New & Already Rolling

[SpifNup]

Hi to All. New memb. New Ranger.

Last Ranger lasted 18y. Still runnin' strong at trade-in (only 130k mi).
Hope to get 10y+ on new one (and some nice trips).

Already scoping out anti-rust plans, commencing with Krown protection.

Looking over small accessories (some on order, like hood struts) to improve & customize my rig.

Next up is tailgate damper, once I settle on a reliable brand (is DeeZee ok?).
How to minimize tailgate cable pinching or abrading on damper?

Meanwhile carefully shopping many choices for bed extender & eventually a tonneau.

Typically enjoy function over form and bang for my buck.
Enjoy mental tradeoffs before expenditures (study, learn, plan, shop, compare & contrast).

But inexpensive beautification projects may be attractive and catch my eye.

Speaking of small ... already replaced orig roof antenn with 4-inch AM/FM stub.
To ensure I can make my Krown app't without a damaging garage exit.

Only been out once since initial park. Propped garage door a tad higher with carefully inserted broom.

Not a big motorhead historically, but have done brakes and tuneups & sometimes more complex things.
Enjoy minor to moderate DIY stuff and troubleshooting when required.

All tips welcome, thanks!

--Spiffy

 

[RumPunch]

I put the DZ damper on mine and it's ok. Little slower than I prefer which I did only install it to prevent someone from dropping the tailgate on the trailer. But it you have something you want to slide in the back it takes it a few seconds to get down. O lay complaint. No issues with cables getting caught..?

 

[SpifNup]

I put the DZ damper on mine and it's ok. Little slower than I prefer [...]. No issues with cables getting caught..?

Thanks, RumPunch.

Appreciate speed feedback. Maybe better slow than fast ... when new.
Guessing could speed up after 'break-in' use or some sort of lube.
Or when temps improve in spring. [ I certainly will! ]

Did your DZ come with lube (or did you need/desire to use anything)?

Have read about some folks' cable issues (don't recall damper brand).
Perhaps later models (trucks or dampers) have resolved.
Not sure but some pics or videos may show a 'cutout' (or have triangular form) for molding near top of driver side cable.
Either way, maybe less material to jam or abrade.

Appreciate your reply,
--Spiffy

 

[Josh B]

Welcome to Ranger station SpifNup, took me a minute to catch that. You'll find a lot of great folks around here
Good luck with your truck.

 

[RumPunch]

Here ya go
I didn't have to add any lubricant or anything just use it. Still seems slow(2 years 70k miles)

 

[SpifNup]

Thanks guys! (Josh B & Rum P)

 

[Stumblefoot]

The reason it's slow is the Ranger tailgate doesn't weigh anything. The same strut on a F250 is MUCH faster, 'cause the tailgate weighs alot.

As for mods, and I'll catch some crap for this, is a tuner or programmer. I use a Super Chip on my 3.0 and it helps alot.

 

[Josh B]

The reason it's slow is the Ranger tailgate doesn't weigh anything. The same strut on a F250 is MUCH faster, 'cause the tailgate weighs alot.

As for mods, and I'll catch some crap for this, is a tuner or programmer. I use a Super Chip on my 3.0 and it helps alot.

What exactly does a tuner do?

 

[SpifNup]

Just installed my DeeZee tailgate damper yesterday.

Very simple. Works like a charm.
Yes, a bit slow, but great!
Slow tailgate drop doesn't let me down at all.

Only had to 'train' the regular cable (tweak it by gently putting a tiny S-bend in it) to quit sticking between damper cylinder and tailgate frame during closure.

Think there's a small clip I still need to affix (left in orig packaging)--to secure the attach at one ball joint.
I better get that clip installed ... before my better half commences to keep the new truck clean. cuz Valentine's Day, lol.

VALENTINE STORY

She's a clean machine. Speaking about the wife.
She'll soon take over tossing out items left in new truck.

Oops, got a few tools accumulating on floor by back seats. Better move 'em quick.

She's so organized (you'll love this like I do) she puts all crescent wrenches in same storage drawer. And all tape measures in tape measure dwr. And all screwdrivers in screwdriver dwr. All plug in wall chargers (regardless what electrical item it powers) in same chargers dwr. Cables neatly wound and secured. Etc.

Highly organized.

That way I can't misplace anything. Just ask her & she'll point me to the correct storage dwr (her memory's generally excellent--its her backup storage system. Bunch of squirrel genes <cough>.

But don't ask me the location of my mechanics toolbox or electrical toolkit. Those be empty . . . and perhaps re-purposed.
I'll have to ask the chief what dwrs to search.

--all Spif'd Up