There's a lot of theft of older trucks in my area. Been trying to come up with a good (but not too tedious) method of protecting the ranger.
Would it be possible to wire up the fuel pump's circuit to include one of those unused spots on the fuse panel next to the wheel? The idea being that whenever I park I just take the fuse with me and the truck won't start till I put it back in.
I know I could pull the relay but I don't want to be popping the hood every time I get in and out of the truck.

Anyone done something similar or have a better idea?

 

I would worry about the wear and tear on the fuse panel. They're not built to be used like that. Over time, I'd think the connection would get weaker and weaker until one day you yourself just can't get it started.

A hidden kill switch is a much better solution. Some people even rewire the cigarette lighter so it must be pushed in in order to start.

 

As concerned about having just the CatConvertors cutoff+stolen as I am about the entire vehicle.
Been thinking about wrapping some heavy chain around those; any better ideas?

 

Welding the exhaust system might stop some of the thieves but not all, at least they will have to work for it !

Kill Switches works, even a double switch, one inside for everyday stops and one under the hood for longer stops at Airports or something like that.

I know there are people on this sight that can tell you what wires to use, me NOT, but once you do it or IF you do the kill switch setup, do a How-To and spread the word, don't gorget the pictures.
I for one would like to add a Kill Switch so I am waiting to see what happens.

 

On a 1999 Ranger pull out Fuse 19 in the cab fuse box, 25amp
That will disable computer, spark AND fuel
The fuse is powered up with key on, it then powers the coil pack, and turns on the PCM relay which powers the computer and fuel pump relay
Since it ONLY has power with key on there will be no "spark" or voltage surge if its removed or inserted with Key OFF

One thing, fuse panels are NOT meant to have the fuses removed and reinserted repeatedly, so there is a "wear factor" associated with this method, just a heads up

Problem with "kill switches" of any kind is that you WILL forget to turn it off or in this case pull the fuse out, it only takes ONE TIME to forget
Automatic reset kill switch is a better idea, you can do that with a double relay, so you use a button to set relays ON after key is on, and truck will start, no press of button, no start
When key is turned off the relays reset to off, you don't have to remember to "set it", its automatic

 

Didn't know about the wear factor - probably won't be doing this then.
My worry with kill switches is that if someone is trying to hotwire the car they're going to be looking at the same hole in the firewall where I've hooked up the kill switch and can pretty easily bypass it. Is that true?

 

Reading what RonD has posted, I would say there should be no wires through the firewall. The Fuse Panel Tap, the wiring, and the switch should be behind the dash.
The Fuse, #19 in the In-Cab Box, will only require cutting the feed side of that fuse, splicing in the switch and placing the wiring and a switch in an inconspicuous location.
Make sure to use wire and switch rated for the application, remember it is a 25 amp circuit, the switch will cut off the current but when running it may have to handle that 25 amps.

 

A 1999 Ranger V6 will have PATS(passive anti-theft system), so you are already protected, there is no work around for PATS, thieves just avoid vehicles with that type of system

 

Sometimes it is the mechanical feel that you have done something more than depend on an electronic system to keep your truck safe.

I too like the idea of the mechanical cutout of power to the Fuel and Ignition Systems.

 

From ignition switch, under steering column, there will be a Light Green/Purple striped wire that runs to Cab Fuse box

This wire powers Cab fuses 11, 15 and 19 when Key is ON

Same wire color used from 1998 thru 2003, same fuses and what they powered

If you were to put a switch on that wire, 30 amp rated switch, it would cut off computer, spark and fuel, via fuse 19

Fuses 11 and 15 power the instrument cluster