25th Anniversary TRS Ranger

[Jim Oaks]

If I get a 2019 I'll design my own front bumper.

When I saw Calmini at Overland Expo they wanted to build a Ranger with me. They have a 3.5 inch kit that uses Radflo coilovers instead of spacers. Not sure if I'd try to do something with them, or do a Skyjacker lift since I've used and promoted their suspensions for so long.

I'd like to find a 1983-1988 short bed regular cab Ranger and then use the suspension, drivetrain, bed cage and adapt the front bumper from TRS-2. Paint it like TRS-1 and make it a tribute to TRS-1 & TRS-2.

 

[1990RangerinSK]

I say used the most current edition you can and build a tribute to the most infamous Ranger of all.

You mean the truck that was never built, so it doesn't exist (according to Ford)?

 

[JoshT]

You mean the truck that was never built, so it doesn't exist (according to Ford)?

What was the story behind that one, its been so long I can't remember. I'm thinking that TRS used to have an article on it, but I can't even remember what it was called.

 

[RumPunch]

I love the idea of 2008 truly following tradition and year .. I also believe Jim should have a lot of experience on the 2019+ platform with the trail rides, which while on that argument what happened to that ranger @Jim Oaks I thought that was yours..? Either way buying an 08 or that era truck right now is ridiculous because of the market so you would be sinking extra money into a project that will instantly never be worth that much again where as a 2019+ truck you would still have several years of fun time and still be relatively new(within 10 years so people can get an auto loan) to resell if need be. It boils down to money and what you want. All of these are great ideas. My 2¢ if you go 2019+ (or any year) paint scheme seems a must. Saw a newer blue one in Greenville NC about a year ago with a retro graphic looked really good. Didn't get a pic.

On another note, this is THE RANGER STATION but with the directions and likelyness of the vehicles is a Bronco or older Bronco II out of the build question?

Also you potentially already have sponsors for the 19+? That's big considering money as a factor.

And one other consideration is timeline to completion. A 19+ is probably from time of purchase 6 months to a year vs the older trucks could go on for years depending on level of work needed, parts availability etc.. just a thought.

 

[Curious Hound]

I also believe Jim should have a lot of experience on the 2019+ platform with the trail rides, which while on that argument what happened to that ranger @Jim Oaks I thought that was yours..?

It was on loan for roughly 6 months. Hence the name “Loan Ranger”

 

[Saddle Tramp]

What was the story behind that one, its been so long I can't remember. I'm thinking that TRS used to have an article on it, but I can't even remember what it was called.

I believe Ford built it for SEMA and it was stolen and then sold multiple times.
That's the rumor anyways.

 

[fastpakr]

That's the Sea Splash truck, right?

 

[Saddle Tramp]

Yep

 

[1990RangerinSK]

What was the story behind that one, its been so long I can't remember. I'm thinking that TRS used to have an article on it, but I can't even remember what it was called.

I did find this: Ford Ranger Sea Splash Concept Is A 1990s Time Capsule (motor1.com). There's other info around, I'm sure.

 

[Jim Oaks]

I'm going to have to write the true story about this truck

 

[JoshT]

That's the Sea Splash truck, right?

I was remembering it being a Ford concept or SEMA vehicle, and was pretty certain that it had something to do with the Splash. For some reason I forgot that the Splash was ever made as a 4x4. I just remembered then as being 2wd flaresides that were slightly lowered from the factory.

 

[Curious Hound]

I was remembering it being a Ford concept or SEMA vehicle, and was pretty certain that it had something to do with the Splash. For some reason I forgot that the Splash was ever made as a 4x4. I just remembered then as being 2wd flaresides that were slightly lowered from the factory.

Definitely had a 4x4 version. I've got one.

 

[Blmpkn]

I thought someone had posted the true story about that truck a couple years ago, and it got deleted for some reason

It was either that one or a red one?

 

[bobbywalter]

This forum is supposed to be ap lace for all Ranger owners right?

If you go by commonly accepted generations according to Wikipedia (I don't) there have been 4 generations of Ranger this far.

TRS-1 is/was a first gen lifted 4x4 offroad truck (<is it still around?)
TRS-2 is a second gen lifted 4x4 offroad truck

Currently no representation for third gens or lowered street trucks.

My vote is for a gen three, 1998-2011 Ranger. This generation is old enough to be affordable and new enough to carry a strong aftermarket how ever you decide to build it.

Since 2008 was the 25th anniversary of the Ranger, I think that would be a fitting platform to build for the 25th anniversary of TRS.
Build it into a lowered street truck to spread the love around and show inclusion for our street truck crowd.

I know that's not likely to happen, Jim seems more of an offroad truck enthusiast than one for street trucks. Doesn't make sense for him to build a street truck if that's not the scene he's into.

My next vote would be for a 2019+ offroad truck to welcome the new crowd and embrace the continuation of the Ranger in it's current form.

Have you seen the batmobile....Jim has a batmobile.

 

[JoshT]

Have you seen the batmobile....Jim has a batmobile.

Can't say that I have. Depending on the batmobile, it could still be more of an offroad vehicle.

IE: The Tubler

and the Emo Batmobile