New---Where to start??

[sledneck]

I have always been a hardcore Ford guy, my DD is an 03 F-350 and I love it to pieces but there's no way I'd ever wheel that thing. I've always wanted to build a ranger that I could take out crawlin with my buddys, who for the most part drive cherokees. I just sold my Camaro (thank god) and I've got 4 grand to spend on a weekend wheeler. I'd like to run 33's and the one thing that I'm looking for is wheel travel and articulation.

I haven't purchased a ranger yet but I've been looking and I think that I can pick up a 93-97 4x4 for around 1500 bucks. that'll leave me with about 2500 bucks to throw into suspension components, wheels and tires, gear's, etc.

that being said I'd like to ask all you guys.....
If you were to start over again with your rigs and had 2500 bucks in your pocket what would you do?

I've done my homework and read thread after thread and tech article after tech article but theres so much information out there its hard to narrow down the best options.

thanks guys!!!

 

[4.0B2]

find one with the 4.0, md05 5 speed, 8.8, and d35 ttb front end..
extended cab or reg, is your preference. i'd get the extended..

 

[sledneck]

find one with the 4.0, md05 5 speed, 8.8, and d35 ttb front end..
extended cab or reg, is your preference. i'd get the extended..

Ya that's what I've kind of narrowed it down to. Browsing the local CL I've found quite a few for less than 2 grand.

I'm wondering what kind of suspension I should go with to be able to run 33's and be able to crawl. I know I'll need extended radius arms, soft coils and I'll probably have a shop in town build me new springs for the rear but I'm just looking for opinions keeping in mind I've got 2500 for parts including wheels and tires

 

[4.0B2]

yeah. for tires.. treadwright.com.. recap m/t's. a lot of people run them with good results.
33's for $100 a piece!
http://www.treadwright.com/p-71-265-75-r16-guard-dog-m-t-c.aspx
on your lift, piece together one
skyjacker brackets $260ish
xj jeep coils +4 probably $300ish new
make your radius arms.. with johnny joints.
rear do 63" chevy's. j/y!
stonecrusher steering $300??
and then the odds and ends.. of course.
maybe a 2 inch body lift..
what the classified here on TRS.
and look thru the whole tech library for lift options and remember TRIM YOUR FENDERS!
you'll wanna regear to 4.56's probably (if its strictly trail rig) if not 4.10's would be fine.

 

[sledneck]

Thanks for the info!! Ill definately be running a set of those tires. Thats crazy cheap!!

I'm thinking that I'll probably have to buy a set of radius arms even though I'd hate to just because I don't have access to a welder right now. Thats something I'll just have to figure out just as it comes though I guess. Thats really solid stuff though I really appreciate it.