When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
How's the Horns sound ?
I installed a pair in the OEM position and so far they don't sound as good as I would have wanted !
I don't want to move them but it is looking or sounding like I need to.
Thanks
They're not deep, low tones like so many people want to have (think: a big-rig air horn). But they certainly are much louder and the two tones are just 'irritating' enough to get attention. You can play audio samples at Hella's website.
FINALLY got my level II rear end on! Anyone ever put one on a 4 banger before or am I the first person dumb enough? Turns out the bolts/plates off a F150 are close enough to work, the U-bolts sit a little uneven because of some little "clips" on the side of the leafspring preventing them sitting perfectly but I don't see how they would fail from it? I'll keep and eye on um for the time being. Rear does have a whine to it but someone who knows better then me said its nothing to worry about.
Moist,
An FX4 Rear Axle is a good thing in any vehicle, similar an Explorer Rear Axle hold a good place too so 4-Banger or 5.0L, it's good.
How did it go together ?
Reading what you posted..."Turns out the bolts/plates off a F150 are close enough to work"... make sure your Spring Plates and U_Bolts fit the spring and the perches.
Make sure they are tight, recheck after the first day and again a week later and a month later... until you are sure they are not coming loose; your safety !
Should be a good setup and if you put in a supercharger you'll have the rear axle already in place.
Luck
10/31/21 - Added: I know you have pinch nut, but they look like the ones that came off the F150.
I use two nuts, one a little taller than you might expect (1") and then a lock nut on top (some call it a Jam Nut).
Last edited by Scrambler82; Oct 31, 2021 at 10:58 AM.
I've gotta second Scrambler's concern regarding the f150 plates. I used some plates that didn't quite fit the leaf springs, as the holes for the u bolts were wider than the leaf spring. The result, when I hit a hard corner or pulled a doughnut the leaf pack would shift a bit since there wasn't a U-bolt touching both sides. I ended up getting some new plates off another ranger, but not before I cracked the axle at the leaf spring perch weld.
In your pic it looks like there's a good inch between the leaf pack and the outer u bolt. I would guess that is not optimal.
They're not deep, low tones like so many people want to have (think: a big-rig air horn). But they certainly are much louder and the two tones are just 'irritating' enough to get attention. You can play audio samples at Hella's website.
Ranger480 Thanks.
I'm pulling the grille tonight, going to listen without the air tunnel in place and see if they are louder or at least I get a clearer, defined tone.
Then decide if I need to add some holes in the air tunnel or move the horns completely.
Yesterday, 50 miles offroading to the ranger station on Mana road to pick apples and pears. Then back out at Mauna Kea/Saddle road. Probably my favourite offroad spot on Big Island, loads of technical spots mixed in with washboards and a few flat sections where you can get up to speed and really shake the truck to pieces lol. Today, washed and waxed like it never happened.
I installed an inexpensive Blue Tooth FM Transmitter. Now I can access all my media, Pandora, etc on my cellphone and now have hands free calling. Great Gadget.
Bluetooth FM Transmitter Car Adapter,Support Wireless Handsfree Call and MP3 Music/APP Audio Play,1.8" Color Screen,3 USB Charger,3.5mm AUX Port,Compatible with iPhone,iPad,Samsung and More https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07ZCYJ1NV/ref=cm_sw_r_awdo_navT_g_4MH1JK7C9Y0YAQ9ZDQG6
Finally got around to fixing my trailer wiring just in time for the safety inspection. It's had no side running lights due to a grounding issue for a few months, just haven't had the energy to track it down. Ended up being the wiring from the rear light harness to the trailer plug truck side.
Installed an electronic flasher, led turn, reverse, and fog bulbs, and finally got some fobs. Sold the 15x10 wheels and threw on spare alcoas. Dropped the trans pan and filter, put on a pan with a drain plug... Shifts much better, still need to do a few drain and fills.
I'm counting my pennies until I can order some 06 tails and mirrors.
Having let them go as long as I could, I finally replaced my front brakes and rotors. Been putting it off because I don’t have much money. But I did catch a bit of luck! I decided to do all four, front disc /rear drum, and after finishing the front I went to start the drum but saw they were STILL perfectly fine! So I was able to return the drums ,shoes and hardware, saving me a good amount of money I thought I was gonna be without.
Unfortunately, I found my power steering leak is coming from the top of the rack. I think that’s a bit beyond something I can do myself.
Cheers!
Replaced plugs and wires
Replaced headlights and corner lights
Replace tail lights with 06+ and converted from 3 bulb to 2 bulb system by using switchback bulbs.
I want to switch from 2 bulb to 3 bulb. (I like the amber rear turn signals better.) ... Being that you've done it going from 3 to 2; how difficult do you think it would be to go from 2 to 3?
Last edited by Fordzilla80; Jan 30, 2022 at 02:53 PM.
On Friday I installed 1.5" spacers (front and back) and a Rough Country lift/level kit. I got about 2 inches of lift on the front end. Here is a couple pics showing the wider and taller stance. To most you wouldn't even notice, but hopefully fellow Ranger enthusiasts can spot the subtle widened stance and additional altitude.
Today I started to remove the fender flares so I could rattle-can paint them back to black. 21 years of northern California sunshine has them looking a sun bleached grey . I'm going to thoroughly wash them to remove any hint of oil, let them dry, and hit them with a few coats of semigloss black paint and primer.
Let me know what y'all think of the new stance!
Where did you get these tail lights? Or do you know what brand they are?
I want to switch from 2 bulb to 3 bulb. (I like the amber rear turn signals better.) ... Being that you've done it going from 3 to 2; how difficult do you think it would be to go from 2 to 3?
I added the LED Taillights that have the backup lights on the top, 2 sections units, and rewired my lights to use the backup lights with amber bulbs for turn signals.
Then I added an additional wire from the brake light switch to the brake lights... Wham-Ban, separate turn signals.
Since the tails were only 2 sections, I added separate backup lights, mine are built in the bumper.
Can't seem to find a picture of my bumper.
Here are the Taillights, LED Brake Lights and bulb backup lights, converted to Directionals.
- Only problem, Ford in their infinite wisdom, decided to position the Light Sockets differently for each bulb location... at least that is the way I see it. I had to mod the socket's alignment tabs so I could use the Brake/Turn Socket in the backup lights. If you actually used a Backup Light or a separate directional Socket it might pop right in.
Last edited by Fordzilla80; Jan 30, 2022 at 02:54 PM.
