1978 F-100 Ranger

Nov 7, 2023 12:56 AM

redsmerf

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1194

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30

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4

My first project vehicle, a 1978 Ford F-100 Ranger, shortly after getting it painted last year. Since then I've re-wired it, added cab insulation, carpet, reupholstered it and installed a vintage 80s cassette-radio (with new door speakers).

I also lost the left back wheel while doing about 40 miles an hour 6 weeks ago, thus learning how to pull the axle, install wheel studs and replace the brake backing plate, and being reminded how much of a pain in the ass drum brakes are. Lesson learned: double check your lug nuts.

Incidentally, a reminder to Imgurian drivers: learn how to check your lug nuts and automotive fluids, and probably how to change your engine and cabin air filters (they're usually not hard to change. Usually.)

Future plans involve building a much newer 5.0 engine from a wrecked Explorer, superchargers (plural!), doing something about that sliding rear window and replacing the wood in the bed. Finally... Maybe a limited slip differential and a 4x4 conversion. Oh, and also reinstalling the shiny stuff in the channels.

I am not a mechanic. I'm but a silly fool with silly ideas and enough ability to research and figure things out that I (probably) wont fuck up too badly.

truck

carmeet

1978 F ≈ 1081.1 ° Celsius or 1354.3 Kelvin

2 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

40 miles ≈ 64 kilometres

2 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

*facepalm* Dumb bot

2 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

I realize it violates a rule somewhere, but what about doing discs in the rear? You're changing so much other stuff, surely that's OK.

2 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

I looked into that. I can change the entire rear end (which I don't want to do, since a Ford 9" is a SOLID option). There was a Lincoln that I could pull a disc setup from, but apparently that doesn't work too well. There are also aftermarket kits, but results have be questionable (per various forums, but most are older posts). For the amount I'm driving this thing, I probably wont have to change the rear brakes for years.

2 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Get a Ford 8.8 rear end, super strong, plentiful, disc breaks, less drag, lots of gear options.

2 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0