My '88 trail B2

[bailey]

I bought my '88 B2 a few years back gradually began transforming into a trail rig:

When I got it (next to my Ranger w/ 33's):


After the SAS, Some trimming and MTR's:


Early wheeling shot. The front end at this time didn't flex much better than the TTB:


Here are some more recent wheeling shots after more trimming/tubbing and cheap spray can paint job. Did a lot of body work, including usage of Bondo - so far any new dents have hit bond0-free zones. Still haven't wristed an arm yet (next month, hopefully), but switching to rubber bushings did suprisingly help out the front flex substantially:



Eventually, would like a 4.0 (or 5.0, but unlikely to happen), auto (c4 or c5), and doubler or Atlas.

[Bob Myers]

Looks like its growing up! Lookin good!

[bailey]

Thanks. She's looking OK, and does pretty good on the trail, but I am very jealous over the drivetrain your sporting. At the very least, I want a C5 and doubler, but a 4.0 would really be sweet. I have had only manuals for years, but the Mitsu really sucks and I think I'd be a little more "graceful" on the trail with an auto.

[stupidcow79]

hey did u make new tubs for the back when u cut mine are cut but it went into the double wall and i finally just took out the outer tub but im fabin up some new tubs

[Bob Myers]

Thanks. She's looking OK, and does pretty good on the trail, but I am very jealous over the drivetrain your sporting. At the very least, I want a C5 and doubler, but a 4.0 would really be sweet. I have had only manuals for years, but the Mitsu really sucks and I think I'd be a little more "graceful" on the trail with an auto.

It is unbelievable the ease of which I can go over things I used to have to run at because of the manual tranny. I never thought I would like an auto in the woods but I have certainly changed my mind.

[ranger5.0]

Hmmmmm...

I don't have to take runs at my obstacles. A little finesse with the clutch pedal to keep the rig rollin I suppose.

I wouldn't trade a stick for an auto anyday.

[Bob Myers]

Hmmmmm...

I don't have to take runs at my obstacles. A little finesse with the clutch pedal to keep the rig rollin I suppose.

I wouldn't trade a stick for an auto anyday.

Yep, suppose you're right about that, 'cept the rocks and obstacles are much too close together 'round here for a clutch to have any life expectancy.When I refer to "taking a run at" something most people would think wide open in second or third gear and just beat the hell out of your truck-but that would be a bad presumption. My 2.9 pulled its best at about 2k rpms, and that is where I would start ahill or rock if I could. If I couldn't the clutch would become the abused part. As tight as these trails/rocks are here once you tried an auto you would say it is a better choice.
Idling in 1st gear, Tcase in low and 4.88 gears are a bit too fast for most. And we all know there is no torque at idle.

[ranger5.0]

I could keep the 2.8 crawlen at 1500 be it definitely liked 2800 better.