The Return of Rusty
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Re: The Return of Rusty
 
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Can anyone tell me if the rear suspension has a block that fits between the axle and the leaf springs? Rusty did not have blocks under the leaf springs. I'm looking at the diagram on LMC Truck and the block it shows says it's for a Bronco. I've ran into some issues upgrading the rear suspension on Rusty as the original springs were 2.5" wide and the Rough Country springs are 3". I've already replaced the shackles and both fwd and aft spring hangers to accommodate for the wider springs. I also discovered the top plate for the U-bolts was also for the 2.5" springs. So I've ordered 3" plates from JBG. The block I'm speaking of is item number 3 in the diagram. BTW I've gotten pretty good at drilling out these frame rivets. Ha!
Rusty
1981 F150 Ranger XLT 4x4 400 w/ RV cam, Edelbrock 1906 4bbl w/400 performer intake, C6 xmsn, NP 208 TC, 9" rear diff 3.50 gears, Proform HEI Distributor, Powermaster 1-wire alternator upgrade (75 Amp), Rough Country 2.5" Suspension Lift.
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Re: The Return of Rusty
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Yes, there's supposed to be blocks in there. See the pic below of Dad's truck.
I may have an extra set if you need them. And, btw, Rusty was originally 2wd and that explains the spring width differences. 
Gary, AKA "Gary fellow": Profile
Dad's: '81 F150 Ranger XLT 4x4: Down for restomod: Full-roller "stroked 351M" w/Trick Flow heads & intake, EEC-V SEFI/E4OD/3.50 gears w/Kevlar clutches
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Re: The Return of Rusty
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That sure is a clean rear end Gary.
 But seriously that picture of Dad's Truck is super clean. I figured the fact that Rusty was originally 2wd was why I was seeing the width differences. Took me a bit to figure that out as no matter how much I bent the ear on one forward hanger that spring just wouldn't fit. haha. Live and learn. Yes, I will need a pair to finish the rear suspension install. Let me know if you have a set on the shelf, I would sure appreciate it.
Rusty
1981 F150 Ranger XLT 4x4 400 w/ RV cam, Edelbrock 1906 4bbl w/400 performer intake, C6 xmsn, NP 208 TC, 9" rear diff 3.50 gears, Proform HEI Distributor, Powermaster 1-wire alternator upgrade (75 Amp), Rough Country 2.5" Suspension Lift.
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Re: The Return of Rusty
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Re: The Return of Rusty
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Administrator
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Clay - These are the blocks. The ID# is E3TA 5A799-EA and that cross references to PN E0TZ 5729-B, which are the right ones for a 1980 through at least 1989 F150 4WDs. They are 2" blocks.
They'll go out in the morning if you want them. I don't need them, so if you'll pay the shipping they are yours. And they point in, as shown in the pic above. 
Gary, AKA "Gary fellow": Profile
Dad's: '81 F150 Ranger XLT 4x4: Down for restomod: Full-roller "stroked 351M" w/Trick Flow heads & intake, EEC-V SEFI/E4OD/3.50 gears w/Kevlar clutches
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Administrator
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Re: The Return of Rusty
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Re: The Return of Rusty
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Administrator
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Gary, AKA "Gary fellow": Profile
Dad's: '81 F150 Ranger XLT 4x4: Down for restomod: Full-roller "stroked 351M" w/Trick Flow heads & intake, EEC-V SEFI/E4OD/3.50 gears w/Kevlar clutches
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Re: The Return of Rusty
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Re: The Return of Rusty
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Got it. Thanks Jim.
Rusty
1981 F150 Ranger XLT 4x4 400 w/ RV cam, Edelbrock 1906 4bbl w/400 performer intake, C6 xmsn, NP 208 TC, 9" rear diff 3.50 gears, Proform HEI Distributor, Powermaster 1-wire alternator upgrade (75 Amp), Rough Country 2.5" Suspension Lift.
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Re: The Return of Rusty
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In reply to this post by Gary Lewis
Gary,
The spacer blocks came in Friday with no issues. I'll be working on the suspension later today so hopefully I won't hit any other road blocks. In case someone else is working on their rear suspension here's the Figure out of the shop manual for F-150 -- F-350 (4x4) Bronco. 
Rusty
1981 F150 Ranger XLT 4x4 400 w/ RV cam, Edelbrock 1906 4bbl w/400 performer intake, C6 xmsn, NP 208 TC, 9" rear diff 3.50 gears, Proform HEI Distributor, Powermaster 1-wire alternator upgrade (75 Amp), Rough Country 2.5" Suspension Lift.
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Administrator
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Re: The Return of Rusty
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Before Lift:
 After Lift:  Thank you to everyone who provided input along the way. Next stop is the Classic Auto shop for Ball Joint replacements, Adjustable Camber Bushings, and an alignment. Now is when I start daydreaming about new wheels and tires! Suggestions Welcome!
Rusty
1981 F150 Ranger XLT 4x4 400 w/ RV cam, Edelbrock 1906 4bbl w/400 performer intake, C6 xmsn, NP 208 TC, 9" rear diff 3.50 gears, Proform HEI Distributor, Powermaster 1-wire alternator upgrade (75 Amp), Rough Country 2.5" Suspension Lift.
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Re: The Return of Rusty
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Administrator
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Looks great, Clay! Rusty is really shaping up.
 Tires: Something different than the ones you have? They are noisy, but not as noisy as the Cooper Discoverer S/T Maxx tires on Big Blue. Maybe there is something that still provides the traction but is quieter? Wheels: Are you wanting to go bigger, like 16"?
Gary, AKA "Gary fellow": Profile
Dad's: '81 F150 Ranger XLT 4x4: Down for restomod: Full-roller "stroked 351M" w/Trick Flow heads & intake, EEC-V SEFI/E4OD/3.50 gears w/Kevlar clutches
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Congrat's! Not only do you have a good-riding truck with the correct alignment, but you know an honest alignment tech.
Gary, AKA "Gary fellow": Profile
Dad's: '81 F150 Ranger XLT 4x4: Down for restomod: Full-roller "stroked 351M" w/Trick Flow heads & intake, EEC-V SEFI/E4OD/3.50 gears w/Kevlar clutches
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Gary,
I started playing with Rusty's radio today and wanted to ask your advice. The radio was not connected in the back so that explains why it never turned on lol. There were several wires, harnesses not connected in the dash and I'm wondering if you remember what goes to what? I'm thinking that the first picture below plugs directly into the radio, but I can't seem to be able to find the connector for the 2nd radio hookup. Take a look at the pics below and let me know your thoughts. Thanks!     
Rusty
1981 F150 Ranger XLT 4x4 400 w/ RV cam, Edelbrock 1906 4bbl w/400 performer intake, C6 xmsn, NP 208 TC, 9" rear diff 3.50 gears, Proform HEI Distributor, Powermaster 1-wire alternator upgrade (75 Amp), Rough Country 2.5" Suspension Lift.
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Doing a little more digging and come to find out there is no center speaker. LoL, that sure explains no sound. Perhaps a $30 Amazon bluetooth speaker is in Rusty's future.
BTW, this is the first time I've removed the dash cover and wow that original dash is U.G.L.Y and rotten. 
Rusty
1981 F150 Ranger XLT 4x4 400 w/ RV cam, Edelbrock 1906 4bbl w/400 performer intake, C6 xmsn, NP 208 TC, 9" rear diff 3.50 gears, Proform HEI Distributor, Powermaster 1-wire alternator upgrade (75 Amp), Rough Country 2.5" Suspension Lift.
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