Best Bang for your Buck Upgrades for the Ranger

[JohnnyO]

Yes. GoRhino has a 10 inch blacked out extension and 14 inch. I purchased a 10 inch but returned it and ordered the 14, but still wasn’t happy with seeing the stock pipe color, so I painted it black up to the muffler.

Was thinking I might do the same. I have some hi-temp black BBQ grill paint that should work.

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[JeffWoodall]

Was thinking I might do the same. I have some hi-temp black BBQ grill paint that should work.

I’m no expert, but I’d use VHT paint. It’s rated for up to like 1800 degrees. I know the exhaust doesn’t get that hot, but I figure it will last longer than some of the other “high heat” paints.

 

[AzScorpion]

How do you get fordpass points?? Do I have to finance through ford to accrue points or do I get points for buying the truck??

When buying your Ranger you get 42,000 points which are equivalent to $210.00. You have to download the Ford app and enter your info there along with an email address. I received mine within a week but some have said it's taken months for theirs to show up.

They can't be redeemed online, you have to go to the dealer. Order from the parts dept. and when it comes in take the invoice to the cashier and they will deduct it from your balance using your email. Just make sure your dealer knows how to do this ahead of time because it sounds like a lot have no clue how to redeem them.

 

[funkymonk_gyatso]

Bilstein 5100s total cost installed with alignment was about $450 (plus my Ford points). Made the truck so much more enjoyable to drive, and lifted the front so it did not look like a roller skate. Honorable mention to the infamous tailgate damper. I also had the Yakima Overhaul HD racks, well worth it when hauling my fishing kayaks, but I sold the kayaks and the rack for a profit (thanks Covid) since I got a new boat. But I loved the look on the truck.

Hi Collie,

Just curious- did you have to go through a few dealers before finding a good option for install? My dealer is quoting me $750 for service alone, and others I've contacted say they won't work with aftermarket parts. Just wondering if you had any advice for getting a good deal. I'm thinking about doing the rears myself but still looking at a hefty install... I should say I would prefer to go through the dealer so I can potentially use my ford points, but man their prices are intimidating.

Opening it up to others for any advice or suggestions! Thanks all.

 

[funkymonk_gyatso]

The aftermarket remote window down and up module is one of my favorites as is the auto mirror folding.

Also noticed if you tap your door handle three times the windows will open.

Unrelated but did you notice “Ranger” is printed on your windshield?

Love the windshield decal thing. Just wish it was a little more prominent. Adds a little personality that I really like.

 

[CollieDog]

Hi Collie,

Just curious- did you have to go through a few dealers before finding a good option for install? My dealer is quoting me $750 for service alone, and others I've contacted say they won't work with aftermarket parts. Just wondering if you had any advice for getting a good deal. I'm thinking about doing the rears myself but still looking at a hefty install... I should say I would prefer to go through the dealer so I can potentially use my ford points, but man their prices are intimidating.

Opening it up to others for any advice or suggestions! Thanks all.

I was there getting my free service provided by the dealer, and told the service advisor I was struggling to find someone to install my shocks that I bought online. He said they do it all the time, and told me the fronts would be $150, the rear was $75, and the alignment was $69.99. I still had 42,000 FordPass points, so it was a deal. I did the rears, it is supper easy, the hardest part is compressing the new shocks to get the bolt through the bottom, but it took less than an hour from start to finish. The fronts a re bit more, but not difficult, if you have the right tools. He did say after they had finished the labor took longer than the "book" called, but they did not charge anything extra.

 

[funkymonk_gyatso]

I was there getting my free service provided by the dealer, and told the service advisor I was struggling to find someone to install my shocks that I bought online. He said they do it all the time, and told me the fronts would be $150, the rear was $75, and the alignment was $69.99. I still had 42,000 FordPass points, so it was a deal. I did the rears, it is supper easy, the hardest part is compressing the new shocks to get the bolt through the bottom, but it took less than an hour from start to finish. The fronts a re bit more, but not difficult, if you have the right tools. He did say after they had finished the labor took longer than the "book" called, but they did not charge anything extra.

Wow... very jealous. That's the other thing- my dealer said I wouldn't need an alignment for the fronts. I've read elsewhere that it might vary depending on the vehicle. I was skeptical that I wouldn't need one, so hearing they did for yours is interesting. Last question: what free service were you getting? Wanna make sure I get everything I can! Just curious, first time new car buyer and first time truck owner. I don't necessarily trust my dealer to give me straight info. I appreciate you answering my questions!

 

[CollieDog]

Wow... very jealous. That's the other thing- my dealer said I wouldn't need an alignment for the fronts. I've read elsewhere that it might vary depending on the vehicle. I was skeptical that I wouldn't need one, so hearing they did for yours is interesting. Last question: what free service were you getting? Wanna make sure I get everything I can! Just curious, first time new car buyer and first time truck owner. I don't necessarily trust my dealer to give me straight info. I appreciate you answering my questions!

My dealer provides the first 3 service intervals with a new vehicle purchase. If the tech is very careful it may not need an alignment, but they are removing the tie-rod ends and the hub/knuckle assembly to access the strut, so it is probably safe to assume it will need one.

I had the same problem finding someone to install, and I was very surprised the Ford Quick Lane offered to do it with other parts (they did have to be new in the box though). My local shop quoted me $500 for all four and an alignment check, $75 more if check should it was necessary. At that price I would have borrowed a spring compressor from AutoZone and would do it myself.

 

[lawrench]

nobody suggested a tailgate damper? I guess no one wanted to start another debate....

 

[ChopprJock]

Current Mods:

• Fabtech offset intrusion beams
• 275/70r18 BFG KO2’s
• FordRangerLifts 3” leveling kit
• De-badged all the dealer stickers
• Tinted front windows to (almost) match rear (I think I went with 20% but can’t remember)
• Removed dealer installed plastic bedliner
• Line-x bed and tailgate
• Wolfhaus bed power kit with dongle
• AMP BedXtender Max HD
• Builtright Industries bed side racks (both sides)
• American Tonneau soft folding tonneau cover and rubber seals (front of bed and tailgate area)

Planned:

• Raptor Grill w/lights
• USB kit for the center dash
• Light switch fascia (Lightforce or similar) for lower center dash

More Planned, probably when the BFG’s need replacement:

• Full suspension upgrade. I have not decided which one I will go with- I like the Stage 7 full kit from @Stage3Motorsports but it’s pricey… and I am not sure that I have settled on the shocks that I want to move towards…
• 285’s on some 17” wheels. I want the more tire/less wheel look. (probably will not be the BFG’s though. I’ve loved them on multiple other rigs but the current ones seem very easy to lose traction on wet roads. Much more noticeable than on any of my older Jeep Grand Cherokees or my prior F150).
• Tune of some kind, after the 285’s are installed.
• I was also planning on a full bed rack, power, RTT and maybe drawers, but I recently picked up a M416 trailer that’s in great shape.

Now I think all of the camping stuff will move to the trailer. Should be an interesting build, whenever I get around to doing it!

 

[OrangeStreak]

A small, inexpensive item that has been really convenient is a USB extension cable. Use it to change Flash Drives out and especially from the music stick to the stick for doing SYNC 3 updates. The port in the console storage tray is slanted and difficult to get Flash Drives in and out. This cable makes it simple and quick.

 

[onthejob]

A small, inexpensive item that has been really convenient is a USB extension cable. Use it to change Flash Drives out and especially from the music stick to the stick for doing SYNC 3 updates. The port in the console storage tray is slanted and difficult to get Flash Drives in and out. This cable makes it simple and quick.

Now that's is the "Best Bang for Your Buck"

Well done.

 

[Cowboys22]

Re: Stubby Antenna. I purchased one about a month ago. I was pleased with the fast delivery and the customer service follow up. Easy to install and looks good.
However, I recently read a post where one individual said he lost all of his HD channels.
Then it immediately occurred to me that this may be true for my vehicle as well.
I need to re-install my old antenna to confirm. I will confirm in a day or two as we are expecting a lot of rain today and tomorrow.

Did you ever test if the Stubby causes any loss of HD channels?

 

[Michael s]

KB3Z-16A550-AB
KB3Z-16A550-BB

 

[THLONE]

The best bang for my buck was not buying all of the crap that Ford adorns the "truck" with that people on this site have trouble with. Plus all the junk people on this site stick on their trucks. I have learned mostly what NOT to waste money on.

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