James O’Day (Forum Member JimO) built this 1987 Ford Ranger into an SCCA (Sports Car Club of America) Cam-T and Rallycross truck.
The Ranger uses a custom chassis with double A-arms in the front and rear. The chassis design was a combination of two space frame sections, and a center modified ladder frame. The chassis and A-arms were all designed and fabricated by Jim, and the front knuckles are from a Honda S2000.
The coilovers are single adjustable twin tubes QA1’s. Jim says he’s used these QAI’s for years and that they work well on smooth surfaces. The Ford 8.8 IRS rear axle is from a 2017 Ford Mustang.
In addition to the custom chassis, the Ranger uses a custom roll bar, floor pans, and transmission tunnel. Jim even built custom fender flares to cover the tires.
The engine is a Ford 3.7L Cyclone V6 making 300 horsepower and is backed by a Getrag / Ford MT82 6-speed manual transmission. The engine uses the stock Ford PCM and a Ron Francis harness.
Jim Installed electric power steering from a 2014 Toyota Corolla and uses a Flaming River rack n pinion.
Heat and air conditioning come from a Vintage heat and air kit using the factory A/C compressor.
A light weight 300 horsepower Ford Ranger has to be a blast to drive!
For more information on the 3.7L Cyclone swaps, check out Ford 3.7 Engine Swap.
Check out Jim’s build thread at: 87 Ranger GT (DD autocross Truck)
Classic American Muscle (CAM)
The purpose of CAM is to attract automobile enthusiasts who are currently interested and/or participating in autocross events for muscle cars and vintage vehicles manufactured in North America by GM, Ford, Chrysler, and AMC. These avid enthusiasts would largely be a new and different group to join us as SCCA members and participants. Regions are encouraged to offer this great recruitment tool to encourage Classic American Muscle car enthusiasts to join the fun at your SCCA Solo events!
Classic American Muscle – Traditional (CAM-T)
- Muscle cars, vintage automobiles, and trucks manufactured in North America
- In this case, the “T” stands for Traditional, and this class is for car and truck body styles originating from 1948 – 2000.
- Eligible vehicles: All vehicles manufactured in North America by GM, Ford, Chrysler, or AMC, or Studebaker with a front- engine rear-wheel (no electric or hybrid-electric vehicles)
- Must have been originally equipped with seating for at least 4 adults or be a Truck/SUV
- OE or OE equivalent wings which were standard or optional for the model of the vehicle may be added or removed
- Minimum weight w/driver is 3180 lbs.
For complete rules visit the SCCA Website.
Gallery:
Jim Oaks is the founder of TheRangerStation.com, the longest-running Ford Ranger resource online since 1999. With over 25 years of hands-on experience building and modifying Ford Rangers — including magazine-featured builds like Project Transformer — Jim has become one of the most trusted authorities in the Ford Ranger off-road and enthusiast space. In 2019, he was loaned a Ranger FX4 by Ford Motor Company to test and document across the TransAmerica Trail. Jim continues to inspire and guide Ranger owners around the world.
