Project TNT...

[Stang5lgt]

Project Torque 'N' Teal(factory paint color). 92 Ford Ranger 4.0L 5 speed(helping a friend with his rig). This will probably the first of many SAS swap Rangers. :biggrin: Let's get to the goodies.


Short bed regular cab. Wheeling friendly 107 inch wheel base.
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c16/Stang5lgt/IMAG0232.jpg

First order of business Explorer disc brake 8.8 axle swap, 4.56 gears, E locker, and Riddler cover...
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c16/Stang5lgt/IMAG0233.jpg

Next we picked up some monster 63 inch( about 6 inches long then stock) Chevy 1500 leaf springs 40 bucks at the JY for a set. We decided we wanted mad flex.
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c16/Stang5lgt/IMAG0237.jpg

[Stang5lgt]

We had to move the bed to make it easier to move the front spring hanger.
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c16/Stang5lgt/IMAG0245.jpg

Brackets new location...
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c16/Stang5lgt/IMAG0247.jpg

Now the back was sitting back on rear axle we move to the front. Here are some of the parts...
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c16/Stang5lgt/IMAG0250.jpg

[Stang5lgt]

Front twin traction beam removed...
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c16/Stang5lgt/IMAG0252.jpg

New trussed high pinion Dana 30 with relocated coil perches...
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c16/Stang5lgt/IMAG0251.jpg

Axle set up underneath...
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c16/Stang5lgt/IMAG0259.jpg

[Stang5lgt]

Frame bracket fabbed up...
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c16/Stang5lgt/IMAG0258.jpg

Pass side lower long arm mocked up...
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c16/Stang5lgt/IMAG0261.jpg

Drivers side low loose fit. You can see even the stock drive shaft reaches...
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c16/Stang5lgt/IMAG0262.jpg

This is so much easier then the Merc that there is a good chance it will road worthy by next week. Only major things I have left are upper arm for the front Y link, track bar, steering(it already has steering box just have to build the links and drill out for 5/8" bolts), and sway bars.

[Stang5lgt]

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c16/Stang5lgt/IMAG0266.jpg

Coil retainers done on the top...
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c16/Stang5lgt/IMAG0267.jpg

Sitting on tires checking ride height. Going to try some different coils.
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c16/Stang5lgt/IMAG0268.jpg

The rear is 4 inches lower right now but should be 3 inches higher after new shackles and the perches are changed to raised anti warp perches.
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c16/Stang5lgt/IMAG0269.jpg

[Stang5lgt]

Track bar...
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c16/Stang5lgt/IMAG0271.jpg
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c16/Stang5lgt/IMAG0272.jpg
Steering...
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c16/Stang5lgt/IMAG0273.jpg
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c16/Stang5lgt/IMAG0274.jpg


http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c16/Stang5lgt/IMAG0275.jpg
Pretty close to being done. Need a few parts for the brakes and some bolts. Figure out the shocks. But that stuff is all easy. Right now I have between 10-12 hours in the front. Has to be one the easiest SAS there is.

[Stang5lgt]

Should be taking it for test drive later today. The brake lines came in and few other parts we have been waiting for. Can't wait!

[glacierpaul]

Looks sweet so far......like those wheels too!

[Brody]

Looking good! I always heard that the Ranger SAS were really easy. Looks very straight forward.

[Cr33p3r]

I always heard that the Ranger SAS were really easy. Looks very straight forward.

Only on the older models as the newer ones w/ torsion bars are a lot more involved. More junk to cut off the frame than the older ones.

[Fordguy77]

Only on the older models as the newer ones w/ torsion bars are a lot more involved. More junk to cut off the frame than the older ones.

Yup probably the only good thing about the TTB setup is the coil springs haha.

Great Build! I Am building a 91 Ranger Extra Cab With the 4.0L and a 5spd. But i am going the Cut and Turn Route instead of a SAS. Granted my ranger is more for DD mild wheeling and a work rig, than anything else.

[Popsgarage]

Lookin' good, but I'll have to agree with Joe on the track bar. You really want it to be close to the same length as the drag link, and runnin' about the same angle. Put about a 1 1/2" to 3" S bend in it and get it right next to the passenger coil. That'll drop it under the x-member and make the two links about the same length. By the way, how much time do you guys have into this? I may need you to come over and motivate me.

[mattzj98]

Finally getting done? =)

[Fordguy77]

looks good. thinking the track bar is a bit short though. would respond mush better with a longer bar. the rule of thumb is to have the track bar the same length as the drag link so the dont oppose each other.

very col though. i always liked those older rangers. is this one a v6? any other plans?

Yeah he has the 4.0L V6
Its a great little torque motor for what it is.

[Stang5lgt]

I have excact same length of track bar on the Merc. Seems to flex ok. And no bump steer.

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c16/Stang5lgt/709.jpg

As far as time. I have about 10 hours in front suspension. Maybe 20 hours total by the end of the day. I have had Austin doing most of the work. He probably has about 40 hours. But he is learning some stuff as we go. :cool:

[Cr33p3r]

I understand the track bar being more centered like you did it, that offers more flex than being further out (more of a center pivot point), I am surprised tho that you don't have the bumpsteer. An idea I am going to have to look at more closely for my ranger.

[Stang5lgt]

LOL what a great day! We got it driveable. 4.88 gears are in. Brakes hooked up and bleed. Austin was out messing around the parking lot. Got a couple flex shots. And then I told him to bring it back into the shop. He didn't listen and was busy playing next we know a fuel line blew at the tank. LMAO Poor Austin finally got a chance to play with the truck and to have fuel line break. So I had to tow it back into the shop and we called it a day.

Here are some pics.
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c16/Stang5lgt/IMAG0306.jpg

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c16/Stang5lgt/IMAG0310.jpg

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c16/Stang5lgt/IMAG0309.jpg

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c16/Stang5lgt/IMAG0308.jpg

[Stang5lgt]

The Merc has no bump steer at all. I can hit a pot hole at 60 mph and no feed back. Love it. I seen someone else do the center TB and he seemed to love it figured I would give it a shot. I think you have to have it pretty high on the axle to get to to work correctly. Merc is my DD I have put 11k miles on it so far since the SAS. If you are ever in the area I will let you take for a spin.

[Stang5lgt]

Here is vid of Austin driving it. As you can see he is happier then a pig in mud. LOL


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k9uDxJadKCY

Still need to do shocks and the front sway bar. In the next couple week should have it ready to hit the road.

[Popsgarage]

Sweet. I get down to Parker on occasion, so I'll take you up on that.

[Stang5lgt]

Just let me know when you are heading South.

[Stang5lgt]

Finally getting done? =)
LOL yeah getting close! How do you like that Spartan locker? I am getting ready to install a couple more in the next week and half.

[TNT]

TNT is finally road worthy!! New head lights, front shocks, t-case shift motor. Much more to come!

[TNT]

Only a couple minor things that need to be done... Front shock hoops, modify e-brake line, front sway bar disconnects... Getting tags this week.

[Brody]

Post up what you do to modify the E brake cable if you would. Need a couple of ideas for Chris' Frank.

Thanks for the update. That is going to be one sweet ride.

[TNT]

The steering kit was made by my buddy stang I believe it is 1 1/2" DOM wall tubing with all heim joints. I will be doing a hydro assit steering with an F-150 steering box next month just to ensure that I can turn the steering wheel with ease.

[TNT]

Just picked up an ebay intake not to exciting but its always nice to see more parts coming in...

[mattzj98]

love the locker Josh! it works.. what more can i ask for :)

[TNT]

I couldn't agree more!! The truck has really takin a turn for the better! It orignally had a 4" maybe 5" lift (superlift) from previous owner and had very minumal flex... Now it really has a ton of flex and is super strong. The front hp dana 30 that is trussed should be pleanty strong for 35" tires(currently 33"). Might take it out and do some super easy wheeling this weekend as it hasn't seen dirt in 3 years!! :lmao:

[Stang5lgt]

The steering is .250" wall 1.5" DOM round tube the heims are rated at 42k lbs shear. I have the same setup on the Merc and it is holding up well. To test it I jacked the front end up on the Merc the tie rod bowed but did not bend. As soon as I put it back on the ground the tie rod went right back normal. DOM is awesome!

[Cr33p3r]

Austin it is looking good dude, what rancho shocks are those I still need to get some for the front of my ranger.

[TNT]

Those are rancho 9000x pro series shocks. I will only have those shocks in the front and for the rear I'm going to use the 9000xl rancho's. The main reason I went with rancho's is because of the warranty if they ever leak I can always send them back and get new ones.

[Cr33p3r]

Nice! I will check them out, I am going to be running out of room soon as I still need to do bump stops on it also.

[Popsgarage]

Hopefully it's nice out this weekend and we can get some more work done on it.

[TNT]

TNT went to slaughter house on sunday! Just wanted to do an easy trail to check for any issues and all I can say is wow! What a beast! Everything worked great no issues at all! Its about an hour drive to slaughter house and a two hour trail. So driving the truck for four hours is a pretty good test I think! Anyways more to come but I couldnt be happier with it at this point! O and I didnt even turn the locker on! Haha

[Popsgarage]

Sweet!:thumb:

[Cr33p3r]

That is great news!

[Stang5lgt]

Sweet!!! Should have taken more pics! Text me when you get up I could use a hand today.

[TNT]

TNT was rather scary at 65 to 70 had a feeling that it was the drive shaft so I had Bill at Englewood drive shaft build be a new one and what a difference!! Old verses new....

[TNT]

So now that I have finished building the truck for the most part... The main question I get is how is it on the highway? Well it has has no problem doing this and still running smooth as silk! Btw the speedo is off I'm only doing roughly 80ish...

[TNT]

Also got to see all of my hard work payoff drove it to Grand Junction from Denver and wheeled on it all day (Billings Trail) and hard work does payoff! Plus having a good buddy to help you build is required! :lmao:

Nothing like seeing a almost 20 year old truck showing a couple of expensive newer rigs what my old ranger is all about!

[Popsgarage]

Awesome! Glad to hear it's workin' so well!:thumb:

[mattzj98]

good job, love the straight axle

[Stang5lgt]

Ranger is a flexy beast!!! I told you that drive shaft was toast! LOL I need to get started on my Ranger project.... :D

[mattzj98]

Why don't you stick to the merc hehe oh hey, can I get the link for brake upgrade?

[Brody]

Happy to hear that! Thanks for the trip report and pictures!

[glacierpaul]

Nice!

[TNT]

Ranger is a flexy beast!!! I told you that drive shaft was toast! LOL I need to get started on my Ranger project.... :D

I would be happy to help!!!

[Stang5lgt]

So did you get many comments about the truck while you were wheeling?

[TNT]

A guy in a really nice 4runner was asking me how much I had invested and told me that it was the most capable ranged he had seen! I really couldn't be happier! I can't wait for some bada** bumpers!!

[glacierpaul]

There are some guy's on here to help you out with that:) Your Ranger is one of the coolest I have seen, for sure is the best wheelin one!

[Cr33p3r]

Good to see your ranger is out on the road, I like that pic on the rock ramp, looks like it is ready to take off!

[Fordguy77]

Looking pretty good! Makes me wish id of joined the SAS club instead of the cut and turn. But we'll see how it turns out!

[TNT]

http://i1152.photobucket.com/albums/p490/atrudeau5/photo-12.jpg
New sliders!
http://i1152.photobucket.com/albums/p490/atrudeau5/photo-14.jpg
Start of the new bumper!
Done some small things as well (spark plugs & wires, front ball joints, front U-joints, front hubs)
But much more to come!

[mattzj98]

Looking Good!

[Rick]

good looking truck

[MelloYello]

Super nice. I love the older Rangers and yours is great.

[Popsgarage]

Lookin' good!!!

[Brody]

Looking better and better!

[Stang5lgt]

Need to come back over so we can finish the front bumper. The sliders look even better a with some paint on them. :D

[TNT]

Front bumper complete minus winch and some paint!

[Kory]

Sweet truck! Wana sell it? :p

[TNT]

No way!!
:2thumbup:

[AccordRanger]

I wanna get my Ranger running now!

[mattzj98]

bumper looks good dude!

[jeepjk_packard]

Lookin good :thumb:

[glacierpaul]

Sweet!!

[Brody]

Bumper looks nice!

[dannanw]

Bumper looking sweet, wana build one for me? Jk, but I like it.

[Stang5lgt]

Turned out great! It was cool to get to ride in the beast since I never really got a chance after we finished the SAS. Just super impressed how well it drives and rides. No bump steer, no death wobble, and very stable considering the mods. Time for F150 16:1 steering box and hydro assist. LOL Starting my 2nd SAS in a few months for a buddy. I picked up a couple sets of 64" Chevy leafs the 99 and up trucks came with them. If they end up giving more lift maybe we can find a set to replace your 63" set.

[Cr33p3r]

Austin it is looking good bro! We still need to get together one of these days, I am trying to get my steering issue fixed as money comes in.

[TNT]

Better pic!

[Rick]

thats a sweet truck!!!!

[mattzj98]

I sure do like Josh's work!

[Popsgarage]

Lookin' good Austin.

[TNT]

Old seats.

[TNT]

New mastercraft rubicon seats.

[MelloYello]

Those should make your butt smile. :lmao:

[mattzj98]

Where are my seats? Still waiting! Lol

[Stang5lgt]

Are they heated?

[TNT]

Only heated by me!! :lmao:

[TNT]

I haven't quit working on TNT I've just have been busy wrenching but here is an update of what has been done in the last month or so.
Hand throttle,Chromoly axles, radiator, power steering pump, front eaton elocker, front drive shaft (Bills), 10k superwinch, and Mtr 35x12.50 mounted on black D steel wheels, I will be welding beadlocks on shortly.

[mattzj98]

i saw you in ur infiniti on 225 i think few nights ago.. i was in my bmw

[Stang5lgt]

Bumper turned out nice! Did you finish the wiring yet?

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c16/Stang5lgt/20120416_150039.jpg

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c16/Stang5lgt/20120416_164334.jpg

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c16/Stang5lgt/20120416_164342.jpg

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c16/Stang5lgt/00003_Capture_4.jpg

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c16/Stang5lgt/00001_Capture_1.jpg

[xaza]

nice! lookin good.

[jeepjk_packard]

Looking Awesome! How do you like the MTR's?

[TNT]

MTR's are going on this afternoon! I'll post a pick tonight or tomorrow!!

[TNT]

i saw you in ur infiniti on 225 i think few nights ago.. i was in my bmw

I'm not out that direction to much but it could have been me!

[TNT]

[QUOTE=Stang5lgt;201618]Bumper turned out nice! Did you finish the wiring yet?

Winch is wired up! And works great!!!

[mattzj98]

Huh.. ride looked identical.. I was on my way back from airport

[WDoG]

Saw you in traffic on i-25 yesterday. New shoes in the back. Tried to get up next to ya but you know....traffic. Nice looking rig!

[TNT]

Spent 4 days over memorial day weekend in Moab with TNT. What an awesome trip ended up running 6 trails and I proposed to my now fiance. Ran into two minor issues but nothing serious (spring popped out of the lower spring mount and I sheered a track bar bolt). I put over 1000 miles on the truck in 4 days, I continue to be impressed by this old ford. When I got back had a couple lower spring mount retainers made and went to Chinaman Gulch this last sunday and had a blast.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_NYXEekKII

[Rick]

good job!!!! not an ez feat. Longer wheelbase does has its advantage

[taco52]

That is probably one of the sweetest rangers around hands down.

[glacierpaul]

Looking good Austin!

[Stang5lgt]

Chinaman Gulch!!!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4v2KseirlcU



It was a fun day of Ford action! LOL TNT is a beast!

[Stang5lgt]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NVxqhDrraTs

[Stang5lgt]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLN7_jWE6x0

[Stang5lgt]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=crMeVyCh8Kw

[Popsgarage]

Lookin' good man.

[96blkbeauty]

Nice lil Ranger. Its a beast

[Brody]

Nice! Thanks for the videos!

That is a really sweet rig and very clean looking.

[Stang5lgt]

We took the Rangers up to Holy Cross for a little Rangerfest met up with one more Ranger. It was a blast all 3 Rangers made it without problems.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QKtQo7d8qx8

[Stang5lgt]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZtMBroa8p0k

[Stang5lgt]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=whmKhUCyie4

[Stang5lgt]

Here is TNT flying across French Creek. Double R made it but I had to stop to tighten up my steering. Darla got high centered and had to pull line. There was XJ with us it took him about 30 mins to cross and had to pull line several times.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RML9M9Tq8rI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F23_NH8yplI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d1REr4RKWRE
Here is the XJ never got the guys name. He saw us and asked if he could join us.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ROTGbfYtfrI

[Stang5lgt]

And a pic of all 3 Rangers at Cleveland Rock. No one made it up. LOL

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c16/Stang5lgt/Fun/19991231_224046.jpg

[TNT]

A roll cage is sounding better and better all the time! Lol! I'm also considering going to fox racing air shocks and doing away with the coils and shocks up front. I hope the FR4x4 members enjoy these videos as much as I did making them. I love my truck!

[TNT]

TNT won truck of the month at ranger station!
TNT Ranger dana 30/8.8 - The Ranger Station Forums (http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/showthread.php?t=121521)

[Rick]

congrats!!!!

[Stang5lgt]

Sweet!!!