Budget DIY Mods for the Thrifty

[Beez]

Thought I'd start a thread for those DIY'ers who'd like some simple ideas to personalize their Ranger and pass on how-to's without having to take out a home equity loan to do so..

I've done several mods to my 2019 Absolute Black Ford Ranger Lariat that didn't break the bank which I'll share. I'm sure some may find these lame, but if you're handy, unafraid, and have some spare time, you can do some of your own work at a fraction of the costs with the feeling of satisfaction of doing it yourself and saving a bundle of cash in the process..

1) Remove the factory front skid plate, wire wheel and prep, then gave several coats using Rustoleum 7213 Silver Aluminum Hammer paint ($9 Home Depot).
* Or you can purchase a new silver skid plate from 4W Parts - Pro Comp for $250 at https://www.4wheelparts.com/p/pro-c...BHLeNXRsh3OMg_GxeZxQxZNrph4U1V7MaAvyqEALw_wcB

2) Unbolt factory black toe hooks, wire wheel, prep and painted with Krylon Gloss Red Pepper paint. ($9 Lowes).
*Or Ford offers Red Toe Hooks for the Ranger at $145. https://accessories.ford.com/products/2019-2021-ranger-tow-hooks-pair-red

3) Unbolt clamps and clean off rear differential cover w/ a wire wheel. Use brake cleaner, and rubbing alcohol to remove any residue, then mask off w/ newspaper and painters tape. Apply several light coats of Rustoleum 7213 Silver Aluminum Hammer paint ($9 Home Depot) to adequately cover the the differential cover plate, then reassemble.
* Or Summit Racing offers a FoMo cover for $262 at: https://www.summitracing.com/parts/...4j4926xYGGMdabRI0N8jgkZfE2lrEeUwaAmLYEALw_wcB

4) Remove Wheels, disassemble calipers and carefully suspend from rotors with bungee cords or tie wraps. Remove brake pads and thoroughly remove brake dust and rust from calipers w/ various wire wheels and light sand paper. Use newspaper and painters tape to adequately mask off all around wheel well and other local "hard parts". Utilize brake cleaner and alcohol for final prep and allow to dry before painting. Use Dulpi-Color DE 1653 Red High Temp Engine paint to apply several thin coats. Allow ample time to dry before reassembly.

Hope you find some of these ideas helpful..

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[AzScorpion]

Best $37.00 you'll ever spend!

https://www.stage3motorsports.com/dz43206-19-22-ranger-deezee-tailgate-assist.html

 

[moorejl57]

Like the red tow points and calipers

 

[AzScorpion]

Thought I'd start a thread for those DIY'ers who'd like some simple ideas to personalize their Ranger and pass on how-to's without having to take out a home equity loan to do so..

I've done several mods to my 2019 Absolute Black Ford Ranger Lariat that didn't break the bank which I'll share. I'm sure some may find these lame, but if you're handy, unafraid, and have some spare time, you can do some of your own work at a fraction of the costs with the feeling of satisfaction of doing it yourself and saving a bundle of cash in the process..

1) Remove the factory front skid plate, wire wheel and prep, then gave several coats using Rustoleum 7213 Silver Aluminum Hammer paint ($9 Home Depot).
* Or you can purchase a new silver skid plate from 4W Parts - Pro Comp for $250 at https://www.4wheelparts.com/p/pro-comp-skid-plate-stainless-steel-51104/_/R-DFCW-51104?ppcfon=1&gp=1&ecmp=s:google_18703735379___&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=SC Shopping - House & Brands - Performance Max&gclid=Cj0KCQiA45qdBhD-ARIsAOHbVdG0claDZH5g8LdpjqtBEe6BHLeNXRsh3OMg_GxeZxQxZNrph4U1V7MaAvyqEALw_wcB

2) Unbolt factory black toe hooks, wire wheel, prep and painted with Krylon Gloss Red Pepper paint. ($9 Lowes).
*Or Ford offers Red Toe Hooks for the Ranger at $145. https://accessories.ford.com/products/2019-2021-ranger-tow-hooks-pair-red

3) Unbolt clamps and clean off rear differential cover w/ a wire wheel. Use brake cleaner, and rubbing alcohol to remove any residue, then mask off w/ newspaper and painters tape. Apply several light coats of Rustoleum 7213 Silver Aluminum Hammer paint ($9 Home Depot) to adequately cover the the differential cover plate, then reassemble.
* Or Summit Racing offers a FoMo cover for $262 at: https://www.summitracing.com/parts/...4j4926xYGGMdabRI0N8jgkZfE2lrEeUwaAmLYEALw_wcB

4) Remove Wheels, disassemble calipers and carefully suspend from rotors with bungee cords or tie wraps. Remove brake pads and thoroughly remove brake dust and rust from calipers w/ various wire wheels and light sand paper. Use newspaper and painters tape to adequately mask off all around wheel well and other local "hard parts". Utilize brake cleaner and alcohol for final prep and allow to dry before painting. Use Dulpi-Color DE 1653 Red High Temp Engine paint to apply several thin coats. Allow ample time to dry before reassembly.

Hope you find some of these ideas helpful..

I like the red calipers and accents!

 

[AzScorpion]

Like the red tow points and calipers

Great minds think alike....Dang you type faster than I do!

 

[moorejl57]

Great minds think alike....Dang you type faster than I do!

Well I am a software engineer... I type faster than I can think unfortunately

 

[Beez]

Got some push-back from a few fellow ranger owners, but this was one of my favorite DIY Mods. Rather than spend $250 for a custom aluminum BOV, I chose to do it myself by still utilizing the factory unit..

$18 DIY BOV.
1) Remove your factory hose & clamps
2) Install rubber end cap on intake. (Lowes or Home Depot $4)
3) Install flared hose ($13.99 Amazon) on factory BOV and secure with factory clamps. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09JYQFQF9?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1
4) Reflect on the fact that you did not needlessly spend $250 on an aftermarket piece
5) Enjoy Pishshshst! Sound as you back off the throttle around your Colorado and Takoma friends..

 

[Beez]

Best $37.00 you'll ever spend!

https://www.stage3motorsports.com/dz43206-19-22-ranger-deezee-tailgate-assist.html

Yep, got one of the tailgate dampeners. Was one of my first round add on's.. Wouldn't go without it!

 

[moorejl57]

Got some push-back from a few fellow ranger owners, but this was one of my favorite DIY Mods. Rather than spend $250 for a custom aluminum BOV, I chose to do it myself by still utilizing the factory unit..

$18 DIY BOV.
1) Remove your factory hose & clamps
2) Install rubber end cap on intake. (Lowes or Home Depot $4)
3) Install flared hose ($13.99 Amazon) on factory BOV and secure with factory clamps. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09JYQFQF9?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1
4) Reflect on the fact that you did not needlessly spend $250 on an aftermarket piece
5) Enjoy Pishshshst! Sound as you back off the throttle around your Colorado and Takoma friends..

I have engine cover envy. I bought the Lariat but was robbed by Ford! At least I do have the manual cover, rear diff drain plug and hood struts.

 

[Grumpaw]

Let us not forget the pack of 25 rubber 3/4 inch plugs from Amazon for $11.99.
Had to plug those rocker holes and bed holes...

 

[AzScorpion]

Yep, got one of the tailgate dampeners. Was one of my first round add on's.. Wouldn't go without it!

Great mod and welcome to the club! ?

 

[Beez]

In preparation of some new Cooper Discoverer A/T3, 275/70R18's, I added a set of 1.5" wheel spacers and, well -- I removed the factory crash bars (haters gunna hate).. Anyway, bought some plastic plugs from Amazon to fill the void and give it more of a factory look..

 

[myothercarizahearse]

2) Unbolt factory black toe hooks, wire wheel, prep and painted with Krylon Gloss Red Pepper paint. ($9 Lowes).

I did that but used "Ford Farm Implement Red"(can't remember the brand) I just happened to have sitting around

 

[myothercarizahearse]

you need to do the air dam drag queen tuck to fill that gap between the skid plate and bumper... it's free no$$$$

edit:
https://www.ranger5g.com/forum/threads/air-dam-delete-mod-your-old-air-dam-to-fill-the-gap.8970/

 

[Beez]

you need to do the air dam drag queen tuck to fill that gap between the skid plate and bumper... it's free no$$$$

Dave - Lolz! - Once I squeeze the Coopers on there, I don't think I'll be able to slide a credit card in that gap.

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