aspiring 1997 ford ranger pre runner build

[BipolarCentral]

i own a 1997 ford ranger xlt 2.3 L 4 cylinder and i want to built it into a pre runner. I’m not looking for super crazy mods and crazy amounts of power and yes i know this will take lots of time to build but i’d just like some help with where i should start. My main goal for right now is focusing on some new suspension and wheels but i’m not very educated on suspension so i’m not too sure on what exactly to buy to build the suspension needed for pre running and stuff like that. Another thought of mine is if its even worth it with a 4 cylinder engine since it seems everyone has a v6 or better in their pre runner. basically what i’m asking is can i build a fun little pre runner which i also daily to work (15 min drive) while having just a 4 cylinder and which mods to do to achieve a pre runner build. Any recommendations and ideas would be appreciated!

 

[dvdswan]

You can build Pre-Runner out of any vehicle. If you are looking to race the truck then you will need more power. If you're looking to have to look and play a little the 4 cyl will be fine.

You're doing the right thing about asking questions, but do some google searching as well, read a lot of articles on performance suspensions. Don't rush into it, research, research, research, and then decide how you want to go forward.

 

[scotts90ranger]

If you have a few hours to read a build thread, THIS ONE would be the one to follow... this guy starts out with similar to what you have and that vehicle went through several revisions and some of them were obtainable for a normal daily driver and would work for what you are asking

 

[pjtoledo]

don't want to scare you away, but try dezertrangers.com

 

[Dirtman]

In order to have a pre-runner you'll need to build the trophy truck first so it has something to pre run for.

 

[scotts90ranger]

Don't get ahead of things...

If it were me, I don't know what is available for 2wd's but to start I'd look into a 4" lift (hopefully with replacement leaf springs not just blocks in the back) and 33" tires, then ASAP I would try to find 4.88:1 or 5.13:1 gears so it is actually useful and driveable, being 2wd it will need low gears to get going... To get those gears you might have to go to a 8.8" axle but a Ranger 8.8 is a bolt in affair, and the install is way cheaper with the axle out of the vehicle...

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

How much money you want to spend? It can get very pricey very quick. I built a very low buck mostly stock race truck and I'm probably north of $10,000 into it. A lot of that is safety equipment but if you're doing whoops and jumps safety should be in there!

 

[dvdswan]

If you're doing whoops and jumps safety should be in there!

Not if he says, "Hold my beer and watch this...". Then safety is no longer a factor.