropped with some stuff done
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 10-09-2018, 06:25 PM
ben10 ben10 is offline
slut life
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 3,031
Default Re: Fazda ranger build

While my explorer was for sale, I found this 96 Mazda b4000 for sale. Years ago I followed the builders thread on TRS. He did some really cool stuff to it, and the build quality was amazing. He rolled it at one point and did a 2000 ranger body swap, then put an 06 front clip on it.

As far as the drivetrain goes it's a dana 44 hp reverse cut from a f150 narrowed down to early bronco width. 4.88 gears, aussie locker. Rear axle is a 8.8 out of a 96 expo with 4.88 gears and a powertrax locker that has alloy shafts with 5x5.5 bolt patter and redrilled rotors.

Suspension is early bronco coils, and fox 2.0 shocks with james duff long arms and heim steering. Rear is bilstein shocks with Chevy 63 inch springs and stock lift blocks. Sitting on 35 inch Goodyear mtr kevlars.

Custom front and rear bumpers, smittybuilt 8k winch with synthetic line and some off road lights.

The builder sold it about a year and a half ago to a guy who beat on her pretty hard and blew the motor, rebuilt it with new heads and all new bearings. Smashed up the body a little bit, and then sold it to me.

Supposedly the transmission leaked when hot from the front pump seal, so I figured I would be dropping the tranny. Took the ranger into a fab shop to have them modify the panhard bracket and in the process found out the rear main seal was totally shot. It spilled a bunch of oil in the shop, but the panhard bar was fixed. Drove it up to my buddies shop to do the transmission and when we pulled it the flex plate was completely sheared off from the crank. I believe the guy that built the motor didn't put the a spacer between the crank and flex plate and sucked the tq converter to the flex plate which in return caused the flex plate to flex too much.

Well damage is done, having the transmission rebuilt and upgraded this week, and got the new parts to fix the flex plate issue, also threw in a new rear main seal.

I also collected a large pile of parts to throw into it once I get it back on the ground. CB and antenna with bed stake mount. Sub box, amp and wiring kit for an old sub I had laying around. Recovery bag with snatch block, tree saver, and gloves, a distribution block for all the accessories I'll be wiring up. A huge tranny cooler to help keep my new trans in check. Switch panel to run all the stuff I got. And lastly, a new left tail light and left mirror to replace the broken ones it currently has. Oh and I also have a big viair compressor to set up once I get a tank to throw in the spare tire spot under the bed.

The plans for the truck are to use it first and foremost. I missed cruising in my old ranger, and this thing brings back so many memories. Also I'll be making it more street friendly and cleaner. I want to eventually build a flat bed with a bed cage geared towards holding all my camping crap, and I would like to set it up for reliability and do things like dual batteries and a bigger alternator and a solar panel to charge them. Also onboard shower, power inverter and all the recovery gear and spare parts I might need. I like the idea of a swing away or fold down spare tire carrier with jerry cans as well.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

----------

A few more pictures. The new panhard bracket, truck on the lift, and one more of my wife driving the old explorer aka sexplorer.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
__________________
99 extended cab, 4.0, auto, 33s, 4x4 lifted with some stuff done

98 2wd 2.5, 5 speed, dropped with some stuff done
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 10-14-2018, 03:49 PM
ben10 ben10 is offline
slut life
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 3,031
Default Re: Fazda ranger build

Got the ranger put back together today. Everything went pretty smooth. Also slapped in the huge tranny cooler and 2 inch wheel spacers. I really dont like the idea of using wheel spacers, but even with the 3.75 back spaced wheel the truck has a tippy stance. We shall see what I end up doing with it. Truck drives great, way better response and it drank a lot less fuel driving around today. Also tightened a few things up while I had it in the air. This week I need to prep the truck for the rubicon trip, and change fluids in the axles and engine.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
__________________
99 extended cab, 4.0, auto, 33s, 4x4 lifted with some stuff done

98 2wd 2.5, 5 speed, dropped with some stuff done
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 10-29-2018, 11:51 AM
ben10 ben10 is offline
slut life
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 3,031
Default Re: Fazda ranger build

Been slow to get things done, but I wired in more rock lights, actually they are single row 6 inch led bars one at each corner then a few small waterproof led strips under the front end. If I flip the truck at night, you will see me from outer space. Got this cool switch panel with everything pre wired to relays in a box. Just have to put power to the main harness, ground it and I'm going to wire up the acc. Wire to a switch so I can leave the switch panel on with the key off. Hoping to get that installed tonight so i can test it out tomorrow on a nice day trip in the mountains.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
__________________
99 extended cab, 4.0, auto, 33s, 4x4 lifted with some stuff done

98 2wd 2.5, 5 speed, dropped with some stuff done
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 10-29-2018, 07:12 PM
ben10 ben10 is offline
slut life
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 3,031
Default Re: Fazda ranger build

Got my switch panel wired in and threw the switches next to the cb radio. I covered the unused switches in electrical tape, cause the lights without the decals are really bright. Have the panel wired up to a switch that I can turn off and on instead of wiring to the acc. Now i can turn the switch panel on even with the key off.

Rock lights work pretty well. Need 1 or 2 more under the center of the truck and under the bed towards the rear, but its plenty for now and adding a few will be easy later on.

Taking the truck up into the mountains tomorrow to unwind and get lost in the woods for a day. And then back to the grind.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
__________________
99 extended cab, 4.0, auto, 33s, 4x4 lifted with some stuff done

98 2wd 2.5, 5 speed, dropped with some stuff done
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 12-01-2018, 07:10 PM
ben10 ben10 is offline
slut life
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 3,031
Default Re: Fazda ranger build

Took the truck out snow wheeling on black Friday. Didnt take many pictures but it did awesome. Aired down to about 14 psi and had a blast. Busted a tail light and the cb antenna trying to pack some snow down for a stock Chevy out there. Backed into a tree... oops.

Today I ventured up to lake tahoe in a blizardto pick up a smoking deal on a set of 15 inch beadlocks with a spare non beadlock steel wheel. They are well used and have a few snapped off bolts to drill out but the cheapest I have seen them new is 800 bucks and I got these for 150 with a spare wheel. Hoping to get new hardware and get these mounted up in the next few weeks.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
__________________
99 extended cab, 4.0, auto, 33s, 4x4 lifted with some stuff done

98 2wd 2.5, 5 speed, dropped with some stuff done
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 12-09-2018, 10:36 AM
Jimmyspy Jimmyspy is offline
Ford Ranger Driver
 
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 2,172
Default Re: Fazda ranger build

Looks like a fun trip! Trucks looking good as well!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
__________________
2002 Ford Ranger XLT 4x4, ext. cab, 4.0L v6
Superlifted
33x12.5 Duratracs

1995 Ford Ranger STX 4x4 ext. cab 4.0l v6 SOLD
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 12-09-2018, 06:55 PM
ben10 ben10 is offline
slut life
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 3,031
Default Re: Fazda ranger build

So I picked up a brand new smittybilt rtt for a smoking deal yesterday. Threw it on some 1.5 inch unistrut on the bed till I can build a bed cage. Worked out pretty well. Also got the hardware to install the beadlocks. Just need the time to sit down and install all the nuts and bolts lol.

The way it sits now the front window opening interferes with the cab but I want to do a bed cage raised up about 10 inches which would fix the problem.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
__________________
99 extended cab, 4.0, auto, 33s, 4x4 lifted with some stuff done

98 2wd 2.5, 5 speed, dropped with some stuff done
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 12-31-2018, 02:15 PM
ben10 ben10 is offline
slut life
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 3,031
Default Re: Fazda ranger build

Got all the beadlocks mounted up. What a long process... they are pretty well centered but definitely not perfect and a few of them leak even after putting rtv around the bead. Didnt air down but I did take the truck and do some mild wheeling. From 35-50 the truck has some minor death wobble then it mellows out above 50. At about 70 you can really feel the tires vibrate from being unbalanced. I'll get them balanced asap and see if that helps at all. May look into a light all terrain to put on the old steel wheels and keep these for more aggressive wheeling outings. 20181224_110029.jpg20181227_094552.jpg

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
__________________
99 extended cab, 4.0, auto, 33s, 4x4 lifted with some stuff done

98 2wd 2.5, 5 speed, dropped with some stuff done
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 03-04-2019, 02:11 PM
ben10 ben10 is offline
slut life
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 3,031
Default Re: Fazda ranger build

So I haven't updated in a while but I have been running in circles and not getting much done and I have been busy at home and work.

Ran with the beadlocks for a trip and was getting really bad death wobble, noticed alignment was off and some parts were worn out, so I went ape shit and dumped money into maintenance. I replaced the sub par small heim steering set up with bigger heims and new DOM tubing, got the 1 ton heim steering kit from ruff stuff with 1.5 inch .25 wall dom. With the new drag link and tie rod set up I also got rid of the beadlocks cause I couldn't get them to balance and went back to the regular old steelies. Did upper and lower ball joints on the front axle and serviced the wheel bearings. Replaced my rear pinion seal that was leaking and changed the fluid in the diff.

With all thay done I finally had a chance to take it out and play with some other ranger guys. We headed up into the hills and go to wheel around and test our rigs. Had a blast but I stretched an inner axle yoke and now need a new axle shaft, which I'll be swapping to a set of Tom's bronco parts chromoly shafts.

Been driving around town and also noticed that I'm losing first gear, it is starting to slip really bad under a load up hills... I really wanted an auto for ease of driving, but I'm fed up with tranny problems so I am swapping to a manual. Already have a line up on one.

And the big news is I bought a doubler today, it's being built by behemoth drivetrain back east and should be here in a week. Also got a cable shifter set up and his manual conversion that converts an electric t case to manual with a cable shifter set up. Really excited to have good gearing and manual transmission reliability.

I know you guys only subscribe for the pics so here you go.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

----------

More pics

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

----------

And a few more.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
__________________
99 extended cab, 4.0, auto, 33s, 4x4 lifted with some stuff done

98 2wd 2.5, 5 speed, dropped with some stuff done
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 04-02-2019, 11:03 PM
ben10 ben10 is offline
slut life
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 3,031
Default Re: Fazda ranger build

So I ordered a set of Tom's bronco parts chromoly axle shafts today with spicer 760 joints. Hopefully I can make these last a while. No word on the behemoth doubler yet which is concerning me but I will call tomorrow and ask for an update.

Tomorrow I want to pull the ranger into my shop and clean some interior stuff up and start building some storage in the back of the cab as well as a carpeted platform for my 50+ pound dog to hang out on since my wife will be riding shotgun.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
__________________
99 extended cab, 4.0, auto, 33s, 4x4 lifted with some stuff done

98 2wd 2.5, 5 speed, dropped with some stuff done
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 04-05-2019, 09:11 PM
ben10 ben10 is offline
slut life
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 3,031
Default Re: Fazda ranger build

So I got ahold of behemoth, told another week. Hoping he comes through. I really want my doubler.

Came home from work today to my new chromoly axle shafts from Tom's bronco parts. They look great, and I got a new shirt that the dog likes.

Installed drivers side tonight and tomorrow I'll do the passenger side. Way more beef and it inspires a little bit of confidence in the front axle. Plus now I have a set of stock shafts as trail spares! Also gave me a chance to look my front end over and check my handy work since tearing it apart for the ball joints. Everything is looking good!

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
__________________
99 extended cab, 4.0, auto, 33s, 4x4 lifted with some stuff done

98 2wd 2.5, 5 speed, dropped with some stuff done
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 05-10-2019, 10:03 PM
ben10 ben10 is offline
slut life
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 3,031
Default Re: Fazda ranger build

Still waiting on behemoth. He has been lying to me for months now. Pretty fed up with him. At this point he has sent me one piece of the doubler, and promised the rest was coming. I'm about to just cut my losses and get my money back.

Anyways, the ranger front has been quiet while I wait for parts, and I have begun rebuilding an old off road trailer to tow behind the ranger. It's an old 78 pack mule. Made in California and it's been across the baja and the Rubicon numerous times with the old timer I got it from.

Been peeling paint and rust layers off, and got rid of the worn out suspension and axle. Put all new leaf springs, perches, axle and hubs under it and got the bottom of the trailer painted. Now I'm working on the sides and bed, I have new LED tail lights and a wiring harness. Next up is get some 33 inch tires. Hopefully by then my doubler will be done!

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
__________________
99 extended cab, 4.0, auto, 33s, 4x4 lifted with some stuff done

98 2wd 2.5, 5 speed, dropped with some stuff done
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 06-05-2019, 07:56 AM
ben10 ben10 is offline
slut life
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 3,031
Default Re: Fazda ranger build

Been pretty quiet on the ranger front. Been working on getting my trailer done for a camping trip this weekend. Its officially ready to go now. Well minus slapping the rtt on it and loading it up.

As for the ranger, I took it out wheeling may 10th and it did awesome minus blowing up the front locker which I haven't addressed yet. After the camping trip I plan on pulling the front end apart and figuring out what happened. Also need to replace the axle seals while I have the carrier out.

My behemoth parts finally came in after over 3 months and a million calls. The guy is a horrible business man and a liar, but he makes a great product. I need to make some time to install the doubler, manual shift conversion and do my manual trans swap.

Here are a few pics of wheeling trip and the progress on the trailer.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
__________________
99 extended cab, 4.0, auto, 33s, 4x4 lifted with some stuff done

98 2wd 2.5, 5 speed, dropped with some stuff done
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
89 Ranger Sas Build Dana 30 Leaf Sprung BUDGET BUILD WhiteAngel Project Logs 4 11-18-2016 01:25 PM
My 94 Ranger Build Chuckee94 Project Logs 2 07-22-2014 06:19 PM
The Fazda fazda93 Project Logs 54 01-19-2014 07:48 PM
03 Ranger 4x4 build TxRanger3006 Project Logs 10 08-13-2011 02:52 AM
02 Ranger Build 889402xlt Project Logs 8 12-11-2010 11:15 PM