Vogenitz69's Modernized Leisure Ranger - Page 2

Vogenitz69 · #16 05-28-2013, 04:29 PM

Explorer is here!

Vogenitz69 · #17 05-31-2013, 07:17 PM

Took the CD and cassette radio from the explorer and put it in my ranger. Looking stock while using my iPhone

Dissected the explorer of its blemishes. Time to get my new parts

Stewart · #18 05-31-2013, 09:22 PM

I like what you're doing here. It's a cool idea. Will be following this one.

FRF for iOS

Vogenitz69 · #19 06-01-2013, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stewart

I like what you're doing here. It's a cool idea. Will be following this one.

FRF for iOS

Thank you!

Vogenitz69 · #20 05-26-2014, 08:19 PM

Haven't updated this in forever. Nothing too new. Got a well paying job for the summer and am racking up some cash so I can get this v8 thrown in my truck and get this wrecked explorer out of my back yard. Only thing I've done so far, even though it's been months since the install has been the 06+ mirrors and tails and installed a dual exhaust that lately has been just a little bit too loud at times.
Took a ride in my buddies 03 stock ranger 2wd and jumped back in mine. My truck is living proof that you can improve ride quality with the right mods. Between the Bilstein Shocks, plump 265/70/15 Michelin Touring tires, and the added Rear Sway bar, I can honestly say that my truck is probably one of the smoothest riding Ranger's on the road. Steering is as responsive as the throttle with my tuner and cable mod, speed bumps and fairly sized potholes can go almost unnoticed at times because of the absorbent shocks and plush tires (along with my comfy coil sprung 2wd front suspension).
I've been tossing around the idea of converting the truck to AWD and have pretty much come to the conclusion that I just won't drive during winter storms unless absolutely necessary. Although it's going to be a v8, gas mileage is going to be one of the main goals when building it. I have also tossed around the idea of a low PSI turbo for the v8 to make it run more efficiently and to achieve an ecoboost like feel when pressing down on the pedal. Upgrading the headers is 100% in the plans and will probably be done during the install. If I can achieve the stock ratings for my 3.0 with the v8 my goal will have been met, and if I can get the gas mileage that I get now with my tuner and larger tires (16.5 city/23-24 hwy) I will yell at myself for not swapping in the v8 sooner.
Most likely before I even start saving for a turbo I will start the interior modifications. I plan on replacing the rubber seals on all four doors and possibly adding more where needed to silence the smacking sound our trucks make when we close the doors. A system will also be in the works. All speakers will be reinforced with a soft rubber or foam to stop the rattling they make at louder volumes with the bass turned up. The truck is going to sound crystal clear and have a nice mild bump to it with probably an 8in sub with the amp configured to not make my truck sound and feel like I have dual 12's but to sound more like the newer ford audio systems such as the one in the 07+ mustangs.
The interior will not be changed to black as I had stated in my OP but I do plan on installing tan leather power seats that, if I have to, I will modify them to have at least a 1 setting heat to it. Also I will be swapping out my steering wheel to the newer more modern steering wheels rangers have. After that I will have my front 2 windows tinted to match the back 3 so that my truck stays cooler during the summer and have a little big more privacy when I need it.
Simply whenever I get to it (any time after the v8 install) I will be installing a 3in body lift (since a suspension would be stupid since my truck is 2wd and I'm only doing this for cosmetic looks not performance) and purchasing 2 sets of 33's (preferably 33/10.5) and/or the metric equivalent. One set will be a more street/highway focused tire that I will run during the summer/travel months and a more rugged all terrain/off road capable tire that will keep me fairly gripped on the road during the winter months. The truck is going to be a beast, hands down. Any questions or suggestions anyone may have feel free to comment. I'm open to anything and if anything needs further explanation I have no problem doing so. I love talking about my truck

Lariat · #21 05-26-2014, 08:41 PM

pull 5.0 out of xploder do work while its on the stand, drop in ranger. profit. lol! Also, FI on that 5.0 will throw fuel economy out the window...

RagerTom · #22 05-26-2014, 08:42 PM

Plush tires??? Like memory foam?

Vogenitz69 · #23 05-27-2014, 05:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RagerTom

Plush tires??? Like memory foam?

feels like it. They are passenger tires so they are a less condensed rubber making them more absorbant compared the LT tires that are reinforced to support max payload. Rides best at 28psi front 32 back. Currently have them over inflated because of my recent long highway travels and the extra load in the back (aka moving back home from college)

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Lariat

pull 5.0 out of xploder do work while its on the stand, drop in ranger. profit. lol! Also, FI on that 5.0 will throw fuel economy out the window...

The biggest problem with these engines and performance/mpg is a combination of the smallest injectors possible for the engine and the rough and poorly designed headers they slapped to the bottom end. Fixing both of those show the potential that these engines actually have with fuel injection And yield a solid 15 restricted horsepower and torque. With proper tuning and (for the hell of it) some 1.6 roller rockers, I am strongly convinced that I can achieve better than expected MPG.

Lariat · #24 05-27-2014, 09:50 PM

Pulling more than 14 out of a turbo 5.0 in a truck will be impressive.

Vogenitz69 · #25 05-28-2014, 03:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lariat

Pulling more than 14 out of a turbo 5.0 in a truck will be impressive.

The turbo is still up in the air. I'm still doing my research on them and trying to find out which one will fit my needs best.

Vogenitz69 · #26 07-27-2014, 06:51 AM

Front Brakes in about 2 weeks, 1.6 rollers the week after then 5.0 2-3 weeks after. Setting up dates with local shop for the brakes/swap and with my buddy to help me do the rollers. Just want someone there in case something goes wrong

Vogenitz69 · #27 10-23-2014, 04:42 PM

Well as usual things never go as planned. Time flies by while having school, a job and a girlfriend. Turns out that Tuesdays are my best day to get work done on my truck. But anyway..... The plan is to have a fully functional 5.0l v8 with a manual trans behind it. All while trying to look stock and stay ford for the most part. So yesterday I picked up my manual transmission; M5OD-r2 from a 97 f150 v6. A fair 130k miles on it but it's a manual so I'm not too worried about that and for $200 I don't mind having to get another In order to make the v8 fit on my 2wd coil sprung suspension I needed to get custom motor mounts. Thankfully through a couple weeks of research, joining a couple new forums and Facebook stalking, I managed to get ahold of Joe from ranger forums who used to manufacture and sell the custom motor mounts. For 55$ I had them shipped to my door. They came in today and I was very excited

Vogenitz69 · #28 10-23-2014, 04:56 PM

Today I also ordered a Brute Power Flywheel for a 96 5.0 manual v8 and the corresponding 3/8-16 bolts w/ the 1/4" hex. Next week I plan on ordering the master and slave. The one in my cart now comes pre bled and the reviews claim it's install and drive so hopefully that's the case!

Vogenitz69 · #29 10-28-2014, 04:19 PM

Bolts and flywheel today

Vogenitz69 · #30 10-29-2014, 05:30 PM

Prebled master and slave