2021 Ford Ranger FX4 TRS-3 Project Build

[Robertmangrum.rm]

Will do! I would like to escape New England and travel around a bit next year, buuut well see what happens... buying/building a house will hafta take priority.. blah.

But yes I do have the locker. Besides 4x4 the locker was the only other option I cared about having lol. I'm surprised it was so cheap to be honest.


It was the same with me. I wanted 4x4 and a locker. I may add TM later with forscan but haven't needed it yet.

 

[JohnnyO]

But yes I do have the locker. Besides 4x4 the locker was the only other option I cared about having lol. I'm surprised it was so cheap to be honest

Mine doesn't have the locker that I would have got and has the factory bedliner that I would have passed on but otherwise there is nothing I would have ordered differently, even the color was right. Didn't even have the step bars that I hate.
I don't plan to off-road it, it's mostly for getting me around in the winter. I got by with my 4x4 Sport Trac with traction control and no locker for 13 years. Twice during that time a L/S or locker would have been helpful in snow but I managed. I'll live with it.
I was going to order a 2021 but my Sport Trac blew a head gasket so instead of borrowing my mom's car and/or carpooling with my wife, this truck was 95% what I wanted and I could have now.

 

[Robertmangrum.rm]

Mine doesn't have the locker that I would have got and has the factory bedliner that I would have passed on but otherwise there is nothing I would have ordered differently, even the color was right. Didn't even have the step bars that I hate.
I don't plan to off-road it, it's mostly for getting me around in the winter. I got by with my 4x4 Sport Trac with traction control and no locker for 13 years. Twice during that time a L/S or locker would have been helpful in snow but I managed. I'll live with it.
I was going to order a 2021 but my Sport Trac blew a head gasket so instead of borrowing my mom's car and/or carpooling with my wife, this truck was 95% what I wanted and I could have now.

I almost bought a STX without a locker. But I mentioned that I wanted one to my Dealer and he said if I could wait a few days he would get me one. About 4 days later he had a Lariat FX4 with a locker and then I saw mine which is a XLT Sport with a locker. I liked the Lariat but didn't want leather. Wife's Focus has leather and I hate it. Cold in winter and I stick to it in the summer haha. I had also read that I could add the TM and TC with purchase of the switch and Forscan. So I got the XLT. Couldn't be happier. I still haven't added either but haven't needed them. I've done some pretty tough trails in it without any problems where I've seen other trucks struggle. These are some very capable trucks. And I've found I really enjoy the Android Auto on the screen as well.

 

[sgtsandman]

Good move on waiting for the locker. It’s been told that the non-locker equipped axles have the ring gear welded to the carrier rather than bolted.

There is a kit or two out there for the front and you need to get a replacement carrier for it for the same reason. If I remember correctly, you had to order one for a Jeep that shares the same axle. Ford doesn’t have one availble.

Why they would do that, I don’t know. Maybe it’s cheaper to weld than bolt. I can’t see that it would be faster with either method. Welding might actually be a bit slower. But hardware is an expensive item that adds up quick. Learned that from my trailer rebuild.

 

[JohnnyO]

Good move on waiting for the locker. It’s been told that the non-locker equipped axles have the ring gear welded to the carrier rather than bolted.

There is a kit or two out there for the front and you need to get a replacement carrier for it for the same reason. If I remember correctly, you had to order one for a Jeep that shares the same axle. Ford doesn’t have one availble.

The ring gear is welded to the carrier with both rear ends.
AFAIK the front is not welded. ARB makes air lockers for both but their instructions only mention the rear being welded and needing the Jeep Gladiator carrier and 3.73 gears.

 

[sgtsandman]

The ring gear is welded to the carrier with both rear ends.
AFAIK the front is not welded. ARB makes air lockers for both but their instructions only mention the rear being welded and needing the Jeep Gladiator carrier and 3.73 gears.

I stand corrected then. I thought people were talking about both axles. It could have been a misinterpretation on my part.

 

[JohnnyO]

 

[Jim Oaks]

​

Still waiting on the 3.5-Inch lift kit from Skyjacker Suspension. Meanwhile, I ordered a set of these ReadyLift Intrusion Beams to make room for the larger tires I'll be adding after the lift.

4Wheelparts price on these intrusion beams is $149.95 but since I reactivated my dealer account with a parts supplier I was able to order them for $119.52. Every little bit helps.

 

[sgtsandman]

I wonder if those will be more robust than the OEM ones because of that center rib?

I like how they tuck up in the wheel well notch.

 

[Blmpkn]

I wonder if those will be more robust than the OEM ones because of that center rib?

I like how they tuck up in the wheel well notch.

I've seen a fancy computerized model that points to the readylift being the strongest out of all the options, including oem.

 

[Jim Oaks]

The Skyjacker 3.5-Inch Suspension Lift Came This Week!

FR20350P - 3.5 in. Control Arm and Strut Spacer Lift Kit with Rear Blocks And U-bolts (Ford Ranger) - Skyjacker Suspensions ​

 

[Jim Oaks]

I installed a Home Depot Husky tool box in the bed for more storage. I have more plans for the bed.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

View attachment 85686
View attachment 85687​

I installed a Home Depot Husky tool box in the bed for more storage. I have more plans for the bed.

I hope that's not the permanent spot for the fire extinguisher...

 

[Jim Oaks]

I hope that's not the permanent spot for the fire extinguisher...

What's wrong with it being there?

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Once you have tools and what not in there it will be covered. Mount it high on the tool box, preferably on the outside. If the box is locked you waste precious time....
If its small enough I mount mine between the door and the drivers seat. Another good spot is on a headache rack behind the drivers side rear window (if you have a headache rack...)