Advice needed moving forward

[85_Ranger4x4]

I have only used my winch for dragging trees and tree branches around, it really doesn't take much to start sliding tires, especially if it isn't in 4wd. My truck is heavier than most Rangers too...

I just have a 8k Smittybilt.

It is incredibly nice for pulling down tree branches around the farm though.

 

[Jim Oaks]

Winching is a last resort. Anytime one of us gets stuck on an adventure / off-roading we usually just recover the vehicle with a strap.

However, that only works if you have the room to move. I once found myself winching a group of people up a frozen hill on one of our winter trail rides. They couldn't get traction on it, and there was a curve at the top, so you couldn't do a straight line pull with a strap. Winching was the only option.

Those kinetic ropes stretch which means you need room to move, take up the slack and build energy. That might not be the best option if you're just pulling someone out of a ditch. You'll just end up dragging them down through the ditch.

Check out:

Choosing A Winch

What Most People Don’t Know About Winching

Warns Guide To Winching

Winching Tips

Winching Errors

Winching With A HiLift

Tow Straps – Hooks

Installing Tow Hooks 1993-1997

Installing Tow Hooks 1998-2011https://www.therangerstation.com/ov...-ranger-oem-tow-hooks-installation-1998-2011/

We have a bunch of articles on alternators and upgrading at:

Ignition, Charging & Computers - The Ranger Station

1983-2011 Ford Ranger & Bronco II ignition, charging, and computer guides. Manuals, diagnostics, alternators, batteries, PATS, and fuse info.

www.therangerstation.com

Such as:

130 Amp Alternator Swaphttps://www.therangerstation.com/tech/ford-ranger-2-8l-130-amp-alternator-swap/

130 AMP Alternator Install

130 AMP Alternator Upgrade

200 AMP Alternator Upgradehttps://www.therangerstation.com/tech/200-amp-alternator-upgrade/

This one will give an idea of what Rangers came with what, and how to tell the difference:

Ford Ranger Alternators (1983-2011) - The Ranger Station

Adding accessories to your 1983-2009 Ford Ranger may require you to have a bigger alternator to meet the demand.

www.therangerstation.com

If you're wanting to haul firewood in your Ranger, you should check out:

Ford Ranger Payloads - The Ranger Station

Ford Ranger payload capacity explained by year. Learn GVWR limits, Payload Package #2 ratings, and the risks of exceeding payload.

www.therangerstation.com

Start a build thread here so we can see what you have and what you're doing. There are a lot of knowledgeable people here that can answer your questions and point you in the right direction as you go.

 

[Heather’s94]

The bare minimum for winter recovery or other inclement weather/natural disaster use is a 3/4t full size. When I was a wildland firefighter, I drove a relatively ancient M37 military “Power Wagonesque” monstrosity.

Today’s rig of choice for said use? A gmt400 (OBS Chevrolet) K3500 (1t 4wd) c&c (narrow) dually. 350 that is most likely getting carbureted and coil in cap hei converted. Solid axle swapped (IFS is -useless- on a working truck), C60 (vintage Kodiak/Topkick) springs, Dana 60-70-80 front axle with manual locking hubs… 35-10.5-16 bias ply mudders since Power King 9.00-16LT are no longer available in the USA. More affordable/accessible/likely is 7.50-16 LT, the 14 ply bias version of an LT235/85r16… Rated to a 65mph top speed.

“Can” you use a Ranger/Explorer, CJ, YJ, TJ, XJ, Dakota, S10, Tacoma or similar? Of course. Should you? Maybe… Similar weight vehicle or smaller. Hyper aggressive ATs, 3 peak rated. Up armor your bumpers and frame. Add enough lights to the truck to see in pitch black, pouring down rain/ice storms. Max out your insurance coverage… We get ice storms, tornados, hurricane/tropical storm remnants, wildfires. Honestly, a minitruck isn’t suitable in those conditions. I started out in wildfire/storm response in 1987. I’ve completely destroyed a LOT of trucks in that time. If your Ranger is important to you, don’t use it for that kind of task…

 

[RangerThings93]

Winching is a last resort. Anytime one of us gets stuck on an adventure / off-roading we usually just recover the vehicle with a strap.

However, that only works if you have the room to move. I once found myself winching a group of people up a frozen hill on one of our winter trail rides. They couldn't get traction on it, and there was a curve at the top, so you couldn't do a straight line pull with a strap. Winching was the only option.

Those kinetic ropes stretch which means you need room to move, take up the slack and build energy. That might not be the best option if you're just pulling someone out of a ditch. You'll just end up dragging them down through the ditch.

Check out:

Choosing A Winch

What Most People Don’t Know About Winching

Warns Guide To Winching

Winching Tips

Winching Errors

Winching With A HiLift

Tow Straps – Hooks

Installing Tow Hooks 1993-1997

Installing Tow Hooks 1998-2011https://www.therangerstation.com/ov...-ranger-oem-tow-hooks-installation-1998-2011/

We have a bunch of articles on alternators and upgrading at:

Ignition, Charging & Computers - The Ranger Station

1983-2011 Ford Ranger & Bronco II ignition, charging, and computer guides. Manuals, diagnostics, alternators, batteries, PATS, and fuse info.

www.therangerstation.com

Such as:

130 Amp Alternator Swaphttps://www.therangerstation.com/tech/ford-ranger-2-8l-130-amp-alternator-swap/

130 AMP Alternator Install

130 AMP Alternator Upgrade

200 AMP Alternator Upgradehttps://www.therangerstation.com/tech/200-amp-alternator-upgrade/

This one will give an idea of what Rangers came with what, and how to tell the difference:

Ford Ranger Alternators (1983-2011) - The Ranger Station

Adding accessories to your 1983-2009 Ford Ranger may require you to have a bigger alternator to meet the demand.

www.therangerstation.com

If you're wanting to haul firewood in your Ranger, you should check out:

Ford Ranger Payloads - The Ranger Station

Ford Ranger payload capacity explained by year. Learn GVWR limits, Payload Package #2 ratings, and the risks of exceeding payload.

www.therangerstation.com

Start a build thread here so we can see what you have and what you're doing. There are a lot of knowledgeable people here that can answer your questions and point you in the right direction as you go.

I appreciate you taking the time to respond with so many resources; I'll read through so that I can make informed decisions moving forward.

 

[Heather’s94]

THIS “was” my inclement weather, natural disaster, search and rescue truck. The aforre mentioned K3500. That needs thousands of hours/dollars poured back into it…