nice Bob, sounds like you had a messy weekend with all that fluid.
Did you get a bum abs unit? Overall for that being the only issue that is not bad at all, aside the tranny fluid / coolant issue.

 

Actually, I think I broke it. I cut off some excess material to make it fit nicely into a niche under the hood but I think it didn't like the vibration or whatever. I'm going to leave the replacement module as is and mount it under the dash.

 

lol, at least you will admit it! must be a bit different unit than the one on the 4x4 ranger?

 

No, it looks outwardly identical but has a different pinout because it uses an external acceleration sensor input and has a VSS output. 2001+ Ranger ABS modules have neither.

I guess I should explain. I intend to keep the original 2003 Ranger 4WABS Module for the stock Ranger ABS and use a second 4WABS Module from a 99~2001 Explorer just for the VSS conversion. Others have transplanted the entire Explorer ABS system into 2001+ Rangers to get the VSS to work but I don't want to do that.

My reason is that 2001+ Rangers have Electronic Brake Force Distribution built into the ABS software instead of using a traditional mechanical proportioning valve. Without the mechanical valve, it is much better to retain the EBFD. IMO, this is especially true with my non factory rear discs/calipers/pads which are stronger than the stock drums.

So, the stock 4WABS will operate as it always has and the Explorer module should take care of the VSS conversion from the rear axle ABS sensor.

 

Good call, probably something that most people would have looked over on the install. with those nice rear discs working much better than drums i hope it works for you.

 

very nice bob, i cant want to see it done.
focus brakes are super easy to replace, it took me and my friend about 20min todo, well it took a few hours but we had to find a store that sold the torques bit that we needed lol.

 

I figured as much. It's more the nuisance factor than anything else. Who wants to do mundane econobox maintenance when there's a fun project to work on?

 

haha yeah, i can understand that.

as soon as i find a job i should be putting a solid axle under my truck and making it 4wd.

 

Looks awesome as usual. I love the factory looking installation.

 

good to hear its back up and running. This week i have to takle the rest of my wiring and throw in my ABS module, let me know what you findings are on trying to keep the Ranger module in place and just use the explorer one for VSS. I'd be interested in doing that if you find a way to make it work.

 

I have to wait for shipping on the module. I bought it on eBay yesterday, so it could be a week before I see it.

 

oh, i have access to about 4-6 of them sitting on Exp's at the local j-yard. itd just be sweet to find a way like your trying to do, and just use it for VSS

 

so is it drivable yet?

 

Absolutely. Everything is working except the VSS. That kills the speedometer and cruise but the PCM can still come up with an alternate shift schedule without it. I finished the duals so they now exit out under the bumper and the interior is so much quieter. It still makes V8 music but much more civilized.

It is definitely quicker than the 4.0L and much snappier in the low/mid RPM ranges. However, Mustangs have nothing to fear since this thing is probably pushing 4500 pounds now.

 

where did all that weight come from Bob? Doesn't a normal ranger weigh about 3800?

 

the engine itself weighs about 100-150 pounds more than the SOHC, the tranny weighs about another extra 50 pounds, and the t-case is about another 50 pounds......

if he went with aluminum heads and aluminum radiator he could lose about 75-100 pounds, but those parts are EXPENSIVE!.....heads alone would run close to $1,000 and the radiator probably another $300-$500.....

 

Yeah but where did the other 400 lbs come from? I'm not saying its not feasible... that's just a lot of weight for a relatively small truck.

 

you would think, but i would say his figures are a shade high unless he actually went on a certified scale (ie: truck stop).......he might be using the Explorer weight number since the engine came from one....

either way, the IFS Ranger suspension is EXACTLY like an Explorer's which had the v8 in it, so i doubt it will be a problem......and i would say it would be extremely quick since it is in a light platform....

 

No, I haven't weighed it. 4500 was just a guesstimate.

Using Ford's towing numbers from the 2003 owners manual, the curb weight of a stock LII is:

9500-5180 = 4320 (automatic)
7000-2720 = 4280 (manual)

Based on that, I would think that 4500 is pretty close for a LII with an iron V8, large automatic, giant transfer case, trailer hitch, Explorer consoles, etc.... plus just about every other silly mod anyone ever dreamed up.

 

^^^Maybe even a little more than that....

 

Possibly but it's hard to say without taking an actual measurement. Although the owners manual says that the curb weight does not include vehicle occupants, Ford's curb weight usually includes a theoretical "average" driver weight of 160 pounds and a full ank of fuel (140 pounds). Makes sense because you can't very well tow anything without a driver on board and fuel in the tank. So that could influence the final number depending on whether you want to talk about actual vehicle weight or ready-to-roll curb weight. Like I said, just a guesstimate.

 

In that case you are probably correct. I can't wait to see and hear some vids of your truck Bob. I keep toying with buying a truck that is one year older than mine just to do this swap. What is your hourly rate for tech support?

 

Oh alright. That sounds much more reasonable.

I still wish I had the knowledge and ability that you to Bob! Your truck is freakin' awesome!

 

finished pics?!?!

 

x2