Full Commitment to Ranger Build

[Wes Siler]

It always blows my mind that people get the impression anything other than a Toyota must catch fire the second it leaves a dealer lot. That kind of misunderstanding is how they get away with selling utter trash.

But it sounds like you already get it. The Ranger is a Hilux beater, not a Tacoma competitor. It also gives you access to quality parts from those rest of world markets, which enables you to build something that will not only work well, but keep on working well for a very long time.

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[mokupilot]

No advice. I’m here, patiently, waiting for pictures…

 

[jflogerzi]

Yeah I think a lot of my dilemma is less based on the actual dependability of the Ranger and more to do is all I have known is Toyota products and just how reliable they have been to me. More less just in my head of what I have perceived to be the toughest of all the brands to build a rig off of. Just keep playing it in my head that I’m going to drop 20k into this truck then it start giving me hell on repairs or issues 60k miles down the road then be kicking myself for not sticking with Toyota.

What really sold me on the Ranger was my travels to rural towns in New Zealand, South Africa and Australia. Just getting to see some absolutely amazing Ford Ranger overland builds, a ton of them in terms of volume and how many people were really satisfied with them. Really made me change my perception that it doesn’t have to be a Toyota to be reliable. In fact Australia had more Rangers in use for their governmental service trucks than they did Hilux.

I can look past petty little stuff or just how easy the plastic is to scratch and junk like that. Just long as Ford really put in the time and quality into what really matters. That at 85k, 100k, 150k or even farther on the odometer that’s it’s still going to crank up and get me down the forestry roads and trails when it really counts.

Honestly wait for all next gen trucks. Ranger, Colorado, and taco will be new by next year. See where things shake out.

 

[Msfitoy]

Hey Tanner,

Well, I don’t really do any overlanding, but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night.

My 2019 Scab has 45,000 km on it and has only needed a battery - not unusual for 2019 Rangers - likely a hiccup with the supplier. Other than that, there have been no issues at all and I trust it to get me wherever I want to go without hesitation.

My build is really about having some off-road and rural winter driving utility as well as a dry, safe place for gear and tools. It is tuned by S mode and a heavy right foot, which seems to work just fine for me. The power is there when needed.

Everything is detailed in the build thread in my signature line and listed on my showcase page. I’m happy to answer any questions if needed - just PM me.

Others on here have put on big miles or have wheeled the pants off their rigs, so lurk around and reach out to some members. Whatever you decide, I know you’ll have a crap ton of fun building it up.

I have similar philosophy of use, Duke...except the winter part lol...oh and you have 108,000 km left before your tranny explodes...

 

[RedNeckLimo]

Not only are you experiencing the brand debate, you’re also having a pickup vs SUV debate. IMO, which type of vehicle will meet your needs is more important than the brand.

 

[DukeCanBuildit]

I have similar philosophy of use, Duke...except the winter part lol...oh and you have 108,000 km left before your tranny explodes...

Well, yeah, I have that to look forward to.

At the rate I’m going, that should be in about seven years. Man, I’m such a lightweight when it comes to racking up the miles. ?

 

[bRaptor]

So I put about 150k on my 3.5 eco. The engine had no issues, but the transmission did (mainly because the lead seal failed). I have seen high mileage 3.5s well over 300k (2 to be exact). 1 I won't count because he replaced the engine at 240k since it cost the same to redo some of the inner workings of the original engine. The other did require some maintenance around 200k to keep it running. Everything I've heard about the 2.3 is Ford addressed a lot of the issues with the engine after 2017. I think with most engines after 150k, it becomes an issue of what you as the owner are willing to spend. Unfortunately, the days of NA are starting to disappear as most manufacturers are switching to turbo chargers which complicates the engine and its maintenance.

 

[LaBalbe]

I only have just shy of 16,000 miles on mine. A majority of those miles have been with humping a significant amount of weight on its back. I've encountered no adverse problems yet.

The Rapid Response Ranger (ie; SPEC-R3) was a proof of concept that materialized as a way to create something that works and does it for a fraction of the cost of similar top shelf products. I also wanted to haul an obscene amount of gear without need of a trailer. My entire rack, and storage systems are DIY weldless designs using a combination of unistrut and existing market products (cheaper alternatives to gucci products) that have been heavily modified and bent to my will. My rack and storage system can be created for less than $3,000 under current market conditions and have superior modularity traits than anything else a company produces outside of a complete bed swap product. While I have gone through three versions (fourth is pending), a majority of the changes over the year were quality of life or slight design tweaks. It is 10 feet long and you can walk on top of it thanks to the DuraSlat flooring. My storage pod system made from Plano double walled ammo crates have exhibited zero water intrusion over 2 years.

I used my knowledge from my career in law enforcement and being a novice prepping hobbyist. So your goals would probably be similar to mine and to that end the truck is a more than capable platform. If you don't mind some DIY work and have a somewhat active imagination you can create a package the likes of which no one will ever see a doppelganger.

You should also search the build forum and look at @TopoRanger 's build where he has designed and built his own flat bed to which I believe he will be designing his own canopy to go on it. His fabrication skills are on another level above mine as they involve welding and more precision creation.

Jack, what are you using to keep your cargo locked up? I seem to recall a post where you had RFID tags for some of the storage inside the cab, but have you done the same with the rack boxes? What about the bed; is that open, or do you use a roll-top cover? I love the rack that you've built, but I live too close to a major city to ignore those who would be a little light-fingered with my gear.

 

[OFC Ranger]

Jack, what are you using to keep your cargo locked up? I seem to recall a post where you had RFID tags for some of the storage inside the cab, but have you done the same with the rack boxes? What about the bed; is that open, or do you use a roll-top cover? I love the rack that you've built, but I live too close to a major city to ignore those who would be a little light-fingered with my gear.

If you look closely at the photos I have added cam locks to the pod storages on the rack and then weather caps on top of them. The two front rifle cases have standard rifle case locks and I don't lock the big crates up top they mainly contain frivolous items like emergency blankets some cheap camping stuff etc etc so somebody wants to go through the effort of stealing them they will end up pretty disappointed with the contents and it will be a slight aggravation to me however there's not a high dollar value associated with the contents.

As you mentioned the more valuable items are hidden and under RFID locks on the interior.

I do not use a bed cover as I still use my truck on occasion the haul thing so I have a majority of the dimensions of my bed still available for hauling.

The future plan is I am designing and fabricating what more or less amounts to a unistrut bed tray that will pull out with a rooftop tent on it but basically stores in the bed instead of the roof.

 

[GTGallop]

Hey guys, new to this thread.

I have a question for you guys, specially those who have heavily modified their Rangers. I have a ‘22 XLT FX4 SuperCrew Ranger and have been absolutely wrestling back and forth on fully committing keeping the truck. Reason stems from having over a million miles of owning, overlanding
modifying Toyota Tacomas. Unfortunately my latest Gen 3 Tacoma as per performance was an utter let down. Leading me to want to try something else out. I’ve got 20k miles on the Ranger with zero issues and other than my absolute disappointment in some of the initial quality control measures from the factory and the cheap interior, it’s actually been quite the little performer.

All my vehicles eventually get heavily modified for a hybrid utilitarian/overland build which suits my usage as a survival instructor/guide traveling all over the Rockies. I absolutely want to dive deep into committing to a full out build comprised of nothing but high end components.
My concern is finally dropping that much money into something I’ve never had experience with per the brand and model vehicle. I’ve considered going back to a Toyota in a 4Runner. Granted it’s an absolute dinosaur of a rig, but damn near indestructible. The payload, transmission, gearing and capabilities are much more on par with the Ranger than my Gen 3 Tacoma was. I’m just trying to gain confidence that I’m not going to dump this much into it then regret later on in terms of reliability, durability and longevity of this Ranger.
I believe I had done quite a bit of homework prior to trading my Tacoma in for this ranger in terms of long term ownership. I guess the Toyota DNA still just runs super thick in blood and is making me second guess.

Those that have heavily modified or those that have put a ton of miles of their rangers already. Are you pleased with the trucks quality and reliability?

Thanks!!!

 

[TSU_Tanner]

Not only are you experiencing the brand debate, you’re also having a pickup vs SUV debate. IMO, which type of vehicle will meet your needs is more important than the brand.

Yeah technically I think I don’t really need a pick up bed anymore. Usually end up adding a drawer system or something similar to the bed. I’m just impressed with the amount of performance the Ranger gives.

 

[LaBalbe]

Yeah technically I think I don’t really need a pick up bed anymore. Usually end up adding a drawer system or something similar to the bed. I’m just impressed with the amount of performance the Ranger gives.

For its size, it definitely punches above its weight in terms of performance. Plus, it's still compact enough to fit down trails that its bigger cousins wouldn't fit through, which I imagine will be a big plus for you, given your profession.

 

[D Fresh]

Tanner, there are builds of all kinds on here.

From leveling kits to solid axle swaps. From tonneau covers to full trays.

Look around. You can build your truck anyway you want. You just won't have as much to lead you on some things. You might have blaze a trail.

We've got some pretty well built Rangers floating around Colorado as well

 

[MXGOLF]

Welcome Tanner. Yes there is lots of great ideas to make your Ranger so it works best for you. These are really awesome trucks. Enjoy and we do need some pictures???

 

[Greywhale]

I'm just at 50k miles, got the truck new only a year and a half ago. I take the truck crawling and overlanding every weekend and I beat the living ***** outta this thing lol, not a single broken part or issue. Only ever replaced the battery once. Its an amazing overland/offroader and the power puts Tacomas to shame. I run 35s with the ford performance tune, I can't even notice them compared to 32s. I give the truck my vote and recommend going for it!

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