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  1. #101
    FEP Super Member xctasy's Avatar
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    Smile emotions to you Brad. Love your work. I have three RAV4.1's. ..so the simboyot has gotten me already.

  2. #102
    FEP Super Member xctasy's Avatar
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    I hate Toyota Sedans. Those 99% of Gargoyles Look like Bob Todd cars are everywhere.

    Working on the 3SGE RAV4.1''s has shown me how bad Toyota are at making a car serviceable. Even a 5.4 3 valve F150 or Lamborghini Urraco is better than the service nightmares I've had with all my RAV4's. But the transitions to turning a Rear drive Toyota Fun commercial deli wagon into a front drive based AWD cross over with the first RAV4 was totally right. Dyammically, it was like the Ford 221 small block Revolution of 1962, and the Cobra fully independent 260 and 289 cars....in one hit.

    It was Ford that decided to scurry back to the 1996 Explorer update, and then the awesome properly suspended 2002 AWD. Then it plotted the Australian funded T6 program, and that's the current Rangers heiritage. Love me the effort FoMoCo has done, and it's finally paying off. IMHO.....


    What was fun about the 170 hp 5 door 3SGE twin cam RAV4 compared to the 1996-2001 Explorer was having an accident on glare ice and hail in 2012 on the state Highway in my hometown of Dunedin. Im an ex fatality surface friction technician. The advent of Electronic Stability Programs has ensured everyone in every different kind of vehicle has the same chance of emulating the same secondary avoidence safety the air bagged 5 door RAV4.1 possed in 1996.

    Back then, the Independent Rear Suspension and "understeer first" retrofitted front drive to AWD allowed me and a my son to survive a non roll-over event. From that time on, I said no to torsion bar front suspension and live axle rear suspension vehicles. I had a choice. RAV4 or Explorer XLT 4.0 that day doing a road audit, and I made the right choice. I was going to retro fit my XLT with Jag XJ-6 IRS and a short arm long spindle IFS, and then decided....nyet. And I'm a staunch rear drive Intermediate and full size car guy. For the next 3 years, I found the Fox Body 1981 Mustang had everything primary and secondary safety I needed....until I had to have all wheel drive again for traction off New Zealands predeliction for grass berms Everywhere. So I bought a Nissan GTR underpinned Nissan Stage RS4 Station Wagon.

    The car was a rust bucket. Ford has blended 90% of the things I liked in the permanent All wheel drive RAV4.1 and Stagea RS4 into most of its X overs and SUV's.
    I saw each engineering step a move back to pre Jet Age cars. Everything Raymond Lowery and Studebaker and the 49er Ford did was to suit cars to the emerging Rapid Transit System of US cement Highways and Turnpikes.

    Now, everthing is in my opinion....going back to ferrel trail capable automobiles. That kinda Jeepster and F-100 amd M-100 jail bar truck thing...it never went away.

    Anyway, just my opinions.

    When I have the money, only Ford is in my future. They never abandoned ferrets like me and my Mrs. Maverick looks like my next best bet.

    It was long ago in 1980 in Australia. Edsel Ford II said it best...."we need to get our truckin' house in order!".And it may be 2021, but FoMoCo world wide...they've finally done it. Let the Sedan producers bleed red ink....

  3. #103

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    At least you guys got competent RWD V8 sedans lonnnnnnnnnnggggggggg after we did. Maybe you're more satiated in that sense because of that. Ya gotta remember we in the US completely missed that party. What I wouldn't give for a relatively modern Ford V8 RWD sedan. Also, you don't seem to have an issue looking elsewhere if Ford isn't making something that suits you. I'm not accustomed to having to do that. I've been dead loyal, and what did it get me?

    Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk
    Brad

    '79 Mercury Zephyr ES 5.0L GT40 EFI, T-5
    '17 Ford Focus ST
    '14 Ford Fusion SE Manual

  4. #104
    FEP Super Member xctasy's Avatar
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    I hate Toyota's. It's my wife who has been unfaithful. I then figured it out. Just embrace her lewdness, and Hot Rod every Toyota with a Ford 90 degree Vee. Now I'm like Norm MacDonald when he "twigged" to what makes people laugh, or like Royal Blood when the two piece suddenly understood Less is More. I'm hot-roding my old Tojo Chuck wagons because it demonstrates that Closer to Ford is Closer to Dog. Cars are becoming the new Dog Houses.

    Ford always has had great sports sedans worldwide....the RS Sapphire, the Scorpio Cosworth 2.9, the four wheel drive Escorts Cosworths and it's just a re-Focus. You'll find something you like.

    V8 your Mom's Transit Connect.....

    Anyway....just my humble love for the brand. My biggest mistake was not putting the XR4X4 four wheel drive train in my 1981 Mustang. And do a tray back Utilty Conversion to it.....I'm Evil, don't listen to me, no matter what I say.....

  5. #105

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    I would import a Falcon, but I don't know if i could get used to the RHD....

    And maybe I'm just weird this way, but I don't feel like I should tackle another hot rodding project until I get my Zeph sorted out. My intention has always been for it to be a mostly-DD type of build. My favorite builds I see at shows are always RWD conversions to more modern cars. Recently I saw a Mazda 5 with a full chassis, RWD, and V8. Super freakin' cool, but the guy had it all done at a shop. It's pretty serious. I have to wonder how well it rides and if it's suitable for driving a lot. There was a Focus ST same body style as mine a guy put a Coyote in and a S550 rear suspension. Now you're talkin'. But he had to ruin it by supercharging it and ricing it out. No way that thing is manageable on the street. I would never build a car just for drag racing. I just can't do it. Why have it if you can't jump in it and drive it to the store if you want? But then I think any other build I would do like that would be pretty much what my Zeph already is. Man, I wish I could get that thing right. That's why I'd rather go down to the dealer and just buy what I want. It'll never happen now.
    Brad

    '79 Mercury Zephyr ES 5.0L GT40 EFI, T-5
    '17 Ford Focus ST
    '14 Ford Fusion SE Manual

  6. #106

  7. #107
    Moderator wraithracing's Avatar
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    Not a Ranger, but here's my new daily driver finally!

    Thanks to Ford showing it coming off the assembly line.

    Name:  Bronco Assembly Line.jpg
Views: 274
Size:  1.21 MB

    Here it is parked at the office today after picking it up at lunch.

    Name:  Bronco.jpg
Views: 220
Size:  461.2 KB
    ​Trey

    "I Don't build it hoping for your approval! I built it because it meets mine!"

    "I've spent most of my money on Mustangs, racing, and women... the rest I just wasted."

    Mustangs Past: Too many to remember!
    Current Mustangs:
    1969 Mach 1
    1979 Pace Car now 5.0/5 speed
    1982 GT Stalled RestoModification
    1984 SVO Still Waiting Restoration
    1986 GT Under going Wide Body Conversion Currently

    Current Capris:
    1981 Capri Roller
    1981 Capri Black Magic Roller Basket Case
    1982 Capri RS 5.0/4spd T-top Full Restoration Stalled in TX
    1984 Capri RS T-top Roller
    1983-84 Gloy Racing Trans Am/IMSA Body Parts

  8. #108
    FEP Super Member Bryan Knebworth's Avatar
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    Saw a new no-option Ranger the other day in White, it was beautiful.

  9. #109

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    I love my new STX!
    2.3L Ecoboost really pulls and the
    10 speed auto goes through the gears so smoothly.
    I'm a manual trans you-shift-it guy....BUT.... this new 10 speed is really slick!
    I got all the options I wanted* and had it 'on the road' for under $29,000.

    *E-lock differential and Tow Package

    Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

    Last edited by TURBO4JOE2; 11-05-2021 at 04:01 PM.

  10. #110
    FEP Super Member gr79's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by wraithracing View Post
    Not a Ranger, but here's my new daily driver finally!

    Thanks to Ford showing it coming off the assembly line.

    Name:  Bronco Assembly Line.jpg
Views: 274
Size:  1.21 MB

    Here it is parked at the office today after picking it up at lunch.

    Name:  Bronco.jpg
Views: 220
Size:  461.2 KB
    How cool is that. Santa came early. Got to be fun to drive something unlike anything out there.
    The line pic is just too cool. Did not know they did that.

    The white STX with that combo looks like a winner too.
    Do they have the new car smell?

    They fit well in this thread as they are both MAP products.
    A plus they were not sitting in a field waiting for parts.

  11. #111

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    I've added the FRPP black tipped exhaust, an AFE Cold Air Intake and a 5 Star 93 Octane tune to my '20 STX.
    I walked a brand new Turdyota 5.7L Tundra the other day......lol
    I'm sure that the owner was scratching his head wondering WTF just happened!
    Now that cold weather is setting in, this little turbo Ranger is really quick.
    I'm adding a Snow Meth injection kit* this winter, mainly to help with keeping the intake valves clean on a DI engine....
    and it also bumps up the octane, lowers the IAT and lowers the EGTs.


    *along with a 50:50 Methanol:Water updated tune
    Last edited by TURBO4JOE2; 11-05-2021 at 04:07 PM.

  12. #112
    FEP Power Member Broncojunkie's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by wraithracing View Post
    Not a Ranger, but here's my new daily driver finally!

    Thanks to Ford showing it coming off the assembly line.

    Name:  Bronco Assembly Line.jpg
Views: 274
Size:  1.21 MB

    Here it is parked at the office today after picking it up at lunch.

    Name:  Bronco.jpg
Views: 220
Size:  461.2 KB
    I like this, for some strange reason lol! Very cool, Trey! Let us know how you like it!
    79 Pace Car - 331, t5
    79 Pace Car- 302, 4 spd
    79 Cobra - working on 351w, t5
    82 Capri- working on 302, t5
    82gt - working on 408w, c4

  13. #113
    Moderator wraithracing's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Broncojunkie View Post
    I like this, for some strange reason lol! Very cool, Trey! Let us know how you like it!
    I hate the wheels and tires, but have plans in the works to correct that.

    So far I like it. Ride is good, handling is good, nice and roomy interior, the 2.7 Ecoboost has plenty of power, the 10 speed automatic is sweet, the overall interior noise is very tolerable. I only have 2 days of driving, but so far I am enjoying it. Visibility is excellent in the vehicle. Hope to pop the roof panels off this weekend and take it for a spin up on the Grand Mesa. Oh I am not a fan of the instrument cluster/dash gauge setup. It's ok, but they could have done so much more IMHO. Getting plenty of thumbs up and "IS that the NEW Bronco!?" so that is fun. Local Ford dealer has only delivered 8 or so Broncos this year and I have only seen 1 other one on the road here in Grand Junction.
    ​Trey

    "I Don't build it hoping for your approval! I built it because it meets mine!"

    "I've spent most of my money on Mustangs, racing, and women... the rest I just wasted."

    Mustangs Past: Too many to remember!
    Current Mustangs:
    1969 Mach 1
    1979 Pace Car now 5.0/5 speed
    1982 GT Stalled RestoModification
    1984 SVO Still Waiting Restoration
    1986 GT Under going Wide Body Conversion Currently

    Current Capris:
    1981 Capri Roller
    1981 Capri Black Magic Roller Basket Case
    1982 Capri RS 5.0/4spd T-top Full Restoration Stalled in TX
    1984 Capri RS T-top Roller
    1983-84 Gloy Racing Trans Am/IMSA Body Parts

  14. #114

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    Quote Originally Posted by wraithracing View Post
    I hate the wheels and tires, but have plans in the works to correct that.

    So far I like it. Ride is good, handling is good, nice and roomy interior, the 2.7 Ecoboost has plenty of power, the 10 speed automatic is sweet, the overall interior noise is very tolerable. I only have 2 days of driving, but so far I am enjoying it. Visibility is excellent in the vehicle. Hope to pop the roof panels off this weekend and take it for a spin up on the Grand Mesa. Oh I am not a fan of the instrument cluster/dash gauge setup. It's ok, but they could have done so much more IMHO. Getting plenty of thumbs up and "IS that the NEW Bronco!?" so that is fun. Local Ford dealer has only delivered 8 or so Broncos this year and I have only seen 1 other one on the road here in Grand Junction.
    Congrats, Trey. Great color. Have fun
    84.5 GT Convertible Build Thread
    86 LX Coupe

  15. #115
    FEP Super Member NAVYCAT's Avatar
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    nice bronco, but the new 2022 ranger pictures have been released and im liking it
    2017 Ford Explorer Sport (DD) 1986 Capri 5.0 Silver/Red
    1969 Falcon XW GTHO coupe (SOLD) went to Australia
    Past 4 eyes-
    4th. 1981 Capri "White" Black Magic I6
    3rd. 1984 Capri RS V8 Black/grey
    2nd. 1984 Capri RS V8 White/red
    1st. 1984 SVO Grey/grey (traded it for a worn out 1970 BOSS 302)
    Both '84 Capri's vin# were 10 away from each other
    U.S. NAVY 1980-2009

  16. #116

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    Hoping the newly updated Ranger will be available with the manual trans and/or the 2.7 like the Bronco.
    -Randy
    '83 Mustang GL notchback - 351w - T5Z
    '84 Mustang GT350 20th Anniversary Hatch #2808 - 302 - T5
    ''92 Mustang LX Hatch - 2.3t - IRS (in progress)

  17. #117

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    Quote Originally Posted by Matt J View Post
    I'd love to see the "real" Ranger brought back, a small light duty regular-cab truck good for running errands and using as an inexpensive second vehicle. The problem is, I don't see that happening. I was looking for a small truck, as I don't need to spend $35,000 on a truck that I'll only need to use as a truck occasionally. The problem is the Colorado and Tacoma are actually longer than a single-cab 1/2 ton, because they're actually family trucksters with a short bed on the back. You can't buy them in regular-cab anymore, it's actually hard to get even a Ford, Chevy, or Dodge 1/2 ton truck in a single cab, though you can get them.

    There are a few reasons for this, some will tell you that it has to do with the environmental standards set and the best way to get around them is to increase the wheelbase of the vehicle. There's some truth to that, but the reality is that it's mostly about MONEY. The Ranger competes with the f150 which is Ford's biggest seller. They phased out the small trucks a few years ago in order to focus on the larger and more profitable ones. The only way they bring the Ranger back, unless it's simply to ward off competition from GM and Toyota, is if the Ranger offers something that the f150 doesn't. My fear is that these will be the same bloated "small" trucks that will be in a similar price point as the f150, which in my opinion defeats the purpose of a real light truck.

    I'll be hopeful, I'd like to be wrong about this. I'd really like to buy an actually small truck!
    How about a new Ford Courier, errr......Maverick (Why Ford ? WHY!! )
    Starts at $19,995 and a 2.0 liter engine is available.

  18. #118
    FEP Super Member gr79's Avatar
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    One reason for a compact pickup is an open bed, maneuverability, economy, not 4 doors.
    My 7' bed Ranger has done well hauling big stuff, not so good for passengers. That side is for groceries and the cooler.
    Maverick would have a decent bed with a 3/4 or regular cab to cut cost and weight down.
    One more foot is noticeable especially if using a truck box.
    Or does marketing know better? Many own dogs? Future resale better for 4 doors? Less sporty for future customizing.
    Or does Ford use Bronco Sport 4 door side sheet metal to save cost?
    Oh well it looks like a decent product direction.
    https://www.slashgear.com/2022-ford-...ckup-05693914/

  19. #119
    FEP Super Member gr79's Avatar
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    Local news showed Ford F-150 Lightnings rolling off the assy line today.
    Ranger is not far behind
    https://fordauthority.com/2022/04/ne...-says-vw-exec/
    https://www.motor1.com/news/581981/f...arok-electric/

  20. #120
    FEP Super Member gr79's Avatar
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    Default roofs under the roof

    New large warehouse like buildings popping up around here. Back to Made in USA trend?
    Webasto now has the brand new factory up and running to make Bronco tops.
    Posted info to show one way they do that.
    Down the road from here. Newer Magna plant is to the left across the road.
    Noticed parking lot is now full of worker cars. Hiring.
    Pretty big warehouse shaped building with those 30' concrete walls and many docks.
    25 miles from the Michigan Truck plant in Wayne MI, an older suburb of Detroit.

    An aerial photo of the Lyon Distribution Center I building in Lyon Township looking SW.
    The 280,000-square-foot building has been leased by Webasto Roof Systems Inc.
    With a German auto supplier up and running in Detroit-based Walbridge Group's new warehouse building in Lyon Township, the construction giant has started putting up another on spec.


  21. #121
    FEP Super Member Bryan Knebworth's Avatar
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    Friend just purchased a late-model Ranger in Black. Beautiful truck. Very plush inside, and well-appointed. I was surprised by the size of the new Ranger, almost like an F150!

  22. #122
    FEP Super Member gr79's Avatar
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    Default hot wheels

    There are three Ford assy plants in Southeast Mich Detroit Metro area.
    No reports of theft from Michigan Truck Plant (Ranger/Bronco) this year.
    Dearborn Truck Plant (F-150) yes
    Flat Rock Plant (Mustang) yes

    https://www.guideautoweb.com/en/arti...its-factories/
    https://jalopnik.com/1-million-of-fo...-pl-1849077415
    past owned daily driven many memorable times with all
    1967 Mustang 'verti Sports Sprint 289 Holley 4vC4 2.79 lime gold blk vinyl (6/70-4/73) 100k
    1970 VW 113 Beetle modded 1650 5200 2v 4sp Hurst 4.13 grn blk leathette (1973-1977) 200k
    1975 VW 1303 S Beetle LaGrande 1600 EFI 4sp Hurst 3.88 lime grn tan cloth (1977-1980) 90k
    1985 LTD LX 5.0 CFI HO AOD 3.27 gray gray (1987-1990) 75k
    1986 Ranger XL 2wd 7' bed 114 wb 2.3 EFI 5 sp 3.45 gray burgundy cloth (1990-1994) 180k
    current owned now weekly driven totally enjoyed
    1979 Mustang Cobra 61R 2.3T Holley 2305 2v '92 T5 Hurst 3.45 black orange decals (7/80- )
    1993 Ranger XLT R103 2wd 7' bed 114 wb 2.3 EFI 5sp Hurst 3.45 calypso green gray (3/94- )

  23. #123
    FEP Super Member gr79's Avatar
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    Looks like new Bronco flat upright windshields are vulnerable than usual to chips cracks from stone and rock hits.
    Just like Jeeps but much more costly to replace
    Seen one at the car show Wed evening in a Ford dealer display. Rock ding, ws cracked 6" away.
    Was told truck was 3 weeks old when it happened.
    Newer cars may have an added expense to recalibrate drive assist, rain sensors, as a part of ws replacement.

    Been thru 5 ws on the 93 Ranger. Due for #6. Cracks only, no stone dings.
    I know hot defrost air blowing on a cold ws caused some of the cracks. Worn body mounts/cab flex may have too.
    Latest ones are spiderweb like at both lower corners, nothing in the field of vision.

    Some use protective film like NASCAR and have low insurance glass deductible.
    Have been using 2x layers of clear Trimbrite T9021 bodyguard paint protective film on both of the Mustang's fog light lens.
    Six years 30k all is well.
    Last edited by gr79; 09-02-2022 at 12:33 PM.

  24. #124
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    Meh. I just don't trust it.

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