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151^st Post

Mike69

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I just turned 62 in December & whenever it rains my body aches. I am retiring at 65 & my wife & I are planning to get a house that needs some work on a couple acres in southern Virginia so I have room for a nice sized garage & workshop. I want to live where it gets less snow then here in NJ, I might even work a little part time.

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21 Bronco Sport Big Bend (Wife's DD)
05 F150 XLT Reg Cab, 2WD, 5.4L, Auto (My DD)
69 Mustang Coupe 5.0, 5 spd 9" rear(Project)
14 Kawasaki Vulcan (Wife's Toy)

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410customs

Posted: Sat Feb 15th, 2020 02:14 pm

152^nd Post

mhoward
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Joined: Sun Oct 22nd, 2017

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Yeah, weather brings on some joint pain fun, for sure... especially when it is cold rain like we've had here recently.

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-- Michael

2003 Ranger Edge / Extended Cab / Flareside / 3.0L FLEX / 5r44e Auto / 2WD / 8.8 LS 4:10 / Sonic Blue Pearl

So many mods... so little time...

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410customs

Posted: Sun Feb 16th, 2020 11:09 am

153^rd Post

Idahome

Joined: Wed May 2nd, 2018

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oh its winter that does that? LOL I always thought it was all the huge jumps I used to not land when I was skiing my whole adolescent life!!! ouch my back, my knees, my hips, my neck!
Whatever doesn't kill you...... I have been splitting wood each day with a 8# maul, this is my daily workout routine...no exercise machines needed!

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I build custom RBV, specializing in drivetrain conversions, wiring, suspension and complete custom trucks

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Eddie Money

Posted: Sun Feb 16th, 2020 04:25 pm

154^th Post

mhoward
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Joined: Sun Oct 22nd, 2017

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I'm not talking to you anymore...

LMAO

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-- Michael

2003 Ranger Edge / Extended Cab / Flareside / 3.0L FLEX / 5r44e Auto / 2WD / 8.8 LS 4:10 / Sonic Blue Pearl

So many mods... so little time...

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Posted: Sun Feb 16th, 2020 06:39 pm

155^th Post

Idahome

Joined: Wed May 2nd, 2018

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Its do or die!
We have two splitters, one of them the old engine the girls snapped off the carb with a large round of firewood, I have a replacement HF predator engine but have not installed yet.
We have another 30 ton log splitter the ignition key switch fell apart in the middle of winter. By the time I went to town and got a push button start setup for it had 6' pf snow on it, have not had the time to dig it out and install it, so I just said screw this and bought a maul :)
So I split every couple of days otherwise the shop would be cooooooooold
There are two seasons in North Idaho
Winter and getting ready for winter
I'm spread thin!

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I build custom RBV, specializing in drivetrain conversions, wiring, suspension and complete custom trucks

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Posted: Sun Feb 16th, 2020 07:29 pm

156^th Post

mhoward
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Joined: Sun Oct 22nd, 2017

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Sounds like it! Spend some of that energy on digging out the 30-ton and put that switch in!

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-- Michael

2003 Ranger Edge / Extended Cab / Flareside / 3.0L FLEX / 5r44e Auto / 2WD / 8.8 LS 4:10 / Sonic Blue Pearl

So many mods... so little time...

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410customs

Posted: Wed Feb 19th, 2020 03:56 pm

157^th Post

IOnlyWorkLikeAMexican92
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Hello everyone. You can all me tony. I'm fresh to forums. Especially car/truck forums. I'm currently a marine machinery mechanic/ machinist. I'm very good with tools but not so much on vehicles.. there's so many different styles and with different components on each one that I just never got into it.. anyhow.. I own a 97 ranger XLT manual I bought about 4 years ago. I drove it around til my clutch went out. Ended up buying a used tran with 80k miles and had a buddy check it out and fix up the truck for me. About 6 months later I blew my head gasket driving home. So here I am! I can't decide if I want to fix the 2.3 or do the whole 5.0 swap that I see people doing here. That's my story. I plan on starting a thread so maybe some guys can help me along the way. But I'll see you guys out there

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410customs

Posted: Wed Feb 19th, 2020 04:03 pm

158^th Post

mhoward
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Joined: Sun Oct 22nd, 2017

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Hello Tony and welcome to our forum! Lots of knowledgeable guys (and one gal) here that can answer questions concerning the fixing of your 2.3L -= OR =- the 5.0 swap! Plenty of things you can do to make your truck more fun to drive... the only limit is your imagination! :-)

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-- Michael

2003 Ranger Edge / Extended Cab / Flareside / 3.0L FLEX / 5r44e Auto / 2WD / 8.8 LS 4:10 / Sonic Blue Pearl

So many mods... so little time...

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Posted: Wed Feb 19th, 2020 07:13 pm

159^th Post

Mike69

Mustang Nut

Joined: Sun Oct 22nd, 2017

Location: Horsepasture, USA

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Welcome to the forum Tony.

____________________
21 Bronco Sport Big Bend (Wife's DD)
05 F150 XLT Reg Cab, 2WD, 5.4L, Auto (My DD)
69 Mustang Coupe 5.0, 5 spd 9" rear(Project)
14 Kawasaki Vulcan (Wife's Toy)

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Posted: Wed Feb 19th, 2020 08:23 pm

160^th Post

Idahome

Joined: Wed May 2nd, 2018

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Welcome Tony!
97 is a very good year for the ranger!!
97 truck with a 5 speed you may also consider the 4.0 OHV conversion
The pushrod 4.0 is wicked good engine in a Ranger and because it was available option in 97 it makes it a mostly bolt in affair

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I build custom RBV, specializing in drivetrain conversions, wiring, suspension and complete custom trucks

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Posted: Wed Feb 19th, 2020 08:30 pm

161^st Post

IOnlyWorkLikeAMexican92
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My ranger is completely stock. Just curious if anyone knows. If we lived in a perfect world what could the 5.0 swap cost me?

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Posted: Thu Feb 20th, 2020 08:11 am

162^nd Post

mhoward
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Joined: Sun Oct 22nd, 2017

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IOnlyWorkLikeAMexican92 wrote:
My ranger is completely stock. Just curious if anyone knows. If we lived in a perfect world what could the 5.0 swap cost me?
I would be interested to know that as well. My son is planning a 5.0L swap in his 1999 4x4, so it would be nice to know how badly his wallet is going to bleed!

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-- Michael

2003 Ranger Edge / Extended Cab / Flareside / 3.0L FLEX / 5r44e Auto / 2WD / 8.8 LS 4:10 / Sonic Blue Pearl

So many mods... so little time...

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Posted: Thu Feb 20th, 2020 10:07 am

163^rd Post

JAMMAN

Owns A Torsen

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It's only money guys, dream big:

Attachment: nre.JPG (Downloaded 90 times)

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00 XLT 4WD RCSB 3.GO! JalapeÃ±o
01 XLT 2WD RC Steppie 3.0 auto Silver
The future belongs to those who show up.

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Posted: Thu Feb 20th, 2020 10:25 am

164^th Post

mhoward
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Joined: Sun Oct 22nd, 2017

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Pocket change! Only problem I see with it is that the company is based in California. This thing will be P65'd to death...

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-- Michael

2003 Ranger Edge / Extended Cab / Flareside / 3.0L FLEX / 5r44e Auto / 2WD / 8.8 LS 4:10 / Sonic Blue Pearl

So many mods... so little time...

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Posted: Thu Feb 20th, 2020 03:40 pm

165^th Post

Mike69

Mustang Nut

Joined: Sun Oct 22nd, 2017

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Go to a JY & pull a 5.0 out of a 99 Explorer/Mountaineer & use that. Here in southern NJ you could get one with approx 140K for $300 - 450.

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21 Bronco Sport Big Bend (Wife's DD)
05 F150 XLT Reg Cab, 2WD, 5.4L, Auto (My DD)
69 Mustang Coupe 5.0, 5 spd 9" rear(Project)
14 Kawasaki Vulcan (Wife's Toy)

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Posted: Thu Feb 20th, 2020 06:55 pm

166^th Post

Tsquare
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IOnlyWorkLikeAMexican92 wrote:
My ranger is completely stock. Just curious if anyone knows. If we lived in a perfect world what could the 5.0 swap cost me?
Would that be actual cost or what I told my wife cost?

BTW: I have a letter in the gun safe to contact a buddy of mine to help liquidate my gun collection when I am gone. He will help get a competitive price not the change I told her they cost over the years.

____________________
Tony
NE ATL
'04 XLT regular cab 3.slo stepside
Semi retirement

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410customs

Posted: Thu Feb 20th, 2020 07:10 pm

167^th Post

JAMMAN

Owns A Torsen

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Welcome Tony,

This question has been beat to death on every forum and every group I have seen but is still a good question with many answers! Answer is... depends.

The "depends" part is what you are able to contribute as far as resources... time.. mechanical ability, and of course money. I have heard people say they MADE money off it, bought the explorer for a couple hundred and sold parts off it in excess to what they spent on hoses, belts, fluids, filters, oil, transmission fluid.

I doubt it but they PROBABLY worked in a garage and had access to air tools and a hoist and stuff that made their lives easier.

If you are not able to do any of it and need to pay someone from start to finish, even a mediocre build can cost between 5 and 10K.

I have over 2K in mine probably closer to 2500 and I did most of the work myself AND it is still not drivable yet due to time and money constraints... shifts in focus...

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00 XLT 4WD RCSB 3.GO! JalapeÃ±o
01 XLT 2WD RC Steppie 3.0 auto Silver
The future belongs to those who show up.

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Posted: Fri Feb 21st, 2020 12:44 pm

168^th Post

Idahome

Joined: Wed May 2nd, 2018

Location: Panhandle, Idaho USA

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5.0 conversions range from $1500-15000 no kidding
Every build is different
much of the cost depends on your goals, what you do to the engine and transmission
I have done several 4.0 and 5.0 conversions
The question
How much does it cost?
has no real answer
BUT it can be done for the cost of the donor + parts
Donor explorer can be had for $400-2500 depending on miles
Parts to put explorer 5.0 into 97 TTB truck you need dual sump oil pan, oil filter re location kit, custom radiator and/or mounting, custom engine mounts (or reworked factory parts). You will want to run a real transfer case not the explorer AWD unit.
After this its plumbing, wiring, exhaust and driveline work
The cost depends on what parts you choose and how much of the work you can do yourself

Can always Bring me your 97 and Ill do it! I'm usually $5K or so for basic drop it in get it running conversion TOTAL including donor drivetrain and fluids/filters/tune up. I have done it for less and I have done it for 5 times that....it all depends
Research is key. I researched the 5.0 swap for years before I did mine in 2005

FYI since I went 5.0 in 2005 I have not had to do anything to the engine or transmission....just drive it. The 302 doesnt care if its -30 degrees outside or 130 outside, just starts and runs same every time. V8 Bronco II is the most fun. Go 5.0 and never look back

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I build custom RBV, specializing in drivetrain conversions, wiring, suspension and complete custom trucks

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Eddie Money

Posted: Sat Feb 22nd, 2020 09:32 am

169^th Post

Idahome

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Tsquare wrote:
IOnlyWorkLikeAMexican92 wrote:

My ranger is completely stock. Just curious if anyone knows. If we lived in a perfect world what could the 5.0 swap cost me?
Would that be actual cost or what I told my wife cost?

BTW: I have a letter in the gun safe to contact a buddy of mine to help liquidate my gun collection when I am gone. He will help get a competitive price not the change I told her they cost over the years.
OMG LOLROFLMAO
Thanks for the Saturday AM laugh hilarious!!

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Posted: Sat Feb 22nd, 2020 07:56 pm

170^th Post

IOnlyWorkLikeAMexican92
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I really appreciate everyone's input! You guys seem full of knowledge!

I'm currently doing some small work on a generator so I can put it away finally and not have to sweat it anymore. I recently bought my first house in last August. I've only got a single car garage so Ive taken some measurements and drew up a plan for my work bench and tools.

Speaking of tools I haven't got much! Gonna be paying my car off this year and I'll finally have some good pocket money on my pay days in stead of swamped In bills #FirstWorldStrugles

Gettin real excited about the improvements though and I'm looking forward to getting to know you guys a little bit!

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410customs, JAMMAN, Eddie Money, mhoward

Posted: Sat Feb 22nd, 2020 10:22 pm

171^st Post

JAMMAN

Owns A Torsen

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Awesome, I gave you some rep points for the kind words :)

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00 XLT 4WD RCSB 3.GO! JalapeÃ±o
01 XLT 2WD RC Steppie 3.0 auto Silver
The future belongs to those who show up.

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Posted: Sun Feb 23rd, 2020 07:35 am

172^nd Post

Mike69

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IOnlyWorkLikeAMexican92 wrote:
I recently bought my first house in last August. I've only got a single car garage so Ive taken some measurements and drew up a plan for my work bench and tools.
Do not worry about only having a 1 car garage, I have been restoring my 69 Mustang Coupe with only a 1 car garage. Most times I roll it out of the garage & do the work in the driveway & then roll it back in the garage. It can get tight in there sharing space with a washer, dryer, work bench, tool box, air compressor, spare freezer, water heater, furnace, table saw, band saw, & a radial arm saw.

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21 Bronco Sport Big Bend (Wife's DD)
05 F150 XLT Reg Cab, 2WD, 5.4L, Auto (My DD)
69 Mustang Coupe 5.0, 5 spd 9" rear(Project)
14 Kawasaki Vulcan (Wife's Toy)

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Posted: Sun Feb 23rd, 2020 09:33 am

173^rd Post

mhoward
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Dang Mike, maybe you should move the 'Stang project to the living room. You could then spread things out a little more! Upside for me is that I now don't feel quite so bad about being stuck in a suburbian two-car garage! :'(

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-- Michael

2003 Ranger Edge / Extended Cab / Flareside / 3.0L FLEX / 5r44e Auto / 2WD / 8.8 LS 4:10 / Sonic Blue Pearl

So many mods... so little time...

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Posted: Sun Feb 23rd, 2020 10:44 am

174^th Post

Idahome

Joined: Wed May 2nd, 2018

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that is a large compressor!! Could it be moved to the outside? Maybe under a small lean to?
You could swap to a tankless water heater and get some more space, we love our on demand propane fired tankless about $850 on Amazon

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I build custom RBV, specializing in drivetrain conversions, wiring, suspension and complete custom trucks

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Posted: Sun Feb 23rd, 2020 11:49 am

175^th Post

Scrambler82
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Sounds like a good neighbor to have close by !

410, Good to know you a little better and thank you for all of the help/information you provide not only to me but this site, it is a good one !

Ltr

Last edited on Sun Feb 23rd, 2020 02:16 pm by Scrambler82

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Ltr,
2003 EDGE, Std Cab, Steppie, E4 Red, 5sp, 4x
5" SuperLift, 33" x 12.50 x 15"
Hurst Shifter
Mod'd Backrack to fit Steppie
Front and Rear Bumpers by Custom 4x4 Fabrication, OK; now Mike's Welding and Fabrication.
Working on more Mods, just need more time, longer days would work !

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