Looking to build a Muscle Truck

[Chris Spangler]

Hello all, my name is Chris and I'm new to the page. With my first post, I wanted to show what I'm working with and what I'm hoping to achieve. Hopefully, some of you may have tips, tricks, advice, and just overall knowledge of things I need to watch out for/things I need to consider. I've had the truck a couple years but have spent a lot of time gone with the military. It looks like I'll have an opportunity to be home for a while this time so I plan on putting in some work while I can...

First off, what I'm working with.
I have a 2019 XLT Sport 2wd (Magnetic in color)
Everything is Stock currently, except an aftermarket bed mat and towing kit, but looking to change that soon.

I come from a family who has always dealt in muscle cars, in fact my other project and dream car is a 72 El Camino (Shown Below)

My plan on Modifying the ranger will be similar to SCT or the Tjin edition Rangers. Looking for that low, wide, aggressive and capable look.

I'm not wanting to go that extreme with the drop but you get the idea of the theme I'm trying to build here. I want to build a muscle truck / Ranger ST. The list of mods that I'm for sure going to get...

1. Belltech Lowering Kit - as far as I know, it's the only real option on the market. Me and my wife are both short so lowering it will also help us out immensely.
2. Tuner - This is one I could use advice on. I have been looking at getting the BDX tuner from BullyDog (Because seems to be the exact same as SCT just has red accents vs SCT blue).
3. Exhaust - Currently looking at the MBRP dual exit exhaust. This would mirror the exhaust layout of the El Camino. Would prefer a cheaper option for a dual tip, but not sure where to go.

List of mods that I'm looking at
- Aftermarket Hood, Wheels, and Headlights/Taillights
- Either the RTR or Raptor style Grill
- Bull Bar (I'm from the south, land of pot holes, gravel, and wild animals that like to run in front)
- Downpipe
- Upgrade the sound system: the highs and mids are not too bad with the stock system, however I would like more feeling from my bass. Going to look at a minimum a 10 to put in somewhere, my upgrade the factory speakers and tweeters as well.
- Intake: I have seen on here and a few other places that a CAI would be a waste, that the factory system works well enough. I'll most likely just upgrade the filter itself. MAYBE go with a cone filter for a little more engine noise.
- BOV
- Tailgate Dampener

Again, any advice or help would be greatly appreciated. This Ranger has been great, the best vehicle I've ever owned. Great on gas, fun to drive, reliable, etc... I just want to enhance the already great features it has, while also making it stand out a bit from being a base truck.

Thanks in advance
-Chris

*Side note: there are two problems I currently have issues with. Could use some direction.
1. My buddy was sitting in the back seat and went to pull the arm rest down and somehow ripped the tab out of it. Can't figure out how to get the arm rest down anymore.
2. The wall plug-in in the backseat; the slots have somehow become loose. If I plug something in, it just falls out of the plug. It will charge whatever but only if you hold the plug in place.

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[OFC Ranger]

I don't think by classic definition that a 4 banger can ever be titled a muscle truck.

 

[NurseNeil]

Thanks for your service, I have the dual exhaust and just keep an eye on sales on multiple websites or used here. I van rationalize purchases by using my Ford credit card for the reward points used either towards the purchase of more products via Ford or services.

 

[Chris Spangler]

I don't think by classic definition that a 4 banger can ever be titled a muscle truck.

But that reaction is exactly what I want to go after. Its a 4-banger Ranger, nobody expects performance out of that.
Although I do get what you're saying, its much more accurate to say a "Tuner" truck. I say Muscle because that's the vibe I'm wanting to build with. Not slammed like a tuner, but lowered. Nothing over the top like tuner or ricer culture but enough to catch your eye. Deceptional speed and agility, but not exactly a race truck. Dual exhaust like the muscle trucks of old, even if it only has have the cylinders. Again, I use my El Camino as inspiration.

 

[AzScorpion]

But that reaction is exactly what I want to go after. Its a 4-banger Ranger, nobody expects performance out of that.
Although I do get what you're saying, its much more accurate to say a "Tuner" truck. I say Muscle because that's the vibe I'm wanting to build with. Not slammed like a tuner, but lowered. Nothing over the top like tuner or ricer culture but enough to catch your eye. Deceptional speed and agility, but not exactly a race truck. Dual exhaust like the muscle trucks of old, even if it only has have the cylinders. Again, I use my El Camino as inspiration.

Welcome Chris! If you already haven't you should check out his thread here. There's a lot of good info where several have lowered theirs already. it'll help you decide what works and what doesn't. Another good one is here, it's from @Mirage775 who's in the process of lower his now. There's a ton of info in the tuning and exhaust threads to keep you busy for a while. lol Looking forward to seeing your build.

Seeing as it's already on your list, here's an easy one to get you started. ?

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

 

[Mirage775]

Welcome Chris! If you already haven't you should check out his thread here. There's a lot of good info where several have lowered theirs already. it'll help you decide what works and what doesn't. Another good one is here, it's from @Mirage775 who's in the process of lower his now. There's a ton of info in the tuning and exhaust threads to keep you busy for a while. lol Looking forward to seeing your build.

Seeing as it's already on your list, here's an easy one to get you started. ?

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

Indeed check out my build thread! Thanks Dave!

@Chris Spangler Be prepared to spend $10k+ on a build like SCT or my cloned version of theirs! You listed 3 states you live in? What part of Alabama, whenever you're here? Also, the only other lowering option is Control Freaks, but it's not cheap!

 

[Mirage775]

I don't think by classic definition that a 4 banger can ever be titled a muscle truck.

Agreed! It's more like a sport street truck.

 

[McLeadslinger]

Tell that to The Hemi Rams that get walked by a tune only Ranger on 33’s? they were big mad. One gave me the finger. Lol

I don't think by classic definition that a 4 banger can ever be titled a muscle truck.

 

[Chris Spangler]

Indeed check out my build thread! Thanks Dave!

@Chris Spangler Be prepared to spend $10k+ on a build like SCT or my cloned version of theirs! You listed 3 states you live in? What part of Alabama, whenever you're here? Also, the only other lowering option is Control Freaks, but it's not cheap!

Just saw your page, we're from the same neck of the woods lol. I'm from the Shoals. Army has me out in El Paso and wife's family is from Tishomingo, Mississippi so... frequent traveler lol. I may plan on hitting 10k in it but this is my daily so it's going to just be what I can get done on weekends or stuff thats not going to put me out of commission for very long.

 

[Mirage775]

Hello all, my name is Chris and I'm new to the page. With my first post, I wanted to show what I'm working with and what I'm hoping to achieve. Hopefully, some of you may have tips, tricks, advice, and just overall knowledge of things I need to watch out for/things I need to consider. I've had the truck a couple years but have spent a lot of time gone with the military. It looks like I'll have an opportunity to be home for a while this time so I plan on putting in some work while I can...

First off, what I'm working with.
I have a 2019 XLT Sport 2wd (Magnetic in color)
Everything is Stock currently, except an aftermarket bed mat and towing kit, but looking to change that soon.

My plan on Modifying the ranger will be similar to SCT Ranger. Looking for that low, wide, aggressive and capable look.

I'm not wanting to go that extreme with the drop but you get the idea of the theme I'm trying to build here. I want to build a muscle truck / Ranger ST. The list of mods that I'm for sure going to get...

1. Belltech Lowering Kit - as far as I know, it's the only real option on the market. Me and my wife are both short so lowering it will also help us out immensely.
2. Tuner - This is one I could use advice on. I have been looking at getting the BDX tuner from BullyDog (Because seems to be the exact same as SCT just has red accents vs SCT blue).
3. Exhaust - Currently looking at the MBRP dual exit exhaust. This would mirror the exhaust layout of the El Camino. Would prefer a cheaper option for a dual tip, but not sure where to go.

List of mods that I'm looking at
- Aftermarket Hood, Wheels, and Headlights/Taillights
- Either the RTR or Raptor style Grill
- Bull Bar (I'm from the south, land of pot holes, gravel, and wild animals that like to run in front)
- Downpipe
- Upgrade the sound system: the highs and mids are not too bad with the stock system, however I would like more feeling from my bass. Going to look at a minimum a 10 to put in somewhere, my upgrade the factory speakers and tweeters as well.
- Intake: I have seen on here and a few other places that a CAI would be a waste, that the factory system works well enough. I'll most likely just upgrade the filter itself. MAYBE go with a cone filter for a little more engine noise.
- BOV
- Tailgate Dampener

Again, any advice or help would be greatly appreciated. This Ranger has been great, the best vehicle I've ever owned. Great on gas, fun to drive, reliable, etc... I just want to enhance the already great features it has, while also making it stand out a bit from being a base truck.

Thanks in advance
-Chris

I commented below, but I'm also going to add some things I've researched. If I were you, I'd go for the SCT truck or one similar. I thought about making one in Carbonized Grey, when I ordered my 21, but with it being Black, everything is blended in, ie, trim, windows, tires, etc. I saw that SCT SEMA truck last year and knew I had to build it! But, where I was going with this is, Method Racing recently released this wheel:

It's the same wheel I have and the SCT truck has, but it's in Gloss Titanium!

I did sell my engine swapped Miata in order to furnish all the mods for the Ranger, but that was ok, since I never drove the Miata anymore. I still need to do an updated price list of my parts.

I'll help you with your mod list:

Hood Scoop: There's only one replacement hood that I know of and it's outrageous! However, the scoop SCT and I used is the Air Design one, that glues to the stock hood.

Wheels: Wheels are going to be tricky, I have Method Racing 605 Matte Black 20x10 with a -24mm offset. Without my fender flares, these things stick out pretty far! 3.1" to be exact! My tires are 265/50/20 Nitto's. You'll also either have to remove your OEM crash bars or get the Ready Lift Intrusion Bars. Mine's only got a 3" drop up front and I hit the stock bars with these wheels.

Head/Tail Lights: Not much option for the rear lights. I think in '21 the XLT has the Lariat LED rear lights, but in '19, they didn't. I do like my rear XLT lights, but may tint them slightly, since I'm going for the murdered out look. Headlights are going to be pricey too! The Lariat LED headlights were around $1000-$1300 when I was looking to upgrade mine! I ended up buying AlphaRex LUXX Alpha Black LED lights for about $800. I like them, but not being able to turn off the DRL, while the Auto light switch is on, really pisses me off!

Grille: The RTR grille is a fortune! My Raptor grill was $200 shipped, then I added the Raptor lights. There are 2 or 3 more new grilles on the market you might want to look at? I was thinking about switching to one of them, but I do like the Raptor grille I have

Bull Bar: Can't help you there... The only thing that would be neat is something like a bar like the old cop cars used to have, something like Barricade, from Transformers had

Downpipe: There's only one downpipe available, but there are plenty of exhaust options available, which may be what you're thinking?

Sound: You must be a lot younger than me, since I don't care about subs and junk anymore, LOL! I know Kicker has an upgraded 4 speaker set for our trucks, that I'm planning on buying.

Intake/CAI: I have to disagree with most people and say that I do think it helps, it's not as much as the companies say, but if it breathes better, I say it's better for it. All up to you, but there are a lot of options out there. I chose the Roush CAI. I also bought the aFe Power Intake Scoop and the Velossatech Big Mouth Ram Air Scoop. Does any of it work? No clue, but I figured the more cold air I could get into the engine, the better it'll run!

BOV: Either one of the TurboSmart options, but neither of them are necessary! The one I have, the Dual Port makes a lot of noise, LOL! The Plumb Back isn't any different than OEM.

Damper: This should have been your first mod over anything! You probably should've bought this, before you even owned the truck! How dare you!

Feel free to ask me anything about mine? I've done so much research and I believe I'm the only one on here that was stupid enough to build a SEMA clone, LOL! You may be banned from here by @AzScorpion

 

[Mirage775]

Just saw your page, we're from the same neck of the woods lol. I'm from the Shoals. Army has me out in El Paso and wife's family is from Tishomingo, Mississippi so... frequent traveler lol. I may plan on hitting 10k in it but this is my daily so it's going to just be what I can get done on weekends or stuff thats not going to put me out of commission for very long.

I used to go Jeep riding in the Shoals with some old Jeep buddies! Most of the things you want to do can be done in a weekend. I lowered mine a couple of weeks ago, in 6-9 hours, by myself! I did the headlight swap in 4-6 hours alone! Most of that was removing all the crap, just so I could get to the headlight bolts! If you're pretty mechanically inclined, you won't have an issue modding it, just make sure you have all the tools and parts you need to do everything!

 

[Chris Spangler]

I commented below, but I'm also going to add some things I've researched. If I were you, I'd go for the SCT truck or one similar. I thought about making one in Carbonized Grey, when I ordered my 21, but with it being Black, everything is blended in, ie, trim, windows, tires, etc. I saw that SCT SEMA truck last year and knew I had to build it! But, where I was going with this is, Method Racing recently released this wheel:

It's the same wheel I have and the SCT truck has, but it's in Gloss Titanium!

I did sell my engine swapped Miata in order to furnish all the mods for the Ranger, but that was ok, since I never drove the Miata anymore. I still need to do an updated price list of my parts.

I'll help you with your mod list:

Hood Scoop: There's only one replacement hood that I know of and it's outrageous! However, the scoop SCT and I used is the Air Design one, that glues to the stock hood.

Wheels: Wheels are going to be tricky, I have Method Racing 605 Matte Black 20x10 with a -24mm offset. Without my fender flares, these things stick out pretty far! 3.1" to be exact! My tires are 265/50/20 Nitto's. You'll also either have to remove your OEM crash bars or get the Ready Lift Intrusion Bars. Mine's only got a 3" drop up front and I hit the stock bars with these wheels.

Head/Tail Lights: Not much option for the rear lights. I think in '21 the XLT has the Lariat LED rear lights, but in '19, they didn't. I do like my rear XLT lights, but may tint them slightly, since I'm going for the murdered out look. Headlights are going to be pricey too! The Lariat LED headlights were around $1000-$1300 when I was looking to upgrade mine! I ended up buying AlphaRex LUXX Alpha Black LED lights for about $800. I like them, but not being able to turn off the DRL, while the Auto light switch is on, really pisses me off!

Grille: The RTR grille is a fortune! My Raptor grill was $200 shipped, then I added the Raptor lights. There are 2 or 3 more new grilles on the market you might want to look at? I was thinking about switching to one of them, but I do like the Raptor grille I have

Bull Bar: Can't help you there... The only thing that would be neat is something like a bar like the old cop cars used to have, something like Barricade, from Transformers had

Downpipe: There's only one downpipe available, but there are plenty of exhaust options available, which may be what you're thinking?

Sound: You must be a lot younger than me, since I don't care about subs and junk anymore, LOL! I know Kicker has an upgraded 4 speaker set for our trucks, that I'm planning on buying.

Intake/CAI: I have to disagree with most people and say that I do think it helps, it's not as much as the companies say, but if it breathes better, I say it's better for it. All up to you, but there are a lot of options out there. I chose the Roush CAI. I also bought the aFe Power Intake Scoop and the Velossatech Big Mouth Ram Air Scoop. Does any of it work? No clue, but I figured the more cold air I could get into the engine, the better it'll run!

BOV: Either one of the TurboSmart options, but neither of them are necessary! The one I have, the Dual Port makes a lot of noise, LOL! The Plumb Back isn't any different than OEM.

Damper: This should have been your first mod over anything! You probably should've bought this, before you even owned the truck! How dare you!

Feel free to ask me anything about mine? I've done so much research and I believe I'm the only one on here that was stupid enough to build a SEMA clone, LOL! You may be banned from here by @AzScorpion

Man, I appreciate all the info, good stuff in here. I've been doing my window shopping on American Trucks, they seem to have the most comprehensive list of parts, so like the downpipe I saw there only being 1 on there. I wasn't sure though, if with the 2.3 being used in so many other vehicles if somebody had found a cheaper option. I'm 32 lol so not too young but not quite ready to say I'm old yet. I know, I know, I'm late to the customization party (especially since I bought this truck within 6 months of it being released in 2019) I got the truck as a dad-mobile. I had just had my first and wanted something with 4 doors but I enjoy driving so I wanted something fun to drive. I also move with the Army and am always in need of a truck... long story short, after doing the research I came to the Ranger. I've always been around racing so mods were only a matter of time. We recently cleared a lot of debt and freed up over a grand a month in the budget so figured it might FINALLY be time.

 

[Chris Spangler]

I used to go Jeep riding in the Shoals with some old Jeep buddies! Most of the things you want to do can be done in a weekend. I lowered mine a couple of weeks ago, in 6-9 hours, by myself! I did the headlight swap in 4-6 hours alone! Most of that was removing all the crap, just so I could get to the headlight bolts! If you're pretty mechanically inclined, you won't have an issue modding it, just make sure you have all the tools and parts you need to do everything!

That's one good thing about the Army, always have access to tools and extra bodies (I'm a tank mechanic so that helps). Yeah Shoals has a lot of off-roading stuff. My grandfather owns the dragstrip up in Pickwick, TN and I used to amateur rally race out in Bankhead Forrest. So gravel and dirt I'm down, not getting into where I can sink or hill/rock climbing lol. I saw your headlights, those are the same ones I had picked out that I found on ebay. The tail lights on the truck I've never been a fan of, not sure if I want to smoke them or find a completely new set. I got forever so I'm not in too big a rush. These trucks are showing good reliability and the engines are known to hold out so figure this might be an ongoing thing and maybe even something to pass on to the boys for a first truck.

 

[Ds_2020Ranger]

If you opt for the raptor grill with lights, I got one for sale in the market place....

 

[Mirage775]

Man, I appreciate all the info, good stuff in here. I've been doing my window shopping on American Trucks, they seem to have the most comprehensive list of parts, so like the downpipe I saw there only being 1 on there. I wasn't sure though, if with the 2.3 being used in so many other vehicles if somebody had found a cheaper option. I'm 32 lol so not too young but not quite ready to say I'm old yet. I know, I know, I'm late to the customization party (especially since I bought this truck within 6 months of it being released in 2019) I got the truck as a dad-mobile. I had just had my first and wanted something with 4 doors but I enjoy driving so I wanted something fun to drive. I also move with the Army and am always in need of a truck... long story short, after doing the research I came to the Ranger. I've always been around racing so mods were only a matter of time. We recently cleared a lot of debt and freed up over a grand a month in the budget so figured it might FINALLY be time.

Order from Stage 3 instead of American Trucks. Stage 3 seemed like they have more parts and better deals over AT. Downpipes

I felt old at 32, LOL! But I'm a water operations pipefitter and sometimes that can be a tough title and some days, it's cake, but I'm almost 50! Definitely don't look 50 and I feel older than that somedays, LOL!

No kids for my wife and I, so that definitely helps with a lot of things. Mom passed away a few years ago and we were surprised she left us insurance money, which we paid off our house with and renovated a ton of things in this old 60's home!

This is my first true 4 door truck. I've always been a 2 door guy, with the exception of my last ranger being a 4 door supercab, but that didn't count as a 4 door, IMO.

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