85 ranger unknown what to do

[1976 seabee ranger]

85 lowrider, brother passed away needs work, should I go back to old school or do a runner style for out here in desert

 

[Robertmangrum.rm]

Man I have always had a soft spot for lowered first gens. I'm sorry for the circumstances. I'm sure he would be proud of what ever direction you decide to go. I look forward to watching your progress which ever direction you decide.

 

[SenorNoob]

Welcome to TRS!

Since it's already setup for low I'd keep it that way.

 

[Curious Hound]

Looks great as it is. I won’t tell you what to do, due to my personal bias towards a certain style.

 

[901wd#2]

Sorry for your loss, I’d make the bed match the cab and cruise.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

First, sorry for your loss.

Second, putting aside for a minute that it was your brother’s truck, the question of lifting or lowering (in this case leaving it low), is always a highly subjective question. Some people have really strong feelings for or against lifting and lowering. Personally, I’ve always had appreciation for both schools of thought. I lifted my Choptop (89 Bronco II) and I lowered my 00 green Ranger. I love both trucks, they are both a lot of fun. My F-150 is lifted when compared to stock trucks of its vintage but it’s really more heavy duty suspension and bigger tires. I’m looking at going with even bigger tires on the rebuild but maybe not really lifting it because it’s supposed to be a work rig and when you need a ladder to reach the ladder rack it becomes a little more awkward.

I try to build my vehicles for a particular purpose. I like a lot of different stuff and styles. Personally, considering that truck is already lowered, I’d be inclined to finish it out, make it nice, maybe build it for better performance if there’s anything left to do on that side of things. It would be a huge amount of work to build it the other direction and a big expense. Be easier to pick up a stock truck or someone’s abandoned project to build into a desert runner. But ultimately it’s your decision and we shouldn’t influence that too much.

 

[sgtsandman]

Sorry for your loss. Me personally, I would leave it as is and finish it. It will be a better reminder of your brother that way.

But it all depends on your aims for the truck as well. What do you want to do with it? Then consider what it would take to get you there, meaning labor and costs. Only you can decide what direction is worth it to you.