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Joined: Wed Jan 15th, 2020
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Finally! I can officially say the rear frame swap is complete! This project pushed my limits and kicked my ass but it's done - 11 days later. The amount of rust was unbelievable.
I ended up having to cut off quiet a few bolts as well as grinding down the rivet heads due to the excessive rust. Even then, my rivets would not punch through. I spent close to 12 solid hours using a pry bar & sledge hammer to pry away the remaining old frame piece, but we did it.
In addition to the new rear frame, I put all new KYB Gas-A-Just shocks all the way around... I think they were over due lol.
To fix the blown out floor in the front of the bed, I took a piece of HDPE Sheet Stock and counter sunk some holes for the bed bolt. This gave me material for the bolts to grab onto and pull it down to the frame. To help support the bulkhead, I add 4 brackets with self tappers. Plopped then bedliner back in and you would never know. It's rock solid up front again.
All while doing this, I had a brake line blow out at the rear axle so I spend half a day fixing that.
With all that, this truck feels and rides like a brand new truck now. It feels so solid... well considering how frame was not solid, this shouldn't be any surprise lol. But, it's finally done and I'm beyond glad. With my employer being shut down by our governor due to Covid-19, this allowed me to do the project and for that, I am grateful during these tough times.
On the board next might be new seats & center console. I found a holy grail rolled over being parted out less than 10 miles from me. 2004 FX4 Level II. It has factory leather seats & the Pioneer full length center console with a sub & amp built in. The guy only wants $350 for it all which I think is a steal. I'd really like to jump on the factory Alcoa's & Torsen rear axle but he wants $500 for each. I'd be at $1,350 for all that lol. Although, he is also selling as a whole for $1,500... good 4.0, good tranny... I just don't have the space for a donor truck lol.
If anyone is near SWPA and wants the contact info on it, I can post it.
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OXFORD WHITE 2002 FORD RANGER SUPERCAB 4 DOOR XLT FX4 OFF ROAD 4.0L SOHC 4.10 GEARS V2.0
OXFORD WHITE 2002 FORD RANGER SUPERCAB 4 DOOR XLT FX4 OFF ROAD 4.0L SOHC 4.10 GEARS V1.0 - SOLD