Influential Rangers, Bronco IIs and Explorers

[Jim Oaks]

I've been watching American Icon: The Hot Rod.

They've been talking about influential hot rods that are now restored.

It got me thinking about the Ranger's, Bronco II's, and Explorers.

I've been into Rangers since 1992. I've seen a lot of these vehicles in magazines and online over the years. I can close my eyes and see these things running through my head. And some have inspired people in their builds.

If we were to look back on these vehicles (Ranger, Bronco II, Explorer), do you think there will be any that will stand out as being influential to both the 4x4 and street crowd? There's been a lot of nice RBV's built, but what ones have been the most influential.

Example:

As an example, I don't think there has been a Ford Explorer that has been as influential as Lee & Gloria Zimmermans 1991 Ford Explorer:

They really demonstrated how to flex a TTB suspension.

 

[straycat]

I lifted my 99 Ranger in 2000 and added 33x12x5 KO tires. So many people who see my truck have been inspired to lift and modify thier rides over the years. They ask me to help with this ot that, or come up with an idea as to what they can do next. I love to help out on any vehicle my buddy's or my future buddy's. We all care about who we are and not what we drive.

 

[pyro4fun]

I have to go with Mrs. Bigfoot / Bigfoot Ranger! I got to see it run as a kid and loved this truck!
http://www.bigfoot4x4.com/bfms-ranger.html

 

[BLOODBANE]

Yours Jim (original) there have been a few articles on it (if I remember correctly), plus you do get some media coverage because of TRS. Not to mention all the guys that put the V-8 in years ago (I did mine back in 2000). they kind of set up what works/what doesn't and set the markets. Just my thoughts....

 

[shane96ranger]

Might have to put Stray in the hospital with a torn rotator cuff after that post.

I agree with Pyro. The Bigfoot show is as iconic to Ford trucks in general as anything else.

Sent while I should be doing something else

 

[Bennybooster]

I lifted my 99 Ranger in 2000 and added 33x12x5 KO tires. So many people who see my truck have been inspired to lift and modify thier rides over the years. They ask me to help with this ot that, or come up with an idea as to what they can do next. I love to help out on any vehicle my buddy's or my future buddy's. We all care about who we are and not what we drive.

Wow, you are a really cool guy, I wish I was as cool as you. Your bolt on 2wd lift inspires me so much...... *Shakes head*



Edit: Oh, and Railman's truck has always been influential. Mainly cause John is a stand up guy, and knows his stuff

 

[Grey_04]

the rangers that have inspired me are the ones that are being used and abused. I enjoy reading all the build threads just to see what works and what doesn't.

(THIS INCLUDES THE LIFTED AND SLAMMED TRUCKS)

 

[4.0B2]

slo-vo's ranger he sold, IMO.
zimmerman explorer, of course!
trs-1, yes yours Jim.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I would have to say it is a hodge podge mix of a bunch of trucks on here that inspired me. I do remember seeing TRS1 on here and being blown away by what these little trucks could do.

I have never really seen much of them in magazines or on tv... if not for this website I imagine I would have junked it and moved on to other hobbies a long time ago.

 

[shane96ranger]

Back when I had my Explorer, I had people come up to me all the time and say "man, where did you get those wiper blades?", and "those tires are really nice, what size are they?". I've inspired them to get Rain X wiper blades, and 31 inch BFG A/T's. Every now and again, I inspire someone with my F150 to buy 87 octane fuel.


Just doin' what I can, when I can.


BTW, if I can help any of you out - let me know.

 

[Grey_04]

... if not for this website I imagine I would have junked it and moved on to other hobbies a long time ago.

x2 i know i would have, cauz i did and came back.