My Ranger Build

[Colo_Ranger]

I *finally* finished my MXT275 radio installation. I installed the Built Right Industries Dash Plate, backwards according to the instructions.

I didn't like Built Right's mounting solutions though, as it was basically RAM mounts. Enter Bullet Point Mounting Solutions. I used their two hole ball mount, arm in size long, and CB RADIO HOLDER WITH 20MM BALL. I figured that, at the cost of the CB mount, I could Dremel if needed. I did not need to make any modifications though. I really like the Bullet Point arms as the balls allow articulation, but the mounts around the shaft also rotate. This means I could align my CB mount exactly how I wanted it.

It doesn't interfere with the screen usage at all.

Here is the head unit, it's not nearly as dirty as this image suggests.

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[Colo_Ranger]

Today was a big day for Hermes. I installed the Built Right Industries bedside racks and finally got a phone mount that I like. It's the same arm from Bullet Point Solutions as the MXT, but with the 1" ball adapter and a Quadlock mount and case.

 

[Colo_Ranger]

As a side note, when I installed the dash mount on the tray, I lost one of the blue tabs from underneath. I found an exploded parts diagram and part numbers for the tray and tabs.

Tray: 044B78B - $27.32
Clips: HC1 - $10

I was told by the parts guy at my local dealership that the clips come with the tray. That makes it a no-brainer for me. I ordered a new tray that will be here Tuesday. I will then mount the dash tray (I can't decide if I will keep it this way or put it in the 'correct' way). This also gives me an opportunity to adjust my ball (hehe. Yes, I'm a 36 year old man-child...) mounts. I had to mount them this way because it was the only way I could get the nuts in place. If I mount the ball mounts before installing the mount on the tray, I can put them however I want.

 

[Colo_Ranger]

I installed my lift last week and got to test it out yesterday. I am more than thrilled with the added performance up front. The ride is fantastic and firm without being rough. There was a bump on my drive home from work that would make the truck super bouncy and sketchy. With the Eibach kit, it takes the bump, but doesn't bounce. Much more confident.

I gained 2.5" up front. I was at 36", now I am at 38.5. The rear shocks have shipped now and I can't wait to get them installed.

 

[Colo_Ranger]

Well... as they say, the road to hell is paved with good intentions... I told myself a few lies when I bought this truck and started my build. The biggest lie:

Intro:
This is going to be slow.

It has moved much, much quicker than I anticipated. My wife has enjoyed trail days more than I expected and we had a *ridiculously* cold night camping that changed our plans. Then, a local company put out a deal where, if you buy an in stock RTT, they will give you $500 in store gift card.

So, here is how the truck stands now:

1. Eibach 2.0 Stage 1 Suspension Package
2. ARB UVP Complete Steel Skit Plate Kit
3. 265/70r17(C) BFG All Terrain KO2
4. Ford Ranger 5ft Bed TruXedo TruXport Tonneau Cover
5. DeeZee Tailgate Assist
6. Husky Liners Weatherbeater Front Floor Mats
7. MXT275VP4 MICROMOBILE® BUNDLE
8. LOW PROFILE DITCH LIGHT BRACKETS
9. Dark Defense DDS4 2.0 45W 4200 Lumen 3″ Off-Road Pod Lights (2-Pack Yellow Spot Lens)
10. Line-X Bed Liner
11. 23Zero Roof Top Tent Breezeway Series
12. Ignition trim ring from a guy on Facebook
13. BEDSIDE RACK SYSTEM - 4PC KIT | FORD RANGER 5FT BED
14. DASH MOUNT | FORD RANGER (2019+)
15. BulletPoint Solutions arms, base plates, adapters

Parts that I have on order that should be here this week:

1. TRIGGER WIRELESS ACCESSORY CONTROLLER SIX SHOOTER
2. MICROMOBILE®MXTA22 DITCH LIGHT EXTENSION BRACKET
3. BillieBars 8"
4. White Knuckle Off Road Sliders

First trip out. Truck was completely stock, exxcept the ARB skid plate set.

This photo showcases the bedside racks and the Line-X.

Tonneau cover right after installation. This still needs to be adjusted, but I am going to wait until I have the Billie Bars to insatll, since I have to take the tonneau off (or at least the clamps) to install it.

Here is a before (top) and after (bottom) the lift.

Trim ring. Stupid cheap, stupid easy to install.

Two shots from the camping trip that drove the RTT purchase.

This photo is hard to tell, but it was 28 degrees...

The Dark Defense lights installed on the Cali Raised Ditch Light Brackets. The MXT Antenna mount is temporary until the new bracket. Previously, it was mounted where the new lights are...

And, currently, my favorite picture of the truck.

 

[bbobe123]

I made the ultimately adult decision to remove the 285/70r17 I had installed yesterday and install the 265/70r17.

The 285 fit, but rubbed a bit on the crash bars in reverse. They also rubbed on the sway bar at full lock. The amount of work needed to get them not to rub is not something I am ready for. Also, and not for nothing, I watched my fuel mileage drop from 26 (reading on the gauge) to 14. The 285s (load range E) weigh in at 58 lbs. The 265s (load range C) weigh in at 46. The stock Hankooks weigh in at 36. I'm averaging 22 mpg with the 265s, but that includes a decent amount of miles with the 285s on prior to swapping them out. Next tank will be the real tell.

I gained 1" of clearance with these tires and have much better tread and traction. Truck looks meaner too.

The below picture is the 285s.

Im running Nitto Terra Grapplers 285/60/R18 with 2.5" level kit and 1.5" spacers. Still have a slight rub. Not sure what Im going to do to fix it, but I dont want to get new tires or cut my crash bar lol.

 

[Colo_Ranger]

Im running Nitto Terra Grapplers 285/60/R18 with 2.5" level kit and 1.5" spacers. Still have a slight rub. Not sure what Im going to do to fix it, but I dont want to get new tires or cut my crash bar lol.

more lift?

 

[bbobe123]

more lift?

I looked at a 4” lift but before pulling the trigger I found some low profile crash bars from stage 3. Going to have them installed and see how they work.

 

[Colo_Ranger]

Installed my White Knuckle Off Road sliders today. Took about 2 hours with the help of @Nopalito , but about an hour fifteen of actual work. The hardest part was starting the first bolt.

 

[FordRacing]

I’d be curious how you mounted the midland under the passenger seat, did you mount it in the back? Directly to the floor?

 

[Colo_Ranger]

I’d be curious how you mounted the midland under the passenger seat, did you mount it in the back? Directly to the floor?

Mira just set under there. It’s never rattled or moved.

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