Rat Ranger Build
Rat Ranger Build
Official notice of what I talked bout at the Ranger Meet in Knoxville!
This is gonna be my version of a Rat Rod and I doubt it's what they (the Rat Rod crowd) will be expectin:
Startin with this, less engine, trans, wheels & tires:
Picked up a 2" fiberglass bolt-on hood cheap:
Unloaded after 4 months on the trailer & cleaned up for first time:
And of course the RAT:
Would like to have it ready for the late summer Cruise-Ins and possibly the Oct. meet, but with my hours bein cut at work, kinda slowed thoughts/progress of the build, so may be next year before yuns see it out!
Will post updates as I go along, within reason................
AND to all you diehard blue oval folks: I don't wanta hear any negative crap bout Chevy in a Ford, as most know, I've done it before, and if ya don't like it, don't read/view/comment on it!
This is gonna be my version of a Rat Rod and I doubt it's what they (the Rat Rod crowd) will be expectin:
Startin with this, less engine, trans, wheels & tires:
Picked up a 2" fiberglass bolt-on hood cheap:
Unloaded after 4 months on the trailer & cleaned up for first time:
And of course the RAT:
Would like to have it ready for the late summer Cruise-Ins and possibly the Oct. meet, but with my hours bein cut at work, kinda slowed thoughts/progress of the build, so may be next year before yuns see it out!
Will post updates as I go along, within reason................
AND to all you diehard blue oval folks: I don't wanta hear any negative crap bout Chevy in a Ford, as most know, I've done it before, and if ya don't like it, don't read/view/comment on it!
Last edited by 94Ranger355; Mar 25, 2009 at 08:04 AM. Reason: info
Awsome.. I'm a big fan of true rat rods. I just don't like some of the weirdos behind them. Personally I like a more refined hot rod. But.. one that you wouldn't be afraid to drive anywhere, anyplace, anytime.
I can see by the cowl hood.. your not a true RR knuckle dragger. Just a regular knuckle dragger.
btw, if you pull that body off.. are you going to box the frame? Seems like a standard ranger frame wouldn't be strong engough for some serious twisting?
I can see by the cowl hood.. your not a true RR knuckle dragger. Just a regular knuckle dragger.
btw, if you pull that body off.. are you going to box the frame? Seems like a standard ranger frame wouldn't be strong engough for some serious twisting?
UPDATE 4-8-09
Well, been tinkerin with the RatRanger..............
Modified the radiator support for easier access:
Removed the bed for ease of access, tossed the PITA fuel tank, removed the rear suspension to include brackets:
And installed my NEW Explorer front spring mounts:
More to come>>>>>
Modified the radiator support for easier access:
Removed the bed for ease of access, tossed the PITA fuel tank, removed the rear suspension to include brackets:
And installed my NEW Explorer front spring mounts:
More to come>>>>>
Update 4-11-09
Was a busy-beaver today:
Rear suspension mod done with the exception of weldin the spring perches once I get the pinion angle set & get my new shackles......
Rear crossmember removed, notched rear frame horns, installed 2X4 tubin to rigid it up, made shackle mounts out of black pipe that fit some bushings I found and mounted them to some 1/4" angle iron:
BUKOO room for Pro Street tires now:
Done for now:
Rear suspension mod done with the exception of weldin the spring perches once I get the pinion angle set & get my new shackles......
Rear crossmember removed, notched rear frame horns, installed 2X4 tubin to rigid it up, made shackle mounts out of black pipe that fit some bushings I found and mounted them to some 1/4" angle iron:
BUKOO room for Pro Street tires now:
Done for now:
Update 4-12-09
Installed my shackles today:
SURVEY SAYS: WHOLOTTA ROOM for more tire inside the wheelwell:
But as most know with mods, things don't always go your way.......for my setup, I'm gonna have to fab up some shock mounts, as I can't use the original ones as expected....no biggy, AIN'T THE FIRST TIME!
SURVEY SAYS: WHOLOTTA ROOM for more tire inside the wheelwell:
But as most know with mods, things don't always go your way.......for my setup, I'm gonna have to fab up some shock mounts, as I can't use the original ones as expected....no biggy, AIN'T THE FIRST TIME!
Update 4-14-09
Went with longer shackles to level it up some, frame is 19" from ground:
Made some shock mounts (1/4" flat stock & piece left from 2X4 rectangular tubin cut in half), haven't decided whether I'm gonna weld em on or bolt em:
GLAD you guys like it, looked good on paper & thought, and so far, all has gone as planned with a couple issues that were easily resolved.
Made some shock mounts (1/4" flat stock & piece left from 2X4 rectangular tubin cut in half), haven't decided whether I'm gonna weld em on or bolt em:
GLAD you guys like it, looked good on paper & thought, and so far, all has gone as planned with a couple issues that were easily resolved.
Update 4-21-09
Shock mounts installed........had to modify crossmember above the rearend to strengthen it for the shocks to mount to it:
Only thing left now is to weld up the spring perches after I set the pinion angle.....................
Only thing left now is to weld up the spring perches after I set the pinion angle.....................
????
Ain't no 7.5 under my truck(s), green one has a 8.8 outta 98 Explorer, the Rat Ranger has a 8.8 outta 92 Explorer, and may be tradin for a 8.8 outta 2000 Explorer this weekend...........
...........
Update 5-2-09
Got my gauge panel made finally:
Also made my switch panel:
ALSO picked up this 2001 Ranger steerin rack ($45 at salvage yard in Knoxville) with intentions of puttin it in place of the steerin box:
Nobody claims to have done it, so I reckon this lil' 94 will be the guinea pig
Also made my switch panel:
ALSO picked up this 2001 Ranger steerin rack ($45 at salvage yard in Knoxville) with intentions of puttin it in place of the steerin box:
Nobody claims to have done it, so I reckon this lil' 94 will be the guinea pig
>>>>>
