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[DukeCanBuildit]

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[Tracy Bowman]

Rough Country 2-1/2" Level Kit

Between yard work and some shopping I managed to resolve the strut issue and get True North levelled. There's a way to install level kits by removing the lower control arm from the frame and removing the tie rod end - I couldn't usee myself doing that without a hoist, so I did it like most folks. There are few things to make this easier:

• Remove the caliber and rotor - they are crazy heavy when heavy is what you don't need
• Remove the axle nut and push the CV out of the way
• Remove the sway bar link from the knuckle
• Absolutely remove the lower studs from the strut

General Grabber A/T 275/70R17

Wow, these are a lot of tire - a full 32.2". My dealer could not get Falken's or BFG KO2s (back order) but I am more than pleased with the look of these big tires.

Menace 17x8 +15mm Offset

Enough offset to more than clear the knuckle (actually further than the stock wheels) and push those tires out to just inside the fender Flares. Gloss Black for a Shadow Black Ranger.

Note: No rubbing at full lock, no cutting, no trimming. I loosened and angled the intrusion bars and removed the plastic covers while I was doing the level.


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Up next...

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But first, True North needs a bath - I need a beer - it's happy hour and just about time to start the BBQ.

You certainly don't let grass grow under your feet! Looks great!

 

[Tracy Bowman]

T​

Thanks Tracy - and thanks for following True North's build. ??I ? With this wild pandemic, I've been spending most of my time (Fri to Tues) at the cottage in my hometown (Mom's there) and Wed and Thur in the city - I couldn't easily work on the truck on the grass at the cottage, so I had to really plan things out and schedule time for this weekend - that issue with the strut through me for a bit but I'm back on track.

"Grass grow under your feet" is a saying we have here down south meaning: you don't waste any time. You accomplish what you set out to do.

 

[GregM]

Paragon Raptor-Style Grill

Well, the last item in Phase One of the True North build is now complete. The new grill went on at noon today and it really completes the look on a black truck with black wheels, canopy, drop steps, etc.

So, that's it for a while - Phase Two will include a few things that help a work truck do its job while looking a bit like an adventure rig. Stay tuned!

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Here's a little before and after pic...

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Well Duke you can't even tell its the same truck. I mean that in a good way. Congratulations that is a gorgeous looking Truck

 

[Swingpure]

Paragon Raptor-Style Grille

Well, the last item in Phase One of the True North build is now complete. The new Raptor-Style Grille went on at noon today and it really completes the look on a black truck with black wheels, canopy, drop steps, etc. No, I didn't install an LED kit - it's a work truck - just trying to keep things understated where I can.

So, that's it for a while - Phase Two will include a few things that help a work truck do its job while looking a bit like an adventure rig. Stay tuned!

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Here's a little before and after pic...

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Wow, that is quite the transformation. Your hard work has certainly paid off! Looks terrific!

 

[Jamesb]

Paragon Raptor-Style Grille

Well, the last item in Phase One of the True North build is now complete. The new Raptor-Style Grille went on at noon today and it really completes the look on a black truck with black wheels, canopy, drop steps, etc. No, I didn't install an LED kit - it's a work truck - just trying to keep things understated where I can.

So, that's it for a while - Phase Two will include a few things that help a work truck do its job while looking a bit like an adventure rig. Stay tuned!

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Here's a little before and after pic...

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Sweet looking truck! Very nice work, mate.

Where did you buy your steps and grill in Canada? Love them.

 

[painter1]

She's lookin good Duke !

And good deal on the tip for Action Truck and autoeq. , I've bookmarked for the future.

Cheers,
Ali

 

[P. A. Schilke]

Thanks Ali - I appreciate it and I'm always happy to let others in Canada know where good deals can be had on accessories. I lived in the BC Lower Mainland and the Okanagan for 22 years. I sure wish I was there with this Ranger now - man, the places I would go!

Hi Duke,

Love the little town of Chemainus. Wall murals are fantastic! Folks there are top drawer too!

Best,
Phil Schilke
Ranger Vehicle Engineering
Ford Motor Co. Retired

 

[Jamesb]

I agree Phil - I've been there many times. Like so many small logging towns along the Vancouver Island coast, it struggled to survive after its mill closed. The murals were a direct effort to attract tourists.

The people just wouldn't give up on their small town or the quality of life it provided and it's now a thriving community. So, you really nailed it with your kind words about the folks there.

Agree!

 

[Swingpure]

Rhino Rack Pioneer Platform

Well, like a lot of mods or accessories, this install is better suited for help from an extra person - preferably someone who has done it before. The toughest part is figuring out just where to drill the holes in your expensive canopy. Second toughest is wresting the platform on and off to dry-fit things before that moment of truth with your drill.

Hats off to Rhino Rack for good packaging, an easy install and a great design that offers a bit of forgiveness if your mounting legs aren't perfectly square.

Tow Receiver Shackle

I hope I don't have to use it but I installed a 2" Tow Receiver Shackle in case I end up in a ditch full of snow. It sticks out enough that it will pierce someone's Grille but not enough to serve as a step for accessing my new platform rack. Oh well, it's a good thing we have back-up cameras!

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That's it for now - the truck needs a bath and I need a beer.

Next up...

Rough Country Tow Hook Shackle Conversion Kit - sadly, it's on backorder. Hopefully, I'll have a mid-December project to post.

Nice looking Platform! I would have to grow 8” to use it myself. Your truck looks great!

 

[Justlooking]

Please forgive the completely naive question...how Is it your new wheel/tire combo is further back than stock? I’m still learning about offset etc so I’m most likely missing something. Seems the stock wheels and the new wheels are both 17X8 with the only difference being 40 mm less offset in the new wheels. The new tires are 0.8 inches wider (0.4 inches (10.4 mm) either side of center). So if the center line of the wheel is moved out by 40 mm and the back edge of the tire is 10.4 mm further inboard than stock it seems you should have more room than the stock set up?

Also - 2” leveling kit and crash bars in tact?

Looks amazing - wish I had your mechanical skills, I’d likely kill myself trying to install a leveling kit!

Menace HD 17x8 +15mm Offset

These wheels have enough offset to allow 275s to more than clear the knuckle (actually further than the stock wheels) and push those tires out to just inside the fender Flares. Gloss Black for a Shadow Black Ranger.

Note...
No rubbing at full lock, no cutting, no trimming. I loosened and angled the intrusion bars and removed the plastic covers while the wheels were off.

FYI - Because people on these forums ask...
Before I installed the level kit, I put the wheels on the front just to see if they would clear the crash bars without the lift - they DO NOT and if you try it, they still won't. If you want 32s, level your Ranger.

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Up next...

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But first, True North needs a bath - I need a beer - it's happy hour and just about time to start the BBQ.

General Grabber A/T X (275/70R17)

This is the main reason I levelled True North - the agessive stance of wider, taller tires. Wow, these Grabbers are a lot of tire - a full 32". My dealer couldn't get Falken Wildpeaks or BFG KO2s (back order) but I am more than impressed with the look of these big tires.

Menace HD 17x8 +15mm Offset

These wheels have enough offset to allow 275s to more than clear the knuckle (actually further than the stock wheels) and push those tires out to just inside the fender Flares. Gloss Black for a Shadow Black Ranger.

Note...
No rubbing at full lock, no cutting, no trimming. I loosened and angled the intrusion bars and removed the plastic covers while the wheels were off.

FYI - Because people on these forums ask...
Before I installed the level kit, I put the wheels on the front just to see if they would clear the crash bars without the lift - they DO NOT and if you try it, they still won't. If you want 32s, level your Ranger.

View attachment 55953

View attachment 55954

View attachment 55955

View attachment 55956

View attachment 55957

Up next...

View attachment 55958

But first, True North needs a bath - I need a beer - it's happy hour and just about time to start the BBQ.

Rough Country 2-1/2" Level Kit

Between yard work and some shopping I managed to resolve the strut issue and get True North levelled. There's a way to install level kits by removing the lower control arm from the frame and removing the tie rod end - I couldn't see myself doing that without a hoist, so I did it like most folks - unfasten the upper ball joint and tie rod end. There are a few things that help make this a lot easier:

• Remove the caliper and rotor - they are crazy heavy when heavy is what you don't need - especially at re-assembly
• Remove the axle nut and push the CV out of the knuckle and tuck it out of the way - I zip tied mine to the sway bar
• Remove the sway bar link from the knuckle and loosen both sway bar mounts
• Remove the lower studs from the strut! Got a press? Use it. No press? Then thread the nuts back on the stud, upside down, and have at it with a heavy hammer.

Sure, these steps add a bit of extra time and effort, but they make it so easy to move the knuckle around and to get that upper ball joint re-attached. You also won't pop your CV or a sway bar link and you won't get frustrated trying to get your new, taller strut into a space designed for one that's, well, um, 2-1/2" shorter.

General Grabber A/T X (275/70R17)

This is the main reason I levelled True North - the agessive stance of wider, taller tires. Wow, these Grabbers are a lot of tire - a full 32". My dealer couldn't get Falken Wildpeaks or BFG KO2s (back order) but I am more than impressed with the look of these big tires.

Menace HD 17x8 +15mm Offset

These wheels have enough offset to allow 275s to more than clear the knuckle (actually further than the stock wheels) and push those tires out to just inside the fender Flares. Gloss Black for a Shadow Black Ranger.

Note...
No rubbing at full lock, no cutting, no trimming. I loosened and angled the intrusion bars and removed the plastic covers while the wheels were off.

FYI - Because people on these forums ask...
Before I installed the level kit, I put the wheels on the front just to see if they would clear the crash bars without the lift - they DO NOT and if you try it, they still won't. If you want 32s, level your Ranger.

View attachment 55953

View attachment 55954

View attachment 55955

View attachment 55956

View attachment 55957

Up next...

View attachment 55958

But first, True North needs a bath - I need a beer - it's happy hour and just about time to start the BBQ.

 

[sbreech]

That's a great looking truck. All black always looks awesome when clean. I really like the side steps as well. Have you done any mechanical performance upgrades yet?

 

[Swingpure]

Keep the name “True North”! The name stands on it’s own! It is a Proud name! ??

 

[Swingpure]

Rhino Rack Pioneer Platform

Well, like a lot of mods or accessories, this install is better suited for help from an extra person - preferably someone who has done it before. The toughest part is figuring out just where to drill the holes in your expensive canopy. Second toughest is wresting the platform on and off to dry-fit things before that moment of truth with your drill.

Hats off to Rhino Rack for good packaging, an easy install and a great design that offers a bit of forgiveness if your mounting legs aren't perfectly square.

Tow Receiver Shackle

I hope I don't have to use it but I installed a 2" Tow Receiver Shackle in case I end up in a ditch full of snow. It sticks out enough that it will pierce someone's grille but not enough to serve as a step for accessing my new platform rack. Oh well, it's a good thing we have back-up cameras!

Edited with better pics.



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Next up...

Rough Country Front Tow Hook Shackle Conversion Kit - sadly, it's on backorder. Hopefully, I'll have a mid-December project to post.

Where did you get your tow receiver shackle from?

Thanks

 

[Swingpure]

Amazon: OPENROAD 3/4 D Ring Shackle Receiver

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Because I live in TO, I also bought a lock - it would be stolen on the first outing.

I also saw one on Amazon that includes a lock (Motormic UNIQUE Shackle Hitch Receiver) - I swear these all come from the same factory!

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Happy shopping

Thanks. I found one from Action Trucks that my son in law can pick up for me and I can give him cash for. It keeps the purchase under the radar and saves the pain for larger purchases. ?

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