Garage Projects

The Lone Ranger – Second Stretch

Happy Day! The Ranger took its first ‘long’ road trip into work today (about 18 miles one way). I’m happy to report it didn’t fall apart and kill a buss load of Nuns on the way in…
Sara L.: Build and Misc &emdash;
Sara L.: Build and Misc &emdash;

With the 4:10’s, it’s a bit steep, but really not that bad at all to drive (5th gear is 2k rpms at 70 mph). You’ve got to burn a bit more clutch to get it moving, but once its rolling life is good. 4:56’s would put it back to a ‘factory’ feel, and 4:88’s is probably the sweet spot. As of right now, I’m not in a huge hurry to regear just yet.

Other than having 3 out of 4 tires out of balance, the thing rides and drives great! I’m sure by the time it gets the extra weight of the bumpers/skids/cage on there, it ought to ride like a caddy.

On to the real reason for bringing it into work, so I could borrow the forklift for a bit! There is 36″ under the front tire when it is lifted in the air, and 39″ under the rear when it’s in the air. I apologize for the poor photos in advance, but it’s a little cramped in there…
Sara L.: Build and Misc &emdash;
Sara L.: Build and Misc &emdash;
Sara L.: Build and Misc &emdash;
Sara L.: Build and Misc &emdash;

Everything looks awesome from what I can tell, my ‘best guess’ on bump stop and shock mount location seems to have worked out perfectly and the drive shaft lengths are good. At this point I need to:

-Burn in the things that are just tacked on
-Do some very minor trimming in the rear (slightly more in the front)
-Get some ~ 18″ long limit straps for the front (The shock is playing limit strap in this photo):
Sara L.: Build and Misc &emdash;

Now it’s time to really get at it as I’m hoping to get most of the cage done the weekend of 5/21. That means I need to get the bumpers and sliders done quick!

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