94 SFA Ranger

[RatRod68]

Here is the truck whose nickname is D-Ranged.

Basically it started as a bone stock 1994 Ranger.




Well, then i got the 4by itch, and decided to do a small lift and run 33's




Then that wasn't good enough (why, i dont know, but i wanted it different)

So i decided to go full width, with a Dana 44 I beam suspension from a 93 big bronco and a 9" from a 79 F100 2wd.




I never finished the swap. It was in, but it was not safe to drive, just not good at all. since it wasn't safe, time for ANOTHER rebuild. This time a straight axle, coil overs, and an engine cage.



Then I remembered i wasn't a big fan of the 93-97 style front end, soooo i changed it.



Then i added flares, new grille, bumper, and a winch.



Then I went to Maaco for a cheap paint job



Then i put everything back together and went playing...

[RatRod68]

Well, the truck gets wheeled. And wheeled hard. about 3 months ago i overheated the power steering, the engine, and the clutch, all while being stuck. it took two Jeeps, a winch, a big ass tow strap, and some body damage to get me out



Then I blew it up. Cracked both heads. Since it was down, i rebuilt the front suspension, reworked the rear a little, and rebuilt the top end of the motor.



Took about a month for everything with school and work, but i got it done just in time to drive the 800 miles to Moab, UT.

[RatRod68]

[RatRod68]

story of my life man.

[jcaugmented]

This rig is pretty cool man!

[RatRod68]

Thanks man. Its a blast! It's my DD out here in Cali. Once i get back to KY.... teardown!

[72BlckButy]

Awesome pictures!!!!

[RatRod68]

The ranger actually got muddy...


Little more body damage...

[jcaugmented]

Damage always sucks!

[RatRod68]

ah, its just a part of life if you go rock crawling. lol

[jcaugmented]

Thats true. A friend of mine who has a Sidekick all crazied out says the same thing... I couldnt handle it.

[RatRod68]

TRUST ME, it takes a lot of getting used to. I have always dealt with slammed big body trucks and all you want is clean lines, no rust, and no dents.

With this one, its more of, I just want it to look somewhat presentable. lol

[84SierraClassic]

The way I see it, dents, scrapes, dings add character. They tell everyone looking at your rig that you're serious about what you do.

BTW, nice name for your wheeler.

[RatRod68]

Thanks buddy!

[RatRod68]

well, the Ranger is in a sad state right now... I cracked two more of the alluminum rims, and the tires keep going flat. Its still covered in mud, and has an exhaust leak. I did take out the alluminum spacers from the front of the truck. The power steering pump is acting up again, and the tierod is making all kinds of noise. I guess 3 trips offroad in 3 weekends was a little too much for the ol gal.

[84SierraClassic]

Keep us posted!

[RatRod68]

bought the new tires. Going to pick them up tomorrow. Here is a teaser shot...

[84SierraClassic]

Noice, those will do ya good

[RatRod68]

Update!!

Went to go get the tires last night, not a great idea considering one of the cracked rims is on the truck still....

About 30 miles down the road, this happens....



I was running around 70 on the freeway and the tire blew out. no warning, just all the sudden i had no control and tire chunks were flying everywhere. Almost came face to ass with a Semi, but managed to get it off the road.

Called AAA, and they came to my rescue...


And my ol lady made me pose for Facebook


Ended up going back and getting her dad's Edge and took it up there to get the tires. Yes, I fit 4 37's in the back of a Ford Edge. Comfortably. I am debating on picking one of these up for a DD....

A trip that should've taken around 3 hrs, took 7. ugh.... At least i got tires now...

[jcaugmented]

WOW man! Glad your ok.

[RatRod68]

thanks buddy!

[84SierraClassic]

Wow, blew the front even. Nice job keeping things under control. Glad to hear everything turned out ok though :thumbsup

[RatRod68]

got the new tires and wheels on, but now i have the worst death wobble in the world. WTH???

[RatRod68]

Well, this weekend i ordered my new coil over springs. Went with a 200 spring. Hopefully that will help out in the flexy department. Taking the truck out to Hellfire Fab this week. Moving the front axle forward 2", lowering the front an inch, and adding a traction bar to the rear.

Might even move the tank to the bed. Haven't made up my mind on that yet.

Also going to get a new rear driveshaft made. The one that is in it is pretty beat up. Just going to use it as a spare.

BTW,

Here is the most recent pic of the truck after cleaning it up, and adding some BBs to the tires. Still has a little bit of DW, but at least its driveable again now.

[jcaugmented]

a steering stabilizer will help with the DW, especially since your using the factory gear box.