The ZR2 SPEC-R3

[KJRR]

Awesome work as always.
What impresses me is you just 'figure things out' . You're not using machine shop tools and welding up what you want, or buying an expensive pre-made assembly that sort of does what you want.
You find materials that you can put together with hand tools to get your desired end results.
I admire your creativity, passion, and skills.
Keep sharing the inspiration.

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[OFC Ranger]

OP, have you gotten much opportunity to drive it?

Just a few hundred miles.

The only thing it needs (much like my Ranger) is to have the e-throttle recalibrated to be less retarded down which is pretty standard in the industry.

The 8 speed is much nicer than the 10 speed. Also no weird clunking or lurching from factory like a lot of Rangers had.

No beef with my Ranger, but overall, this truck is very much better in nearly all aspects. In all fairness, it is also up-fitted from factory with better components though.

I'm really liking the multi-matic shocks.

 

[ppfd]

Was at the local sportsman’s warehouse and there was a trail boss in the parking lot. Sharp truck. Hard to believe they are lower priced than the Z71 model.

 

[JasonTremor]

Just a few hundred miles.

The only thing it needs (much like my Ranger) is to have the e-throttle recalibrated to be less retarded down which is pretty standard in the industry.

The 8 speed is much nicer than the 10 speed. Also no weird clunking or lurching from factory like a lot of Rangers had.

No beef with my Ranger, but overall, this truck is very much better in nearly all aspects. In all fairness, it is also up-fitted from factory with better components though.

I'm really liking the multi-matic shocks.

Keep sharing the progress please. As someone who came from a 2019 Colorado ZR2 to the 2021 Ranger Tremor, you have my interest. Hadn't ridden in one of the 2023 ZR2's yet, but when one is available I'll definitely take it for a spin.

One question I have is what mpg are you getting in the ZR2 and what did you get in your former Ranger?

 

[OFC Ranger]

Keep sharing the progress please. As someone who came from a 2019 Colorado ZR2 to the 2021 Ranger Tremor, you have my interest. Hadn't ridden in one of the 2023 ZR2's yet, but when one is available I'll definitely take it for a spin.

One question I have is what mpg are you getting in the ZR2 and what did you get in your former Ranger?

I'm getting around 17 average.

I was getting about the same with my Ranger with same size tires.

 

[OFC Ranger]

The progress continues;

I was originally going to install these slotted racks upside down to facilitate mounting 12v sub system boxes easier, but with how I plan to do the monolithic rack on top I installed them right side up to simply give the cross beams that will be on the platform more points of contact. I also plan to wrap the roof in a matte black vinyl I just need to get some more supplies ordered. I also need to order a stubby antenna, that big one looks goofy and I don't listen to AM/FM anyhow.

I also finished completely removing all the badges. I really dislike chrome. So much so I eagerly await to see what the aftermarket headlight industry comes out with because the chrome bits and pieces inside the housings bug me. lol? That and I really prefer amber DRL's on every color vehicle but white. White DRL looks good on white paint, don't like how it looks otherwise.

Next up is the flowtie and front ZR2 emblem. I am going to be painting these a satin black.

When I start paint on these in a little while between coats going to see how these gloss black mirror caps come off, they look like they too should pry off I just need to figure out the first point of attack and it should be a done deal. As mentioned before, I am going to try a sand color paint to see how it looks, worse case I'll can repaint them back black, cept I would do them in satin as well.

Now some other stuff I want to share; Ford needs to take note on the engine bay lay out. When I say there is room in here to do all kinds of stuff I mean there are mounting points and open space for days in here. So those inclined to install auxiliary boxes / 12v components of varying kind, there is a fat chance you will ever run out of room in here.

Yea, I know - no hood dampers! But that can be remedied... but there is an engine cover!

Also take note how easy managing the fuse box is, I don't recall if Ford did this on the Ranger, but your listings are right there on the bottom of the lid...

Again, look how much space there is to work on opening factory components in here. Fat sausage finger owners rejoice.

 

[OFC Ranger]

Little more progress;

And a little trim color to match the paint and add a touch of bespoke.

 

[OFC Ranger]

Starting to take shape...

 

[Tracy Bowman]

Starting to take shape...

Congrats on your new truck!

 

[AndyMedic]

How do you like dssv’s and any change with the weight in the rear at all? I figure it’s not a lot but I know the stock ranger suspension droops easily.

 

[OFC Ranger]

How do you like dssv’s and any change with the weight in the rear at all? I figure it’s not a lot but I know the stock ranger suspension droops easily.

Well to be honest it is not a fair comparison between factory Ranger suspension, or for that matter the upgraded eibach setup I had been using. The multimatics are just on a different level. No bouncing, no floating, etc etc

Keep in mind I was also running the autospring leaf helps - which made my setup more stiff than normal, so while it helped immensely with preload problems, it makes for a very snappy suspension.

I don't know how to describe it, but I can drive over speed bumps (only thing I can compare with so far) without slowing and other than a slight bump the dssv's laugh them off.

I will get more off-road miles on them once the weather cools down and we go on our next adventure.

 

[OFC Ranger]

Got the trailer lights installed this morning. These function as low power running lights, higher power brake lights, and sequential turn signals.

Drilled holes through the extrusion for wire pass through to keep it all nice and tidy. There will be misc sub-system auxiliary junction box points on the roof panels to keep everything clean (and eventually out of view). Sometime in next week hopefully I'll have some time to find out if Chevrolet's PWM for their trailer system will allow my sequentials to work properly or if I have to hardwire into the tail lamps.

 

[OFC Ranger]

Some more progress;

 

[RedDakooter05]

God damn I want a colorado so bad now...
(WT for me though)

 

[9zero1790]

its taking shape fast! looks nice

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