Hello!

My name is Ian, and while I’m newly registered to this forum, I’ve known about it for years. I figured I’d join finally.

I’ve been around Rangers for a while, starting with a 2008 that I ordered from the factory…. 2wd, duratec, manual trans, AC, cloth seats. I loved that truck, but it really sucked in the winter, even with a truetrac and studded tires. I sold it in 2012 so I could get a 4wd Ranger.

Here it is on the Bonneville salt flats in 2010:



Next Ranger was a 2002 FX4 auto, that was more abused than the owner let on. Soon after buying it and fixing the exhaust by putting a magnaflow catback on it, I could hear the torsen diff ring gear bolts that had sheared off bouncing around. It got a turetrac and a new ring and pinion. I did a torsion crank and put 32” tires, then offroaded it for a few years. I sold it in 2017 when my work got stupid busy and I didn’t have time to wrench.

Here it is near Moab in 2013:



My third Ranger was a stripper XL 2.3 2008 that was bought for really cheap as a salvage vehicle in 2015 (it was a rollover). I didn’t really have plans for it aside from missing my first 2008 truck, so I got a new roof put on it, installed AC, threw in a used trac lok differential, and drove it a while. I sold it when I felt like I had too many vehicles in 2017.

Here it is next to some dunes on the Oregon coast in 2015



In 2017 I bought a new Nissan Frontier. I couldn’t wait for the rumored new Ranger to come out, and needed something reliable. It’s been ok, but the seats have never fit me no matter what, and the turning circle is horrible. It is 100 times better in the winter with stability control though….


And most recently, a month ago I bought a 2005 FX4 (not level 2) for cheap that “needed an engine” because of zero compression on cyl #1. Turns out it was a broken intake valve spring. I took it down to the short block, replaced all the tensioners and valve springs, and resealed the engine. The bores looked ok, and the engine was really clean inside. I should have the engine back in this week, and hopefully driving next week. I’ve got the 31 spline rear diff from the 2002 FX4 for it, along with a front skid plate and the stainless tow hooks for the front, so it’ll be a FX4 Level 1.5 I guess. I have had a soft spot for red Rangers since my first one, so I’m glad to have one again.

Plans for this truck is: minor project vehicle, dump runs, home improvements, dirt bike hauler, and winter apocalypse vehicle. Not going to be a daily, just a backup vehicle. Depending on how we like it, it may end up on a few road trips…

 

Welcome to the forum

RED Rangers are the best