Full Commitment to Ranger Build

[TSU_Tanner]

Hey guys, new to this thread.

I have a question for you guys, specially those who have heavily modified their Rangers. I have a ‘22 XLT FX4 SuperCrew Ranger and have been absolutely wrestling back and forth on fully committing keeping the truck. Reason stems from having over a million miles of owning, overlanding
modifying Toyota Tacomas. Unfortunately my latest Gen 3 Tacoma as per performance was an utter let down. Leading me to want to try something else out. I’ve got 20k miles on the Ranger with zero issues and other than my absolute disappointment in some of the initial quality control measures from the factory and the cheap interior, it’s actually been quite the little performer.

All my vehicles eventually get heavily modified for a hybrid utilitarian/overland build which suits my usage as a survival instructor/guide traveling all over the Rockies. I absolutely want to dive deep into committing to a full out build comprised of nothing but high end components.
My concern is finally dropping that much money into something I’ve never had experience with per the brand and model vehicle. I’ve considered going back to a Toyota in a 4Runner. Granted it’s an absolute dinosaur of a rig, but damn near indestructible. The payload, transmission, gearing and capabilities are much more on par with the Ranger than my Gen 3 Tacoma was. I’m just trying to gain confidence that I’m not going to dump this much into it then regret later on in terms of reliability, durability and longevity of this Ranger.
I believe I had done quite a bit of homework prior to trading my Tacoma in for this ranger in terms of long term ownership. I guess the Toyota DNA still just runs super thick in blood and is making me second guess.

Those that have heavily modified or those that have put a ton of miles of their rangers already. Are you pleased with the trucks quality and reliability?

Thanks!!!

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[LaBalbe]

You should look into postings by @OFC Ranger; his SPECR3 build sounds like it would fit your survival instructor needs. @Msfitoy & @DukeCanBuildit also have builds that you should check out.

 

[Dereku]

Look into monotune and what they do with this engine. It is amazing what it can handle with a stock rotating assembly. The 10 speed is not bad. A mild tune will fix any shifting issues. Otherwise I would expect decent reliability.

 

[TSU_Tanner]

Yeah I think a lot of my dilemma is less based on the actual dependability of the Ranger and more to do is all I have known is Toyota products and just how reliable they have been to me. More less just in my head of what I have perceived to be the toughest of all the brands to build a rig off of. Just keep playing it in my head that I’m going to drop 20k into this truck then it start giving me hell on repairs or issues 60k miles down the road then be kicking myself for not sticking with Toyota.

What really sold me on the Ranger was my travels to rural towns in New Zealand, South Africa and Australia. Just getting to see some absolutely amazing Ford Ranger overland builds, a ton of them in terms of volume and how many people were really satisfied with them. Really made me change my perception that it doesn’t have to be a Toyota to be reliable. In fact Australia had more Rangers in use for their governmental service trucks than they did Hilux.

I can look past petty little stuff or just how easy the plastic is to scratch and junk like that. Just long as Ford really put in the time and quality into what really matters. That at 85k, 100k, 150k or even farther on the odometer that’s it’s still going to crank up and get me down the forestry roads and trails when it really counts.

 

[myothercarizahearse]

Congratulations on dumping Toyota and going with ANYTHING else!

 

[Dereku]

Yeah I think a lot of my dilemma is less based on the actual dependability of the Ranger and more to do is all I have known is Toyota products and just how reliable they have been to me. More less just in my head of what I have perceived to be the toughest of all the brands to build a rig off of. Just keep playing it in my head that I’m going to drop 20k into this truck then it start giving me hell on repairs or issues 60k miles down the road then be kicking myself for not sticking with Toyota.

What really sold me on the Ranger was my travels to rural towns in New Zealand, South Africa and Australia. Just getting to see some absolutely amazing Ford Ranger overland builds, a ton of them in terms of volume and how many people were really satisfied with them. Really made me change my perception that it doesn’t have to be a Toyota to be reliable. In fact Australia had more Rangers in use for their governmental service trucks than they did Hilux.

I can look past petty little stuff or just how easy the plastic is to scratch and junk like that. Just long as Ford really put in the time and quality into what really matters. That at 85k, 100k, 150k or even farther on the odometer that’s it’s still going to crank up and get me down the forestry roads and trails when it really counts.

Watch the original 3.5 Ecoboost torture test. It is actually amazing what they put it through.

 

[OFC Ranger]

I only have just shy of 16,000 miles on mine. A majority of those miles have been with humping a significant amount of weight on its back. I've encountered no adverse problems yet.

The Rapid Response Ranger (ie; SPEC-R3) was a proof of concept that materialized as a way to create something that works and does it for a fraction of the cost of similar top shelf products. I also wanted to haul an obscene amount of gear without need of a trailer. My entire rack, and storage systems are DIY weldless designs using a combination of unistrut and existing market products (cheaper alternatives to gucci products) that have been heavily modified and bent to my will. My rack and storage system can be created for less than $3,000 under current market conditions and have superior modularity traits than anything else a company produces outside of a complete bed swap product. While I have gone through three versions (fourth is pending), a majority of the changes over the year were quality of life or slight design tweaks. It is 10 feet long and you can walk on top of it thanks to the DuraSlat flooring. My storage pod system made from Plano double walled ammo crates have exhibited zero water intrusion over 2 years.

I used my knowledge from my career in law enforcement and being a novice prepping hobbyist. So your goals would probably be similar to mine and to that end the truck is a more than capable platform. If you don't mind some DIY work and have a somewhat active imagination you can create a package the likes of which no one will ever see a doppelganger.

You should also search the build forum and look at @TopoRanger 's build where he has designed and built his own flat bed to which I believe he will be designing his own canopy to go on it. His fabrication skills are on another level above mine as they involve welding and more precision creation.

 

[Msfitoy]

Hey guys, new to this thread.

I have a question for you guys, specially those who have heavily modified their Rangers. I have a ‘22 XLT FX4 SuperCrew Ranger and have been absolutely wrestling back and forth on fully committing keeping the truck. Reason stems from having over a million miles of owning, overlanding
modifying Toyota Tacomas. Unfortunately my latest Gen 3 Tacoma as per performance was an utter let down. Leading me to want to try something else out. I’ve got 20k miles on the Ranger with zero issues and other than my absolute disappointment in some of the initial quality control measures from the factory and the cheap interior, it’s actually been quite the little performer.

All my vehicles eventually get heavily modified for a hybrid utilitarian/overland build which suits my usage as a survival instructor/guide traveling all over the Rockies. I absolutely want to dive deep into committing to a full out build comprised of nothing but high end components.
My concern is finally dropping that much money into something I’ve never had experience with per the brand and model vehicle. I’ve considered going back to a Toyota in a 4Runner. Granted it’s an absolute dinosaur of a rig, but damn near indestructible. The payload, transmission, gearing and capabilities are much more on par with the Ranger than my Gen 3 Tacoma was. I’m just trying to gain confidence that I’m not going to dump this much into it then regret later on in terms of reliability, durability and longevity of this Ranger.
I believe I had done quite a bit of homework prior to trading my Tacoma in for this ranger in terms of long term ownership. I guess the Toyota DNA still just runs super thick in blood and is making me second guess.

Those that have heavily modified or those that have put a ton of miles of their rangers already. Are you pleased with the trucks quality and reliability?



Thanks!!!

Welcome Tanner...everyone here has a different take so I'm sure you'll find what suits your build...

Want to be ahead of the curve for less than $40? Get a DeeZee TGD install first! ?

 

[TSU_Tanner]

Haha! Yeah I’ve got expensive taste. I’m usually 10k in the hole just between suspension and Wheels/Tires. The plan is to build something that is extremely reminiscent to a build you would see in Australia or New Zealand.

 

[OFC Ranger]

Yes lots of knowledgeable engineers lurking on here, you just have to learn who is who. I started my project with zero fabrication background, but those current and former engineers have proved to be an invaluable asset when I had questions Google could not give me in plain English.


For the record, I have no tailgate damper, cause that is a soy boy pajama product of which I am not.

/popcorn

 

[TSU_Tanner]

Yes lots of knowledgeable engineers lurking on here, you just have to learn who is who. I started my project with zero fabrication background, but those current and former engineers have proved to be an invaluable asset when I had questions Google could not give me in plain English.


For the record, I have no tailgate damper, cause that is a soy boy pajama product of which I am not.

/popcorn

Nice! Yeah I am more less just breaking myself out of the idea that it has to be a Toyota to last. Luckily this would be my fourth overland build. This time more mission specific for applications pertaining to long trips scouting for elk for clients, private primitive skills classes where it usually takes us to remote properties in the Rockies. As well as a capable rig full of my gear in the event I have to meet my fellow Search/Rescue/Wilderness EMT’s on site here in the Rockies for a call out.
Only thing I hate that isn’t more common here in the States is the aluminum utility boxes that replace the pick up bed. There is a handful of companies I have seen who build them but it’s absurd the cost they want.

 

[OFC Ranger]

.

Nice! Yeah I am more less just breaking myself out of the idea that it has to be a Toyota to last. Luckily this would be my fourth overland build. This time more mission specific for applications pertaining to long trips scouting for elk for clients, private primitive skills classes where it usually takes us to remote properties in the Rockies. As well as a capable rig full of my gear in the event I have to meet my fellow Search/Rescue/Wilderness EMT’s on site here in the Rockies for a call out.
Only thing I hate that isn’t more common here in the States is the aluminum utility boxes that replace the pick up bed. There is a handful of companies I have seen who build them but it’s absurd the cost they want.

Everything "off-road" is absurdly priced in the USA. Don't get me started on how if you shop smart you can get comparable long lasting chicom lights for a fraction of the cost. But that won't get you instagram hits when your lights are produced by "Hang Dang Factory #30,154".

Nevermind things like ARB lights are produced by the same Hang Dang Factory, but just have an ARB sticker on it.

When I encounter questions about my rig's various components in real life the thing most people are surprised about is about the price tag, which they assume to be astronomical. I'll refrain from derailing the thread as I can really get on a soap box about this subject. All of my name brand products are reserved for key systems like suspension, engine, or so forth.

 

[Msfitoy]

Lights from Won Hung Low would do a better job...

 

[OFC Ranger]

Lights from Won Hung Low would do a better job...

I got some killer spot lights from Ho Lee Chit.

Ok, you are just trying to get us in trouble now, stop. lol

 

[DukeCanBuildit]

Hey Tanner,

Well, I don’t really do any overlanding, but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night.

My 2019 Scab has 45,000 km on it and has only needed a battery - not unusual for 2019 Rangers - likely a hiccup with the supplier. Other than that, there have been no issues at all and I trust it to get me wherever I want to go without hesitation.

My build is really about having some off-road and rural winter driving utility as well as a dry, safe place for gear and tools. It is tuned by S mode and a heavy right foot, which seems to work just fine for me. The power is there when needed.

Everything is detailed in the build thread in my signature line and listed on my showcase page. I’m happy to answer any questions if needed - just PM me.

Others on here have put on big miles or have wheeled the pants off their rigs, so lurk around and reach out to some members. Whatever you decide, I know you’ll have a crap ton of fun building it up.

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