2006 FX4 Daily / Offroad Build

[Corey H]

Hi Everyone!

I want to start this build thread not because a lot has been done to the truck and needing to catch everyone up on it, but because I have some plans and ideas for the truck and want to hear others input and also get some help along the way!

I introduced myself in the in the introduction thread here but a couple members let me know this would be the best way to start off by posting here and creating my own thread!

A quick summary is I had a 2000 Ford Ranger as my first vehicle in 2011 but had to get rid of because I ruined the transmission doing 4WD things in a 2WD truck haha. I always loved the truck and Ranger so I have been looking for one a little awhile and finally found one that i thought had great potential and also was a killer price that it was too hard to say no to.

It's a 2006 FX4 Extended Cab with a 4.0. It has 147,000 on it. The previous owner used it as a daily but had got a Tacoma and didn't need it any longer. He updated it slightly and throw in some extras with sale, which made it even harder to say no to. But it has a Century topper, kicker sub, amp, speaker, Sony radio (guy was a electrician so the install is clean), Pro Comp wheels and 32 inch tires. The bad is bed floor towards the front of the cab and supports are rusted (but it is due to a plastic liner) but this is the only area and the rest of the truck is super clean, he had a failed ball joint that caused the driver fender to sit on the tire and damage it and lastly is he was planning on adding a front locker but never got to it, so the front diff is not currently in the truck but it came with the truck and is sitting in the bed.

I'll do another post after this to avoid this one getting any longer of my plans and ideas! Hope to hear from and meet some more people!

Here are some pictures of when i picked it up!

 

[Uncle Gump]

One thing you should consider with the 4.0L SOHC... certainly if you don't know the history. Invest in a set of new timing chain tensioners. You can do a little searching and find install info. But the early SOHC engine got a bad rap for the timing chains letting go. There are revised parts out but if one let's go... it will totally ruin your day.

If you hear any kind of rattle... especially on a cold start... do it soon.

 

[Uncle Gump]

I know @DILLARD000 has a good write up for some of the weak areas on the SOHC... maybe he can chime in with his list.

 

[Corey H]

I know @DILLARD000 has a good write up for some of the weak areas on the SOHC... maybe he can chime in with his list.

When I found out about the truck and the its specs, I did look into it and the timing chain was one of the things I found I need to be careful of prior to buying it. From the test drive and since driving I haven’t heard any rattle luckily. But if I can be proactive rather than reactive I would want to. My question is since it’s a 06 and from what I read a lot of issues were resolved by that year. So is it still an issue for an 06 or did the revised parts go in my engine from the factory?

However, if there are other weak areas to be looked at I’d like to know for sure!

 

[Uncle Gump]

By 06 all the revised components were in place.

I did mine at 85k... I plan to log some road trip miles in the next couple three years with this truck... with roughly 135k now... I'm gonna change them again. Colyes parts and after long sit times (7 to 10 days) I get a rattle out of the right side on the first start. I found Ford replacements and bought a pair. I'm gonna do the passenger side. Then I'll do the driver side one when I change out the thermostat housing. Which is another weak link in the SOHC.

I'm proactive with them. It too expensive if they fail.

Keep the oil clean. I use motorcraft synthetic blend and always a motorcraft filter. They are anti drain back.

Then just respect it and drive like ya wanna get several more years out of it.

 

[Corey H]

By 06 all the revised components were in place.

I did mine at 85k... I plan to log some road trip miles in the next couple three years with this truck... with roughly 135k now... I'm gonna change them again. Colyes parts and after long sit times (7 to 10 days) I get a rattle out of the right side on the first start. I found Ford replacements and bought a pair. I'm gonna do the passenger side. Then I'll do the driver side one when I change out the thermostat housing. Which is another weak link in the SOHC.

I'm proactive with them. It too expensive if they fail.

Keep the oil clean. I use motorcraft synthetic blend and always a motorcraft filter. They are anti drain back.

Then just respect it and drive like ya wanna get several more years out of it.

Oh damn you are the definition of proactive in regards to that haha. When you are doing your replacement from the videos I watched you are taking out the whole engine and chains for the tensioners? Or is there a way to replace them easier? I'd be interested in doing them at 150K.

Even though its at 147K and the previous owner said it was changed at 145K I am getting it changed anyway to be on the cautious side.

I heard about the thermostat housing also, are you going with OEM plastic or switching to an aluminum?

 

[Uncle Gump]

To replace chains and guides... engine removal.

Chain tensioners are spring loaded hydraulic cylinders that apply tension to the guide to keep pressure on the chains. They can be done engine in place. Passenger is pretty easy through the wheel well. Driver side requires removal of a couple components to get to.

 

[Corey H]

To replace chains and guides... engine removal.

Chain tensioners are spring loaded hydraulic cylinders that apply tension to the guide to keep pressure on the chains. They can be done engine in place. Passenger is pretty easy through the wheel well. Driver side requires removal of a couple components to get to.

Damn so you already took you engine out once and will be doing it again for the tensioners. I don't mind doing a lot of mechanical but that might be a bit out of my range. I'll have to look into a cost to get it done.

 

[Corey H]

Didn't get to it before but here are my plans and wants for the truck. Let me know what you think! Also if anyone has any input id appreciate it and or if people have some extra parts!

Engine and Drivetrain

- Replace radiator with full aluminum radiator and electric fan set up - Looking at Alloyworks​

- Silicone radiator hoses​

- Replace thermostat housing with full aluminum - Looking at Simmons Auto​

- Replace gaskets for most of the engine - Looking at the Felpro kit​

- Screamin Demon Coils​

- Cold air intake - Looking at afe or K&N​

- Throttle body spacer - Looking at afe​

- Upgrade master brake cylinder​

- Multi connection battery terminals​

- Rear brake disc conversion - North Racecar​

- Rear locker - Auburn Select-A-Lock​

- Front locker or LSD?​

​

Suspension

- Lift or long travel (I want to get rid of torsion bars and get a better on and off road ride) I am going to need some help figuring which way to go on this for the best outcome.​

- If i go lift it would be a 5" Rough Country and coil conversion​

- If i go long travel it would be BTF basic 4x4 long travel​

- Deaver springs​

- Replace leaf spring shackles and mounts - Looking at Kartek​

- Rear shocks​

- Rear sway bar​

​

Exterior

- Replace bed floor panel and supports​

- Line X the bed​

- Replace driver fender, either will be just driver or both because of long travel​

- STX grill​

- Cab visor​

- Paint the topper black to match truck​

- Emblem rear camera​

- Tailgate assist - Have an idea to use from 2016 F150​

- Raptor liner all plastic and potentially underbody​

- Mirror turn signal - Looking at Muth​

- Mirror puddle light - Morimoto​

- Retrofit headlights - Morimoto​

- Different rims - Have a set of Mickey Thompson​

- Offroad front bumper​

​

Interior

- Replace vinyl with carpet - Looking at Stock Interiors​

- Replace headliner with black flat knit​

- Full OEM black interior plastic​

- Driver A pilar pods - Ortiz Custom Pods​

- Full length OEM tremor console - Ordered and on its way​

- 2014 Raptor upfitter switches in console​

- Relocation of 4x4 selector and replace with 2019 Ranger​

- Relocation of airbag on/off​

- Explorer overhead console, visors and mirror​

- Buggman LED for overhead console​

- Explorer Sport Trac headlight switch​

- Removal of dome light and replace with ones from 2016 F150​

- ETAC conversion​

- Glove box light​

- Armrest wireless charging​

- Explorer power and heated to existing seats​

- Auto up and down windows​

- 2008 window, lock and mirror switches​

 

[Uncle Gump]

Damn so you already took you engine out once and will be doing it again for the tensioners. I don't mind doing a lot of mechanical but that might be a bit out of my range. I'll have to look into a cost to get it done.

I've never had the engine out. Tensioners are done in vehicle.

 

[Uncle Gump]

That's an ambitious list... way more energy then I have anymore. I'm tired just looking at it... lmao.

You didn't mention tires...

Tire size will be dictated by gear ratio. What gear do you have?

FX4 with trailer tow probably has 4.10 gears. While not optimal... 33's are usable. Nothing bigger unless you gear it.

I would likely pass on all the long travel stuff... even the RC lift. $130 is what it cost me to buy a 1 inch body lift i pieced together... turn the torsion bars up 1inch over factory upper limit. You likely have the big torsion bars already. A fresh set of Bilstiens all around. Freshen up the rear springs if they need it. Rebuild the Trac Lock diff... 33's and go have fun with it.

That will get you driving down the road and let you have a shit of fun off road with pretty decent manners. Most importantly... it didn't cost a small fortune to do it.

 

[Corey H]

Hahaha agree completely it’s definitely ambitious, I guess that’s what happens when you finally get a Ranger after years of wanting one, well see how much actually gets done…

Tries on the truck are in pretty good shape and they are 32x12.5 and the truck is geared for 4.10, so right now no plan on changing tires

That’s a fair point, I just don’t completely love body lifts and the ride right now

Since the truck is on 32s and the torsions cracked already, I don’t know how much more I could get out of the truck with it’s current setup or maybe I’m just being picky haha

 

[Corey H]

Was finally able to start on the truck with some the upgrades.

Got the full length console about a month ago and started on the install. Got it mocked up and partial installed and usable. I am working on the airbag relocation to the glove box and also messing around with some ideas to modify the console.

 

[Corey H]

Haven't been to a junkyard in over 10 years and got really lucky last weekend on a 2000 Limited Explorer and couple 08 Rangers in the yard. Was able to grab a bunch off of them even though they had been in the yard for over 3 weeks.

Was able to get front seats and wiring (all power and heated so i was super pumped with that cause I wanted them but didn't think i would find or get them anytime soon), seat memory, visors (expect the driver wire connector was broken), overhead console wiring, glove box light, auto dimming mirror (need to ask you guys on if i can still make it work), 08 door pull, window and lock switches for driver and passenger.

 

[Corey H]

Realized I didn't put any pictures of all the junkyard finds.

Anyone that can provide some input on the dimming mirror and if the one I got can be used since the sensor plastic is broke or if that part can be replaced and not the whole mirror