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Replaced the high mount brake bulb a few weeks ago...... Got the typical leak after a big rain/snow store that every Ford Pick-up I've ever owned gets after this, just made a seal with some RTV Silicone.
Complete brake job, after a total brake failure on the road last month. Next I'm gonna finally tackle the annoying rusted out/crusty rear door switch, hopefully I can find a clean one at the salvage yard otherwise guess I'll just disable the door ajar light on the dash and call it "fixed-for-now" -it's not like the door is gonna fly open while driving down the road.
Found out I don't really know how to install a Windshield Visor.
Need to watch a video or two !
Replaced the Windshield Washer/Overflow Tank, after a local Packrat munched on the rim of the tank... might have wanted some water !
I got the piece from Rockauto, not a back piece but the Tank got in the way of the power connector.
I decided after a look, to remodel the connector, almost did a little too much but it ended up working so all is well.
Two weeks ago I bought a 1999 Ranger XLT Supercab 4X4 auto with 4.0 with a canopy.
Instead of posting each day I did something, decided to just make one post.
So far I (shop did tires & ball joints) have added or replaced with new parts......... Vent Visors above windows, headlights, front turn signals, cruise control buttons,
remote outside mirrors switch, black grille, new tires, lower ball joints and upper ball joints & control arms (all Moog).
Next is the door lock actuators inside the doors. Then decide what to do about the radio.... a work in progress.
Just replaced my first transmission in my 02 4.0. It seems to be moving properly however being a novice I am worried about the torque converter not being filled up before I put it in since it was all empty when I got it. I've heard conflicting ideas on this.
I have a 98 extracab 4.0 2wd and the other day it clunked when I put it in reverse, now it won't go in reverse at all, just like its in neutral. Any idea what could be wrong? The trany fluid level is ok, is a little dark red, but still clear. What do you think could be wrong?
Finally got around to replacing the plugs, wires, coil pack, air filter, and a complete lube job on the old truck. Definitely did wonders to the overall roughness and sluggish acceleration I was facing. Next on my to-do list, replacing the ground wire on the battery - as its pretty chewed up and the terminal is starting to split. Then I can go back to focusing on the never-ending door ajar/rear passenger door switch issue. The bottom simply isn't latching, and all the lube in the world isn't fixing that. Thing is the bolts that hold it in are so nasty I'm likely going to have to drill them out - or go the easy route and just remove the panel and disconnect the wire...
This week I completed the following items:
- Sunday - Installed Off-Road lights (Front flood/Side ditch)
- Monday - replaced rear shocks from oem to Bilsteins
- Today - replaced front shocks from oem to Bilsteins
Next on the list
- Torsion Bar slight Crank - just want about an inch - trying to figure out if my current torsion bars need replacing first.
- I need new leaf springs
- Rear lift either 1" block or shackle Still researching this. I off road a lot but mostly overland so I do a bit of weight on my
- Some type of communication radio either HAM or CB
Next on the list
- Torsion Bar slight Crank - just want about an inch - trying to figure out if my current torsion bars need replacing first.
- Some type of communication radio either HAM or CB
1) Just asking you do know that upping the lift using the T-Bars will increase the ride stiffness !
I had one truck with cranked T-Bars and it wasn't the best ride after the cranking.
2) Communication Radio - are you an Amateur Radio Operator ?
Just asking... what do the other trucks in your area use ? I would start there, buying and installing a HAM Rig, with to without a License, take time and effort, not like most CB Rigs, throw it in, install an Antenna, TALK !
Remember which ever way you go, always ground the radio back to the battery, and always ground the antenna to the frame... directly, not the bumper, not the roof, not the Backrack, and get to bare metal before making the connection and use some sort of anti-corrosion paste on and in the connection ! The power wire for the radio can be an extra length of RG8 Coax, center for power and the outside shield for negative, this also helps shield the power line.
Oh ya, one more thing, you have to Tune for the Antenna for lowest Standing Wave Ratio, (SWR), it is always a time consuming event and most people think it useless but it matters for top performance.
1) Just asking you do know that upping the lift using the T-Bars will increase the ride stiffness !
I had one truck with cranked T-Bars and it wasn't the best ride after the cranking.
2) Communication Radio - are you an Amateur Radio Operator ?
Just asking... what do the other trucks in your area use ? I would start there, buying and installing a HAM Rig, with to without a License, take time and effort, not like most CB Rigs, throw it in, install an Antenna, TALK !
Remember which ever way you go, always ground the radio back to the battery, and always ground the antenna to the frame... directly, not the bumper, not the roof, not the Backrack, and get to bare metal before making the connection and use some sort of anti-corrosion paste on and in the connection ! The power wire for the radio can be an extra length of RG8 Coax, center for power and the outside shield for negative, this also helps shield the power line.
Oh ya, one more thing, you have to Tune for the Antenna for lowest Standing Wave Ratio, (SWR), it is always a time consuming event and most people think it useless but it matters for top performance.
Good Luck on your project.
On the license radio operator Q, no: This is something I will have to figure out if I want to go down that route. However, I have a few friends who are HAM licensed. Lucky to pick their brains on.
Currently my traveling buddy and I have been using some on the border free channels lol.
Yea, T-cranking I know makes it stiffer ride. Why I sorta implying it be a small crank. I'm still not fully settled on it though, I did a Death Valley trip and my fake rock sliders called nerf bars took some damage that might not have happened if I had an extra 1/2 to 1 inch lift. I really don't want to go any higher. Note: I glad I had the nerf bars to protect the body as Steele Pass has several steps and V-notch steps.
I appreciate the addition tips for grounding and stuff. Thank You
I have been a HAM for a while now and hold an Amateur Extra License, Amateur Radio took a hit when Cell Phone started taking off and I don't think ever recovered, the air waves are a lot slower now and I haven't even setup my station there in SoCal... Honey-Do List is just too long !
It is nice to talk to the world but it take money to get a station up and get it running right.
My first radio was a 2 meter/440 Mhz. VHF/UHF rig in my truck, gotta start somewhere.
So you need to determine the amount of lift you want ?
I understand the idea of cranking the t-bars, good luck on your process.
Good thing to take your time and get it right the first time around.
Figured out why my A/C would stop working after a few miles driving, it is a sticky clutch, cleaned it up with carb cleaner and compressed air, so far so good.
Ordered a bench seat cupholder that comes on auto trans trucks, for my manual trans, extra place to put stuff
Ford has been bugging the living daylights out of me to get my Ranger in to the dealer for a "Takata-ectomy."
Finally, we had a sunny, pleasant day, so I decided to let the local Ford dealer play around with my beloved Ranger... it's the first time in probably ten years that it saw the inside of a dealership's shop.
While I was there, I decided to take a look at the "All new for 2019 Ranger!" on display... I thought it was an F-150 at first... so I decided to take a family photograph with my Ranger's cousin...
Good Lord, that thing is BIG! It dwarfs my li'l ol' Tonka-sized Ranger...
Surprisingly, the dealer didn't put the arm on me for a laundry list of "services we notice that your truck needs..." Props to them...
Not today in particular, picked up the truck 6 weeks ago, new brakes all around including calipers, wheel cylinders, hoses and all new steel lines, all ujoints, including front axle, KYB shocks, up\low ball joints, exhaust, oil change, plugs, wires, thermostat, next comes frame repair, not bad but needs lower repair by fuel tank.
Blacked out the headlights and installed an amber Halo on the blinker
i wanted it to blink with the blinker, but couldn't find anything on how to wire it, so I just tapped into the blinker steady power. I could have made it blink, but it wouldn't be lit up all the time.
day or so before that, I replaced the cig port with a fast charging USB C and regular port.
weekend before that, new shocks all around, new front pads, rotors, and bearings
Blacked out the headlights and installed an amber Halo on the blinker
I wanted it to blink with the blinker, but couldn't find anything on how to wire it, so I just tapped into the blinker steady power. I could have made it blink, but it wouldn't be lit up all the time.
Which Halos do you have ?
Do they have more than two wires for hook up ?
I like the looks of the Halos on with the parking lights, give a more defined ring around the parking.directional lights.
I am not sure if The Blinker Mod would work with an LED Halo, so that's out ! ( I tried the blinker mod with LED Bulbs and it didn't work) !
The only option I can think of is getting a Halo with a hook up for the Parking Light, one for the Blinkers, and one for ground. yes they are available, these are on low light with the parkers and high light for the directionals, that would work but would require taking the Housing apart again !
(I got these from LightWerks "80mm HD LED Switchback Halo Rings", these do just what I said) !
It would be good if the blinker mod would work with the directionals and blink opposite the regular directional bulb. (Something to work on) !
Which Halos do you have ?
Do they have more than two wires for hook up ?
Good Luck with the wiring, truck looks good !
I just bought some cheapos off Amazon. These just had a power and ground.
I'm in the process of finding another truck, because this one's got a cracked frame. When I find my next ranger, I'll be buying some brand new housings, and probably spring for some more expensive Halo's, as well as projectors.
03-03-2019
