On the topic of radiator core supports...
These ranger's have a weird front inner sheetmetal design. The core support and inner fenders are all welded in with the cab. My core support was rusty out, so I cut it out, and then drilled holes to bolt the new one in with 1/4in bolts.
I guess I could show the issues that came up fitting the engine...
Fox body mustang oil pan fit the cross member well.
Stock transmission mount and crossmember were retained, but moved forward a couple inches.
Farbricated motor mount adapter plates bolted to stock crossmember holes, and used the engine mounts from early 289 Mustang.
Frame rail needed 1/2in notch for header clearance on passenger side. You'll also see the coil spring bucket was rusted out. I ended up changing the crossmember, leaf spring hangers/shackles and coil spring brackets on the frame. I really only retained the frame rails.
Custom radiator that fits inside the core support, rather than behind. Needed for water pump clearance. I wasn't able to retain a mech fan.
Notched the heater box for valve cover clearance. I cut it out with a soldering iron, flipped the piece around and plastic welded it back together with the soldering iron. I think I can make this look factory if I spend some more time cleaning it up.
This picture will explain why I converted to manual steering. The pump and box were fighting for the same real estate.
The manual box is much lighter, and loses the pump too. I wanted to do this swap anyways.
At that stage I had the most of the fitment/fabrication done, so I pulled everything apart and started cleaning it all up. I spent about 4hrs a piece with these spindles. The before and after pictures are dramatic!
The frame was blasted, and I changed the hangers, a cross member, and coil bucket.
And then painted it myself in my home brewed paint booth. Take it from me, do NOT spray urethane paint without a good respirator. I got very sick. On the bright side, it came out looking good. I almost looked like I knew what I was doing. My very first time painting.
From then on it has just been slowly reassembling everything with new or cleaned/restored parts. I am about 4 years into the project now.
The body mods aren't really noticeable, unless you know Rangers. The drip rails were shaved, and the seams welded and filled on the back of the cab. The box isn't done yet, but it will have shaved stake pockets and fuel filler.
