Hey guys, new owner here of a 2003 Reg Cab Ranger XLT. I have a few things I plan on doing as funds become available that include -

Complete stereo replacement
Disc brake swap
Wheels

Other than these things, what are some other common modifications people do on the Rangers? I don't want to do the bucket seat mod since my seats are minty fresh and I actually like their look. One thing I was unsure of is the upgrade to the Hurst shifter (or other shifters?). I am very accustomed to my mustang with an MGW short throw and would like a tighter, shorter (both in throw and height) shift. Would you guys recommend that?

Also, I'm unsure if I want to raise or lower the Ranger eventually. I am leaning toward lowering but raising it would be fun since I live near the OBX (but in that regard was told that 2wd is no good for offroading in stuff like sand and such). Which way do you guys lean on raising/lowering?

Thanks for any input on mods you guys think should be done first and foremost!

 

Sand is horrible on a 2wd, you'll find yourself ******* the **** out of it to get through.

I'd lower it, they're sharp lowered.

Welcome to RF.

 

as far as your shifter is concerned look up fx4 shifter they are sharp looking

welcome btw

 

Thanks Nick! I'll look into lowering it...going to take some research to find proper wheels and tires for this when lowered I imagine......

Thanks DJ! I'm doing a lot of research on the topic....

 

sand is fine in a 2wd if its locked and on paddles but you need a built runner to make real use of it.

free mod pull the intake silencer.

 

Yep, I'm a 2WD and I have an FX4 shifter. Its now an FX2 shift

http://i51.tinypic.com/mc6asx.jpg

What about 2WDs in sand?

 

Thanks for the thoughts ES! I'll take care of the silencer tomorrow when I'm detailing the truck.

Kevin, what's the differences in the Hurst/FX4/FX2?

 

I had a 2wd ranger and I got stuck in sand the first time I took it out. I'm sure if you got a locker and some tires it wouldn't be a problem.

 

You haven't experienced sand until you've experienced sugar sand.

My truck doesn't usually get stuck in 2wd in sand, but it's not ideal, I have to give it alot more hell, and alot of times it'll come to a stop and bury.

I;ve been wheeling since I was 13, on quads and in 4wds, I've been through desert powder, sugar sand clay etc. The sand ALWAYS is a *****, if you're locked it's not as bad. even if you're open rear and have 4wd it's still better than a 4x1. :-P

You will more than likely get stuck in sand, if you are creeping.

I don't know about you, but personally, I'd rather not be flying through the woods out here just to make it, I like creeping, safer and easier on my back and truck.

 

I made the FX2 thing up haha

There are 3-4 shifters.

Stock black stick one
FX4 as pictured which is a stock fitting chrome arm shifter
Hurst short arm which is a classic hurst short shifter
Hurst long arm the optional longer arm hurst shifter

 

Thanks Kevin! I'm going to look into the Hurst short throw. See if that gives me a better feel than the stock one.