New to the forum

[Kade S.]

Hello! I drive a 2009 Ranger xl 2.3l automatic with only 31k miles. Pretty basic but Ive outfitted her with a 4" Maxtrac lift, black rock rims and 31 nitto terra grapplers. I am going for the overland idea with it so I added a camper shell and rack on top. I will soon be investing in an off-road winch bumper. Anyone have tips on a 2wd overlander?

 

[Dirtman]

Welcome

 

[Uncle Gump]

Pretty cool truck... you're on the right track going for a winch. Want is the gear ratio you have now? I would also consider a rear diff locker... some traction boards... HiLift jack and a means to air down tires and inflate.

Welcome to TRS...

 

[Curious Hound]

 

[Kade S.]

Pretty cool truck... you're on the right track going for a winch. Want is the gear ratio you have now? I would also consider a rear diff locker... some traction boards... HiLift jack and a means to air down tires and inflate.

Welcome to TRS...

Thank you! The gear ratio is 4.10.

 

[sgtsandman]

A RWD over lander? It can be done. I would make sure the cap has a reinforced roof before you consider installing a rack on it. Without the reinforcement, the roof orthe opening around the windows and the hatch can crack. A work around is to get a rack designed to fit between the cap and the bed so it takes the load instead of the cap if the manufacturer confirms yours is not reinforced. Chances are good it isn't.

I would get a good locker for the rear axle to minimize the chances of getting stuck. I read about a guy who did what you are wanting to do some years back and the story about what he did to set his Ranger up and the problems he had along the way. I would suggest searching to see if his blog or posting is still on the internet. The basic gist was that he was using his to overland his throughout Central and South America. I seem to remember him having some kind of frame issue along the way but I don't remember the details. He did have a nice setup though.

 

[Kade S.]

A RWD over lander? It can be done. I would make sure the cap has a reinforced roof before you consider installing a rack on it. Without the reinforcement, the roof orthe opening around the windows and the hatch can crack. A work around is to get a rack designed to fit between the cap and the bed so it takes the load instead of the cap if the manufacturer confirms yours is not reinforced. Chances are good it isn't.

I would get a good locker for the rear axle to minimize the chances of getting stuck. I read about a guy who did what you are wanting to do some years back and the story about what he did to set his Ranger up and the problems he had along the way. I would suggest searching to see if his blog or posting is still on the internet. The basic gist was that he was using his to overland his throughout Central and South America. I seem to remember him having some kind of frame issue along the way but I don't remember the details. He did have a nice setup though.

Thank you! I never really thought about that. Im not exactly sure if mine is reinforced. It has an extra inch of thickness on the inside of the roof which is where I mounted the tracks and seem to be very strong, I don't put too much weight on the rack when I use it for work and such but I will look into that to make sure i'm not causing any damage to my camper shell. I have definitely considered a locker, just don't know too much about it yet to think about purchasing one but maybe in the future. I will try to find that guy you are referring to, seems that would be a big help in advancing my build. Thanks for the reply!

 

[Dirtman]

I'd add 4.56 gears to your christmas list as well...

 

[Uncle Gump]

Here is the link to the vehicle sgtsandman is referring I believe.

Safari Pacific Exploration Ford Ranger - The Ranger Station

Travis Schanafelt is a member of The Ranger Station that posts under the name ‘MaoriExpeditions‘. He has a website, www.safaripacific.com. Travis is probably best known on this forum for his Ranger build that involved shortening the bed and extending the … Continued

www.therangerstation.com

 

[Kade S.]

Here is the link to the vehicle sgtsandman is referring I believe.

Safari Pacific Exploration Ford Ranger - The Ranger Station

Travis Schanafelt is a member of The Ranger Station that posts under the name ‘MaoriExpeditions‘. He has a website, www.safaripacific.com. Travis is probably best known on this forum for his Ranger build that involved shortening the bed and extending the … Continued

www.therangerstation.com

Thank you! I’ll check it out

 

[Ranger850]

Welcome to TRS

 

[Blmpkn]

I have a 2010 4cyl 2wd manual I'm going the (mild) overland route with. As it sits, Ive swapped the 3.73 open rear for a yukon duragrip lsd and 4.10s, and have 30x9.5 mud tires. It will soon have a 5k lb winch (building the mount now), a "half" tube front bumper, skidplate, and flat bed.

A limited slip/locker is going to be a must. I would also strongly suggest ditching the all terrains for something much more aggressive.

I second Dirtman in saying you'll want 4.56 gears, after a couple short overland "dry runs" I'm wishing I went all the way to 4.56, even with the manual trans.


Weight is a big concern for us. While a little extra in the back of a 2wd will help (to an extent) it really doesn't take much to start noticing a decrease in felt power. Your already at a slight disadvantage in the power department with the automatic and 31s, so for you to end up with a rig that's enjoyable to drive.. Especially off road.. your going to want to be real conscious of how much weight you add on.

A 5 gallon bucket full of sand weighs 60 pounds. Fill up enough buckets to weigh as much as everything you want to add to the truck for overland duty and take it on a dry run, see how it is. Definitely install a transmission temp guage first.


...and welcome!

 

[Kade S.]

I have a 2010 4cyl 2wd manual I'm going the (mild) overland route with. As it sits, Ive swapped the 3.73 open rear for a yukon duragrip lsd and 4.10s, and have 30x9.5 mud tires. It will soon have a 5k lb winch (building the mount now), a "half" tube front bumper, skidplate, and flat bed.

A limited slip/locker is going to be a must. I would also strongly suggest ditching the all terrains for something much more aggressive.

I second Dirtman in saying you'll want 4.56 gears, after a couple short overland "dry runs" I'm wishing I went all the way to 4.56, even with the manual trans.


Weight is a big concern for us. While a little extra in the back of a 2wd will help (to an extent) it really doesn't take much to start noticing a decrease in felt power. Your already at a slight disadvantage in the power department with the automatic and 31s, so for you to end up with a rig that's enjoyable to drive.. Especially off road.. your going to want to be real conscious of how much weight you add on.

A 5 gallon bucket full of sand weighs 60 pounds. Fill up enough buckets to weigh as much as everything you want to add to the truck for overland duty and take it on a dry run, see how it is. Definitely install a transmission temp guage first.


...and welcome!

Thanks for the tips!! I’ll consider how much weight I add on. Did you get the LSD installed or do it yourself?

 

[Blmpkn]

Im usually one to do my own work, but I paid to have that done. That way, I didn't have to get covered in god damn gear oil and it was done in a day lol.

I feel as if I got a better deal than most? I've read a lot of people saying they paid anywhere from 750 to 1200 just on labor.. I got out of it for 450.

 

[Kade S.]

Im usually one to do my own work, but I paid to have that done. That way, I didn't have to get covered in god damn gear oil and it was done in a day lol.

I feel as if I got a better deal than most? I've read a lot of people saying they paid anywhere from 750 to 1200 just on labor.. I got out of it for 450.

Okay yea I’d probably do the same thanks!