outdoorsman
New member
I have a 2005 Ford Ranger 4x4 auto with the 4.0L. I've done a lot to it since getting it in 2006. I like to wheel local trails and I'm an avid outdoorsman (hence my forum name). I like to stay practical and after looking around, expedition type trucks are the category that fit my style. Economic, tough, reliable, and somewhat self sufficient.
The problem with a Ford Ranger is that there isn't much aftermarket support for the newer Rangers. Everything armor wise has to be a custom job. As far as suspension lifts there really aren't any. I'd just want a small 2" type lift like the Toyota guys have (coil springs set-up), but this truck has torsion bars and if you crank them the truck rides like crap, similiar deal with torsion keys (I know, I've tried). I'm stuck at stock height and maybe someday somehting will come up so I can add some lift. I don't want a whole kit like Super Lift (which leaves torsion bars hanging down low at stock height kit is almost 2k plus you need different front drive shaft add on $500). Besides that the only other kit is the Long Travel Dixon Brothers kit and I'm not about to spend $5k on a lt kit (kit itself is 3k, but add on shocks, premium bump stops, glass fenders etc, yeah it's pricey).
Here is a list of the more major mods:
Custom front bumper with built in hitch
Frame mounted Rock Sliders
4 KC lights (2 spots, 2 driving)
Multi mount winch with Warn wiring run front and back
Innovation Camper Shell (now out of business)
Rear lock-right for the Ford 8.8
Solid rear diff cover
BFG A/Ts current size 265/70/16 (next set will be 265/75/16)
Rear back-up lights
CB Radio
Tranny cooler/oil cooler
Hi-lift mounted in bed
2 spare tires
150psi air compressor
Some custom skid plates (gas tank and front)
Optima Red Top
Scanguage
Gibson exhaust
electric break controller
Some pics of my truck....
Mostly stock
Front end....
Had hitch re-built and added two more lights..
The bed..
The problem with a Ford Ranger is that there isn't much aftermarket support for the newer Rangers. Everything armor wise has to be a custom job. As far as suspension lifts there really aren't any. I'd just want a small 2" type lift like the Toyota guys have (coil springs set-up), but this truck has torsion bars and if you crank them the truck rides like crap, similiar deal with torsion keys (I know, I've tried). I'm stuck at stock height and maybe someday somehting will come up so I can add some lift. I don't want a whole kit like Super Lift (which leaves torsion bars hanging down low at stock height kit is almost 2k plus you need different front drive shaft add on $500). Besides that the only other kit is the Long Travel Dixon Brothers kit and I'm not about to spend $5k on a lt kit (kit itself is 3k, but add on shocks, premium bump stops, glass fenders etc, yeah it's pricey).
Here is a list of the more major mods:
Custom front bumper with built in hitch
Frame mounted Rock Sliders
4 KC lights (2 spots, 2 driving)
Multi mount winch with Warn wiring run front and back
Innovation Camper Shell (now out of business)
Rear lock-right for the Ford 8.8
Solid rear diff cover
BFG A/Ts current size 265/70/16 (next set will be 265/75/16)
Rear back-up lights
CB Radio
Tranny cooler/oil cooler
Hi-lift mounted in bed
2 spare tires
150psi air compressor
Some custom skid plates (gas tank and front)
Optima Red Top
Scanguage
Gibson exhaust
electric break controller
Some pics of my truck....
Mostly stock
Front end....
Had hitch re-built and added two more lights..
The bed..
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