Hello everyone!

I just wanted to introduce myself...my name is Ivan and I live in Oak Harbor, WA. I just picked up a 98 Ranger 4x4 ext cab stepside with an 01 explorer 5.0, 4R70W trans, 4" SuperLift suspension and 3" body lift. It needs some major love and will be getting quite a few parts from my wrecked Explorer so it can be my DD and errand runner. I will be asking a few questions about it here shortly.

A bit about me: I have been working on Fords all my life. I do all my own work...build engines, body & paint work, custom fab...that sort of stuff. I have a fairly well equipped shop with a 2 post lift, mig, plasma cutter, tube bender and of course, a wide assortment of hand tools.

I am hoping to develop my hobby into a small business by the time I retire from the Military (six years and some change). I have one large job (97 Mountaineer desert toy for a friend in San Diego) and a few smaller jobs that I am currently working on, and hope they will help build my reputation, so by the time I do retire, I will be in full swing.

Anyways, that is what I do and why I am here. I have read some good posts and there seems to be some very knowledgeable folk here. I look forward to helping where I can.

 

Welcome to R-F, wish you lived closer, some of that sure would be nice to borrow. lol

 

Welcome to RF man. Post up some pics of that lifted exploder

 

Welcome from Renton! great to have more people from the PNW, post up some pictures of your new truck if you get the chance!

 

Welcome from Port Angeles! Good to see more people from the PNW, hmm let me be the first to say:

 

Welcome from Gresham/Boring, OR man... Can't wait to see this thing at a meet in the near future!

 

Thanks everyone!

I will get some pics of the truck up asap.

The Mountaineer is still sitting all stock and chit, LOL! I have the front and rear fiberglass waiting for install and to check wheel placement/wheel base, then it will get the body lifted off and the frame cut to graft on the front half of a Bronco frame. Front will be C&T TTB, long radius arms and 14" coil overs. Rear will be getting Giant 62/64" springs w/12" shackles and 16" resi's through the floor. Full cage front to rear, bumpers, roof rack. Interior will stay but back seat will be replaced with buckets and a short console. It will be a family toy/back up vehicle, so it will stay fully streetable and comfy. He has only had Baja Bugs/rails and a fairly stock 2WD Yota, so he is really looking forward to having a truck that was built for him, the way he wants it.

 

Sounds like you know what you're doin man. Make sure to take pics so we all can see!

 

Sold my truck the other day. It just didn't fit my needs. It couldn't haul much in the bed or more than a few people...just wasn't cutting it. Found myself driving my F250 Crew Cab more than the Ranger.

The older gentleman that purchased it wanted it lower and smaller tires, so the lift, tires/wheels and front CV axles, hubs and lock-outs all came off and replaced with stock stuff. Check the classifieds if you are interested in anything.