"Steelie Dan" '21 XL Ranger Build

[XL_Ranger_Danger]

INTRO:

I recently purchased a '21 Ranger XL "Steelie Dan" 4x4 model after making the transition from vintage 4x4's.

My prior builds were a 2 year restoration of a 1976 Land Rover III 109 Diesel Station Wagon "Serenity" and a 1.5 year build of a 1987 Suzuki Samurai Tin Top "Sugar Cube".

POU (Philosophy of Use)
My goal is to build a "Overlanding" (buzzword) rig that can handle moderate obstacles offroad to get to remote camping sites while still keeping an eye on weight and the fuel consumption. This will also be my daily driver and I don't have a large budget post-truck purchase, so the build will be mild, yet functional.

From prior experience with the Rover it's easy to get caught up in the mods (constant repair) process that we can forget to just go out and camp.

MOD #1:

Stickers! Cheap and b*tchin, I added the tailgate Ranger black lettering to the truck ($10 Amazon). It's definitely a 20 ft'r, but at that price totally worth it.

MOD #2:

Based on some thread research, I've decided to go with the Built Right Dash Tray Mount.
The goal of this was to have a solid platform for the Ipad Mini 2 I run GAIA GPS on when I'm out on the trail, while also leaving room for my regular phone mount. I got tired of wedging my charging cable into the dash trim to move it out of the way. So I drilled some holes into the dash tray and routed it behind the dash to meet near the cigarette lighter at the bottom.

I've still got some more RAM mount components in the mail, but this video was a great tutorial for ripping the dash apart without breaking anything.

Upcoming Mods:

1. Decked drawer system. - I'll be installing this on Friday when the freight truck arrives with it.
2. ARE MX topper. I've decided to go with an ARE Topper to create the basis of a stealth truck camper build on a budget. The ARE MX model has some increased headroom over the standard topper options, but is also within my budget.

Matt

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[Aurumulas]

Wow we have the exact same spec truck. Following this thread.

Are you going to spray in bedliner or drop in liner?

I got a factory drop in from a local dealer for $250 delivered to a friend's shop that I'm pretty happy with two days after purchase. Dealer I bought the truck from wanted $600 if I remember right.

 

[XL_Ranger_Danger]

Wow we have the exact same spec truck. Following this thread.

Are you going to spray in bedliner or drop in liner?

I got a factory drop in from a local dealer for $250 delivered to a friend's shop that I'm pretty happy with two days after purchase. Dealer I bought the truck from wanted $600 if I remember right.

Hey Jon, I was seriously considering a liner of some sort (spay / drop in) but ultimately with the topper and the Decked drawer system, it didn't seem very value added since it'll be covered 90% of the time.

I am looking into options to create a flat tailgate surface, because the ribbing plays hell with beer bottles. An I HATE spilling beer while camping.

 

[Aurumulas]

Hey Jon, I was seriously considering a liner of some sort (spay / drop in) but ultimately with the topper and the Decked drawer system, it didn't seem very value added since it'll be covered 90% of the time.

I am looking into options to create a flat tailgate surface, because the ribbing plays hell with beer bottles. An I HATE spilling beer while camping.

Gotcha. I wonder if you could just order the drop in tailgate piece. It has shallow cup holders on each side.

Excited to see your top when it comes in. I've been eyeballing a few on craiglist. Been meaning to email this guy and see if it'd fit the ranger. Rack looks pretty stout.

 

[XL_Ranger_Danger]

Decked system has been installed! Took about 4 hours, but looking forward to playing Tetris with all my gear.

I'll be headed out this weekend for all me local camping, I'll have some pictures posted of Steelie Dan on the tra this time.

Cheers!

 

[XL_Ranger_Danger]

Been busy testing out the Decked drawer system and what the Ranger can handle in stock form.

I recently got a bargain on some Lariat 18" wheels and AT tires packaged with a gently used FX4 suspension kit from a local Ranger owner who'd upgraded their XLT.

I got the tires on this past Friday, pending alignment and suspension swap out. Love the look of the new wheel. RIP "Steelie" Dan.

Last week I'd installed the ARB skid plate system.. Since I don't have the highest clearance, decided to protect the undercarriage.. much cheaper than punching a hole in the under-belly.

Most recent was installing the Core-Trax rail system for the Decked drawers. This mounting rail allows me to haul gear safely since I now only have 8" of a truck bed.

Up next is a Softopper from a fellow forum member. Once that's installed it'll be time to play around with the bedding and fiddling with camp ergonomics.

 

[XL_Ranger_Danger]

Here's an updated picture with the Decked CoreTrax mounting system in place.

 

[XL_Ranger_Danger]

Softopper has been installed! Got a used unit from a forum member.
Time to get it dirty!

 

[XL_Ranger_Danger]

Had a quick trip out to Black Mountain in CA to test out the gear and identify any comfort gaps a flask of bourbon couldn't fix..

Definitely need some more padding for the Decked. It's a bit tight, but works well given the budget I have to work with.

Got back and added the soft Ford Mudflaps. Took way longer than I care to admit to install, but they look great!

 

[XL_Ranger_Danger]

Been working on minor camping tweaks to the bed now that the majority of the truck is built.

Bought a Lumin-Aid solar powered inflatable lamp, it's super convenient to hang inside the Softopper. Also bought a Nite-Ize Gearliner to help with some light vertical storage.

Currently beta-testing a cheapo canopy set up from an Aquaquest tarp with telescoping poles.

Lastly, I installed a tailgate gasket kit to cut down on the amount of dust getting into the bed of the Ranger.

 

[XL_Ranger_Danger]

Next major mod is the addition of a @589FAB hidden winch mount and a RoughCountry 9.5K Synthetic winch. I don't have the $$ for a Warn and wanted an inconspicuous build with an emphasis on minimal weight gain and recovery capability. Not many deer out in SoCal so the large bumpers; while absolutely sexy and a bucket-item list, weren't a necessity.

 

[XL_Ranger_Danger]

It's been a crazy few weeks. But here's a photo dump of the recent adventures / mishaps/ upgrades.

Upgrades: Finally mounted the Rough Country 9.5k synthetic winch into the 589 Hidden industries mount. To get the existing ARB front skid plate to work required some "minor persuasion" with a Dremel and numerous cutting wheels. BUT it can fit!

Due to the mishap outlined below, I decided to move to a larger tire (265/65/18 from the stock Lariat 265/60/18) to compensate for the lost ground clearance with the ARB skidplate on a stock suspension height. Since I don't have the money for a proper lift kit, I'm hesitant to start tinkering with the suspension geometry.

Ended up with the Nitto Grabbers, can't wait to get them dirty, they are way too clean right now!

Adventure / Mishaps:

Did some aggressive trail riding near the BLM area mines north of Joshua Tree. Made it to Sunset Mine for lunch, then promptly blew out the side-wall of my front passenger tire. Had to do a pretty sketchy tire swap ( got a full-size spare wheel in the mail as a result) on a narrow pass up the hill. Limped our way out of Joshua tree to Indio for the nearest tire shop for a speedy tire swap. Couldn't let a popped tire derail our Havasu plans for the weekend!

 

[chamackO]

How did that tire blow out

 

[XL_Ranger_Danger]

How did that tire blow out

Pinched it against the large rock seen in the 2nd to last picture. It was a pretty narrow part of the cliff trail, I was trying to hug the wall face... but clearly did so at the wrong time. My turning of the tire pinched it enough to cause a blow-out.

 

[XL_Ranger_Danger]

Recently installed a WeBoost Drive Reach in the Ranger. After the close call I had in Joshua tree (2 spare tires is 1, and 1 spare tire is none); I wanted to have some extra insurance for being able to dial for help. Also purchased a Jackery 240wh power station to power my WeBoost while I'm remote working in the mountains.
Install build is here.

Next on the list when funds allow is Shrockworks sliders for the Ranger. Otherwise just biding my time until $$ for the Baja Squadrons avails itself.

In the interim I'll be posting camping pictures on this thread.

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