Crazy TRS Project Ranger Idea

[Jim Oaks]

How's this for a crazy project truck idea.

Take this Ford Ranger Mirage, and turn it in to a mini EarthRoamer. Call it the EarthRanger STX, or EarthRanger TRS

Add fiberglass front fenders to flare it out to go with the rear a little better. Heck, we could even get a conversion kit to turn it in to the later generation style.

Swap out the 2.9L for a 4.0L or 5.0L.

Convert to 4x4.

In my defense, I've been up all night and haven't slept

Ok, I'm going to bed now

 

[91stranger]

It would look a lot better with simple upgrades like suspension and better tires. Fender flares always make these look better. It's honestly really clean for what it is. Make sure all the sealant on the roof is good to keep that evil water out.

 

[bobbywalter]

super duty axles and 3.2 transit engine....


actually a 3.7 from a mustang manual application would be perfect. but on an ext cab platform

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Thats an 84.

So its a 2.8.

Either way, itd be a cool idea. Top heavy as hell, but a cool idea.

 

[fastpakr]

Thats an 84.

So its a 2.8.

Either way, itd be a cool idea. Top heavy as hell, but a cool idea.

How can you tell the year?

 

[Ranger850]

How's this for a crazy project truck idea.

Take this Ford Ranger Mirage, and turn it in to a mini EarthRoamer. Call it the EarthRanger STX, or EarthRanger TRS

Add fiberglass front fenders to flare it out to go with the rear a little better. Heck, we could even get a conversion kit to turn it in to the later generation style.

Swap out the 2.9L for a 4.0L or 5.0L.

Convert to 4x4.

In my defense, I've been up all night and haven't slept

Ok, I'm going to bed now

I noticed you didn't mention any EB motor options. Why not? It seems to me this would be the perfect application for one.

 

[Jim Oaks]

Good catch Rusty. The craigslist ad lists it as a 1984, and the seller said it had a 2.9l. It's probably a 2.8 with a C3. Also probably very under powered.

An EcoBoost would be awesome in one of these.

super duty axles and 3.2 transit engine....


actually a 3.7 from a mustang manual application would be perfect. but on an ext cab platform

That RV body on an extended cab would be awesome. Definitely more room for us taller guys.

 

[fastpakr]

Didn't the 2.8 get the C5? If so, my recollection is that you can put a C4's V8 bellhousing on the C5 and keep the driveline portion of a V8 swap pretty simple.

 

[Jim Oaks]

The 4x4 got the C5. The 2wd got a C3.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

A4LD came out in ‘85 for the 2.8. Before that was C3/5.

Cab chassis stuff can get weird though.

 

[Jim Oaks]

A4LD came out in ‘85 for the 2.8. Before that was C3/5.

Cab chassis stuff can get weird though.

Yep. The 8.8 axle showed up when the Ford Ranger got the 4.0L. But it had been available in the chassis cab Ranger going back to around 1986. It's my understanding that Ford first used the 8.8 in 1983, so there's a chance that this Ford Ranger RV has one.

Nobody has said whether they think it's a good idea, or that I'm suffering from not enough sleep.

 

[ryan]

how close are the bed dimensions through the years? I'd rather put that onto a newer ranger than swap out everything on an old one

 

[Jim Oaks]

how close are the bed dimensions through the years? I'd rather put that onto a newer ranger than swap out everything on an old one

I agree, but it appears to be molded to the sides of the cab, so it would have to go on to a 1983-1989 cab.

Full width axles, and a fiberglass front conversion kit could give it more stability and an updated look. The fiberglass kit should also cover the wider front axle.

I like the uniqueness of it. It would definitely draw attention to wherever it went. Plus I like traveling

There's only (2) things holding me back;

I don't have my garage any more, and cash

 

[Ranger850]

Nobody has said whether they think it's a good idea, or that I'm suffering from not enough sleep.

Good idea Jim, now back to what can be done to this Monster. Dually axle in the rear like that silver Super Duty Ranger. EcoBoost V6. 4wd conversion. Cool Blue/White two tone with the red stripe about where " Mirago" lines are. Cool LED lights all over. New wheels. Parachute?

 

[Jim Oaks]

Parachute?