Ford Ranchero - New Project

[Shaughn]

Busy stripping it now

what it looks like now

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Next stage is to put int he car and the rear supports etc (see pictures below, not my car in pictures below)

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[IndianaJones]

Started cutting the body this week to prepare fro roll cage and tube front end.

also i want to change the front suspension set up, any recommendations appreciated. i am doing this on the super cheap so looking for that type of option.

Hi Shaughn.
I’m certainly no expert, don’t even have any drag racing experience to talk about, but even I could tell you that the words “race car” and “cheap” don’t fit well together.
It seems as though you have almost everything to get the Ranchero going. I would say get it running and stopping, on standard parts, unless perhaps some parts is beyond repair anyway. At this stage you do not yet need a roll cage, take it to the track, and lay down some passes. Check out what the other guys are doing, make some friends at the track, then start modifying the Ranchero, perhaps add some Caltrac bars, a shift kit to the gearbox, basic upgrades, lower ratio rear gears, etc, etc.

Although it is very cool, a big tyre drag racing Ranchero in Cape Town would be awesome. I wouldn’t at this stage start tackling tube front ends, etc, unless you are truly committed to this project and it is a life-long dream that you are definitely going to see through.

Besides, tube frame cars are certainly magnificent, but I believe a lot of Aussies run very quick numbers with very little modification to a stock body or suspension, besides a very strong rear differential. I can assure you, it is much more fun to actually run the car, than to have it sit in the garage indefinitely.

Just my 2c

[ZA Perana]

Started cutting the body this week to prepare fro roll cage and tube front end.

also i want to change the front suspension set up, any recommendations appreciated. i am doing this on the super cheap so looking for that type of option.

Hi Shaughn.
I’m certainly no expert, don’t even have any drag racing experience to talk about, but even I could tell you that the words “race car” and “cheap” don’t fit well together.
It seems as though you have almost everything to get the Ranchero going. I would say get it running and stopping, on standard parts, unless perhaps some parts is beyond repair anyway. At this stage you do not yet need a roll cage, take it to the track, and lay down some passes. Check out what the other guys are doing, make some friends at the track, then start modifying the Ranchero, perhaps add some Caltrac bars, a shift kit to the gearbox, basic upgrades, lower ratio rear gears, etc, etc.

Although it is very cool, a big tyre drag racing Ranchero in Cape Town would be awesome. I wouldn’t at this stage start tackling tube front ends, etc, unless you are truly committed to this project and it is a life-long dream that you are definitely going to see through.

Besides, tube frame cars are certainly magnificent, but I believe a lot of Aussies run very quick numbers with very little modification to a stock body or suspension, besides a very strong rear differential. I can assure you, it is much more fun to actually run the car, than to have it sit in the garage indefinitely.

Just my 2c

Very good advice and I agree on all points.

[Shaughn]

I’m certainly no expert, don’t even have any drag racing experience to talk about, but even I could tell you that the words “race car” and “cheap” don’t fit well together.

When i say cheap, i mean, i cant just go out and buy brand new stuff off the internet or from one of the suppliers.
i need to hunt it down in scrap yard or gumtree, so the cheap "est" option

have almost everything to get the Ranchero going. I would say get it running and stopping, on standard parts, unless perhaps some parts is beyond repair anyway.

It does not do that safely yet, the Engine while it may run, fire and make noise, will need to have a full check before barreling down a race track. It has been standing under a tree for 3 - 4 years.
The front suspension and brakes all round need to be done.

At this stage you do not yet need a roll cage, take it to the track, and lay down some passes. Check out what the other guys are doing, make some friends at the track, then start modifying the Ranchero, perhaps add some Caltrac bars, a shift kit to the gearbox, basic upgrades, lower ratio rear gears, etc, etc.

Although it is very cool, a big tyre drag racing Ranchero in Cape Town would be awesome. I wouldn’t at this stage start tackling tube front ends, etc, unless you are truly committed to this project and it is a life-long dream that you are definitely going to see through.

Besides, tube frame cars are certainly magnificent, but I believe a lot of Aussies run very quick numbers with very little modification to a stock body or suspension, besides a very strong rear differential. I can assure you, it is much more fun to actually run the car, than to have it sit in the garage indefinitely.

I appreciate the input and as always will reflect the steel work is my trade, so roll cages and tubes ec is what i personally want, its going to be among a racecar, also a marketing tool for my other company.

[Shaughn]

To just start running stock, i think i would need a much better starting point that the current ranchero i have. This is why i chose the long route as there is a lot of work.
Unless i buy something already running and do a engine swap to get going. Might be something to consider, while this sits ..

[Shaughn]

As opposed to spending money fixing the rachnero existing set up or buying new, i could for example look to use a Xj6 suspension set up.
As straight line is the end goal surely this would work, rear a standard fixed set up is fine, more just the front to upgrade and go disk brakes.

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[Shaughn]

I think i need to heed some of the advice here and get a more solid starting point point. Admin (Ters please delete this topic for me)

[ZA Perana]

I think i need to heed some of the advice here and get a more solid starting point point. Admin (Ters please delete this topic for me)

I think its been a valuable topic, no need to delete.

My suggestion is find something that is running and work from that.

[RASSIE]

No need to fit Xj6 suspension as it is super heavy!! A Fairlane 500 same model as your Ranchero can run safe with factory brakes and tires up to 240 kph. I just did a few master and booster conversions using a Golf 1 master and booster. Brakes are deadly as the 5.7L engine got more vacuum on the booster than VW Golf!!!
You want speed and stopping power. Just ask me as I was a wild cowboy doing 160 mph in my balanced 4V 1970 Mustang Cobra with same suspension. Now using my polyurethane caster rod bushes will keep you safe.
A few pictures to enjoy.
Rassie.

[Shaughn]

Thank you Rassie, appreciate the feedback

I bought this one today, it is complete just needs a engine and box, the guy is removing the 351 and C4 from it this weekend and i can have it Monday. So will drop my Cleveland and fmx in it and go burn rubber...cheapest way as suggested.

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RE the c4 and fmx
currently it s column shift and fmx is floor shift, can it be adapted to work off column ?