[SuperRanger]

We are building a new truck to eventually replace our current FABTECH Ranger. The current one is 4 years old and the only vehicle to win in each of XRRA, WE-Rock, and UROC. 11 wins and 4 championships. Alright, I'll quit bragging but it has been a good truck. It was my first vehicle when I was 15 so I am a little emotional about it. This is the first time we have started from scratch and not needed to nickel and dime the project.

The first thing we did was decide on an engine. Given the size, weight, and power requirements, I don't think a small block Ford can be beat. We have always built 302 HO motors but wanted more power so we stepped it up to a 347 stroker - 400 hp, 400 ft/lb, 400 lbs. The entire engine is 27" long.

We have been talking with Pro-Formance Unlimited for about a year regarding the requirements for such an engine. We have a custom cam, forged rotating assembly, cast iron block, Dart Pro 1 heads, and Mass-Flo injection. They supplied us with a turn-key fuel injected 347. Their website is here: http://www.proformanceunlimited.com/

 

[affende]

sweet ass sweet

 

[SuperRanger]

The engine showed up here looking like this. I then added the only junkyard parts I think we will need - the belt system from a 1994 Mustang. The high quality oil filter relocation kit is from Canton Racing.

 

[SuperRanger]

The axles are built and this thread covers my adventures there:

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=596769

Now I better get to work.

 

[Tydes]

booyeah this is gonna be sick

 

[MudzerK5]

Couldn't you get Blue anodized rockers? Geez. :flipoff2:

 

[fish]

Sweet , you have my attention

Hey Brad, do you know the dimensions of that filter adapter your useing or any info on it would be helpful . I have tried many different types and they just dont give me the clearance I need. Thanks

 

[SuperRanger]

http://www.cantonracingproducts.com/remote%20oil%20filter%20kits/remote_oil_filter_kits.html

I know you don't have to buy the kit. We just got the adapter and a mount. I used one from Ford Performance previously and it fits closer to the block but this one is clockable and much higher quality. I think it sticks out about 1.25" from the flange and is as big around as a filter.

 

[RedBullJeep]

Canton has some very nice stuff. We got our oil-accumulator from them and they not only offered a great part, but the service to back it up.

Can't wait to see and hear the new Ranger!

 

[e-hills4x4]

It was my first vehicle when I was 15 so I am a little emotional about it.

i think you need an evolution thread for this truck, that would definately be a great read

 

[under_psi]

is the cash train coming through mississippi anytime soon?

nice start.....

 

[desertCJ]

Have you or do you plan to dyno the engine or the vehicle on a chassis dyno?

 

[SuperRanger]

Here is a quick evolution:

In 1985 we started taking RC cars to the limit. Here I was a little off course on an adventure in New hampshire. We got to take them in our suitcase.

 

[SuperRanger]

Our dad got Roger a B2 when he turned 16 in 1989. I got a Ranger mid 1992. I quickly dropped some massive 235's on it and headed for Rocky Mountain adventure. Here it is at Holy Cross City.

 

[SuperRanger]

I decided I needed more clearence so I stepped it up to 31's. At this time I had stock axles and locker in the rear. The lift kit was a James Duff 2.5"

 

[SuperRanger]

The James Duff kit sucked and I am still a little bitter about it. I pulled it off and went to a high dollar Superlift kit. I put 33 x 950's on it and started popping axles. The Dana 28 / Ford 7.5" just didn't hold up. I eventually stepped up to a Dana 35 front / Ford 8.8" rear. During college, I drove this truck into the ground. I remember putting 1000+ miles on it with a come-along holding the front radius arm together.

 

[SuperRanger]

I decided it was time to do something or let it die so I put a 302 HO in it with ZF trans and a Dana 44 front. At this point it was still my daily driver. I build a realy nice tube bed but can't find any shots of it. It had a 1 link rear suspension. I beat the crap out of it in Farmington, Moab, etc. It eventually died when I was flat towing it and accidentally left the Atlas in front low. The tranny seized and blew the snot out of everything.

 

[SuperRanger]

So the truck was dead for a few months while I pondered things. It was 2003 and we had been to a couple comps and decided we liked it. We built for the mod class and won every event in the series and got 2nd in Supercrawl. THe second season we changed the body a bit and kept doing well.

 

[SuperRanger]

Believe it or not, we got the attention of Ford and they helped us update the look to a 2006 Ranger. Along the way we have made improvements here and there to stay competitive. It still works because we just won the WE-Rock Pro Mod Championship. At this point, I think the only original part is the gas pedal. I grin every time I think about my dad telling me "Your just going to kill the value of it if you put a lift kit on." He is the one that got us started and regretfully, never saw us compete.

We gave serious thought to updatig this one again but expense and timing would really hurt us so we are starting fresh - but it is good to remember your roots.

 

[mudtruck44]

Very cool guys!