| PM | Quote | Reply | Full Topic |
Seasoned...
Joined: Sat Oct 21st, 2017
Location: Near The Pointy End , USA
Posts: 1299
Status:
Offline
Reputation: 
Reputation Points: $user_rep
Here's an idea, BIG IDEA, buy a new frame from Throttle Down Fab, they have a stretched Bronco Frame, add body and bed mounts and you have an incredible Ranger with solid axle and the room for the axles to move on the frame.
Dream-On... I know, sorry... got carried away !
I have never seen a Ranger frame striped out as you stated, so interesting with the twisting.
I guessing here but to do it right, do you have to support the frame, then level it, before welding on plate ?
Also, I thought I heard or read a while back that the Ford Frames were some how hardened and welding on the frame removes the strength of the hardening, any ideas about that ?
SAS doesn't work for my needs and despite SAS being the almighty get down on your knees and pray to thing to do. SAS has all of its own issues still. Just like as you move up in DANA components. There are the typical weaknesses found in the Dana35 setup, others in the 44, still yet others in 60, 70 ect.. not to mention the weight penalties as you go up in axle sizes. From ALL the rhetoric I've read about Dana components, not only for the Dollar but the reality factors a turned beam(s) Dana 35 with Dana 44 knuckles makes the Dan 35 nearly indestructible given the usefulness. Now coupled with a strengthened frame, a proper mid-travel suspension with just enough flex to keep the wheels on the ground when needed, or at least 3 of them. lol I'm confident I could triple the abilities of what I can and do now. Especially adding in the 4WD.
Interesting article to feed on: 5 Reasons Why Your Solid Axle Rig Is Obsolete
As an overlanding rig configuration.. my truck makes for a damn good camel if you will and not including that 290lb Flip-Pac, I still carry full gear in recovery (minus a winch), Food, extra water, tools, clothing (weather dependent), a lock down of rifles and ammo, food or ways to catch/process it, kitchen setup.. many items multiple uses to save on weight to begin with. So weight is a key factor for me to consider too.
I have to admit, and let the arguments fall where they fall... But I've done quite a bit for just being 2WD for the last 3 years. I'm not out to break but I also don't coddle my truck either between getting up in rocky places and 30" water crossings I may even be overly confident at times of the Rangers abilities as a 2WD owner but I have no idea how I see or read about so many issues with the axles, engines and the like. I mean things happen yes but I think I'm on record as saying before if I knew NOTHING about the Ford Ranger I'd swear by most forums I'd never buy one because of the issues people have with them and there only decent for swapping stereos in and adding LED lights wherever.. and in reality I know that its not true.
Me either but somewhere in the interweb I did come across a small vine like video showing it on a truck fab forum. I'll see if I can find it again. And from my guess is.. I've seen people box in a frame on a driveway with pre-cut template plates in many cases. I don't think its something as complicated as having multiple level tools and a frame straightener deck plate to build on. The main architecture is already there on 3 sides. your just closing it off. I am sure its not as simple as just laying metal across and tack welding into place and just buzz-boxing it all in. There is likely some method of planning needed and I will certainly go to that extent when I get to that point for sure.
As for the hardness and the welding.. I think its more about the welding on the frame has an effect on the hardness in how it is manufactured to stave off rust inhibition. I think if you go beyond a certain point it damages that natural (manufactured in) ability to resist corrosion is what it is at which point i'll be taking in also those considerations as well. And good tip on the welding close to the negative clamp. Someone else, maybe it was you mentioned that in another thread so it kinda stuck in the back of my head already. lol
____________________
"Be never first, never last and never noticed." - Unknown
"The slave is held most securely when he is held by the chains of his own will and of his own fears, and when he is locked down by his own slavish desires for a comfortable life." - Michael Bunker
"Mundus vult decipi, ergo decipiatur" - ~ attributed to Petronius (Gaius Petronius Arbiter (ca. 27–66 AD))
Roman courtier during the reign of Nero.
"Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom, must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it." - Thomas Paine
~ Undrstm8ed Truckumentry Write Up Pg.
~ Undrstm8ed Trailermentry Write Up Pg.
.