ranger question

[wishihadastang125]

im about to buy an 85 ranger 4x4 that has a good horsepower 302. im buying it from a friend for a grand. it has an 8 inch lift on 33's. but ever since he bought it i picture taking all the 4x4 crap off & using the motor for what its worth. my question is: do any of yall know any websites for 83-88 rangers w/ v8 swaps. or do any of yall know anything about these trucks.

james

 

[wishihadastang125]

ttt

 

[proxses]

Since I have a 5.0 Ranger I might be of some help.
I know of some sites, but they mostly tell you how to get the motor in the truck, which sounds done, so you may not need the sites.
What do you want to know?

 

[chaka]

www.therangerstation.com

I am sure there are other sites as well.

If you are intent on yanking the 5.0 then you should sell the chassis for a grand then you have yourself a free engine.

 

[wishihadastang125]

i mainly want to know where i can get a new front end (suspension). including k-member a-arms. also what all would i need to convert it from 4 wheel drive to a regular front end. also where could i get headers. also would the 4x4 tranny be stronger than say i stock c-4. & the last also how do i find out what size rear end it has?

 

[chaka]

i mainly want to know where i can get a new front end (suspension). including k-member a-arms. also what all would i need to convert it from 4 wheel drive to a regular front end. also where could i get headers. also would the 4x4 tranny be stronger than say i stock c-4. & the last also how do i find out what size rear end it has?

That site has a forum. Why do you want to be rid of the 4x4? You may be better off finding a stock 2wd Ranger and swapping the engine, any old ranger. Then all you would need is the right tailshaft and driveshaft. I am sure deleting the 4x4 can be done, but there are people out there that would pay good money for that frame. Just my .02.


www.therangerstation.com should have the info you need.

 

[proxses]

There is no k-member on a Ranger, at least not like the Mustang.
The front suspension is an i-beam setup. All you need is 4x2 i-beams, springs and shocks. You could get lowering beams, if you don't want stock. How is the steering setup now? Does it have a dropped pitman arm, or is it custom? The problem is how was it lifted? It should have a drop bracket that will unbolt.
What kind of suspension is on it now?
For the rear end, check the axle to see how many steps down it has. But most likely in '85 it had a 7.5 rear, which might blow up. I destroyed mine.
What kind of headers are on it now?
The problem with a swap is that only certain parts will fit. If the guy who did the swap used, say L&L motor mounts, then only L&L headers willfit without modification. Find out as much as you can about the swap. Then come ask more questions.
Or email me at [email protected]

You can also read up at:
www.rangerpowersports.com
www.fordranger.com/v8.html
and the previously mentioned rangerstation.

Also, what is your goal out of this truck?

 

[wishihadastang125]

my goal out of the truck is to get it into drag form which wont be hard when i find out what parts i need & where to get them. suspension wise. i want to do the suspension when i get into the airforce w/ my signing bonus. then totally restore it, like paint body interior ect...

 

[goldbomb79]

i'd say look at rangerpowersports.com

 

[proxses]

Then I'd find an old beak 4 cylinder and put the motor in that, and sell the 4x4 frame. You might be able to make money on the deal.
For suspension, the front i-beam setup will be ok. For the back, I would say ladder bars or a 4link and some coilovers.
The frame will need a welded in cage to be strong enough.Otherwise you will get so much flex, you won't be able to plant the power.
That should get you started.