Very nice, actually. Not a fan of "lowered" trucks, but even though to dropped it some, it doesn't have that lowered look about it (to me, anyway). You are doing great work.

 

I have a "just-right" stance in mind.
For me, ...there needs to be some space between the tires and fenders. Just me.
I want an aggressive stance, not a slammed truck. There is plenty of ground clearance but the CG is low enough to handle a curve at speed. Race truck??! ... no, just a fun ride that pays homage to it's big brother, the Lightning.
" Wouldn't you really rather have a Buick" ?!!
(3.8 turbo engine, ... that is) 🤗

Engine and transmission are coming out next week, so I can get in there and weld the "back side of all the mounts and brackets I have tacked in place. Motor mounts, steering shaft supports, front sway bar mounts, upper A arm mounts, front down bar mounts, front lower cross bar, (in front of the engine), upper cross bar, (in front of the fire wall), re-mount front radiator support, (make it bolt-in), make mounts for oil cooler on passenger side, (below head light). ... WOW!! What a list! I am going to need more Argon gas and MIG wire !

 

Trust me, I like it. There is enough space there that it's not "slammed" as you say. Nice job.

 

Thanks for the props!

I know most here, are more of the "off road truckers". I just had a different take on this Ranger, from the start.
the Grand National thing just sort of "happened".
That is another car I always really admired.
I actually started another project that I had to "bail on" in the 90's. A Conquest TSI sports car I got from the salvage yard, with a blown 2.6 turbo motor. There again, I got a Buick GN engine and trans. And was slipping it into that "small" sports car. Got laid off, and had to sell it.
So this is sort of a continuation of that project.
Always felt the awesome power of the GN turbo motor, needed to be in a lighter car.

Again, ... thanks for the props!

 

Getting measurements for drive shaft. GM up front and Ford in the back. I am thinking Aluminum, if not too pricey.

 

"Boxing in" what I can Get to. The weather has been pretty wet, thanks to omega's remnants passing over VA. So the engine and trans will have to wait a few days to come out.

I put the KYB shocks on the front, put the truck on the ground and re-checked the caster and camber. It looks good!

 

Here is a look at the pass side lower A arm mount. The rubber snubber is gone, along with the steel step that it mounts to.

Here is the driver side lower mount, with the mount notched out for extra down travel. I will be cutting this out next week.

 

Finally got the engine and transmission out. Now I can complete the inside,(hidden) welding. I will run brake lines up front, once the welding is complete.

 

Taking steps to QUIET down the cabin. Dynamat everywhere it will stick. Spray-on undercoat/soun deadener will go under side as well.

 

With the 3.8 turbo engine and transmission out of the way, I can get in there and weld the mounts and steering shaft supports.

Motor mounts are tacked, but soon, all will be final welded, cleaned and painted. Brake lines run and brake system finalized.Upper control arm mounts will also be finished, (now that I can get in there to weld).


The steering support bearing mounts need final welding also. Plus a little more clearance to the u-joint and motor mount!

 

The seals in my lift started leaking, so I have been busy fixing that.

The lift has worked flawlessly since 1988, so I can't really complain.

Getting the cap off of the cylinder, required me to "clamp" it to the lift post. (This cylinder is HEAVIER THAN IT LOOKS), in the pictures!

 

Motor mounts are done! Moved them 3 times

The ex crossover pipe was too close to the lower A-arm mount, so I cut, heated, hammered and patched in the metal, to give enough room.

Wire brush, clean, prime and paint.
drivers side motor mount to steering u-joint gets some extra clearance too!

 

Sweet build. This is going to be nice when you're done. I know I'm late to the game but your idler pulley that you added, I think you should have been more towards the center area. Closer to underneath the upper idler you have. Just to have more belt on the ac compressor. Nicely done for sure though. Love the fab work you're doing and you've given me some ideas for my engine compartment on my Nissan. Thank you.

 

Thanks!

I was staying with the orig belt length.
That is where it landed.
since it gave 90 degrees of contact, ... I said GOOD N UFF 🧔

 

If you wondered why the SportTrac brakes and calipers, .... Here is the reason!
The stock brakes are way too small. The V-8 Explorer rear came with discs too, so now I am satisfied. 👍

I was trying to "insert" the rotor picture in, way up top, but it copied the entire page and put it at the end! ???

 

17 gal cell. 29.5" x 16" x 7". Have to make a little room for sides. Room for two batteries behind fuel cell.

Measuring for straps to hold cell in place.

Will lower the bed inplace tomorrow, to check clearances for fill hose and other connections.

This is looking pretty good to me! 👍

 

Finished mounts for fuel cell

I will be adding a skid plate under the tank, to keep anything from kicking up and punchering the bottom.

 

I decided to add a skid-plate, to protect the fuel cell from damage.

The cell is cushioned with foam rubber between the angle iron and alum tank. Anywhere the aluminum can touch the frame or mounting brackets, there is rubber cushion to protect it from chafing.

Next comes the battery mount/tray. This wil be behind the fuel cell. Then the truck bed will go back on to fit exhaust exit and fuel filler door and hose.

 

Looks good! I like the progress you're making.

 

Lining up bed w/ truck

Looks "TIGHT"!

Ex pipes will come out under the step

Plenty of room between bed and tire

No tires outside body PLEASE!


Looks just right for me!
battery behind fuel cell.

 

Lightning-like exhaust exit. Still need to cut the oval in the lower part of the step. And give it a BATH! The bed has been outside, waiting for this day!

 

Making substantial mount for the battery

Added a new cross bar across the frame to carry the weight of the battery. (65lbs)
1/2" bolts mount both ends of the battery tray

 

Began collecting engine parts from my Grand National guy. Sealed Power forged .030" oversized pistons, on rods, reconditioned with ARP bolts. New rod bearings too.

Turbo block, cleaned, bored .030", new cam bearings and ready to build. Kenny Duttweiller camshaft, reconditioned and ported turbo heads. ARP head stud kit Looking good for major power foundation !!

 

Running exhaust out below the step.
Need a slight oval cut above the pipes, to give some "wiggle-room"

Need some wider mud flaps!!

Engine and trans are currently "out", so she is riding a little high up front.

 

Bed back UP! Wire brushed, acid treated, undercoated. When I work out the fuel-fill door and hose to fuel-cell and make up the battery cables, then the bed can come down to stay. ... YEA !! 👍
OH!! ... also want to cut/fab the "oval-arch" shaped notch in the step, over the ex pipes.
That will be fiberglass work. (Itch-itch !!) 😳