So I tried doing this about a week ago, when I clicked submit, I got a notification about it having to be approved or something, well I still don't see it so I'll start over I guess . Little back ground, I come from the VW community, been into VW's (watercooled) for about 18 years, I've owned about 25 different models over the years. Currently own a 16' GTI S 2dr 6spd with OEM+ Euro mods. I've always like Rangers and bought my first one about 10 days ago for winter use and hauling stuff. It's a 2001 XLT 2.3L 5spd 2WD single cab stepside. Mechanically its pretty solid, receipts show recent work done. Exterior wasn't horrible, few dings and scratches and both bumpers are slightly bent and the wire on the spare tire hoist has been cut . I spent last sunday detailing the outside, wash, clay, polish and wax so the outside is looking good, also removed the pinstripes and those clear protection films towards the rockers that were cracked and not clear anymore lol. Interior though YIKES!! Previous owners smoked (I don't) so it may need a steam clean or something. Seats and door panels are trashed and the drivers seat belt wont retract. So I'll be heading to the local salvage yards this weekend to look for replacements and upgrades. I'd like to add factory fogs (OEM+ is my thing lol) and saw here that some of these trucks maybe pre wired for them? And what years are compatible for what I'm needing to replace/upgrade as far as seats, door panels and bumpers? So far I have found some useful info from here the little I have looked around, like headlight upgrades and mustang map light so I'll be looking into that.

 

Welcome to the forums!

Bodystyle-wise, 2001 Rangers are very similar to 2003. 2004's body changed with a new grill and hood all the way to 2011. Bumpers may have changed, as well.

Interior-wise, I would stay near the same years, but if you see 2005 door panels with the same look as yours, grab them! The gauge clusters may mess you up as I believe 2004 Rangers and up had changed from mechanical to electronic.

I think seats are the same mounts from year to year. I recommend the buckets. Very comfy for around town and road trips.

OEM fog lights may require the salvage of a bumper from a 2001-2003 Edge or 4x4 with them installed, but the wiring may need to be aftermarket/custom with included relays. Activating them can use a factory switch into your bezel or a toggle or rocker if you so choose.

I thought fog light wiring was present on my 2003, but upon further examination, these suspected wires may not be. I need some more time to trace those buggers.

Check eBay. A lot of the time, salvage yards are parting out trucks and advertise only the engine or transmission of a wrecked rig, but check to see if they would be willing to sell the other pieces you need. 9x out of 10, they have them on another ad.

Shipping sux, though as it's an awkward shape and weight.

Exhaust your searches at local salvage yards first, then start going nuts online.

If anyone wants to add years of similarity, please? Help out! I only know my research with my rig.

Hope this helps!

 

So you're into OEM+ huh?

Well I have the thread for you....

https://www.ranger-forums.com/how-di...ticles-128910/

Welcome to RF!

 

Thanks guys! I went to the local yards this weekend and checked some things off my list. Scored some seats out of a Ranger Edge (dirty but we have a detail dept here at work) I'm planning to do that mod I saw on here where you "trim off" the bench section of the driver seat. The brackets were cut, looks like someone at some point tried to remove the seats and didn't have the correct bit and tried to improvise , so I'll be swapping my brackets to the "new" seats. Also scored an Explorer center console to use one I delete that section of the seat. Also scored a spare tire hoist and got lucky as the bed was off. Some other small things I got was a new antenna, a rear view mirror and a Mustang over head light. I'm going back next weekend as I found a trailer hitch and a clean rear bumper. Struck out on door panels