Scott B's 93 Ranger XLT V8

[Scott B.]

Actually, less....

I would like to put 1000 or more miles on the engine before the trek west.

 

[Scott B.]

The Tranny is in!

The transmission is in! I also replaced the engine mounts.

Unfortunately, I might have to drop the trans to clearance the transmission tunnel...

 

[Scott B.]

Battery Cables

I've had new battery cables on the shelf, waiting for an opportune moment to install them. I was also planning on replacing the battery connectors with military style ones.

The starter on a 4.0L is on the driver's side - on a 302, it is on the passenger's side. This means the 2 leads need to be lengthened to cross over the engine.

Changing the battery connector ends actually made lengthening the cables a fairly easy task.

Pictures:

- Factory cables
- New factory positive cable assembly
- New aftermarket negative cable assembly
- Modified cables

 

[Scott B.]

Engine Mounts

Instead of paying $200 for a set of aftermarket engine mounts, I decided to build mounting plates and use factory 4.0L engine mounts. Others have done it in the past, so I figure it will work just fine.

I found one detailed drawing (specifying hole location, etc.) - only one. I thought it best to make my own.

I have a "spare" small block borrowed from the machine shop - that is the one you see in the pictures. I dropped the block into the truck, attached it to the transmission, checked for clearances.

 

[Scott B.]

Next, I made templates out of cardboard.

 

[Scott B.]

Templates went to steel.

What you see here is a small block mounted in the truck!

We're getting there!

 

[mjmcdowell]

Scots "new truck"

Scott, lookin good can't wait to see the "transformation" nice fab work. Soooooo when you get a little spare time hows about some sliders for my truck? Michael

 

[Scott B.]

At some point, I am going to build a set for mine. Maybe I should build 2 sets???

 

[mjmcdowell]

Sliders????

Hmmmm..... Scott, we will have to talk, would rather pay you than someone else... Michael

 

[Scott B.]

Pulled the Trans again...

I pulled the transmission out again today.

I sprayed undercoating on the top of the transmission tunnel (along the flange that was bent out of the way.) I really don't want that area to rust.

Also, I trimmed the breather tube. As it sat, the breather tube was less than 1/2" from the underside of the body. There was not enough room for a hose. I trimmed about 1/2" off the tube - now, a hose should fit easily. (And, the body will keep it from slipping off!)

 

[Scott B.]

I have decided to raise the engine 1/2".

The oil pan sump interferes with the Rancho TTB pivot bracket. One option is to cut the corner out of the pan - but, the pickup is there as well as a drain plug. Not cutting the oil pan is a good idea.

The EGR fitting on the header is not in a good place. (Mustangs have a different under-hood layout.) I'm not sure if a tight 90 degree fitting will fit under the heater box - I'm sure it won't when I raise the engine.

This particular header has a manufacturing flaw - because of the way the EGR fitting was welded, (sloppily) there are only 3 threads available on the fitting. Not enough for a successful connection. So, I am returning these.

I've been looking at BBK headers - I believe the EGR fitting is in a different place. I should find out tomorrow. If this is the case, I will probably get a set. If not, I am considering getting a set of headers without the EGR fitting, adding my own, then coating them. We shall see.

 

[96exp5.0]

Awesome looking job I want to see how the headers turn out installed i want to put a set on my explorer. Keep me posted.

 

[mjmcdowell]

Scott's truck transformation...........

YEAH BABY.............!!!!!!!!

 

[Scott B.]

Time for some updates...

I finished separating the engine and chassis wiring harnesses, and reinstalled the chassis harness.

The tagged wires will attach to the new engine harness.

 

[Scott B.]

I had to relieve the A/C box to make room for the valve cover. (Unfortunately, this turned out to not be enough, and I had to modify again, with the engine in place.)

 

[Scott B.]

I cleaned and painted the frame rails with POR-15 chassis paint.

Great stuff! I painted the frame that is directly under the engine and/or difficult to get to when the engine is in place. I will paint the remainder of the frame "later."

 

[Scott B.]

It's in!!!!!

The engine is now installed!

(More pictures can be found in the engine build thread: link, post 94.

 

[Scott B.]

New A/C Relief Plate

As I mentioned earlier, I had to re-do the A/C relief plate.

The pictures show the first part of the process.

First, the new, larger hole I cut around the engine. It was a PITA to get to.

The new plate I built/bent.

At the last minute, I decided to apply some pipe insulation tape to the backside of the aluminum. Hopefully, that will limit the aluminum from drawing cold air out of the box.

The new plate installed. There is a bead of sealer behind the plate. Once that dries, I am going to add a bead on the outside, filling the gaps. Once that dries, I will apply 2 layers of foil tape.

 

[Scott B.]

New steering shaft

I installed a Flaming River steering shaft: link

 

[1 of the last]

This build is looking great. Thanks for sharing, Scott!