Newbi here I have a 1976 Rangerxlt 390 factory 4bbl has edelbrock 600cfm


ac ps front disc rear drum trans c6 rear 9in 3.00 gears 15in old school alum slotted mags


What I want to do is build the Ranger to tow the truck I'm building to drag race 1962 unibody like the factory f 100 xl
I want to start from the front of the truck and work my way back to the rear
any help, ideas, or suggestions will really be appreciated


radiator stock ok ? has a/c non working
Front suspension rebuild stock parts or ?
Front brakes up grades /mods ? would like to keep slotted 15in wheels
Rebuild engine cam/lifters ? header size ? carb size?
trans rebuild with towing shift kit any other mods?
interior will put in sound mating any other mods?
rear end rebuild gears ok ? any mods ? rear brakes any upgrades/mod?

 

Your truck should tow an open trailer + PU OK with some mods. First is the rear ratio. Suggest minimum 3.5x and preferred 4.1x ratio. Also a good sized trans cooler. A stock radiator (which size?) is probably OK if in top shape. If marginal, get a newer/bigger one. The engine, if healthy, should be fine. More mods may make it faster but should not be necessary.

Also, make sure steering and brakes are in good shape.

Other considerations... a good hitch + trailer brakes. Surge brakes can be OK but electric better. If your trailer runs electric brakes you will need to get the truck wired up. I have used a kit from Etrailer.com (hitch + brake setup) with good results. A weight distributing hitch would handle better and help keep the rear from sagging.

 

That's not the "right" way to go about it. Rather, uprading should be thought of in systems rather than the simplistic front to back approach.

I suggest:
1. Suspension, brakes, & steering. Go with power brakes.
2. Engine & cooling... trans cooler, engine oil cooler, and even a PS cooler.
3. Electrical. 130-amp alternator, maybe a dual battery system, work & safety lighting, trailer wiring.
4. Safety... towing mirrors and maybe even a rear view camera.
5. .... finally the hitch system.
6. Make sure ya got truck tires (LT or better) rather than passenger rated tires.

 

What chassis are we talking about f100,f150,f250 or f350 ? 2wd or 4wd ?

 

Its a f 150 2wd

 

I'd change the rear gear to at least a 3.70... it'll be a total dog on hilly road with 3.00 gears.

 

Rebuild the twin I beam suspension taking the radius arms out and having a shop that knows something about reaming in new king pins .. Use a variable rate spring in front like these ..

 

I would get a 4 core Super Cooling radiator to put in it. I have a 3 core Super Cooling with my 416 and it will get a smidgen warm - I have to downshift if it is hot outside.

Speaking of which, does anybody know where to get a 4 core super cooling radiator? I can't find one anywhere.

 

VISTA-PRO Part # 438121
from rockauto ..
{#95454} Ready-Rad; Mounting: Front Flange
W/ 24 3/8" BETWEEN HEADERS, 4 ROW; W/AC; W/H.D. COOLING; W/MAX COOLING; W/O AC $478. 89 + shipping .. I have seen aftermarket aluminum versions of it for $500.00 but can't find the link ..

The super cooler does have a special core support but you could do your own fab on yours to accommodate it I suppose ..

 

It will bolt right in the non Super Cooling core supports. IIRC, the S/C core just has a taller opening.

 

It may bolt in but it is different .. Note the sides .. Also on 4x4 it places the radiator at an angle that planes with the fan on the motor because of the different 4x4 motor perches ..