Thanks!
This project is the result of at least five talented people besides my efforts.
I'm not listing specific components or suppliers because they were my choices. You mileage may vary.
Its been on the road for a couple weeks. Driving every day to work with multi state weekend runs.
Where to start?
The fuel system was in terrible condition from sitting so long. The gas tank was full to the cap when parked. It still rusted. The
entire fuel system was replaced with new components.
Stock suspension height was retained as this is first and always a truck and needs to transport cargo. The suspension was refreshed with new items that had degraded over time, even the OEM ball joints. Traction bars were added to reduce spring wrap / wheel hop. The factory front and rear anti sway bars were retained. Now the suspension is really stiff with hardly any body roll. The ride quality improves dramatically with 400+ pounds of cargo in the bed.
The brake system was another total rebuild. Drilled and slotted rotors with better pads and stainless steel braided lines were installed.
The interior was and is in very good condition with all guages working. The only item replaced were the aluminum door sill plates that were oxided.
The exterior was in great shape - in appearance. Disassembly revealed some body work would be required. Fixing / replacing sheet metal was limited, but time consuming.
The stock color, Colonial White, was retained for the body panels. The OEM lower molding brackets were reused with under coating sprayed every where including my hair. Line-X was applied to the bed and tailgate.
All of the weather stripping and window seals were replaced. NOS mirrors, fog lamps, door handles were installed.
The stock GT exhaust tip was retained for sentimental reasons. The hood was cut and braced to bolt on the '68 GT fast back B pillar louvers for under hood cooling. The 2015 Mustang strobed hockey stick graphics were special ordered for color, height, length, and text. They required additional modifications to fit the body contours of the old ranger.
The stock aluminum wheels were removed and stored away the first week I owned the truck. Used aftermarket wheels were installed and fared poorly in storage. I refinished them in a dark gray to mimic oxided magnesium wheels often seen on Gassers. Cause I love Gassers!
The drive train was modded for my purpose of use. Not a daily driver, but I need to haul motorcycles, parts, and camping gear over distance. It was a standard transmission and remains a standard transmission to squeeze out a bit more MPG on the highway.
So performance was weighted by economy.
Is it a stock 2.9L? NO WAY!
Is it a be all / end all 32 valve V8 on boost? Not Hardly!
I like it! It serves my current needs:
Hauling Cargo
SCCA Solo?
Occasional strip or open track day?
My wife tolerates it.
My 84 year young mother hates it! Bumpy ride and to LOUD!