That is one of my few compaints about Ford trucks...the Twin I-Beam front end. Depending the truck is how long the ball joints will last. The Explorers seem to go through 'em faster than the Rangers; even though the first couple generation Exploders used the same front end as the Rangers. I also figure it's just a matter of time before the Pavement Princess demands a new set....even through I keep the lowers greased (no zerts on the uppers). I've heard rumors that the PSD trucks wear out the ball joints faster because of that hunk of iron under the hood.Now that's an interesting idea.

 

Well that would work alright, but my hands are crap now after mountain training in the Army. If it gets below 60 my hands freeze. So im trying to get my Monte SS running so I can MAYBE take off the front tires and maybe roll it in the garage on those roller cart things. It probably will still be too tall. Might have to takr off back tires too!

 

Got a question for you all. I plan on using Ol Big Red for mudding (SMORR) and some of the trails that the truck might fit on out there(not many, truck is too long) so probably mud and the #1 and possible a few #2 trails out there. Not wanting to bash the truck up at all. My question is I have the 2 barrel set up on my 400m motor. Should I get the 4 barrel setup for it? (intake and carb) I dont plan on competing or anything, just driving it once a week to work(10 miles) and Southwest missouri off road ranch about once a month or so (got some jeep buddies at work). I want reliability out of it more than the horse power. thanks for your input!

Sorry forgot to add that the truck is a 77 1/2 ton 4x4 Ranger long bed, 400m motor, currently 38 super swampers. 9 plus inches of lift.

 

Good Saturday Morning FTE MO gang

 

If it is running good on the factory 2 barrel and you want reliability, do not change a thing. But it is doesn't or barely does have the power to pull itself and those 38's up a hill (did you re-gear the axles?) then 2 more barrels will increase it power ability.

But a 6 cyl with the right axle gearing can be a power house (right Alan?), and more power to the tires is always best. When it comes to mudding you need HP to spin the tires to self clean the tread (thru spin momentum) to continue to bite and work, not enough power gets the tires full of mud and there you set.

Also remember alot of inclines, steep hills, off camber slopes and carburetors tend to not get along. EFI or FI is the way to go on a rock crawler or propane injection even?

Get it running reliable and see how it goes, it its not working for ya after a SMORR trip then look into changing something. A axle gear swap might be all you need?

And then you might as well do a locker in each, amazing difference when all four tires are powered versus a "open dif front " and a limited slip rearend.

Rich's 2 cents for the morning.......

 

well i see ya'll are really getting the work put out... i need to get serious soon and get more done in a day.... my old online 6 is a bit harder to work on than a 300 ford or something, with 8 more valves than a v/8 it makes for a all day job just lapping the valves. and lifting the old head around is just about a 2 man job so really puts a strain on this old man.. but i will get it done

 

Good morning boys and girls. Happy Saturday.

Rainy up here today.

 

Hey border, The best thing to do is leave the two barrel on it. Another thing you could do is put a Q-jet on it. The float bowls are smaller and tighter and they don't bounce the needle valves open like a Holley does. Or you could put an off road kit in the Holley.

I had 39.5's on my 351M with a two barrel. It was ok, but off road, I was pretty much stuck in low range on the transfer case. The trick is to adjust how you drive when you wheel. Stomp on it way before the mud hole and get wheel speed up. This will keep the tires clean and if you hit the mud just right, you'll skate across the top of the mud instead of sinking into it.

*Useful tip* Roll the window down or wear a helmet when you wheel. If you're skating across the top of the mud sideways and hit a rut, you'll crack your head off the door glass. It took me a few times to figure out what was happening. (yeah, sometimes I'm a little slow)

 

One bit of advice - If you wear a helmet, roll down the window. I can just see hitting the window with the helmet and then having to replace the window.

 

Afternoon folks, how have we all been today?

 

Boring and rainy.....

 

I went to Cabela's in Hamburg PA today, pretty nice store and displays. Packed with people, but they have a NICE used gun dept.....

 

Evening all!

We watched the Sparta Xmas parade today then spent 5 1/2 hours shopping. I'm ready for bed.

I got my Performance Inc FB page updated and my Cl stuff up to date as well. I need to sell some stuff so I can buy some more stuff!

 

Evening gentlemen, when I go into work in the morning (0215) it will be my FridayIt was raining in KC at 0530 when we got to KC...rained on us all the way to Rich Hill. Sometimes steady rain, sometimes we could see a little sunshine mixed in with the drops. I told the guy I was working with at Bulter I thought I saw snow mixed in with the rain. He said it was the coffee

 

86 Studzuki Samurai lmao those are the crappiest bumpers ever made there was a reason i set them on the curb for someone to take