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- Joined
- Aug 6, 2007
- Messages
- 3,903
- Reaction score
- 1,789
- Points
- 113
- Location
- Macon/Fort Valley, GA
- Vehicle Year
- 1999
- Make / Model
- Ford
- Engine Type
- V8
- Transmission
- Automatic
- 2WD / 4WD
- 4WD
I'm building an 86 Ranger V8 and moving some things around on the back half. Going to need to build a couple new cross members. This is for a 2wd street truck, not a 4wd offroad. While it won't be driven off road I need it to be safe for street use and look decent. Here's what I'm doing. Here's what I'm doing:
Crossmember 1: Shocks
I'm installing a spring under Explorer 8.8", using the explorer springs and mount plates. I will be placing both shocks behind the axle and will be building it to use stock length 2wd Ranger shocks. Layout is decided, just got to figure out best way to accomplish upper shock mounts. I am going to try to relocate the stock upper shock mounts first, but I have a feeling that the angle will put too much load on the shock bushings and I wont like the setup. That leaves me at building a cross member and upper shock mounts, which I've never done.
Looking for suggestions on materials, design, and upper shock mount design/types. Have access to welder and other necessary tools, and can get metal. Have also considered using a mount adapter like this as an upper mount and building a crossmember to bolt it to, still need material suggestions though.
Crossmember 2: Rear Frame
Not using original tank, planning to install a fuel tank under the bed in the spare tire area. Was originally planning to do a BII tank which would have fit the rear crossmember great, but decided it hangs to low for the lowered truck. The shape of the factory rear crossmember takes up a lot of valuable real estate. Want to replace it with a straight crossmember to free up space and make it easier to position and mount a different tank. I will be keeping a rear step bumper and also planning to install a receiver hitch, so it'll need to work with those.
Once again looking for material and design suggestions...
Crossmember 1: Shocks
I'm installing a spring under Explorer 8.8", using the explorer springs and mount plates. I will be placing both shocks behind the axle and will be building it to use stock length 2wd Ranger shocks. Layout is decided, just got to figure out best way to accomplish upper shock mounts. I am going to try to relocate the stock upper shock mounts first, but I have a feeling that the angle will put too much load on the shock bushings and I wont like the setup. That leaves me at building a cross member and upper shock mounts, which I've never done.
Looking for suggestions on materials, design, and upper shock mount design/types. Have access to welder and other necessary tools, and can get metal. Have also considered using a mount adapter like this as an upper mount and building a crossmember to bolt it to, still need material suggestions though.
Crossmember 2: Rear Frame
Not using original tank, planning to install a fuel tank under the bed in the spare tire area. Was originally planning to do a BII tank which would have fit the rear crossmember great, but decided it hangs to low for the lowered truck. The shape of the factory rear crossmember takes up a lot of valuable real estate. Want to replace it with a straight crossmember to free up space and make it easier to position and mount a different tank. I will be keeping a rear step bumper and also planning to install a receiver hitch, so it'll need to work with those.
Once again looking for material and design suggestions...
