5280Ranger Build

[Colo_Ranger]

My old build was cluttered and had a lot of crap all over the place. I am going to try and keep this one more organized. In trying to do that, I will always update the first post with the most recent picture and modification list.

Picture updated on 08.14.2023.


I need to get more pictures, as this is missing quite a few modifications, but its the best I've got right now.

Modification List:

• Suspension/Tires:
  • OME HD Front and OME SD Rear
  • Icon Upper Control Arms
  • ICON Multi-Rate Leaf Springs (Configuration 3)
  • OME HD 2.2 Leaf Springs
  • 285/75r17 (C) Toyo Open Country ATIII
  • FactionFab 6x139.7mm 1.0" Forged Aluminum Wheel Spacers
  • Tom Woods 1 Piece Drive Shaft
• Protection/Recovery:
  • White Knuckle Off Road Sliders welded on
  • ARB skid Plates
  • AFN Front Bumper
  • ARB Summit Bumper
  • BILLET WINCH SHACKLE - ORANGE
  • Smittybilt XRC GEN3 9.5K Comp Series Winch with Synthetic Cable
  • Badlands 12000 Winch with Synthetic Line
  • ARB single compressor mounted in Decked ammo can
• Communications:
  • Midland USA MXT275VP4
  • Icom IC-2730a HAM Radio
  • 67 Designs 3 ball mount
  • Bullet Point Mounting Solutions 1 cm arms
  • Jeep Uniq Icom 20mm ball mount
  • Garmin inReach Mini 2
• Lighting:
  • Cali Raised LED ditch light brackets
  • Dark Defense DDS4 2.0
  • Diode Dynamics SS3 with flood pattern (white)
  • Diode Dynamics SS2 with flood pattern (white) as ARB bumper markers
  • Diode Dynamics SS3 in fog pattern (amber) as ARB bumper fog lights.
  • 7 INCH 178W ROUND OFF ROAD LIGHT SPOT BEAM LED DRIVING LIGHTS
  • LightForce Fascia and CH4x4 Custom Switches
  • Auxbeam Light Bar
• Overlandy stuff:
  • Long Range America 37 Gallon Replacement Tank
  • FORD RANGER SUPERCREW ROOF RACK | 2019-2021
  • 23Zero Breezeway Series (62") RTT
  • Mishimoto Borne Off-Road Snorkel
  • DECKED DRAWER SYSTEM
  • RSi SmartCap EVOa
• Appearance Mods
  • Ford Raptor Grille (knockoff)

Removed Parts:

• Builtright Industries Dash Mount - I decided I didn't want anything hanging off my dash. This may change again but, for now, I am running a clean dash.
• Builtright Industries Bedside Rack System - I installed a Decked System. No issues with the bedrack system, but Decked fits my needs better.
• TruXedo TruXport Tonneau Cover - Removed because of the Decked.
• 8" Billie Bars - I can't say anything bad about Billie Bars. I absolutely love the system, but with the Decked, I needed an additional 4" height to clear my cooler. This led to quite a few changes.
• Eibach 2.0 Stage 1 Suspension Package - This kit rode great, but I added a bumper and winch and it just couldn't handle the additional weight.
• 255/80r17 Toyo Open Country A/T III - I wanted bigger tires.
• Skid Plate Package | 19-Present Ranger - I changed out the AFN bumper to the ARB bumper, and the ARB skids work with the ARB bumper.
• Sherpa Tent Mounts (Short) - Worked with Billie Bars, not the new RCI rack.
• Auxbeam 8 Gang Switch Panel - I wanted a cleaner install.
• 12″ Sport Bed Rack - I had a baby and needed dry storage. Babies have lots of crap that needs to stay out of the elements.

The next post is from my original build. It gives an idea on what I thought when I bought the truck. (Though those plans have fallen by the wayside.)

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[Colo_Ranger]

Intro:
This is going to be slow. This thread is mostly for my benefit, but I welcome people to follow along.

I bought a 2021 Ford Ranger XLT FX4 in April. The deals being offered were too good to wait and, I am glad I didn't, because inventory has dropped and prices have jumped.

Here she is the day I bought her.

The wife and I took her out on what turned out to be a dirt road.

A few weeks later, a local Instagrammer put out a run to Mini Moab. I was able to flex her out a little bit. I took all the bypasses to the obstacles, but she handled great and instilled confidence in me.

Objective:
This truck will be built around taking the wife and I camping, exploring ghost towns and areas of Colorado, and get to locations to photography.

Phase 1 Plan:

1. ARB Skid Plates - Ordered
2. Shrockworks Rock Sliders
3. Communications
   1. Right now, I am leaning towards the Midland MXT275 Bundle.
4. Rear Diff Skid

Phase 2 Plan:

1. Old Man Emu Lift - this is my first choice, as it stands. I like that it's a full kit and is comprehensive. OME was highly regarded when I had my old 4runner. I also haven't decided between the two kits.
2. 285/70r17 Tires. I don't have a tire preference at this time.
3. Winch mount of some kind. Leaning towards the Shrockworks Ultralight Winch Mount or the 589Fab Hidden Winch Mount.
4. Winch. No ideas here yet.
5. Rear bumper. I am leaning towards the ARB Summit Rear Bumper because it is simplistic, clean, works with all my sensors, and offers good protection.

Phase 3 Plan:
Okay, this is where things really go off the rails. This phase will be all about making camping easier.

1. Topper or RTT/rack - I debate this all the time. I like RTTs for a number of reasons (though I have never used one). Getting off the ground, being able to pack all the bedding inside, easy setup. That being said, I like the topper for a number of reasons. More secured storage, ...ok, so it's really only the one reason. I feel like the secured storage is important because we live in fire ban country here and we are going to be taking a propane fire pit that we can use during bans and, honestly, anytime I don't want to worry about it. We can also use it for cooking.
2. Decked Drawer System
3. ???

I will update this thread as mods come in. I am hoping next week for the ARB skids.

 

[Colo_Ranger]

Most recent picture; 03.16.2022.

Older pictures:

 

[typmoon]

Most recent picture; 03.16.2022.

Older pictures:

Nice build so far! I question on the Ghost antenna install. Im looking to get the Midland MXT275 Bundle as well! Do you have any recommendations on installing it or how you were able to mount it to your ditch lights? Im running Baja designs Ditch lights but not sure where to mount it without interfering with the light

 

[Colo_Ranger]

Nice build so far! I question on the Ghost antenna install. Im looking to get the Midland MXT275 Bundle as well! Do you have any recommendations on installing it or how you were able to mount it to your ditch lights? Im running Baja designs Ditch lights but not sure where to mount it without interfering with the light

Thanks! I used this to install the antenna. I mounted it facing outward of the ditch lights, but I have seen it mounted inward (over the hood). I didn't have to modify the bracket at all.

 

[typmoon]

Thanks! I used this to install the antenna. I mounted it facing outward of the ditch lights, but I have seen it mounted inward (over the hood). I didn't have to modify the bracket at all.

Thanks for the link! That'll definitely help out! Watching your build because I got another year or 2 before I have to decide if I want to keep the Ranger or upgrade to the 23/24 model or keep my Bronco Reservation lol

 

[Colo_Ranger]

Installed the Mishimoto snorkel. It took some time, but was actually pretty easy. Once you get past drilling holes in your fancy truck, the install is simple. The hardest part was taking the fender flare off. I broke it. Had to buy a new one. That was a $100 mistake.

 

[Colo_Ranger]

Here are some updated pictures.

Here are the Sharpa mounts that hold the tent.

 

[Colo_Ranger]

A fun water crossing.

 

[Emory39]

NIce Buid OP. what part of CO are you? im close to COS area.

 

[Colo_Ranger]

NIce Buid OP. what part of CO are you? im close to COS area.

Hey - I am in Denver. I sent you a message about the groups.

 

[ReigleCM]

A fun water crossing.

Fun, but that shit looks COLD

 

[Colo_Ranger]

Fun, but that shit looks COLD

It was cold, for sure. Worth every minute though.

 

[NTXTremor]

Installed the Mishimoto snorkel. It took some time, but was actually pretty easy. Once you get past drilling holes in your fancy truck, the install is simple. The hardest part was taking the fender flare off. I broke it. Had to buy a new one. That was a $100 mistake.

Great looking truck and overland build.

Is that your RTT hanging from your ceiling? I like that setup.

I am definitely interested in a RTT like yours, and I assumed that I would have to build a way to store it like you have done.

Can you give us more details? How hard is it to uninstall and reinstall each time you want to use it? Any tips or tricks to your setup?

 

[Colo_Ranger]

Great looking truck and overland build.

Thank you!

Is that your RTT hanging from your ceiling? I like that setup.

That is my tent hanging from the ceiling.

I am definitely interested in a RTT like yours, and I assumed that I would have to build a way to store it like you have done.

Can you give us more details? How hard is it to uninstall and reinstall each time you want to use it? Any tips or tricks to your setup?

Its really easy to use. I need to make some changes, as its not completely level when lifting, but that was a design flaw on my part. It will be an easy fix. I will see about getting a video of me installing and removing the tent sometime, but I can do it by myself with minimal effort. The hardest part is getting lined up under the tent.

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