7/8 Ton Ranger Build

Note-The wiring isn't 100% finished. I will be taping and looming all the exposed wiring. Just ran out of time earlier today.
 
Well just got home and pulled the diff covers to see what I'm working with and I've got 3.73's as I was told but no limited slips. I was told they were both LS but no biggie. Open carriers and spiders are easier to weld. Diff fluid looks good and hardly any wear pattern on the gears but I'm not reusing them so it doesn't matter. The next decision is whether I want to go full hydro or not which will determine if I weld the front or lock it. I'll most likley go full hydro for the fact that I can get away without having to run a track bar, weld the front diff, steer easier and not have a drag link limiting flex. All of which will save me some coin which will make the orbital and ram that much easier to afford. Now I need some suspension joints so I can get to work on the front 3 link.
 
Alot of measuring and figuring right now. I'm trying to get my front suspension links figured out. I'm going to be swapping in a pair of Exploder leafs in the rear when the Sterling goes in. I did get all the extra mounts cleaned off the front axle. I'm also waiting on a buddy to bring me some roller tires for the 16's and my 12"x12" 1/2" plate for my doubler. Right now money is the hold up more than anything. I need JJ's to keep going on the front links and I need to find somewhere to make my custom sector shaft for my doubler. I'll get some more pics up in the next few days once the rear is under the truck.
 
I was badly wanting to do the TTB but at this time I feel I need more funds to dedicate for a proper long travel TTB and my fab and engineering skills need a little more work as well. I'm still going to try it at some point but on a different rig built for a different purpose.

I've never really been a fan of Rockwells so even if a deal came across I wouldn't run them. Personally I like a smaller rig with minimal lift and a tire size that will still make most obstacles some sort of a challenge. The idea of driving over everything effortlessly just doesn't appeal to me. I know there are still plenty of challenges for Rockwelled rigs but I don't have the time nor money to consistantly travel to get to them.
 
I got the axles mocked up under the Ranger last night. I'll get some pics up later but it looks sweet with the full widths. I also trimmed the front a little more. Got the rear Explorer leafs in and I may add a leaf to the pack for a little more height but overall I like the way my numbers are working out. Right now it's on 31" rollers so my numbers are close but not exact.

116" wheelbase
~23" belly height with 38" tires
81" wide, will be wider with the correct size tires on it

With the weight of my axles and tires running a light drivetrain and next to no body, I'm going to have a really low COG. Works good for me cause I like to roll alot.
 
Here's how it sits
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The front ride height is going to be about 2" more that where it sits now. The rear is how it's going to be.
 
Not scrap, just on a long term delay. Yes most of the actual truck has been scrapped and the only original parts of the Ranger left are the frame and cab but it's not going anywhere. I've run into too many issues that will take too much money and time to resolve at this point that I don't have the time or money to do. I'm still keeping it but it will just be on the back burner for a while.
 
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