Project Ranger Has begun!

[Rebel Ram]

I towed my 1976 Ford Camper Special saturday. I started positioning the engine and trans today. Should have it in for good tommorow. Fwiw, If I wanted to use the AC pump there was plenty of room. The only cutting I had or will have to do is, The top core suport, and the front of the oil pan sump.

I will be using the Dodge Radiator. Some custom fitting will have to be done but it will be pretty easy. I will be going non-intercooled. Just no room. Plus this setup will be a stock fueling rig and will be used for light duty so ex/temps wont be an issue.

So if anyone is looking for info on a similar project, Let me know or if you have any advice for me, post up.



BTW: Happy new year!

 

[Rebel Ram]

Progress pics.

Some quick photos of whats happening. You can see how much room there was for the AC compressor. And how well the OEM dodge mounts work. The AC pump is off in the last pic as I wont be using it.

 

[AlaskanCummins]

Intercooler

Hey Rebel,



Is your truck a 4x4? Take a look at my pics and see what I finally came up with for an intercooler. I'm dong a 73 F250 4x4 and am using an intercooler good for 600hp that I mounted just under the grill by welding mounts on the front crossmember. I just finished up a front bumper for it too that masks it pretty well.



I wasn't going to intercool either, but after some prodding from friends, I finally found the way.



Wayne

 

[Rebel Ram]

Thanks for the tip. But no, its a two wheel drive. And anyway I will be using this truck pretty much as a light duty deal and will be leaving the fueling stock so no need I dont think for the IC. But down the road ,who knows? I am not making any move that will prevent any changes later. BTW, How did you rig your throttle? I have made parts to modify my linkage but havent started due to weather. If I see a better idea I may go that way.

 

[AlaskanCummins]

Hey Rebel,



Check out my photo's here: 73 Ford Hi-boy 4x4 - Photo Gallery.



In there, you'll find a pic of my throttle set up. I used the pedal out of my donor truck (99 Dodge) and used some solid stock that I bent into a "c", welded some washer's on it and welded it to a plate then screwed it to the fire-wall. Worked out perfect.



Wayne

 

[Rebel Ram]

Hey Rebel,

find a pic of my throttle set up. I used the pedal out of my donor truck.

Wayne

Thanks for the tip Wayne. I used my doner truck pedal and cable setup. I guess I was overthinking this one. But more good news. I tried the the exhaust manifold flip tip and it works real well. Lots of room now. This allowed me to rethink my radiator choices. I can now use the Ford Unit by slipping it toward the fron side of the supports and shim to get good clearance. Its coming together. Oo.

 

[Rebel Ram]

Update.

I got the Ranger on the road today. Its hard still to picture my old truck formerly with a 460 sounding like it does. Still have some detail details to work out. Exhaust from the down pipe back. Getting the guages and sending units sorted out and so on. I've read the posts on other conversions about the internal voltage regulators and will prolly go that way.

But now I would like to read some sugestions on the OD shift issue. I know that I need to run 12 Volts to the plug on the transmision and then run a ground wire switch. But ideas for a more eligant method than a toggle switch that I need to cycle every trip though the gears.

Also, how can I match up my Fords mechanical spedo cable to my Dodge trans?

Its been fun. And I hope to do another conversion in the future when I fall into a good doner for cheap again.

 

[Rebel Ram]

On the road!

Here are some pictures of the Ranger. I still have a few details to address but this is the finished product more or less.

 

[Rebel Ram]

More

Here arre some of the engine bay. Note the air horn and down pipe. Along with triming the oil pan and making a lower coolant crossover pipe, This was the only real custom parts I had to make. the rest was cut and fit.

 

[Rebel Ram]

I took on the seats today!

Finally got to the seats replaced today. The bench in the Ford were wasted 10 years ago. Here are some before and after. That $1000. 00 Doner truck just keeps on giving.

 

[NCovey]

Looks great!

 

[WLehto]

Speedo cable idea

Also, how can I match up my Fords mechanical spedo cable to my Dodge trans?

Rebel,



I went to the junk yard and found a dodge cable that would hook up in place of the speed sensor. Then I plan on cutting the Ford outer cable and the Dodge outer cable, then slip a piece of tubing over both and clamp. I got the idea from some forum , I can't remember if it was this one. I haven't hooked mine up but I know I'll probably have to change the gear. This was also with a manual transmission but found a cable off an automatic.



Wayne