What did you do to your Ranger today?

[HenryMac]

Well, not today, but over the weekend.
Adding Weight To the Bed.... Safely.

Nearly wrecked the truck a week ago on some black ice near Cripple Creek. Twisty mountain road, heading down hill grade and the road transitioned from sunshine to shade around a left hand curve and the rear end broke loose on black ice and headed for the ditch. I was able to quickly steer right and bring it back in line but it was a pucker factor of about 10.

I've driven manual shift vehicles since 1985. While I like the Ranger... I truly hate not being able to let off the accelerator and have instant motor braking. Truck was in 2 wheel drive. Roads were dry and clear up until that point. 40 mph zone, I was driving 35mph.

So I reflected back to the old days when I drove automatic transmission vehicles and decided to add some ballast to the truck.

I installed the rear divider I previously built for The Lumber Rack. Then bought (4) 60 lb bags of Quikrete Tube Sand. The problem is these bags freeze and get hard as a rock. Then when you hit the brakes they like to move around. I'm also concerned that under heavy braking or, heaven forbid, a head on collision that these bags will end up being projected over the divider and through the back window.

So I attached a piece of 3/4" plywood by screwing it to the rear divider with (4) countersunk screws, and then added a bungee chord across the plywood, attached to the rear bed tie downs.

Do you find a big difference with the weight in the back?

I'll report back.... haven't had inclement weather yet.

I drove the truck into town twice today. The roads were snow packed in spots, icy in others as we got about 6 inches of snow and temp's haven't gotten above freezing in days.

The 250# of weight (sand bags and containment) in the bed helped. I drove in 2 wheel drive and the grip seems to be better.. keeping the rear end planted. Sure I could still get it to break loose, but it took more go-pedal and the rear end seemed to grab and snap back into line better.

I did this back in 1985 in my 2wd GMC S-15..... that was a long time ago... I guess I just forget how advantageous it was.

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[D Fresh]

One week in. Did my first thing somewhat unexpectedly.

First car wash, no detail or anything like she needs, had to get the gunk from recent snows off.

Pressure on the rinse started to lift FX4 sticker off on passenger side. Rolled with it, ripped it off and did the same drivers side.

I was planning to do this on the first detail when we get a couple of warm days but saw this as sign.

Looks so much better now!

 

[DanaBovender]

Quick update:
While still waiting on my BDS intrusion beam kit....
I Adjusted the rear crash bars and pushed it all the way back.
No more rubbing!
I now have about 1cm space for both driver and passnger side,
at full lock.

what size are those BFG's?

 

[KnightRanger]

Yay! Thanks @BDS for sending my intrusion beam kit:
https://blog.bds-suspension.com/?p=18899

Got it installed, before our pending NE snow storm. ?
They‘re well made, and looks and feels hefty than stock.

 

[KnightRanger]

what size are those BFG's?

They’re 285/65/18.
An inch taller than the 32“ Grabber ATX that came with the
Roush Ranger.

 

[DanaBovender]

They’re 285/65/18.
An inch taller than the 32“ Grabber ATX that came with the
Roush Ranger.

same size I went with...I have +30 offset 18 American Racing Mainline whees on the way. Good to know I should be able to squeeze them in. You running a 3" Leveling kit?

 

[KnightRanger]

same size I went with...I have +30 offset 18 American Racing Mainline whees on the way. Good to know I should be able to squeeze them in. You running a 3" Leveling kit?

It came with the Fox 2.0 kit, which is 2“ I believe.

Until now...I still dont know what offset my Roush wheels are.
They’re 18” that came with the truck.
(I emailed them but no response so far)
I got plenty of room from the UCA and knuckles.

BTW,...while I was waiting for parts, I had my front bumper off which made it easier to remove the front crash bar.

The rear is a bit of PITA, but, if you loosen both bolts, then push them all the way back (with a wedge or large pry bar) then re-tighten.
It just might give you enough space for the rear.

Today I only installed the front BDS intrusion beam, and kept the rear stock for now. (No rubbing or issues so far)

 

[DanaBovender]

It came with the Fox 2.0 kit, which is 2“ I believe.

Until now...I still dont know what offset my Roush wheels are.
They’re 18” that came with the truck.
(I emailed them but no response so far)
I got plenty of room from the UCA and knuckles.

BTW,...while I was waiting for parts, I had my front bumper off which made it easier to remove the front crash bar.

The rear is a bit of PITA, but, if you loosen both bolts, then push them all the way back (with a wedge or large pry bar) then re-tighten.
It just might give you enough space for the rear.

Today I only installed the front BDS intrusion beam, and kept the rear stock for now. (No rubbing or issues so far)

I have been told that with a 1/4” wheel spacer and a 2.5” lift/level you can run 285/65/18’s on a stock +55 wheel. So I went with +30 to clear the steering knuckle. I have a set of BDS bars, but before I cut the others and pull them I want to try moving them forward and back. How much rubbing did you have up front? Was it inside at full lock?

 

[KnightRanger]

I have been told that with a 1/4” wheel spacer and a 2.5” lift/level you can run 285/65/18’s on a stock +55 wheel. So I went with +30 to clear the steering knuckle. I have a set of BDS bars, but before I cut the others and pull them I want to try moving them forward and back. How much rubbing did you have up front? Was it inside at full lock?

I didnt have rubbing up front because I had removed the front bars before the Tires were installed.
The stock rears was the issue. They were touching at full lock.
But not anymore after I moved them all the way back.

 

[cfhgarza]

Went a little outside the box on this addition...Deal I could not pass on and the shell color matches wheels, bumpers, and wheel trim!

That looks pretty good if you ask me ??

 

[NooTrucker]

That looks pretty good if you ask me ??

Yeah, I think it looks better than a body-colored one. Sharp.

 

[Cape Cruiser]

FYI, If anyone got a used Leer cap with a color they dont like you can take it to a leer dealer and they will send it back to be painted the color of your choice for $300. Bret

 

[Big Blue]

Yippy! Paid off the loan today. Just need to wait for the bank to send me the clear title. All mine for Christmas.

 

[egilbe]

I brushed the 6 inches of snow off it so I could drive to work. In a few hours I'll brush off the other 18" and drive home and hopefully the driveway is plowed, but we'll see.

 

[BigHen0213]

You can get them here and in several different colors.

Ordered mine!!!

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