So its probably time I start one of these....
1999 Ford Ranger V6 5-Speed

I am currently working on redoing the audio in the truck.
-Had my subs mounted in the middle (2) and the amps under the seat
New plan is to make custom box behind drivers side.

Unfortunately as I went to get inspected, I failed, because of frame rot.
Ill have pics in the morning.
Apparently in New England, the rear end of the frame always rusts out on rangers, so it is going to a welders to get boxed in.

This is the plan for the sub enclosure....


Planning on putting the amps on top because
-want to show them off
-have all the wires in a central location

It will most likely be higher than the rear window, but its necessary to get a large enough volume for the subs.

Let me know what you think.

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RIP - Frame Rot
1999 Ranger XLT 4x4 Extended
3.0L V6 5 Spd
JVC Arsenal HU | Pioneer 6x8 | JL Audio 12w1 Subs | JL Audio 250/1 | JL Audio 300/4

dont put the amp on the top, it should not be attatched to the box. the constant buzz and shacking from the sup with shake the amps and can break internal connections.

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mmk, then plan b would be to bolt them on the back of the cab under the window, one below the other.
they are under the seats now, and the wiring is all over the place.
I need to do some measuring tomorrow to make sure everything fits, but thanks for the tip

__________________
RIP - Frame Rot
1999 Ranger XLT 4x4 Extended
3.0L V6 5 Spd
JVC Arsenal HU | Pioneer 6x8 | JL Audio 12w1 Subs | JL Audio 250/1 | JL Audio 300/4

yea, mines mounted on the back of the cab.


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my wiring needs to be cleaner, and i still need to move the fuze closer to the battery.

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So I figured before I show the horrific pictures of the frame, I'll do a quick summary of what has been done so far on my truck.

The rims were in rough shape, peeling/grimy/pitted/etc. As I would rather pay $10 for spray paint and sandpaper/wire wheels, I decided to clean them up.
This is the spare tire. I cleaned it and after a large amount of the rim was rusted off, I decided it would be better to replace it with a new spare.

I focused my time and efforts on the other four rims.
-Wire brushed with a drill
-there was some kind of clear coat paint (didn't look like chrome plating) that was flaking, so i scraped off and sanded as much of that down as I could
-Fine sanding to smooth it out
-A couple coats of Rustoleum Rim Paint, no clear coat yet, I really like the matte silver finish

Before cleaning:


After cleaning/sanding/scraping:


Taped off with a garbage bag:


A few coats later:


Before and after:


Sitting pretty:

__________________
RIP - Frame Rot
1999 Ranger XLT 4x4 Extended
3.0L V6 5 Spd
JVC Arsenal HU | Pioneer 6x8 | JL Audio 12w1 Subs | JL Audio 250/1 | JL Audio 300/4

nice rim recovery

Sub Enclosure Build:

Mocking the base up


Bottom and back together and it fits!
I can put up detail dimensions if anyone wants them. I have most of it cad'ed in Pro/Engineer (horrid software).


2" holes for sub terminals

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Here is the frame that couldn't pass inspection:

Some quick shots before I dropped it off at the welder's, rear driver side shackle:


A few too many holes...


Hard to make out, but the right side of the picture is where the shackle is bolted onto, and the frame is starting to bend!


Rusted out cross member:

__________________
RIP - Frame Rot
1999 Ranger XLT 4x4 Extended
3.0L V6 5 Spd
JVC Arsenal HU | Pioneer 6x8 | JL Audio 12w1 Subs | JL Audio 250/1 | JL Audio 300/4

Thanks!
I was surprised at how well the spray paint looks.
Friends say its "1000x better," which probably isnt say too much because they were in rough shape to start with...

__________________
RIP - Frame Rot
1999 Ranger XLT 4x4 Extended
3.0L V6 5 Spd
JVC Arsenal HU | Pioneer 6x8 | JL Audio 12w1 Subs | JL Audio 250/1 | JL Audio 300/4

wonder how well it will stick though

if i get ambitious once it gets warmer, i really wanted to paint the cut outs black:

and probably put a layer of clear coat on it

__________________
RIP - Frame Rot
1999 Ranger XLT 4x4 Extended
3.0L V6 5 Spd
JVC Arsenal HU | Pioneer 6x8 | JL Audio 12w1 Subs | JL Audio 250/1 | JL Audio 300/4