Modified Courier
Thread Starter
|
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 18,488
Likes: 22
From: The Big, Oregon
Every couple years I get to make some progress on this thing-
Today I made up a pair of radius arm mount mounting brackets:
These are 3x3/8" angle, the holes are drilled and tapped for the 1/2" grade 8 bolts. They will get welded onto the frame to help spread out the load from the axle. For now the brackets are tack welded on, I'll get them fully burned into place next weekend.
Here's the eventual ride height and axle position:
The front axle is moved about 1" forward vs the stock wheelbase. I'll have to trim the front of the fenders, but on the plus side it should be able to stuff those 31s without any more mods to the cab. I was running larger tires when it was 2wd, and had to hammer in a seam on the footwell.
Today I made up a pair of radius arm mount mounting brackets:
These are 3x3/8" angle, the holes are drilled and tapped for the 1/2" grade 8 bolts. They will get welded onto the frame to help spread out the load from the axle. For now the brackets are tack welded on, I'll get them fully burned into place next weekend.
Here's the eventual ride height and axle position:
The front axle is moved about 1" forward vs the stock wheelbase. I'll have to trim the front of the fenders, but on the plus side it should be able to stuff those 31s without any more mods to the cab. I was running larger tires when it was 2wd, and had to hammer in a seam on the footwell.
Thread Starter
|
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 18,488
Likes: 22
From: The Big, Oregon
I had some more fun this weekend. Went nuts with the air saw and cut a HUGE hole in the firewall and tunnel- Still needs to be bigger though. I'll probably build a small radius roller to make the tunnel look nice.
I also got rid of the swoopy front cross member, I couldn't get ship channel in the size I wanted locally without waiting a week, so I nailed together a couple 2x2x3/16" angles. I am going to make up a piece of 10gauge to go across the bottom and tie it all together, for now it'll still be coils with separate shocks but eventually I want to do coilovers. I just can't justify $800-$1200 for them right now.
This new crossmember will clear the engine oil pan, and give 5" of clearance over the differential at nominal ride height.
The engine is going to require a "power bulge" in the hood, I may see if I can track down a B2600i hood and cut that part out, otherwise it'll be more cutting and fab work.
I am going to get my adapter pattern corrected this week hopefully, I need to get a new drill index though as about 99% of my drill bits were lost in the move.
I also got rid of the swoopy front cross member, I couldn't get ship channel in the size I wanted locally without waiting a week, so I nailed together a couple 2x2x3/16" angles. I am going to make up a piece of 10gauge to go across the bottom and tie it all together, for now it'll still be coils with separate shocks but eventually I want to do coilovers. I just can't justify $800-$1200 for them right now.
This new crossmember will clear the engine oil pan, and give 5" of clearance over the differential at nominal ride height.
The engine is going to require a "power bulge" in the hood, I may see if I can track down a B2600i hood and cut that part out, otherwise it'll be more cutting and fab work.
I am going to get my adapter pattern corrected this week hopefully, I need to get a new drill index though as about 99% of my drill bits were lost in the move.
New User
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: Rochester Hills, MI
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Thread Starter
|
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 18,488
Likes: 22
From: The Big, Oregon
fcc.createforumhosting.com just says "this domain is for sale" now. Zeke says he hasn't been able to get a hold of Brandon, so no idea what actually happened. Probably just a loss of interest, when I left off there there were maybe 3-4 people who posted anything resembling regularly.
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,189
Likes: 0
From: SE Georgia
fcc.createforumhosting.com just says "this domain is for sale" now. Zeke says he hasn't been able to get a hold of Brandon, so no idea what actually happened. Probably just a loss of interest, when I left off there there were maybe 3-4 people who posted anything resembling regularly.
And i last talked with the guy who converted my courier for ford/mazda long ago to see if he can make me another hub since someone put some other type on it. He said he could but it would be $500. Maybe ill let him one day before he dies.
Thread Starter
|
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 18,488
Likes: 22
From: The Big, Oregon
Summer heat is over so I got back at it today.
How the engine is going to sit:
Engine and trans temporarily bolted up:
I still need to figure out how to mount this thing. I was going to use the stock Mercedes mounts, but they are in the wrong spot. I also need to chop out the factory crossmember under the cab to clear the trans/t-case combo, beat the floor a bit to clear the left side of the bellhousing, and clearance the frame for the starter.
I'm still trying to figure out who the hell thought it would be easy to stuff this drivetrain combo into this truck..............
How the engine is going to sit:
Engine and trans temporarily bolted up:
I still need to figure out how to mount this thing. I was going to use the stock Mercedes mounts, but they are in the wrong spot. I also need to chop out the factory crossmember under the cab to clear the trans/t-case combo, beat the floor a bit to clear the left side of the bellhousing, and clearance the frame for the starter.
I'm still trying to figure out who the hell thought it would be easy to stuff this drivetrain combo into this truck..............
Thread Starter
|
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 18,488
Likes: 22
From: The Big, Oregon
I spent a little time thinking and staring at the truck today, and it looks like I don't have any real options- I need to lift the body. If I go up 1" with the body, it'll clear the engine and trans just fine. I can also relocate a mid-frame cross member to tuck the trans slightly higher.
I really hate body lifts, but 1" spacers will make my life so much easier.
I really hate body lifts, but 1" spacers will make my life so much easier.
Thread Starter
|
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 18,488
Likes: 22
From: The Big, Oregon
Spent a few minutes and notched the frame where the starter will be. I can see why these have such rust issues, the frame has two to three layers in some areas, no way to rustproof in between those.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
1976courier
4 Cylinder Engines
4
Mar 11, 2017 10:48 PM
jviers6755
1983 - 2012 Ranger & B-Series
5
Feb 19, 2017 10:41 PM
