Ranger Rookie

[RangerV]

Downsized to a ‘21 XLT (non FX4) last year as I put on a lot of miles for work. Originally planned on only using it for work, but it’s grown on me and I want to give it some character and keep it around for a while.
Looking for recommendations and info on making some changes and maintaining it.

Is there anything outside of standard maintenance that anyone is doing to keep these running for a long time? For my old Silverado it was an OBD plug to disable a fuel management system and cleaning the fuel injectors on a regular basis. I do have some shifting/gear concerns that are getting checked out next week while it’s still under warranty.

Tires/Wheels - Truck came with the silver 6 spoke wheels that aren’t terrible, but need to be upgraded. Looking at sport rims or maybe Tremor if I can get them on without any modifications. From what I’ve read, the different trim level wheels can be put on without any changes, it’s the tires that get tricky. Not looking to add any lift kits to it.

Suspension -Are there any easy upgrades here that don’t require any crazy changes? Maybe FX4 shocks? Front level? Mostly highway driving with some hauling/towing, but it does get out in the woods and trails for hunting quite often.

Before the Ranger I’ve always bought high mileage vehicles that weren’t worth upgrading so I never learned too much about making changes on my own. Stumbled across this forum and seeing some of these trucks has me fired up to get going.

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[Chuckyj95]

I just got my 21 XLT FX4 a month ago. First low mileage vehicle for me too. I am changing out the FX4 shocks for a bilstein leveling kit. I want to get the nose up some but don't want to go a full 2inchs. I also find the ride with FX4 shocks a little bouncy. I will go bigger on tires at some point. But not till the ones on it are worn out.

 

[AzScorpion]

Damper.....Now your Ranger is complete!

Luckily I have a few extra.

 

[AzScorpion]

Downsized to a ‘21 XLT (non FX4) last year as I put on a lot of miles for work. Originally planned on only using it for work, but it’s grown on me and I want to give it some character and keep it around for a while.
Looking for recommendations and info on making some changes and maintaining it.

Is there anything outside of standard maintenance that anyone is doing to keep these running for a long time? For my old Silverado it was an OBD plug to disable a fuel management system and cleaning the fuel injectors on a regular basis. I do have some shifting/gear concerns that are getting checked out next week while it’s still under warranty.

Tires/Wheels - Truck came with the silver 6 spoke wheels that aren’t terrible, but need to be upgraded. Looking at sport rims or maybe Tremor if I can get them on without any modifications. From what I’ve read, the different trim level wheels can be put on without any changes, it’s the tires that get tricky. Not looking to add any lift kits to it.

Suspension -Are there any easy upgrades here that don’t require any crazy changes? Maybe FX4 shocks? Front level? Mostly highway driving with some hauling/towing, but it does get out in the woods and trails for hunting quite often.

Before the Ranger I’ve always bought high mileage vehicles that weren’t worth upgrading so I never learned too much about making changes on my own. Stumbled across this forum and seeing some of these trucks has me fired up to get going.

Ok seriously if your going to upgrade the suspension do not use the Fx4 shocks, they're junk! Most (including myself on my '19 Ranger) change them out to something much better like Eibach or Bilstein. This one change will make a huge difference on how your truck rides and handles on and off road.

Tires and wheels are another good addition. Just be careful with the offset and try and stay within stock or you'll be hitting the crash bars or sticking out to far beyond the fenders. The Tremor wheels will work fine especially if you're going to change out the suspension. Tires you can go up one size to 265/70/17 and there will be no rubbing, even on the stock suspension.

You can add a tune which will add hp/tq and really wakes these 2.3's up. I had a Livernois tune in my '19 and it was a big improvement over stock. It did smooth out the shifts and as long as you're not getting on it all the time won't effect your mpg much. But it will effect you spg (smiles per gallon) every time you punch it. ?

 

[DukeCanBuildit]

Given your use case and desire for better suspension, avoid the FX4 shocks - they will be super cheap (sometimes free) in marketplaces because a lot of people don’t like their bouncy ride characteristics……

Ahhh, nevermind, Dave above covered it very well with his post above. Shocks, then tires and wheels when you need them.

Suspension work is not for noob wrenchers - some specific tools as well as skills and experience are needed to do it safely, properly, and without breaking other components in the process. I’m not saying you can’t do it but there are more than a few threads on here that were created out of panic when something went south for a member. So, it’s just a heads up.

Have fun making it your own!

 

[RangerV]

Damper.....Now your Ranger is complete!

Luckily I have a few extra.

I did put a damper on last fall, but learned quickly the Amazon ones don’t like our cold northern MN winters. Going to be taking it back off this fall so I don’t have to listen to the screeching every time I drop the gate.

 

[DukeCanBuildit]

I did put a damper on last fall, but learned quickly the Amazon ones don’t like our cold northern MN winters. Going to be taking it back off this fall so I don’t have to listen to the screeching every time I drop the gate.

It’s likely the round tailgate hinge that’s making all the racket - the damper puts pressure on the hinge and bushing. Try some good dry lube or synthetic lube on the hinge and bushing. Avoid WD40 - it’s not up to the task and works more as a cleaner than a lubricant.

 

[RangerV]

Good to know on the FX4 shocks - There’s a free set on here that I was debating.
Has anyone put Bronco Big Bend wheels on a stock Ranger? Eventually I want Tremor or Sport wheels, but there’s a brand new set of Big Bends with 255/75/R17’s sitting in Marketplace for $350. Might be a good winter set for all the salt and grime.

 

[subquark]

One of the best things to do is spend some time on this forum. Start with checking What's New and that'll show the latest topics. When you see one that catches your attention, or as in my case, exposed me to an issue or great mod.

It's an easy way to see what others are doing rather than just randomly clicking around. So I came across your thread by doing that and the great recommendation on shocks. Now you can explore many, many other's experiences with shock upgrades. It's really good because the cross-section of people here is huge. So things that are pertinent to you in the way you use your Ranger.

Shocks are a really good example. I didn't like how whippy the Ranger is just running around town and local potholes. I don't tow a travel trailer so my needs were mainly for daily driving - short distances. This led me to the shocks that really fit my situation well.

Some other things you'll come across are similar to your OBD example. Here, many folks disable the BMS. That can be done physically or can be done via FORSCAN using the OBD (and with that you can change the percentage of charge).

For me, I'm a little nervous about making OBD changes so I went another route, that I learned here - using a battery tender. Not only did I read the experience of many others but I also learned some clever things that they did. Like using extension cables and a magnet with a "Remove Before Flight" tag so I wouldn't back up and forget I was connected. Now I'm eventually going to convert it from a regular plug to a magnetic connection.

There are also "Build" threads showing what some have done. I have mine in my signature and, if you want to make the ultimate Dump Runner and babe magnet, you'll get everything I got. I don't mean to brag, but my Soupie is about the most awesome Ranger ever to hit the road!

LOL, well the most awesome one for me anyway! =)

Good luck and this forum is a wealth of knowledge and expertise.

 

[5thranger]

One of the best things to do is spend some time on this forum. Start with checking What's New and that'll show the latest topics. When you see one that catches your attention, or as in my case, exposed me to an issue or great mod.

It's an easy way to see what others are doing rather than just randomly clicking around. So I came across your thread by doing that and the great recommendation on shocks. Now you can explore many, many other's experiences with shock upgrades. It's really good because the cross-section of people here is huge. So things that are pertinent to you in the way you use your Ranger.

Shocks are a really good example. I didn't like how whippy the Ranger is just running around town and local potholes. I don't tow a travel trailer so my needs were mainly for daily driving - short distances. This led me to the shocks that really fit my situation well.

Some other things you'll come across are similar to your OBD example. Here, many folks disable the BMS. That can be done physically or can be done via FORSCAN using the OBD (and with that you can change the percentage of charge).

For me, I'm a little nervous about making OBD changes so I went another route, that I learned here - using a battery tender. Not only did I read the experience of many others but I also learned some clever things that they did. Like using extension cables and a magnet with a "Remove Before Flight" tag so I wouldn't back up and forget I was connected. Now I'm eventually going to convert it from a regular plug to a magnetic connection.

There are also "Build" threads showing what some have done. I have mine in my signature and, if you want to make the ultimate Dump Runner and babe magnet, you'll get everything I got. I don't mean to brag, but my Soupie is about the most awesome Ranger ever to hit the road!

LOL, well the most awesome one for me anyway! =)

Good luck and this forum is a wealth of knowledge and expertise.

You stud muffin

 

[RangerV]

One of the best things to do is spend some time on this forum. Start with checking What's New and that'll show the latest topics. When you see one that catches your attention, or as in my case, exposed me to an issue or great mod.

It's an easy way to see what others are doing rather than just randomly clicking around. So I came across your thread by doing that and the great recommendation on shocks. Now you can explore many, many other's experiences with shock upgrades. It's really good because the cross-section of people here is huge. So things that are pertinent to you in the way you use your Ranger.

Shocks are a really good example. I didn't like how whippy the Ranger is just running around town and local potholes. I don't tow a travel trailer so my needs were mainly for daily driving - short distances. This led me to the shocks that really fit my situation well.

Some other things you'll come across are similar to your OBD example. Here, many folks disable the BMS. That can be done physically or can be done via FORSCAN using the OBD (and with that you can change the percentage of charge).

For me, I'm a little nervous about making OBD changes so I went another route, that I learned here - using a battery tender. Not only did I read the experience of many others but I also learned some clever things that they did. Like using extension cables and a magnet with a "Remove Before Flight" tag so I wouldn't back up and forget I was connected. Now I'm eventually going to convert it from a regular plug to a magnetic connection.

There are also "Build" threads showing what some have done. I have mine in my signature and, if you want to make the ultimate Dump Runner and babe magnet, you'll get everything I got. I don't mean to brag, but my Soupie is about the most awesome Ranger ever to hit the road!

LOL, well the most awesome one for me anyway! =)

Good luck and this forum is a wealth of knowledge and expertise.

I’ve come across Soupie in a few threads and the first thought that came to mind when I saw the chains was Ramathorne from Super Troopers and “free mustache rides”.

 

[subquark]

I’ve come across Soupie in a few threads and the first thought that came to mind when I saw the chains was Ramathorne from Super Troopers and “free mustache rides”.

By the way, welcome to a really great forum and we look forward to learning what you do and learning from it too!

My next bumper upgrade:

or maybe a more social option:

 

[Grumpaw]

I’ve come across Soupie in a few threads and the first thought that came to mind when I saw the chains was Ramathorne from Super Troopers and “free mustache rides”.

Ask him how many dump trips he makes weekly to get rid of all the delivery boxes he gets.....go on, ask him !!! He has dedicated delivery drivers/trucks making daily, possibly hourly drops. He has probably gone thru a 64 bite chip in his phone just from taking pics of the "stuff" he has equipped Soupie with !!!

 

[subquark]

Ask him how many dump trips he makes weekly to get rid of all the delivery boxes he gets.....go on, ask him !!! He has dedicated delivery drivers/trucks making daily, possibly hourly drops. He has probably gone thru a 64 bite chip in his phone just from taking pics of the "stuff" he has equipped Soupie with !!!

In fact, I was waiting until I had done the rest of these but since you mentioned it - I did a dump rum this morning and probably have two more with the other stuff.

 

[Grumpaw]

In fact, I was waiting until I had done the rest of these but since you mentioned it - I did a dump rum this morning and probably have two more with the other stuff.

David, how much more lawn stuff do you have ????? With all the dump runs you have accumulated, I'd think you would have nothing more than 3 blades of grass left !!!! It's like you have trees and shrubs growing overnight !!!
All that stuff in the back of Soupie is more than I trim in a year, and that won't even fill the bed of Truck....I throw it in the trash can !!!

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