Well after my old 98 ranger was totalled in an accident i picked up a 1997 2.3 off of my buddy and started messing with it. Ive been building this truck for over a year now so to save me a BUNCH of time and picture posting ill just list the important upgrades. (ive gone through several sets of fiberglass bedsides, shocks, bedcages, etc) but if anyone would like additional pictures feel free to ask or PM me. Heres how it looked the day I brought it home.

Just some fabtech 5.5 lift coils and extended stock I beams (DO NOT EXTENDED CAST I BEAMS) along with some paint matched 3" fenders and pulled and cut bedsides.




Then slowly but surely piece by piece I started upgrading the weak links. First thing to go was the stock leaf springs. I replaced them with the Deaver F23 prerunner pack along with some Camburg TIG welded shackles and Kartek hangers.

Shackles and hanger (I dont have a picture of my springs at the moment)


Then I picked up some 14" 2.5 King off road racing shocks to soften up the new springs


Next came the bedcage. Made from 1.75 x .090 4130 tubing



rear shock mounts being made from 1/4 4130 plate


Finished


Now it was time to tear down the front end. I talked to the guys at No. 7 suspension and they made me a deal I couldnt refuse. I picked up their equal length I beam front end and transmission cross member. All pivots are made from laser cut 4130 and use 1 1/4 heims.

Heres the kit shortly after being finished.




Kit being installed and cycled


Equal length I beam pivot and bump stop can with a mock up bump stop



To make the front end handle like a champ i picked up some 14" 2.5 King coil overs and made an engine cage to hold them.

Dark picture of the shocks when i first got them


Dusty/dirty engine cage



Engine cage to frame gussets, and a side shot of the equal length I beam hanger


Completed front end with very little pre load on the coil overs, hence the low ride height (it sits about 5" higher now) Front track width measures 86" wide, kinda annoying to park haha oh well.




Capable of 22" of front wheel travel


Full droop front and rear the tires are maybe 1 - 1.5" off the ground in this pic


Off road bucket seats my gf bought me for christmas, what a sweetheart haha :)


Playin in the dirt


Thats all i got for now, holy crap that took longer than I thought haha. Ill be sure to keep you guys posted with more updates as they come along.

 

looks like a fun ride.