BlackBII 1989 Ford Ranger STX 4×4
Congratulations to forum member BlackBII and his 1989 Ford Ranger STX 4×4 for winning the January 2024 Truck of The Month!
BlackBII completely rebuilt this Ranger and performed all of the work himself. The result is a truck that combines carefully selected upgrades with the look and character of a period-correct Ford Ranger.
One of the most interesting features is the custom steering system. Superlift discontinued its Superrunner steering system years ago, so BlackBII developed his own improved version. The setup uses dual pitman arms and custom “GM 1-ton” K-Link steering to provide a unique solution for the truck’s modified suspension.
The attention to detail throughout the build is equally impressive. BlackBII gave the Ranger a period-correct appearance with a NOS Rally Bar, lights, and a NOS STX stripe package. Combined with the fresh Oxford White paint, the finished truck looks like something that could have rolled off a Ford dealer’s lot this way.
Our forum members liked it so much that they voted it the January 2024 Truck of The Month. It later went on to tie for the 2024 Truck of The Year.
Modifications
Engine & Drivetrain
- 1992 Ford Explorer 4.0L V6 (the Ranger did not receive the 4.0L until 1990)
- M5OD “Hybrid” manual transmission with 2.3L M5OD gears in a 4.0L M5OD case
- Custom transmission crossmember tied into the radius arm brackets
- BW1354 electronic-shift transfer case
- Dana 35 TTB front axle with 4.56 gears and Aussie Locker
- Ford 8.8-inch rear axle with disc brakes, 4.56 gears, and rebuilt Traction-Lok differential
- Custom axle locknuts with locking bolts
Steering & Brakes
- Manual steering box
- GM electric power steering
- Power steering pump delete
- Custom “GM 1-ton” K-Link steering
- 1985 Ford F-350 brake master cylinder
Suspension
- 6-inch Skyjacker coils
- Skyjacker M95 shocks
- 4-inch Superlift axle pivot brackets
- Custom extended radius arms with SPC X-Axis joints
- 4-inch Skyjacker FR34S leaf springs
- Custom anti-wrap bar
- Polyurethane leaf spring bushings, axle pivot bushings, sway bar bushings, and more
Body & Chassis
- 1/2-inch body lift
- Polyurethane body mounts
- Ford Bronco II fuel tank relocated behind the rear axle
- 2011 Ford side mirrors
- New Oxford White paint
- NOS Red STX decals (E9TZ-1020000-DD)
- NOS Rally Bar with aftermarket lights
Wheels & Tires
- 16×8 American Racing Outlaw II wheels
- Replica factory hubcaps
- 285/75R16 General Grabber AT tires
Interior
- 1992 Ford Explorer dashboard
- 1992 Ford Explorer seats and center console
- Complete interior, including the headliner and rear panel carpet (hard-to-find pieces for a second-generation single cab)
- Dynamat throughout the entire cab
- Fully insulated heater box
BlackBII’s custom steering system uses dual pitman arms and a custom K-Link steering arrangement.
More Information
See more photos and details of this build in the forum:
BlackBII’s White Ranger | The Ranger Station
Photos
Click any photo to enlarge.
About The Author
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.
Since launching TheRangerStation.com, Jim has documented thousands of real-world Ranger builds, technical repairs, drivetrain swaps, suspension modifications, and off-road adventures contributed by owners worldwide. TheRangerStation.com has been referenced in print, video and online by enthusiasts, mechanics, and off-road builders looking for practical, and experience-based information.
