Ideas for my 04
 

New to the forum, and new to mechanics. I want to learn how to work on vehicles and I want to start on my 04 Ranger 4.0 4x4. I'd like to turn it into an off road vehicle for driving the beach and various other activities, while also maintaining somewhat decent fuel efficiency for a daily driver. The engine is at 300k miles and I'm sure it needs some TLC. The engine knocks pretty bad, but over all it has performed great.

Really I'm in need of some guidance and ideas. I already have several cosmetic ideas, but I don't know where to start on tuning up my engine and making it run smoother. It's governed at 90mph,l which I'd like to get removed.

These are pictures from my 4 day fishing trip on Cape Lookout NC, which is a completely uninhabited island. Tell me what you would recommend.
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.ran...a88fc38f64.jpg
Didn't really intend to take a picture of the truck, just the red fish burritos we were cooking. Its the only one I have of the vehicle currently.

Welcome to the forum! is it your daily driver, or a project truck? if its a project truck, then i'd say rip it apart and really learn all the quirks about your truck. I've had mine for a month, and i've already taken apart the front suspension, steering, and stripped the interior. Other than that, there are the usual mods, lift kit, tires, lights, etc. Do you have access to access to a shop with plenty of tools, space, and a welders?

If the engine is knocking, I'd consider resolving that to be your #1 priority. A good looking truck doesn't do you any good when it's broken down or in the shop.

Once you get that resolved, the 06+ mirror swap is very common and beneficial for driving too.