Ranger 'Towing Special'?
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,988
Likes: 14
From: Travelers Rest SC
Ranger 'Towing Special'?
I have a tired old Ranger (86), and I'm still trying to decide something cool to do with it. Latest idea: I have a good 302 and c4. How about if I put a dual wheel kit and steel flatbed on the back, w/ the 302 drive train? It would make a neat little work truck that could tow a decent trailer. I had to tow about 3,000 lbs. today, and that tired 2.3 almost overheated, I pushed it so hard. A short 'tractor' is always best for towing, so the little Ranger shortbed would be great. Do you think I'd need to put a better rear end in? Maybe an 8.8? If I put a smallish 4 bbl, and kept my foot out of it, how would the gas mileage be? I figure the flatbed and duals would add some much-needed weight to the back end.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2003
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You can get decent mileage out of a 302 C4 combo as long as you don’t go with 4:10 gears. Your truck will never be able to tow huge loads because of limitations in the frame, suspension, and brakes. Those dually conversions are for looks anyway and serve no purpose because they do not distribute the weight like the real thing. 3000 pounds is an easy load for most V6 rangers so if you toss in that 302 you should have no trouble with a few thousand pounds.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,988
Likes: 14
From: Travelers Rest SC
Yea, the brakes especially worry me. I have a 3.73 rear now, if I decide to keep it. I would definitely add some helper springs, because the stock ones are very soft. I doubt I'd pull more than 3,000 lbs. anyway. I'd put the duals on for looks, because flatbeds look lame without 'em.
