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Stringer's 2002 Ford Ranger V2.0       #: 1885
 Moderated by: NoPower, Mike69, MaDMaXX, Page:    1  2  3  Next Page Last Page  
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 Posted: Mon Jan 20th, 2020 01:00 pm
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Stringer
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 Well after 8 years of being away, I am back and with the identical twin to my first Ranger:

1st Ranger from 2010-2012:



The Twin:



2002
XLT Super Cab
4X4 Off-Road
4.0 SOHC
4.10 Gears

I was able to find this one on Facebook Marketplace about 30 miles from my house with about 140k miles on it. The truck is in exceptionally good condition given that it is now 18 years old. The previous owner did the following:

New 265/75/16 tires
New Fluids (Oil, Trans, Diff)
Rockers professionally repaired & painted
Remote Start

The truck does have some severe rot on the rear frame but the front section is solid. Because of this, I was able to negotiate the price of the truck to $2,000 and take a slight gamble on the frame.



First up I will be tackling the Rear Frame swap. I was able to locate a completely rust free section that has been sitting in a garage since the guy bought it from Ford - it still has the factory black paint with no surface rust. So what is the best part of this deal? I got it for $100. Tear down begins this coming weekend and I anticipate having the new frame section bolted up and the truck back together by the end of the weekend.

Pictures to come!

After this is completed, the real fun starts with some customization. I am currently planning on the following:

Black Headlights
Smoked 06-11 Tails
Smoked Cab LED Lights
Smoked LED Third Brake Light
Smoked Vent Visors
Tinted Windows - 20% Front Sides, 5% Brow Strip, 20% Over Factory Rear Glass
All Exterior Bulbs converted to LED
Putco Luminix LED Ford Emblem (Modified for grill mount)
Custom Seat Covers - Driver seat has a tear
Double DIN Headunit - Apple CarPlay & Backup Camera Compatible
Dual Flush Mount USB Dash Ports (For Apple CarPlay)
Pioneer Replacement Speakers
Pioneer Powered Subwoofer
New Chrome Front Bumper Face Bar - Original is starting to rust
Cat-back Exhaust (Flowmaster 40 or Equivalent)
Torsion Bar Crank
1" Lift Shackles - To compensate for Weatherguard Rat Pack or Towing
3" PA Body Lift
285/75/16 A/T
Rancho RS5000X Shocks

I will be updating this build thread as I go along.

Last edited on Mon Jan 20th, 2020 01:05 pm by Stringer



____________________
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
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 Posted: Mon Jan 20th, 2020 11:33 pm
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Scrambler82
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 Is this posted in another Forum too ?
I thought I posted to this thread but there is nothing here... LoL !
Luck on the project.

Ltr



____________________
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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 Posted: Tue Jan 21st, 2020 02:08 pm
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mhoward
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 Scrambler82 wrote:
Is this posted in another Forum too ?
I thought I posted to this thread but there is nothing here... LoL !
Luck on the project.

Ltr
I think you're just getting old, Scrambler... your memory isn't what it used to be!!! LOL :)

@Stringer: Welcome to our forum! LOTS of pics, please!  Awesome deal you got on that rear frame section! *ENVY*



____________________
-- 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: Tue Jan 21st, 2020 02:26 pm
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Scrambler82
Old Bastard !


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 mhoward wrote:
Scrambler82 wrote:

Is this posted in another Forum too ?
I thought I posted to this thread but there is nothing here... LoL !
Luck on the project.

Ltr
I think you're just getting old, Scrambler... your memory isn't what it used to be!!! LOL :)



mhoward,
Your right I am getting old. LoL, but I do remember posting about the look of his first truck and a few thoughts on his Sterio choices, similar to mine.
I need to take some Focus Factor.


Added:  FordRangerForum.com, I knew it... thinking the OLD brain isn't as bad YOU think !  LoL !

Last edited on Tue Jan 21st, 2020 02:28 pm by Scrambler82



____________________
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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 Posted: Tue Jan 21st, 2020 02:45 pm
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mhoward
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 Scrambler82 wrote:
Added:  FordRangerForum.com, I knew it... thinking the OLD brain isn't as bad YOU think !  LoL !
LMAO



____________________
-- 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: Tue Jan 21st, 2020 07:36 pm
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Scrambler82
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 mhoward wrote:
Scrambler82 wrote:

Added:  FordRangerForum.com, I knew it... thinking the OLD brain isn't as bad YOU think !  LoL !
LMAO
LoL... Needed a good laugh !



____________________
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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 Posted: Mon Jan 27th, 2020 09:13 am
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Stringer
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 Scrambler82 wrote:
Is this posted in another Forum too ?
I thought I posted to this thread but there is nothing here... LoL !
Luck on the project.

Ltr
You are correct. I am cross posting this on here and fordrangerforum.com so no, you are not losing it lol



____________________
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
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 Posted: Mon Jan 27th, 2020 09:20 am
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mhoward
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 Dang it Stringer!  You're supposed to mess with Scrambler to make him think he's getting Alzheimer's! LOL



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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: Mon Jan 27th, 2020 09:50 am
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Stringer
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 1st Update:

Well, I had planned on completing the rear frame swap this past weekend but, like everything seems to go in my life, I ran into a couple setbacks lol.

It started with the removal of the bedliner and spraying all the bolts with PB Blaster Friday night. When I looked at this truck before buying it, I lifted the bed liner up from the rear and from what I could see at that point looked pretty decent. There was some dirt under it but nothing that gave me concern - that attitude changed pretty quick when I pulled the whole liner out:









The following morning I began the bed removal. I was supposed to have help but at the last minute that person backed out so I was on my own. I quickly learned that only 1 of the 2 bed bolts in the front of the bed was actually holding due to the rust. Thankfully I took the time the night before to heavily soak all the hardware with PB Blaster - this helped tremendously with the bolt removal. Unfortunately I did end up snapping the 2 middle bed bolts while attempting to remove them though. Once I had all of the bed bolts removed, I unbolted the gas filler neck from the bed and replaced the cap to keep it free from any dirt and debris entering the gas tank. I tried to remove the rear bumper but ran into an issue with the last bolt being stripped off. After fighting with it for a while, I decided to leave the bumper attached and attempt to lift the bed above it for removal. After A LOT of time & careful work, I finally had the bed off of the truck. Remember I was on my own for this - I'm a very small guy - 5' - 6" and about 140lbs on a good day lol. It took me about 4 hours of work to get to this point:





With the bed finally off, I could now get a good look at the state my frame was in. It is almost unbelievable that from the tire back the frame is pretty much nonexistent yet from the tire forward the frame is rock solid. At this point I did realize I forgot to check something when taking a look at the condition off my leaf mounts &  shack mounts - the shocks and their mounts. At this point I knew I needed to order new ones and that I would not have them in my hands any time soon:









I decided that I would take this opportunity to check over everything with the bed off and take an inventory list of everything I will want to replace while I am doing this job. About this time, my friend who let me use his garage to do this but couldn't be there in the morning showed up. Together we put the bed back on and cranked the 3 bed bolts I had left down as much as possible without blowing the steel out. We then used a ratchet strap to help secure the front of the bed to the good portion of the frame as a temporary fix.

If I am able to get all of the parts in by this coming weekend, I plan on making attempt #2 at this project... and with a friend to lift the bed off. 2 days later and I still feel like I got hit by a Mack truck going 80 MPH lol.

Parts List:

  • (2) Rear Shocks
  • (2) Rear Shock Mounts
  • (1) Brake Line
  • Bed Bolts

I am starting my search for a bed as well. I will probably attempt a quick fix on my current one and run with it until I find a new one. If anyone has a lead on a solid Oxford White bed in the Pittsburgh, PA/Wheeling, WV/Morgantown, WV area, let me know. I'll consider any color if the price is right and it is solid.



____________________
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
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 Posted: Mon Jan 27th, 2020 09:58 am
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mhoward
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 Wow! It is amazing the amount of rust on that rear frame.  Salvage yards, Craigslist or OfferUp would be good sources to find a good used bed.  I will be taking my bed off this spring to access the passenger side cab corner that has rusted through. I am hoping I don't find similar problems with my bed. Mine does have a fiberglass bed cover, so hopefully that will have helped.



____________________
-- 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: Mon Jan 27th, 2020 10:18 am
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Stringer
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 mhoward wrote:
Wow! It is amazing the amount of rust on that rear frame.  Salvage yards, Craigslist or OfferUp would be good sources to find a good used bed.  I will be taking my bed off this spring to access the passenger side cab corner that has rusted through. I am hoping I don't find similar problems with my bed. Mine does have a fiberglass bed cover, so hopefully that will have helped.
This truck had a tri-fold tonneau on it. I am just assuming that the factory bedliner was never removed and some moisture & dirt was under it which caused the rust up front.



____________________
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
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 Posted: Mon Jan 27th, 2020 10:28 am
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mhoward
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 Mine was factory also.  Okay, now I am dreading what I might find...



____________________
-- 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: Mon Jan 27th, 2020 12:14 pm
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Scrambler82
Old Bastard !


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 One of the BIG drawbacks of the Ranger is the frame, too bad Ford didn't have to have a recall and replace the frames or the trucks... !

Yes, Howard, I am getting old and the old mind is still there... somewhat !

Stringer, I know it is extra work AND extra money but what about either renting a sand blaster, which isn't always the best idea, or hire a pro-sand blaster and have the rear of the frame completely sand blasted; you will have the best overall idea of where you stand.

The shock mounts, although rusted up, might still be usable, you won't know until you have them cleaned up.   
The rear spring mounts, just replace them, if they aren't rusted out they will be.

If you intend to keep this truck for a while, like me... 17 year old Ranger, it might be a good idea to do what is necessary so you can drive it with confidence.

Ltr



____________________
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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 Posted: Mon Jan 27th, 2020 12:19 pm
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mhoward
Hey look ~ they ~ bounce!


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 Scrambler82 wrote:
Yes, Howard, I am getting old and the old mind is still there... somewhat !
That would make two of us as I will turn 64 at the end of this week.  Sometimes I can't remember what I had for lunch yesterday. :'(



____________________
-- 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: Mon Jan 27th, 2020 12:51 pm
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Scrambler82
Old Bastard !


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 mhoward wrote:
Scrambler82 wrote:

Yes, Howard, I am getting old and the old mind is still there... somewhat !
That would make two of us as I will turn 64 at the end of this week.  Sometimes I can't remember what I had for lunch yesterday. :'(
OK on the age !

If I were Stringer, I think I would go in all the way and strip the frame, pro-sandblast, the replace as many part with new as are available.

I'm still thinking on the Early Bronco Frame idea.

My frame is showing its age, low extra milage, but New England salty roads have taken it toll.

After looking at new 2019/2020 Truck, all Makes, and directly experiencing the low level fraud that these dealership dish out, I don't thing buying new is going to happen, and all Dealership are the same !

So, rebuild isn't a bad idea.

Good Luck Stringer, hoping comes together fast for you !

Ltr



____________________
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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 Posted: Mon Jan 27th, 2020 01:18 pm
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Stringer
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 Scrambler82 wrote:
One of the BIG drawbacks of the Ranger is the frame, too bad Ford didn't have to have a recall and replace the frames or the trucks... !

Yes, Howard, I am getting old and the old mind is still there... somewhat !

Stringer, I know it is extra work AND extra money but what about either renting a sand blaster, which isn't always the best idea, or hire a pro-sand blaster and have the rear of the frame completely sand blasted; you will have the best overall idea of where you stand.

The shock mounts, although rusted up, might still be usable, you won't know until you have them cleaned up.   
The rear spring mounts, just replace them, if they aren't rusted out they will be.

If you intend to keep this truck for a while, like me... 17 year old Ranger, it might be a good idea to do what is necessary so you can drive it with confidence.

Ltr
We cleaned off the front frame section and its crossmember with a wire wheel - both are very solid so I have no worries there.

I just priced out the new shock mounts - Approx $34 ea from rockauto.com. If I am doing the shocks, I might as well just get the new mounts and not fight with the 18 year old ones lol. The pictures don't do much justice but they are looking ROUGH lol.

I checked the shackle mounts before hand and they actually look to be in excellent condition. They went bad on my last Ranger so I knew what to look for. I would assume that they were replaced recently considering the frame where they mount at is practically gone. The shackles themselves are still in decent condition but do show some signs of wear. The leaf mounts are solid as well but I am worried I may accidently cut into them while grinding the rivets off. Those are approx. $72 ea.

I started out thinking of just buying two cheaper shocks just to get this project done. But the more I am thinking about it, I may just wait until payday this Friday and put my order in then along with all four Rancho RS5000Xs front & rear like I already wanted to do at some point. I feel like spending $40-60 on two cheap shocks now just to be changed out less than a year down the road for the Ranchos would be a waste of time & money. After some more research, I may consider the KYB Gas-A-Just shocks as well - they seem to have good reviews for a Ranger. I may throw some 1-2" adjustable lift shackles in the cart like I had also planned on doing to keep the truck levelled out after I crank the T-Bars & put my Weather Guard RatPack (322lbs empty) in the bed or put a trailer behind it.

This truck is going to be around for as long as I can keep it on the road. I bought it to eliminate a second vehicle payment... I want to keep it that way as long as I can lol. Even then, it will probably be turned solely into my mobile detailing truck.

Last edited on Mon Jan 27th, 2020 02:24 pm by Stringer



____________________
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
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 Posted: Mon Jan 27th, 2020 11:19 pm
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Scrambler82
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 When cutting the rivets off, consider using a Cutting Tip for your Torch designed for that purpose.
The Tip have a slight bent in the end and three or four holes that direct the heat and cutting gas to the rivet head and cuts pretty cleanly, at least the one I used did.
The tip went to my Craftsman Torch which I gave my brother, with all the tips; Craftsman had a special designed mounting end too so the tips didn't interchange.


Good Luck.

Pictures



____________________
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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 Posted: Tue Jan 28th, 2020 08:26 am
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Stringer
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 Scrambler82 wrote:
When cutting the rivets off, consider using a Cutting Tip for your Torch designed for that purpose.
The Tip have a slight bent in the end and three or four holes that direct the heat and cutting gas to the rivet head and cuts pretty cleanly, at least the one I used did.
The tip went to my Craftsman Torch which I gave my brother, with all the tips; Craftsman had a special designed mounting end too so the tips didn't interchange.


Good Luck.

Pictures
I'll have to see if I can borrow a torch or just buy one myself - usually that's what I do to build up my inventory of tools. If I need something I buy it instead of borrowing so that I will have it if needed again down the road lol.
I was originally planning on using a grinder with cut off wheels - which I have. 

Don't worry, there will be plenty of pictures for everything that I am doing to this truck.



____________________
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
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 Posted: Tue Jan 28th, 2020 11:26 am
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Scrambler82
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 Yup on the tool build up; works that way !
Soon you will need more space for the tools but when you want to do a  job... you do it !

The Rivet Tip will cut really close, sometimes you need to grind a little to finish the process.

Waiting to see !



____________________
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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 Posted: Fri Jan 31st, 2020 01:05 pm
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Stringer
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Joined: Wed Jan 15th, 2020
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 2nd Update:

I have placed an order for the following parts:

  • (2) Front KYB Gas-A-Just Shocks (RockAuto $34.79ea)
  • (2) Rear KYB Gas-A-Just Shocks (eBay $20.00ea)
  • (2) Rear Shock Mounts (RockAuto $33.89ea)
  • Bed Bolt Hardware (RockAuto $34.89)

I've also come up with an idea to try to save my current truck bed a little longer - at least until I can get my hands on a new one... or have one built but that's just an idea I am toying with at the moment. I am thinking of using a 2' X 12' sheet of Corrugated Metal Roofing from Lowe's and cutting it in half for (2) 2' x 6' pieces. Together they would span the length of my bed and fit between the wheel wells with some overlap. I could then drill the holes out where the bed bolts would be and secure the corrugated down to the bed floor - allowing me to use a 6 of the bed bolts to secure the bed instead of just the 4 rear bolts. Since the corrugated would span the entire length of the bed, I would assume it would also provide additional support for the bed floor in the front where the rust has taken a toll. Once secured, I could put the drop in bed liner back in the truck and you wouldn't be able to tell the difference.

The idea sounds good on paper but I know all to well how it goes in reality lol. I just hope it does work out for a temporary fix for the next 6 - 12 months.



____________________
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
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 Posted: Fri Jan 31st, 2020 01:21 pm
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mhoward
Hey look ~ they ~ bounce!


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 That's actually a sound idea, Jesse. It certainly would be strong enough and will definitely buy you some time to locate a solid used bed (they are out there).



____________________
-- 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: Fri Jan 31st, 2020 05:23 pm
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Scrambler82
Old Bastard !


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 Stringer wrote:
2nd Update:

I have placed an order for the following parts:

  • (2) Front KYB Gas-A-Just Shocks (RockAuto $34.79ea)
  • (2) Rear KYB Gas-A-Just Shocks (eBay $20.00ea)
  • (2) Rear Shock Mounts (RockAuto $33.89ea)
  • Bed Bolt Hardware (RockAuto $34.89)

I've also come up with an idea to try to save my current truck bed a little longer - at least until I can get my hands on a new one... or have one built but that's just an idea I am toying with at the moment. I am thinking of using a 2' X 12' sheet of Corrugated Metal Roofing from Lowe's and cutting it in half for (2) 2' x 6' pieces. Together they would span the length of my bed and fit between the wheel wells with some overlap. I could then drill the holes out where the bed bolts would be and secure the corrugated down to the bed floor - allowing me to use a 6 of the bed bolts to secure the bed instead of just the 4 rear bolts. Since the corrugated would span the entire length of the bed, I would assume it would also provide additional support for the bed floor in the front where the rust has taken a toll. Once secured, I could put the drop in bed liner back in the truck and you wouldn't be able to tell the difference.

The idea sounds good on paper but I know all to well how it goes in reality lol. I just hope it does work out for a temporary fix for the next 6 - 12 months.
The corrugated panels... !   Does the panel match the bed floor ?  

If you are just trying to do a quick fix, cheap, what about some sheet metal, either bend it or buy a 90 degree already bent, get a large enough legs on the sides, bolt or screw that to the existing bed metal.  

Ltr



____________________
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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 Posted: Fri Jan 31st, 2020 06:22 pm
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Stringer
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Joined: Wed Jan 15th, 2020
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 Scrambler82 wrote:
Stringer wrote:

2nd Update:

I have placed an order for the following parts:


  • (2) Front KYB Gas-A-Just Shocks (RockAuto $34.79ea)
  • (2) Rear KYB Gas-A-Just Shocks (eBay $20.00ea)
  • (2) Rear Shock Mounts (RockAuto $33.89ea)
  • Bed Bolt Hardware (RockAuto $34.89)

I've also come up with an idea to try to save my current truck bed a little longer - at least until I can get my hands on a new one... or have one built but that's just an idea I am toying with at the moment. I am thinking of using a 2' X 12' sheet of Corrugated Metal Roofing from Lowe's and cutting it in half for (2) 2' x 6' pieces. Together they would span the length of my bed and fit between the wheel wells with some overlap. I could then drill the holes out where the bed bolts would be and secure the corrugated down to the bed floor - allowing me to use a 6 of the bed bolts to secure the bed instead of just the 4 rear bolts. Since the corrugated would span the entire length of the bed, I would assume it would also provide additional support for the bed floor in the front where the rust has taken a toll. Once secured, I could put the drop in bed liner back in the truck and you wouldn't be able to tell the difference.

The idea sounds good on paper but I know all to well how it goes in reality lol. I just hope it does work out for a temporary fix for the next 6 - 12 months.
The corrugated panels... !   Does the panel match the bed floor ?  

If you are just trying to do a quick fix, cheap, what about some sheet metal, either bend it or buy a 90 degree already bent, get a large enough legs on the sides, bolt or screw that to the existing bed metal.  

Ltr
I found a sheet of Corrugated Metal Roofing at my Lowe's for around $30. I couldn't locate any sheet metal with a 6' long length easily accessible or else that was my original game plan. Idk if the corrugated ribs match up with the bed but I figured it's with a shot. I could always get a piece of angle to secure the corrugated to the bulkhead which doesn't sound like a bad idea at all.



____________________
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
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 Posted: Fri Jan 31st, 2020 08:14 pm
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Scrambler82
Old Bastard !


Joined: Fri Dec 22nd, 2017
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 Your call but if the dips and ridges don't match up then you will have a mess on your hands.

If you can get some 6' lengths of 90 degree angle but with wide enough to attach to good solid metal on each part, then some self threading screws will hold things to gather for a while.   This is not a long term thing, quick though.
Something like angled flashing but heavier gauge, and put it on the outside of the bed.

Just thinking out loud.



____________________
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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 Posted: Tue Feb 4th, 2020 04:29 pm
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Stringer
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Joined: Wed Jan 15th, 2020
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Posts: 62
Name: Jesse ...
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 3rd Update:

Well my parts for the rear frame swap & shock upgrade are starting to arrive. Things are still looking pretty promising to start this project for the 2nd time this weekend.

I have found that just about every bed in the junk yard has rust problems somewhere on them. Gotta love road salt :whatever: . If I am getting a new bed, I don't want to have to worry about rust anytime again in the near future. Southern rust free beds run anywhere from $800 - $1,200 in the Pittsburgh, PA region plus materials & labor for paint. That got my gears spinning in my head a bit lol. If I am going to spend $1k+ on a bed, why not make it worth my while and do something that would make me different from the rest of the Rangers around me. Introducing project Ranger Off-Road Flatbed:






Please excuse my MS Paint Mock-Up on the truck lol. The flatbed would have full wheel wells to allow for full suspension movement and skirting with side steps similar to a step side bed. The actual flatbed portion would be between the wheel wells with short side walls still giving the option to carry something wider. Built in Class III hitch. (2) Shackles on each side & rear plus (2) on the headache rack bulkhead. The Headache Rack, Fenders, Hitch & Shackles would be powder coated black and the body of the bed would be painted to match - Oxford White. The bed slates would consist of either pressure treated lumber covered in bed liner or planks of Rumber - pricey option. The side running steps & bulkhead would be covered in diamond plate. The "RANGER" cutout in the headache rack would be backlit with red LEDs to function as a running light.

That would be a project further down the road. This is why I am considering doing a temporary fix to my current bed to get just a little more life out of it.



____________________
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
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