Hi everyone

I'm new to Ranger-Forums. Just sold my gorgeous 2011 Toyota Tacoma, 4.0L V6, Access Cab, 4x4, stick shift. I loved that truck but had to downsize because I'm going back to school.

Got a really well cared for 2008 Ranger XL, 2.3L, 4x2, 5speed. Found her in Arkansas, flew out and drove her back. So far I love this truck. I became a Ford fan overnight. Everything is bone stock, so I'm learning about some different mods.

Bit by bit, this is what I'm looking to do:

Upgrade sound system. Trying to find a GPS Navigation / CD combo receiver, but it seems that will take some work. Custom sub box that fits behind driver seat, mid-grade component speakers

Tint windows

Switching from conventional to full synthetic oil. I read the warnings about FRAM filters, so I'll return the one I just picked up at WALMART. Seems Mobil 1 is the way to go, both for the oil and filter. Would most of yall agree with that? How often should I change that oil? Is every 5k miles overkill? Should I stretch to 7? I'm recording mileage for a bit to see if it's true that switching to full synthetic improves mpg

Seems K&N air intakes are popular. What about exhaust? I need budget options, things worth doing.

I'm keeping an eye on Craigslist and EBAY for some black wheels and bigger tires. Right now, my truck still has the tiniest, cheapest Kumho's the dealer could put on my 15's. How big can I go on stock suspension?

Anybody know if these would fit my truck?
wheels and tire combo 31x10.5-15 on 15x8

I really want to lift, but I'm afraid of the extra wear and tear. Is it possible to do a moderate lift of a few inches (enough to put on 31's, but avoid damage to stock suspension)? I can't wait to put some nice BFG 31 KOs on, but want to figure lift out first, if necessary

Does anybody know if Pep Boys is a reliable spot to do this kind of work?

Thanks :)

 

Sounds like a fun project! I doubt you would notice any excessive wear with a small lift and 31's. For exhaust, there are a lot of options. I have a flowmaster super 44 that I'm pretty happy with. I don't know much about pep boys so we'll see if someone else chimes in about that. There is a thread on here in the wheels and tires section that lets you know max sizes for tires given stock suspension or a certain amount of lift. Hope you enjoy your stay! Oh and one more thing, don't use plastidip for anything lol

 

Words to live by right there

And welcome to R-F!

 

Welcome.. I've never used Pep Boys for service I don't think.. but I don't think they are bad. If they are ASE certified, you should reasonably be able to expect quality work.. not always the case, but it's a good start.

 

Welcome to RF!

 

Here is a link for the thread on the maximum sized tires:
https://www.ranger-forums.com/wheels...re-size-20047/

Also, do not waste your money on a K&N CAI. They do not increase power at all, and allow easier access for water to get into the intake. If you are just talking about the K&N filter then yes go for it, mine is still in perfect condition after 100,000 miles.

 

x2. Best bang for your buck is going to be a tuner.. something like the X-Cal4 or older if you can find one. A lot of people use Fred from Rogue Performance.. but there are other places you can use. Tuner is my next mod.. should have done it a long time ago.

 

Check out tirerack.com or discounttiredirect.com for wheels and tires. Prices are usually pretty decent there.

 

Thanks for the welcome and advice, guys. Great forum here

 

Welcome to RF! If you want a lift, but don't want to worry about your suspension, get a body lift. It won't change anything with your suspension. 3" body lifts are popular, cheap, relatively easy to install, and will allow you to get 33" tires if you want. 1" body lifts are also possible if you just want a little lift and 31s.

Exhaust: Flowmaster and Magnaflow are popular options for stock Rangers. I just picked up a Spintech myself, but haven't installed it yet. Best thing you can do is watch videos on YouTube of different setups to decide what you like. Here's a link to the muffler I bought, but on a stock setup. I'm nowhere near stock though lol

 

that exhaust sounds nice. thanks for the input!