Tater Tot

[lonleycreeper]

The truck, is a Mazda B4000, aka Ford Ranger. Built in 1996. She has the classic Ford 160 hp 220 ft lb 4.0 V6. 5 speeds on the floor and 4x4 with the flick of a switch on the dash. She has 190k on the clock and the engine is tired, but still running strong. The transmission shifts well, but the axles are noisy. (Bad pinion bearing) Tires are worn out as is the interior. She has killed two deer and the damage is evident on the front end. I have owned her 10 years and put 100k miles on her. I have abused her and haven't been good about Maintenace, so let's catch up.

I plan on rebuilding her and documenting it here. Most of the work will be done by myself. Plans are upgrades with a mild lift, larger tires, lower gearing, lockers, lights, winch, Bumpers.

Last year, I went through the cooling system, due to having a cracked side on the radiator tank, so it got a new radiator, water pump, clutch, fan, and hoses.

A couple months later I built a bed rack from 2" square tubing and am teaching myself to weld...

Introducing Tater Tot,

The bed rack...

I have since extended it out another 20 inches to the full length of the bed, ending just in front of the rear stake pockets...

 

[kistner]

I had one of these, alas it was the cheap version. 2wd, regular cab, 4 banger, 5 speed. I think it was a whopping 10K brand new. I was so cheap back then I drove it for a year without a radio. But as you say, its really a Ranger, it was a good truck for me. Traded it in with just under 100K. I did trade up tho, to my Cherokee Sport 4.0L 4wd.

Looking forward to seeing you bring this back.
I have an '03 now that I picked up for fun (Ranger that is). 3.0L, 4wd, regular cab. In process of putting disks on the back. Maybe I'll get some ideas from you.

 

[lonleycreeper]

I had one of these, alas it was the cheap version. 2wd, regular cab, 4 banger, 5 speed. I think it was a whopping 10K brand new. I was so cheap back then I drove it for a year without a radio. But as you say, its really a Ranger, it was a good truck for me. Traded it in with just under 100K. I did trade up tho, to my Cherokee Sport 4.0L 4wd.

Looking forward to seeing you bring this back.
I have an '03 now that I picked up for fun (Ranger that is). 3.0L, 4wd, regular cab. In process of putting disks on the back. Maybe I'll get some ideas from you.

I just grabbed a salvage title 02 4 banger as a parts truck for super cheap (wouldn't pass smog Cracked intake manifold). I plan on updating the interior and body panels on my truck with the bits and pieces.

 

[lonleycreeper]

I started a high clearance front bumper, don't worry, I plan on adding more tube and finishing the welding around the receiver.

I also have some 31x 10.5 r15 tires on order to go on my new 15x8" rims...

 

[lonleycreeper]

Update on the front bumper, still waiting for my tires!

 

[lonleycreeper]

Tater finally got her new shoes...

 

[kistner]

They look good on there. Good clearance? No rubbing? I believe I read 31s should fit fine without a lift.

 

[lonleycreeper]

They look good on there. Good clearance? No rubbing? I believe I read 31s should fit fine without a lift.

Thanks, Yes clearance is adequate, however I do get a small about of rubbing on the back side of the front fenders when going over bumps at full lock. No lift on my truck, though I am eyeing a 1.5" lift that replaces all the springs. Driver side sags about 1" or so compared to the passenger side.

 

[kistner]

I wonder if fresh shocks would do the trick?

 

[lonleycreeper]

The sag is due to old springs, the shocks have less than 10k on them. Stock springs have 200+k on them.

 

[kistner]

I'm thinking some lift kits have springs, but not all. I've only briefly looked at them myself.

 

[lonleycreeper]

I'm thinking some lift kits have springs, but not all. I've only briefly looked at them myself.

Most lifts have front springs and rear blocks, not all include rear springs... the one I am looking at has front coils and rear leaf's for around $800... Skyjacker IIRC.

 

[lonleycreeper]

My Brother and I went out today to play in the snow and the mud! we had a blast...

He has a 04 Ranger Fx4 with stock 4.10 gears and all over stock.

Found some rocks to pose by...

 

[lonleycreeper]

Whelp Tater has been getting some use this fall, when the weather turned, she became my official hunting rig...some pics of the various trips this fall...

In other plans, my dad and I are planning on building a flatbed for my little Mazda, I need to do a sketch and figure out materials, but I am planning on using 2" square tube .120wall and 1/8"x2" angle. A headache rack and spare tire mount will be included...