Project R15X

[90ranajo]

Interesting weekend it was.

First the good:
Got the coilovers mounted. Even had it sitting on its own weight.

The not so good:
Still waiting on my steering links to get back from the machine shop.

The Bad:
Need to remove the passenger side link mount from the frame and move it forward some it get in the proper position.

The interesting/humorous:
Some friends of Matt's neighbor got pulled over by 2 Sheriffs not 15 feet from their driveway. Not sure what for. May have do with his Cali lifted Ranger that was loaded up with a riding lawn mower in the bed with the tailgate down and the 25' boat that he was towing. The Sheriffs ended up towing/impounding his boat and let him go on his way with a ticket or two.

I tell ya, the Sheriffs out here drive some nicely equipped Expeditions.

The Rant:
[rant]What the hell is up with these moron drivers on HWY 67? (For those that don't know, its a 2 lane highway with a 55MPH limit with passing lanes here and there.) These idiots drive 45-50 in the no passing zone (slower if its uphill), then speed up to 55-60 when they come upon the passing lane. Do these morons not know what cruise control is?[/rant]

Also I think I've finally got the Ranger 8.8 sold along with my other D44.

 

[RockRanger]

Whats the plan this weekend? If all goes well with fleights I will be back tomorrow evening.

 

[90ranajo]

Should be picking up my steering links today or tomorrow.

The goal this weekend is to double check all the measurements and get the trans mounted.

 

[Kirby N.]

Wow I just read the whole thread. Sweet build. I dig the TNT truss. I have had my eyes on them for a while. Looking forward to the end product. My ranger is going under the knife soon. Sick of a lame DD. 2x4 Rangers with 4.0s are even cooler than 4x4s! Less weight. Mine won't be 2x4 for long though.

 

[90ranajo]

Got the front end sitting sitting on its own weight on its new shoes:

Need to adjust everything, plumb up the brake and trans cooling lines and shorten the front drive shaft. the tires stick out about 4-4.5" out from the fenders!

 

[Stic-o]

Got the front end sitting sitting on its own weight on its new shoes:

Need to adjust everything, plumb up the brake and trans cooling lines and shorten the front drive shaft. the tires stick out about 4-4.5" out from the fenders!

what's your back spacing? and are you on 15's or 17's?

 

[90ranajo]

they're 17x8 with 4.5" backspacing and 0" offset.

 

[Turdle]

That looks very good!! I know I already owe you a ton of favors-but if I could get you to take a couple of shots of your panhard bar brackets please? Can I also see how far forward they are?

 

[90ranajo]

That looks very good!! I know I already owe you a ton of favors-but if I could get you to take a couple of shots of your panhard bar brackets please? Can I also see how far forward they are?

the axle side is about 3" forward of axle center line and at a height approx equal to the high steer arms.

the frame side is approx equal in drop the the pitman arm and pushed outside the frame enough to get the same bar length as the steering is.

 

[DB_1]

Man that looks good Are the links installed?

 

[90ranajo]

Man that looks good Are the links installed?

Yep. All links are installed, just need some adjusting and fine tuning. The full weight of the truck is now distributed between the 2 jack stands in the rear and the front tires.

I also got a trans crossmember fab'd up and installed.

 

[Diff Whack Daddy]

Lookin' good.

 

[Turdle]

I also got a trans crossmember fab'd up and installed.

Visual input required

 

[Stic-o]

they're 17x8 with 4.5" backspacing and 0" offset.

Same as me...I guess the Explorers really are wider.

 

[Kirby N.]

they're 17x8 with 4.5" backspacing and 0" offset.

Is it possible to have an 8" wide rim with 4.5" of backspacing and 0" offset? Doesn't it have to either be 4" backspacing or .5" offset?

 

[90ranajo]

Same as me...I guess the Explorers really are wider.

You also have to take into account that I'm running a '79 F250 8-lug axle. And as such they're a few inches wider than a standard F150 axle.

 

[RangerX]

Is it possible to have an 8" wide rim with 4.5" of backspacing and 0" offset? Doesn't it have to either be 4" backspacing or .5" offset?

That's what I'm thinking... :scratch:

Looks good, Bob!

 

[90ranajo]

That's what I'm thinking... :scratch:

Looks good, Bob!

Part #: BRW-997788045
Size: 17x8
Bolt Pattern: 8x6.5
Offset: 0
Rear Spacing: 4 1/2"
Load Rating: 3650

 

[Stic-o]

You also have to take into account that I'm running a '79 F250 8-lug axle. And as such they're a few inches wider than a standard F150 axle.

How is that possiable if I have your old shafts and they are the same length as mine

Edit... nevermind you gave me the axles from the '71 I think.

 

[90ranajo]

Got the CV flange and t-case disk mounted:

Front drive shaft installed (Apparently a '79 F250 HP44 does not take '79 F250 HP44 u-joint straps, but '68-86 Chevy straps!?):

Left and Right soft lines mounted to axle:

And I think I've got track bar and steering links all adjusted pretty close now too. Axle is centered, tires have just a touch of toe in and steering goes lock to lock on the axle stops.

Also picked up a e-brake handle for $6 at the junk yard from some rice burner thing. I don't think I wanna be a passenger in my truck; the trans tunnel hump is getting crowded! (prospective location):