FE Power Forums
FE Power Forums => Non-FE Discussion Forum => Topic started by: fe66comet on June 29, 2014, 07:28:48 PM
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I did some work on the frame today for my Ranger FE build, man welding upside down is rough. I am burned, covered in slag and grinding grit, but happy with my progress. Hopefully my fuel cell and fuel fittings will be in this week and I can get the fuel system done. Tonight I am thinking of assembling the third member and pressing the axle bearings on but feeling kinda wiped right now. I did however get my FE out of storage and on my engine stand I built for it, it barely fit the plate the bolt spread is so wide on the bell housing LOL.
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I know what you mean about the bolt spread! I had to make a plate to hook mine to the only dyno in town. Of course they had every imaginable plate EXCEPT an FE! :o
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I was shocked once I compared it to the small block pattern bell housing I have laying around. I guess they left a lot of room for huge clutches and flywheels. I will have to make up some better arms soon as I just have the short block on there now and I am using the four bottom holes which I really do not like.
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Especially that arm that reaches around the starter, seems like a good hit with a hammer or something would break that thing off.
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My thought exactly , if I am torqueing heads down and such it would seem a likely scenario.
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Thought I was the only one with a "universal" (except for FE's ???) engine stand.
Ended up using that vulnerable looking spot below the starter, two top holes and a "mid" LH side mount. Ended up with the block somewhat off center but it was the only way to reach 4 solid mounting points with my stand. I wasn't too concerned as I only left it on the stand long enough to complete the short block. Once that was buttoned up I installed the flywheel, clutch, bell and toploader and slid the assembly into my Galaxie to finish the top end. The Gal makes a fine engine stand when you've got the whole front end removed ;D.
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My Comet and Ranger have the unibody box front end so room is non existent. My Comet I am going with a tube front end eventually so the towers and frame rails will be cut out for a box tube frame and round upper hoops, but still will be tight to work on inside the car. I am going down to the steel supply to pick up some 1" solid square stock to make some stronger and longer parts to make new fixtures. I would like to be able to mount the flywheel and accessories out of the vehicle as I am fabricating a lot of mounts and stuff to use a 351W serpentine drive and electric water pump.
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Just as a word of safety....
When you're welding upside down, make sure you put ear plugs in. If a piece of slag got down in your ear, you could lose your hearing.
You probably already knew that, but just in case...
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Yeah it hurts like :&%*)(*"'#@&* don't it, same with grinding. I wear a beanie cap to keep the bogies out of my ears and off my bald head.
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An FE in a Ranger. What a great place this is!! ;)
Hey Jay - we need a "thumbs-up" emoticon, 'cause this certainly deserves one.. :)
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I wonder why it was not an option? You would have the 2.2, 4.0 and 7.3 gas LOL.