my project 89 Ranger has begun

[2010redfire]

Here are some pics of my project...warning though, it will be slow as funds and time are an issue so I am doing what I can when I can. Here it is so far..

the day I got it about a week ago:




as it sits tonight 10-05-10:


I will try to keep updates going..This is my first project in about 30 years, so lets just hope I don't feel overwhelmed and quit.

[darkstar_420]

what are you planning?

[2010redfire]

for starters I am gonna change out the rear end for an explorer 8.8 with 4.56 gears and a lock-right. The front diff will be a Dana 35 swap from the 28. Not quite sure but I am edging towards a 2.9 to a 4.0 swap also. Interior roll cage, and a bed cage with the spare tire mount and a bed mounted radiator as well. Thats for starters, should keep me busy for awhile. Right now I have the rear sitting on the floor, got one more leaf to remove, then I can clean up the frame and start looking for the explorer rear. I am just gonna use a 91-94 with the drums, I don't feel like screwing around with the master cylinder and all the other crap you gotta do for the disc setup.

[DieHard4rd]

Find a rolled explorer with the factory V8 & swap the drivetrain over.

Would be an easy swap.

[2010redfire]

easier swap than finding the explorer...lol

[2010redfire]

well today I got the rear end out of the way and the gas tank off the truck. I didn't know they were plastic. I also fought with the drivers side leaf spring for what seemed like hours before finally deciding to get more cut off discs tomorrow, the damn bolt is rusted solid so I have got to cut the bolt so I can use the front hanger. The other thing is I know now I have to sandblast the frame because the drivers side is really rusty, I must have removed 50 lbs of mud that has been there for years. I should be able to weld in some 1/4 steel pieces to strengthen where the was rust. I love this stuff. Its been far too long since I did anything like this and even at that I have never done what I am doing here with this project.

[2010redfire]

okay here is my dilema....I am an idiot. I can't for the life of me figure out how or even where to start removing the cab off off the ranger so I can replace it with a better one. I was kinda hoping not to have to take out the engine, but with the inner fenders spot welded I see no other way. HELP

[DieHard4rd]

Get a spotweld drill bit & drill out the spot welds

[DieHard4rd]

What are they spot welded to?? Certainly not the cab.

[2010redfire]

they are spotwelded to the side of the firewall right by the door hinges. Is there a special drill bit or just one the right size will do?

[DieHard4rd]

There is a special drill bit. Harbor Frieght has them, Sears has better ones.

[2010redfire]

thanks I'll see if I can find one