TwoTrack's Ford Ranger

[TwoTrack]

We've been adventuring in this truck for the past 4 years, it hasn't changed very much and remained fairly stock...until now.

Here's what I started with:



When we started exploring more remote places we upgraded a little bit, slight torsion bar crank with 31's and a topper (later went from stock 15x7 to 15x8 wheels with increased backspacing):





This setup didn't work out very long. With my wife and I plus two dogs sleeping room was way to tight. We eventually decided to drop the topper (I didn't like the truck as a DD with the added weight) and go with a lighter gear list. We swapped the topper for a roll up tonneau cover:





Custom front skid:



Friendly co-pilot:



And here is a teaser pic of what's to come:

 

[nw-outlaw]

How do you like that roll up tonneau cover? and which one did you go with?

 

[TwoTrack]

So far it's been great. It's been on the truck for over a year now and hasn't faded at all. It's a Access Tonnosport. It leaks just a bit under a heavy rain but I keep everything in bins underneath. I like the out of sight out of mind part of it, plus you can install a lock on the tailgate to make it more secure.

 

[kfgk14]

Is that hinting a SAS? Or LT kit?
Love Ranger builds, those trucks look great with a SAS or LT, kept low. Mmmm...

 

[TwoTrack]

3" Lift!

Not a LT yet, hopefully one day. For now I went with the wheelnparts spindle lift from eBay, a lot of guys on the Ranger forums are running it with good results. I also replaced upper and lower ball joints, and shocks all around. Here's a few unexciting driveway pics:

I have about a 1" lean on the passenger side, a TB adjustment should solve that. Originally I was thinking of running 33's but I like the look of the 31's. Still not 100% sure. I have a few loose ends to tie up: still need to replace tie rods, install new fender splash shields, and repaint center caps. Hopefully I'll have it all complete this weekend if the weather permits.

Once the suspension is finished my next project before the Florida camping season begins will be figuring out an organization system for the bed. Currently we use 3 trunks that aren't easy to get things in and out of nor efficient.

 

[bloodyWEST]

your truck looks great!

Originally I was thinking of running 33's but I like the look of the 31's. Still not 100% sure.

Im on the fence as well about 31s on my wifes cherokee, maybe going bigger.

FYI the new Toyo open country 31s measure out to a full 31.1, not 30.7 like most 31s.
they will be my next tire for that reason.

hope that helps.

 

[TwoTrack]

Thank you! I like the 31"s because at full flex they don't rub. I think a 33" would definitely rub the rear. I hear so many good things about the Toyo's, I will definitely give them a look when it comes time to replace the BFG's.

 

[Scott B.]

You might want to consider 32" tires. Not as common (harder to find) as 31s and 33s, but they fit really well on the truck. I run 32s on both of my Rangers.

To me (and others with 32s on their Rangers) a 32 is the perfect size for these trucks. Not too big and heavy (easy on the suspension, doesn't hit the body) and big enough to get the job done offroad.

 

[TwoTrack]

What gearing do you have in your Rangers?

 

[Scott B.]

What gearing do you have in your Rangers?

4.10

The '06 came from the factory that way, I changed the '93 gears from 3.73 to 4.10 when I went to 32s.

 

[TwoTrack]

That's what I have as well, I don't think I would see to much of fuel mileage change. I'm not planning to change tires this year though, I really need to figure out a better storage configuration in the bed. I'm thinking of building a rack over the bed, kind of like Boxrocket did for his Tacoma before moving to the shell. I would just have to design it so that I can still roll up the cover.

 

[Scott B.]

I don't think there is an ideal bed storage configuration. Different configurations have different advantages.

I like an open bed, but a shell has a lot of advantages going for it - theft and dust protection being the biggies. If/when you do go to a shell, I suggest building a sleeping platform. I had my shell for 10 years before I built mine - it transformed the bed. Don't know why I waited so long.

I will say this - my shell looks a lot better since I put the rack on it.

 

[RangerXLT]

I agree. I love my shell! I seriously wouldn't have it any other way. Still debate about a full platform though. Gone back and forth on this for a few yrs bow

 

[Starkman]

Great truck, I miss my Ranger but my Explorer is getting better.

 

[K4CLC]

I was looking at the back ground in your camping pics. Were you in Ocala National Forest, around Hopkins Prairie?