Advanced Fiberglass and Bakakits Long Travel (Mid Travel) Suspension Install/Build

[20XLRangerFraptor]

Did you get shackles custom made or are you using the OEM shackles? Im having the guy that does my Bypass cage do custom shackles for added travel. Im interested in seeing the custom 4 link. If it's good maybe you can sell me the set up ???.
I got in contact with metalheadsfabs for the rear yesterday, so I'm going to go with him for the fabrication. He is booked until dec-jan... that works perfect with the lead time of the bypass shocks I ordered. His price seems fair so I'm stoked to work with him.

Nice!! His works looks good! Yea I’ll let you know how the 4 link turns out. It may not happen until this winter as well. I’m on a 1” shackle. It’s a bds one I think. I honestly want to lower the ride height down some. I want it to be a low slung whoop eater!

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[natefiggs]

Update: 2 weeks until paint, something I am excited about finally.
While waiting for paint, I did add an extended transmission dipstick by @Fitzmotor since I was changing out the transmission pan by PPE. I didn't go with the deep pan since I dont think its necessary for my needs, plus I am trying to keep as much room below as possible off roading.
I did a fluid drain pumping out the old ULV fluid with a little pump (worked like a charm!!).
I did also replace the filter as well while I was changing everything out. I was able to extract a little over 5 qt using the pump and 2 more qt that was left in the pan (toady of exactly 7 q). After bolting and torquing everything up I used a funnel to add 7-8 qt of ULV fluid through the extended dipstick housing. This is SO much easier than having to pump the fluid back in through the transmission fill hole.
I have noticed smother shifts, however I never really had transmission issues or bucking people have experienced here. The dipstick makes checking fluid a breeze! I did make sure to drive around to operating temperature to get an accurate reading which is between 4-5.
Thank you @Fitzmotor for making this product!

 

[Realtruck]

This has been a journey to follow! It's really coming together, and I can't wait to see it painted! Nice truck! ?

 

[natefiggs]

This has been a journey to follow! It's really coming together, and I can't wait to see it painted! Nice truck! ?

Hey appreciate you! It has been a journey and still a ways to go ?

 

[natefiggs]

Update: Truck has been in St George, Utah getting painted for the last week. The shop had to fix up some pinholes in the glass and minor gelcoat cracking on the valence.
Meanwhile I went to visit the TOM WOODS Driveshaft shop a few weeks back. I didnt realize it was local to me which is awesome!! I decided to go with the one piece drive shaft which I'll be installing once I get my truck back. Ive noticed some vibrations from the shaft after swapping my front coils to 650lb springs. There has been plenty of people on here thats done the swap and solved their vibrations. I also plan on fabricating a driveshaft safety loop just as precaution. My truck isn't a racing truck but I do travel on the highway at about 85-90 mph since the speed limit here is 75.
The people at Tom Woods have been awesome and he explained everything to me in detail. Ill post update photos once I get my truck back sometime this week along with the instal and experience with the one piece drive shaft.

 

[natefiggs]

After 18 days of no Ranger, finally getting her back today!! Luckily I have a second vehicle so I am not car-less. My little Volkswagen Jetta TDI is still a fun little car to drive, just rather drive the truck and sure do miss her.

 

[natefiggs]

Paint on truck is all done
Chris from elite custom paint in St George did a phenomenal job! Took about 18 days but well worth the wait considering what he charged me. I was quote around $3500-6500 just for minor body work and paint on the fiberglass. Chris charged me a 3rd of what other shops were charging and I’m super grateful for that ??
Next is getting the Tom Woods shaft installed on the weekend. I don’t get much vibrations but it’s there. I love how the Ranger drives currently aside from the slight vibrations but I will update on how the truck drives after the install.

 

[natefiggs]

Paint on truck is all done
Chris from elite custom paint in St George did a phenomenal job! Took about 18 days but well worth the wait considering what he charged me. I was quote around $3500-6500 just for minor body work and paint on the fiberglass. Chris charged me a 3rd of what other shops were charging and I’m super grateful for that ??
Next is getting the Tom Woods shaft installed on the weekend. I don’t get much vibrations but it’s there. I love how the Ranger drives currently aside from the slight vibrations but I will update on how the truck drives after the install.

Tons of bug splatter I’ll have to carefully remove. I’m not to pressure spray the truck for a few weeks to let the paint settle.

 

[Msfitoy]

Ive been building my Ranger from scotch for the last year...

I'll drink to any Ranger built from "Scotch"...

 

[natefiggs]

I'll drink to any Ranger built from "Scotch"...

I do love a good scotch ??

 

[Colo_Ranger]

That thing is pure sex! Loving the truck. Nice work.

 

[natefiggs]

Today got the Tom Woods drive shaft in to. Took about 30 mins, not difficult at all. The only issue I would say is trying to torque the bolts. It really is impossible to fit a torque wrench and get proper specs. I just tightened down snuggly and used blue loctite which should be good. The spec is 89 lbs so it doesnt need to be pounded down super tight.
Drove around town and felt no vibration whatsoever. Havent taken the truck on the freeway but will update that after a week. Super happy with the quality.

 

[natefiggs]

Update:
After driving about 100 miles some city mostly highway miles with the Tom Woods one piece drive shaft I can confirm that it has completely eliminated any of the small vibrations in slow acceleration between(2-3-4) gears and highway speeds. It's pretty crazy because I almost expect it and it's not there. The one piece is definitely worth the investment IMO and I am glad I made the purchase. Plus their customer support has been amazing (Shawn) with every step of the way.

Next project before tearing up the rear of the truck for the bypass rack and shocks is I'm going to line x the front of the fiberglass bedsides. Pretty much where the rocks shoot up from the front tires. I already took the truck out on a mild trail and chipped the paint. To be honest I dont really care too much as I am going to eventually end up having to replace the glass from abuse in the desert and trails. I just want the Fiberglass bedsides to last a bit longer and with adding line x It will protect the rear for boulder chips.

I should probably start a new thread for rear of the truck and other modifications and let this one rest.

 

[rang19ca]

Your truck is looking awesome. I am glad you're happy with it.

 

[natefiggs]

Last update on this thread then making a new one for the bypass cage. Just waiting on my shocks to arrive to start that process.

so after painting the fiberglass I was getting paint chips from rocks flying from the front wheel. It was only going to get worst so I ended up rhino lining the glass. It was between line x and rhino line and I choose rhino line because their customer service was better. They are both great armor sprays so I think either way it was going to be okay. I got the fenders flares done along with the front valence and bedsides. I’m happy with how it looks and now I don’t have to deal with rock chips. I don’t plan on babying the truck, which I don’t. I just want the glass to last as long as it can before it get destroyed ?
just can’t wait to get the rear done already to be done (for now, it’s a never ending journey) with the modifications.

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