Hey guys I got a 2003 ford ranger supercab xlt 2 days ago. What's some cheap mods I can do to my truck.

 

explorer leather seats and console explorer over head console 1994-2004 mustang rear disc brakes 2006-2011 ranger headlights and taillights

 

Don't forget Explorer lighted visors, auto dim rear view mirror, auto headlamps, Mustang dome light, LED instrument cluster (color changed). Yeah, lots of stuff you can do that are well within even the smallest budget.

 

im still looking for the auto dim mirror and lighted visors

 

what all is involved in the led cluster lights?

 

The auto dim mirror and lighted visors should be easy to find at your local junk yard. Our local Pull-A-Part has dozens of Explorers and large number of them have (or had) the auto dim and lighted visors. eBay is another source for the parts. My son used an auto dim mirror out of a Crown Vic. However, if you decide to install auto headlamps, you will need the Explorer mirror to control them.

The LED cluster lights are a simple plug and play. There are 6 #194 bulbs that back light the instrument cluster and two more in the HVAC panel. Simply buy 8 white LED bulbs (don't get the forward firing type though) and replace the existing #194 incandescent bulbs with the new LEDs. If you wish to change the color of your cluster, then that is a bit more involved and there are how-to write ups here and on other forums to learn how.

EDIT: Here are a couple of links to R-F articles that may help with the LED cluster:

https://www.ranger-forums.com/interi...-lights-65263/

https://www.ranger-forums.com/interi...t-leds-104562/

 

do the same steps apply to a 2006? i seen on the write up the guages are out of an older model like pre 2004. and what type of paint should be used?

 

Honestly, I wouldn't use the paint, but rather colored gel sheet as it is a more consistent color depth. I think most people sand the gauges and just use colored LEDs. As I mentioned, there are several how-to articles on various forums. I recommend you search them out and read all you can. Then you can decide for yourself what works best for you. As for the actual bulb replacement procedure, I believe it would be the same. However, not sure if the instrument cluster takes the same amount of bulbs, but it does take the #74 bulb, a mini wedge bulb that is used for the turn signals and other warning lights in the older clusters. Other members with experience with '04+ clusters; please chime in here!

 

Tinted windows are an option. I like them. Some have found them to be reflective. Called the fish bowl effect. I enjoy the super dark black windows. The shade on the side windows does help in my opinion. But others mention it can not be good. Its a matter of what you want there. I love the tint. My back window can't be seen through in the day time. Head lights in my mirror are never a bother. Thats my cheap mod.

Another is off road lights and fog lights. Mine are cheap. They work great. This could get expensive. Putting new exhaust system on it. Originally I did it for sound. Now I have a real muffler on it. By redoing it you can take all the bends out of the exhaust system. My pipe is straight back. Doesn't pass the back axle. Shorter distance till exit. I like the look of the tail pipe is under the truck. Not poking out. I like the way the truck looks without the pipe sticking out.

Seat covers can refresh any truck. If you have the back jump seats. You can remove them. There are organizers you can find to use that space for tools and storage. Removal of the light that comes on when the door opens. Mine came that way. I turned off the one in my last SUV. I like to enter in the dark and leave in the dark.

 

cut off your exuast and come out the side, i put a thrush pack on it and 2 and 1/2 in pipe