1989 2.3 4x4 build up!

LilBJessup · Sep 25, 2017

Blah weekend

I was more worried about college this weekend, but I did some work. I put on a new fuel filter and checked the complete garbage system of exhaust I have. The exhaust looks like multiple straws spliced together. It starts as a 2inch, goes into a 2.5 adapter, to a catalytic converter, 2.5 pipe to a flange, flange to a 1.5 pipe to a glass pack. The whole system is covered in bubble gum that resembles metal lol....oh and how many hose-clamps came on the original cat? LOL

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Also my stock tire has a massive slash in the side wall so I tried to see if my 32s would fit on no lift.....

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BlackBII · Sep 25, 2017

Yeah I wanted to turbo my 2.3, but the 4.0 swap made more sense financially and practically. It also gave me a new dash, air conditioning, etc

Do the 32's fit? It looks tight.

Can't wait to see this truck come together with the 8.8, D35, lift, etc.

As for the exhaust, you could put together a system with a universal cat and a two chamber muffler for less than $150

LilBJessup · Sep 25, 2017

The 32s fit into the wheel wells, but that was it. There would be too much rubbing, and I didnt feel like sawzawing those clean fenders. I picked up a 20 dollar used tire to hold me over until lift time. I forgot to mention that I put in new 6.5 speakers in the truck and redid the speaker wiring. Having music is nice.

LilBJessup · Sep 25, 2017

Paint

So I took your advice RayInStl, I got some compound, clay bars, and microfiber rags. I just now need some wax. I did one side of my hood to see how it would look. Turns out the paint might have some more life in it

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turbo91xlt · Sep 25, 2017

The m5od seems to be holding up pretty well. If i had to guess I'm probably in the 250hp range with compareable torque (ported dual plug head, custom intake, ported turbo manifold, stock garret t3 .48 turbo, full 3" exhuast, front mount intercooler, 80lb injectors, stand alone ecu). Its fun, not a missle, but fun none the less. Its really a blast in the snow though haha. If the trans does decide to take a dump I have 3 more spared ready to go lmao.

LilBJessup · Sep 27, 2017

New videos

Ok so I made some videos showing off the new truck, the first one is just a basic walk and talk around
https://youtu.be/35_5gBpjHio

The second is showing how much of a difference the paint compound made, the truck will look brand new once I finish doing the whole thing. Going to take alot of elbow grease!
https://youtu.be/3nfd2589ieM

BlackBII · Sep 27, 2017

Man that truck looks good in the videos.

If you ever want to add A/C and cruise control then you'll be happy to know that they are both nearly bolt-on/plug and play. When I added cruise to mine I only had a splice the power wire and grounds.

If you find a gauge cluster with a Tachometer(89-92) it should be plug and play as well. :icon_thumby:

LilBJessup · Sep 27, 2017

The truck actually has working ac! First vehicle I've had with ac. Unless you count 2,55. lol (2 windows down cruising 55) As for a tach, the 88 and 90 both have it, but I like it without it honestly. I just play it by ear. I love this truck! It does have a problem on hills in the city. It is just user error though lol. I am not used to having to slip the clutch on a hill and I give it too much skinny pedal and bark the tires. It is so loud echoing in the city!

RayInStl · Sep 28, 2017

Looks good! It's a bit of work, but the results are completely worth it.

LilBJessup · Sep 29, 2017

Finished the paint today, it turned out really great! Put alot of elbow grease into it. Took upwards of 6 hours to completely remove the oxidation. From all of the rubbing my arms are stronger than they have ever been! Even when I was single at 15 lol.

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planning to remove the axles off of my 1990 ranger with the trashed frame this weekend

Ragingbull · Oct 2, 2017

LBJ, that is one sweet looking 4 banger 4x4, awesome to make a find like that.

LilBJessup · Oct 4, 2017

Thank you! I didn't get around to getting my axles off yet, had to help my brother move. The downside of having a truck....But I did score a nice camper shell for 50 bucks. It has gotten the grandpa look again, but in the trails and in general for camping out / roadtrips this truck wont stand out at all unlike my van

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VS.

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sure the ranger might not have the room as my van, but it wont stick out or draw too much attention to myself

LilBJessup · Nov 19, 2017

Busy weekend and some down time

So things have gotten really busy, but with thanksgiving approaching I have a little bit of time. This past weekend I managed to pull the 8.8 from my old 1990 ranger to prepare to swap everything over. Before I swap everything I am going from 3.73 to 4.56......the little 2.3 will love the 4.56s on 32 inch tires. The lift that is coming off of my red parts truck is a james duff 5.5 kit.

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I wont get a chance to work on the truck until tuesday afternoon. Also need to get my hands on a 3 jaw puller to get the bearing off the pinion to check the thickness of the shim. I have new bearings to put inside the differential, this is my first regear, hopefully it goes fine.

BlackBII · Nov 20, 2017

4.56 and 32's should be a great combo. Looking forward to seeing your truck lifted!

ericbphoto · Nov 20, 2017

You might need a 2-jaw puller or a bearing splitter to get that pinion bearing off. Mine only had 2 places for puller jaws to get behind the race. I used a bearing splitter. But it wasn't the best way. I fought that thing.

Eric B

1989 2.3 4x4 build up!

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