FE Ranger build

[fe66comet]

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.

[lovehamr]

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!

[fe66comet]

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.

[lovehamr]

Especially that arm that reaches around the starter, seems like a good hit with a hammer or something would break that thing off.

[fe66comet]

My thought exactly , if I am torqueing heads down and such it would seem a likely scenario.

[Lenz]

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 .

[fe66comet]

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.

[blykins]

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...

[fe66comet]

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.

[R-WEST]

An FE in a Ranger.  What a great place this is!! 

Hey Jay - we need a "thumbs-up" emoticon, 'cause this certainly deserves one.. 

[fe66comet]

I wonder why it was not an option? You would have the 2.2, 4.0 and 7.3 gas LOL.