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  #1  
Old 06-06-2013, 06:06 AM
Logan03CO Logan03CO is offline
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Default Project Budget Buster

Well, this will sort of be a combination of a build thread & a recap of the 'larger' projects & work already installed.

I’ve received a few requests to recap some of the larger items done to my truck of the past couple years.

So here goes….

The ‘major’ transformation started in like May of 2012. I already had a bodylift installed, but was getting bored….

I jumped on a brand new RCD lift kit on Ebay. I have been toying with the idea of starting to go even bigger - mainly because I have been running out of ideas of what else to do with the truck. Then I woke up, and noticed this - I figured why the hell not!

It was the start of a very expensive couple weeks!

By the end of that same day, I ordered the Superlift driveshaft, front & rear 4.88 Yukon gears and a front Torsen LSD.

Then a few days later - I ordered the 6" Skyjacker Softride leaf springs to install instead of the standard rear RCD setup.

I also grabbed new 11.28" StopTech Cryo-Treated Slotted Brake Rotors & EBC Greenstuff 7000 Series SUV Supreme Heavy-Duty brake pads in order to install the RCD setup on my '03.

----------

Then, due to the backspacing on my current wheels at the time (4.5") I was going to need new wheels and tires when everything finally got installed. So because of that, I'm went ‘all out’ and grabbed five of the 15x9 Trail Ready HD Beadlocks (real ones - not 'simulation style') with 4" of backspacing.
Link: (http://www.trailready.com/wheels_HD.html).

I had them powder coated satin black, and got the locking ring with a black anodized finish (I selected the ‘Rock Ring’style). I'm figured that they would look pretty damn good with some brand new 35x12.5 Goodyear MT/R's wrapped around them!







----------

Then, some items started to show up:








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Then, the next weekend I purchased a very shiny 15# CO2 air system from Power Tank to refill my tires & related goodies. http://powertank.com/products/sfID1/13/productID/155






I then started to get some smaller items powdercoated:

I got the new center caps as well as the RCD support arms powdercoated satin black instead of the standard chrome.

Powdercoated RCD support bars (I'm not a fan of the standard 'shiny' ones - so I had them coated):


----------

Tire time was next: I pulled the trigger on five brand new 35"x12.5"x15" Goodyear MT/R's

I had the center pair of lugs siped (hard to see in the pictures) to help with packed snow & rain performance...but I stayed away from the side lugs to avoid potential ‘chunking’ when off-road.







Time to introduce the beadlocks to the tires: I had to trim a little along on the outer bead of the tire to allow it to sit properly on the outer beadlock lip. After almost an hour of using a rubber mallet & pry-bars to try to get it to fit over the lip - I came back inside and researched a few things, and people talked about having to remove part of the thick bead to get the MTR's to fit...so that's when the Dremel came out to hopefully speed things up.

Then, after looking at it all, I needed a 'bolt flange spacer' ring to make sure I still have the required 'metal to metal' contact since the bead on the MT/R's are so thick (≈ 3/4").

I ordered some custom machined one piece anti-cone ring's for them. I designed them on my computer - then contacted a machine shop to actually produce them. They will be powdercoated black and made out of 6061-T6 aluminum to replace the multi-piece plastic setup that Trailready offers.

The anti-cone ring fills some of the space between the beadlock sealing surface & the bead of the tire to prevent uneven stress & bending of the surface ring due to the height difference. You basically need them when using tires that have an overly thick bead. It should seal much better since it's a single solid piece. Going custom on this is pricey as all hell - but I figured I’m already into it a ton anyway, so what’s some more! LOL

After using some adult words – I got them fully mounted:






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Then in August of 2012 it became THE install weekend:

Start of the day...all loaded up (35's on beadlocks, rear springs, and the new RCD in the bed - brakes and everything else in the seat):





Reinforced & powdercoated differential bracket installed as well as the Superlift driveshaft in:





Bye-bye bump stop:




By the end of the weekend, the entire lift kit was installed...the rear disc conversion would have to wait for another weekend...but the majority of the 'visual' upgrades are all installed:





----------

Picture during its first alignment 'post lift':




Then I cleaned it up and took a few rare pictures:








I think I measured it before it was 100% done but I was around 45" for the front and like 46.5" on the back (give or take). I could easily adjust my coilovers to get the front higher (but I was being lazy) - Plus I'm sitting around 79"-80 to the top of the cab - which barely clears my garage door as it is!
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Former 2003 Ford Ranger owner - Build Thread for her: Project Budget Buster

Last edited by Logan03CO; 01-28-2014 at 10:30 AM.
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  #2  
Old 06-06-2013, 07:44 AM
86indy 86indy is offline
"Pick up Man" Joe diffy
 
Join Date: Aug 2012
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Default

YES! The time has come, you have a build thread for an amazing truck!
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2001 Ford Ranger Edge, 4.0L V6, 4x4, automatic, Extended cab, 165,000 miles, 8.8 rear axle, Auburn L/S, 4.10 gears, body lift, 32x11.5r15 falken wild peak A/T, head light mod, black honeycomb grille. 06+ corners, fx4 seats, led back up light

MODS TO COME: pillar gauges, recover seats, stereo and that it for now ................
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  #3  
Old 06-06-2013, 08:18 AM
black 06 ranger black 06 ranger is offline
can it get any better!
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 965
Default Re: Project Budget Buster

WOW.....just WOW. Thats one nice ranger!
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2006 Ranger. 2.3l 5 speed
Air box mod and throttle cable mod.
Tri-fold tonneau cover. VHT taillights. Tinted corner lights.
fog lights.black headlights.
LED driving lights, dome, 3rd breaklight, LED tailgate light bar and LED foot wells. LED tails.
4.10 stock gears[/COLOR]

My Build:

http://www.fordrangerforum.com/proje...ger-build.html
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  #4  
Old 06-06-2013, 08:48 AM
Tom Tom is offline
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Posts: 6,831
Default Re: Project Budget Buster

It's beautiful
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-3" Doetsch Spindle Lift


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  #5  
Old 06-06-2013, 09:00 AM
Greenroomsurfer Greenroomsurfer is offline
2008 Ranger Surfer
 
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 845
Default Re: Project Budget Buster

Holy crap what do you do for a living?
Nice build
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2008 Ranger XLT 4cly 2.3l, 2wd Fabtech 5.5 Bastard psck 31x10.5r15 BFG All Terrains, Smoked tail lights and front corners, Hid Headlights, Dumped Flowmaster 40 series, Air box mod, CB Radio 5ft Firestick,Blue Led in cab, New Memphis speakers Kenwood amp and stereo
Soon To be 8.8 4:10 ls Swap
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  #6  
Old 06-06-2013, 10:53 AM
Logan03CO Logan03CO is offline
No wire hangers, ever!

 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 10,362
Default Re: Project Budget Buster

Quote:
Originally Posted by 86indy View Post
YES! The time has come, you have a build thread for an amazing truck!
Quote:
Originally Posted by black 06 ranger View Post
WOW.....just WOW. Thats one nice ranger!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tom View Post
It's beautiful
Quote:
Originally Posted by Greenroomsurfer View Post
Holy crap what do you do for a living?
Nice build
LOL - Thanks guys!

Lots of hard work & money (lots & lots of money...lol) went into it!

I'm working on posting the next 'chapter' shortly.....
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Curent 2003 Ford Mustang Mach 1 owner - Build Thread for her: Logan's 2003 Mach 1

Former 2003 Ford Ranger owner - Build Thread for her: Project Budget Buster
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  #7  
Old 06-06-2013, 12:29 PM
Greenroomsurfer Greenroomsurfer is offline
2008 Ranger Surfer
 
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 845
Default Re: Project Budget Buster

At least the title perfectly explains it
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2008 Ranger XLT 4cly 2.3l, 2wd Fabtech 5.5 Bastard psck 31x10.5r15 BFG All Terrains, Smoked tail lights and front corners, Hid Headlights, Dumped Flowmaster 40 series, Air box mod, CB Radio 5ft Firestick,Blue Led in cab, New Memphis speakers Kenwood amp and stereo
Soon To be 8.8 4:10 ls Swap
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  #8  
Old 06-06-2013, 12:47 PM
Logan03CO Logan03CO is offline
No wire hangers, ever!

 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 10,362
Default Re: Project Budget Buster

Well, January of 2013 rolled around & I started to get that ‘itch’ again.

It started with a few little items: I ordered a Jimmi' Jammer & Gate Keeper setup from here - mainly because it was something that is made for my truck that I didn't already own! LOL

Up next was a bunch of Dynamat Xtreme - since I'll have everything apart to install the security products anyway.

Yes, the amount is overkill – but that’s my theme! lol

Plus, then maybe I'll actually install my '06+ mirrors I've had sitting in my garage for the past year!



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Curent 2003 Ford Mustang Mach 1 owner - Build Thread for her: Logan's 2003 Mach 1

Former 2003 Ford Ranger owner - Build Thread for her: Project Budget Buster

Last edited by Logan03CO; 11-08-2013 at 08:00 PM.
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  #9  
Old 06-06-2013, 05:46 PM
Logan03CO Logan03CO is offline
No wire hangers, ever!

 
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Posts: 10,362
Default Re: Project Budget Buster

Fast forward to March of 2013 – The next heavy round of 'improvements’ are just about underway:

I was talking with Jon the owner of Fearce Offroad (Fearce Offroad-Heavy Duty Winch Bumpers for Ford Trucks and SUV's) about making a heavy-duty bumper for my truck. I wanted a non-winch bumper (so it could mount nice and tight to the truck) but still fully reinforced so I can install a receiver mounted winch when desired.

From the time I first saw one of his bumpers - I knew I needed one. He has been great to work with, even during all my change requests & pesky little questions. LOL

They are not cheap and therefore not for everyone - but as you can tell from the rest of my truck, I'm a firm believer in the saying 'you get what you pay for' - and I never have a problem paying for this level of quality & craftsmanship.

He custom makes every bumper. Quality laser cut steel parts of his own design.

I 'tweaked' a few things to suit what I was after. I went with an upgraded 1/4" thick center section with the 3/16" side 'wings'. I was also looking for the receiver hitch to be located behind the license plate so it could be 'hidden' when not in use & slightly thicker shackle mounts.



Then I needed two sets of lights (for the upcoming bumper):

PIAA 5196 (Jegs - PIAA 5196) - 4'' Diameter, Intense White ATP (All-Terrain Pattern) Auxiliary Light Kit



PIAA 5296 (Jegs - PIAA 5296) - 6" Diameter, Xtreme White ATP (All-Terrain Pattern) Auxiliary Light Kit
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Curent 2003 Ford Mustang Mach 1 owner - Build Thread for her: Logan's 2003 Mach 1

Former 2003 Ford Ranger owner - Build Thread for her: Project Budget Buster

Last edited by Logan03CO; 11-08-2013 at 08:01 PM.
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  #10  
Old 06-07-2013, 03:57 AM
Logan03CO Logan03CO is offline
No wire hangers, ever!

 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 10,362
Default Re: Project Budget Buster

April 9th, 2013: I then pulled the trigger for the entire SCT Pro-Racer Package for my truck (SCT Pro-Racer Package - Purchase Page) & a few other related goodies.

This setup will allow me to fully write my own custom tunes for my Ranger and upload them via my Xcal3.

I will have tons of learning to do, but I also purchased a tuning guide and the PRP instructional DVD (PSP Instructional DVD & Tuning Manual - Purchase Page) to hopefully help a little.


Then, to complement the tuning software I also picked up the ZT-2 Zeitronix Wideband O2 sensor package w/ the optional remote display (Zeitronix Wideband O2 - Purchase Page).

Quote:
Originally Posted by LaSota Racing Website
The ZT-2 is easy to hook up; you can run it with or without a gauge. Without a gauge you connect it to a laptop with a serial port or a USB>Serial converter and use Zeitronix excellent standalone software to monitor the engine. The software alone makes it worth the price. It constantly scrolls the display, using several different user definable displays. You hit <Enter> to start logging and <enter> to stop logging. Simple. Then you can review the logs for the entire run by scrolling back. You can pinpoint lean or rich areas and figure out exactly where they are on the MAF curve since you will log A/F and MAF volts as well as any of the other available logging items. It's a true datalogger disguised as a wideband. You have the option of either a rectangular display, which can display A/F, Lambda, Boost and EGT at the same time or two different round gauge options.
I purchased all of this from Don @ LaSota Racing for just under $850. He had great customer service (like always).

He also gave me the full unlocked version of my tune he made for me back in August, so I can tweak anything I need and/or want to myself - Once I learn WTF I'm actually doing!

Since then, I've been checking out my SCT Pro-Racer Tuning Package & there is a fair amount of steps I have to do just to get it activated & ready for use! I have to mail the signature page for the license agreement from SCT before they will activate my tuning software - This software package comes with like a 14-page contract that you have to agree to!


I then purchased another complete training system for my tuning package to help me learn at least some of the details in both the software as well as overall tuning theory. It's from 'The Tuning School' which is the sole partner with SCT for custom tuning training.

Learn-At-Home Training Course $449: A Beginner’s Course for Tuning Ford Vehicles using SCT Advantage Software | The Tuning School


This should be an interesting learning event!
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Curent 2003 Ford Mustang Mach 1 owner - Build Thread for her: Logan's 2003 Mach 1

Former 2003 Ford Ranger owner - Build Thread for her: Project Budget Buster

Last edited by Logan03CO; 06-07-2013 at 04:05 AM.
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  #11  
Old 06-07-2013, 08:00 AM
Doctor Skittles Doctor Skittles is offline
Thin Blue Line
 
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Subscribed.
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  #12  
Old 06-07-2013, 08:52 AM
Logan03CO Logan03CO is offline
No wire hangers, ever!

 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 10,362
Default Re: Project Budget Buster

April 14th: I ordered a bunch more stuff for the next round on my truck:
  • Zeitronix - Multi Gauge (Red Digits, Black Bezel)
  • Zeitronix - MAP sensor (50 PSI / 3.5 Bar)
  • Zeitronix - Fuel Pressure sensor (150 PSI / 10 Bar)
  • Zeitronix - ZAVT-1 Warning/Trigger box
  • Zeitronix - 20' Harness for Oxygen Sensor
  • Zeitronix - 8' Harness for MAP Sensor
  • Zeitronix - 8' Harness for Fuel Pressure Sensor
  • Zeitronix - USB to Serial Data Adapter
  • Zeitronix - Misc. Items (Sensor Bung, Sensor Plug, Connectors etc.)
All of this stuff compliments and/or expands the abilities of the other items I purchased the week before (The Zeitronix ZT-2 Controller, wideband 02 Sensor & the Pro-Racing Package software from STC).


Zeitronix - ZT-2 Bundle (Complete On-Board Datalogger & Wideband O2 Sensor system):



Zeitronix - Multi Gauge, MAP Boost sensor, ZAVT-1 warning/trigger box & accessories:
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Curent 2003 Ford Mustang Mach 1 owner - Build Thread for her: Logan's 2003 Mach 1

Former 2003 Ford Ranger owner - Build Thread for her: Project Budget Buster

Last edited by Logan03CO; 11-08-2013 at 07:56 PM.
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  #13  
Old 06-07-2013, 09:00 AM
Devin-20 Devin-20 is offline
"FRF young'n"
 
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Default

Ive been waiting for this!! Sub'ed, and i like all that you've done so far.
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~1994
~Double lifted
~Purple
~Bauce Edition

-My build thread-
http://www.fordrangerforum.com/project-logs/74791-devins-94-xlt-build-thread.html
Quote:
Originally Posted by DustyXB
Cause he's a bauce!
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  #14  
Old 06-07-2013, 09:28 AM
Logan03CO Logan03CO is offline
No wire hangers, ever!

 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 10,362
Default Re: Project Budget Buster

Quote:
Originally Posted by Greenroomsurfer View Post
At least the title perfectly explains it
lol - Yeah, I thought the thread title was quite appropriate!

Quote:
Originally Posted by Devin-20 View Post
Ive been waiting for this!! Sub'ed, and i like all that you've done so far.
Thanks!
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Curent 2003 Ford Mustang Mach 1 owner - Build Thread for her: Logan's 2003 Mach 1

Former 2003 Ford Ranger owner - Build Thread for her: Project Budget Buster
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  #15  
Old 06-07-2013, 10:32 AM
Logan03CO Logan03CO is offline
No wire hangers, ever!

 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 10,362
Default Re: Project Budget Buster

April 15th: Well at this point, I think it’s just a matter of when it happens - I’m going to go with a supercharger setup based on the kit from RPCaster.

However, I’ll be going with a fair amount of upgrades right out of the gate.

I purchased the following items that day:
  • Supercharger Pulley Puller
  • Eaton M90 Eight Groove Keyed Pulleys (2.8" & 3.0")
  • Threaded Style IAT Sensor w/ Harness
  • Ford Racing - 90mm Mass Airflow Sensor (M-12579-L54)
  • Accufab - 75mm Polished Billet Aluminum Throttle Body
  • Bosch - 42lb/hr 'Green Giant' Injectors - 100% Flow Matched (Part #0280155968)
  • Anodized Aluminum 4" Air-Filter Adapter Flange for 90mm MAF's
  • Snow Performance - Water/Methanol Stage 2 MAF Boost Cooler Injection System
  • Snow Performance - Misc. Items (Bulkhead Fitting, Hose/Nozzle Mount Adapter)
The overall Water/Methanol system is triggered by either a boost switch (aka - comes on at 'x' psi of boost) - or can be triggered by the MAF sensor voltage (aka - comes on at 'x' CFM of airflow).

My system will be based off the MAF sensor voltage, but takes it a bit further and is a progressive injection system. Instead of it being an 'all or nothing' type of system - mine will actually ramp-up the injection as needed. It reads the Mass Air voltage and adjusts water/methanol output accordingly. So basically, at a certain airflow I will have the pump running @ 10% capacity, but when the demand is higher it will increase to the full 100% capacity.

It was going to be a good couple weeks for package deliveries!
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Curent 2003 Ford Mustang Mach 1 owner - Build Thread for her: Logan's 2003 Mach 1

Former 2003 Ford Ranger owner - Build Thread for her: Project Budget Buster

Last edited by Logan03CO; 06-07-2013 at 10:36 AM.
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