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Idahome
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Final checklist being checked off one by one
Truck first short test drives revealed a few issues that needed to be addressed before taking her out on the streets
First up the bolt I used in the steering shaft was slightly too long, and was striking the drivers side header.
The solution = a shorter bolt, cut to length to clear the header
2000 Ranger Bolt = slightly too long!
I found a slightly shorter version
cleaned it up, installed, marked length, cut and filed the end, blut loc tite, re-install and
Now it clears by 1/4" or so.....phew! Do not need the steering shaft striking the engine, that sucked! Glad it was an "easy" fix
Next up the driveshafts, now that they have been "bench" tested on the rack and driven around a few times (even 4x4!) it was time to do their final cleaning, U joint install and paint
The rear shaft still needed two new Spicer U joints
Front shaft needed slip yoke boot and paint
The transfer case 4406 output shaft is a slip yoke style, so we always want to install a new seal
Done and done
Then final install of both driveshafts!
Time to turn my attention to some light front end work. With the superlift on this truck, at full droop, the sway bar links were hitting the tie rod ends.
So we need to install new inner tie rod ends, and fabricate some extended sway bar links. These links were already home built and really well done! I am going to copy the design, except this time 1.5" longer
Ouch!
Found a ripped outer TRE boot and rack and pinion boot, sourced better parts for re install
Make sure you measure the old tie rod end assemblies and transfer the length to the new assembly
I will be checking and adjusting toe in the front end before this truck goes down the road.....
Sway bar links will be duplicated except made to be slightly longer
Now time to install the Dakota Digital speedometer interface. 4 total wires, all accessed from under the dash and at/near the gem module
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I build custom RBV, specializing in drivetrain conversions, wiring, suspension and complete custom trucks