Like many of us, I'm getting Ranger parts for Christmas.

I'm trying to keep my wishlist price conscious so as not to cause too much financial pain on my loved ones.

My two main items are:

Cragar Soft 8's and K N drop in airfilter.

Now through my research, I have found that there are even cheaper versions of both.

Both Jegs and Summit racing make a soft 8 steely. Has anyone ordered one of these generic soft 8s? How was the finish and build quality? Any complaints? My main concern is where its made though. Cragars are made in the USA, but I'm not sure about the others... I'm not putting chinese crap on my truck if I can help it.

I also found a cheaper version of the k/n air filter, Its made by a company called Spectre and its reusable as well. Has anyone tried these, they are like half the price of the k&n. I'm not looking for more power or mpg, just a reliable air filter that I can wash and reuse. I don't want the thing falling apart and letting in a bunch of junk through my intake.

TIA and Happy Holidays.

 

Check out Allied Wheel Co's Soft 8's
http://www.jcwhitney.com/soft-8-blac.../p2019534.jcwx

Also I've ran spectre filters before (actually I am right now) and they're just fine. I would use a good oil on them though.

 

As for the soft 8's I have the cragars.. they are like $10 more than the knock off brand and I knew cragars were good so I didn't risk it. Don't be cheap lol. I love my cragars, and the quality is great.

 

I'm a fan of the Cragars as well but the Allieds are also made in the USA and are good quality. Just giving some options.

 

Thanks guys. I guess I'll go with the Cragars then. Those are the ones I want, and it only saves $40 by going with the cheaper versions. I'm going to keep this truck for a while, so I might as well like the rims! The ones from jcwhitney look exactly like the cragars, I wonder if they are made by the same company.

ranger4.0xlt:

You and I have like the exact same truck, same color and everything. Have you noticed any power loss when you switched to the 31's on the Cragars?

Some people say they can't tell a difference, while some people report a major power loss. I've got 4.10's and I'm thinking about upgrading from those tiny oem tires.

 

I don't even know what gearing mine is..? How do I find out? There is a slight power loss, but first of all it has a 4.0L which is a pretty good/ powerful motor so it still pulls pretty damn good for a truck, and second, ever since I've put them on I cruise. I actually like driving slower now so people can see my truck lol. My driving habits have changed, and I'm an 18 yr old who likes to drive fast. That's why I like trucks better than cars. I would agree it take an extra couple of seconds to get up to speed but once your going you can't tell a difference.

 

I just ordered the Allied Wheels in a 15x8 so I'll review them once they come in and I finish my build!

 

I used a coupon code I found online, so for all 4 wheels and OVERNIGHT shipping it was just under $235!!!

 

Not a bad deal at all!

 

Look on the the rear diff for the axle tag. It tells you the gears, if you can still read it. Heres a link to help: http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/Axles.html

You can also check the door tag as well.

 

Run Spectre filters. good stuff

 

Have you noticed a difference in mpg or torque? (either loss or gain)

They look like they are quality made, and for $25 bucks its a good deal. I'm def. gonna get one of these, mines all muddy from my last trip.

Please do, as far as price goes I can get them for about the same $ from either summit or jcwhitney. I kind of want that 3.75 backspacing that the Allied wheels have.

 

I would just get cragars, the off brand isnt much cheaper so why not by the name brand! Im a name brand kind of guy though

 

IMO I wouldn't call the Allied's a true "off brand" if so there are many other reputable wheels companies that would be "off brand's" of the Cragars. I'll do a review when they come in though! I'm stoked! Haha

Also, I went with the Allied's because of the readily available 3.75" backspacing. I need to find some good tires now though. Thinking about re-treads...

 

No. Its not like a filter is going to change anything. but I will tell you I didnt have to clean my MAF for over 6 months vs. 3-4 months with an old purolator paper filter. So that attests that they work well.