Newbie with 2011 XLT!

[pro-five-oh]

Hello all, just wanted to introduce myself as I've been a lurker for a while. My first Ranger, but had 3 Explorers before this.

I recently bought a 2011 XLT 2.3l 5MT, had to special order it because it's hard to find a regular cab that's fully loaded with a stick??? Anyway, I love this thing...except I need to modify it to my tastes.

1. remove intake snorkel on airbox, modify plastic funnel behind headlight to compensate - DONE
2. respray silver dash trim to black, spray trim around gauges black a la older models - DONE
3. Install rear swaybar
4. Bilstein street shocks? Maybe...
5. FX4 shifter? Maybe...
6. Remove those gigantic Ford ovals...replace with something else.
7. Replace blingy grille with something less gigantic.

And that reminds me, I saw a 2004 Ranger XLT with the grille/emblem size that I want...it looks like its a direct bolt in...can anyone confirm that for me?

And does anyone want a 2011 XLT grille for cheap?

 

[06RangerXLT]

yes it will fit, but striping the ranger of what makes it a truck, IMHO is gay. though it is a 4 cyl, so im guessing you wanted a car that can haul stuff?

as it sits now, nice truck! and welcome to TRS, this place is full of massive amounts of info, and most guys are more then happy to help you with any trouble you may have. for 2wd questions, id recommend RSH, for engine or general mechanics, look up "adsm"

hpe you enjoy your stay!

 

[Muscleford]

In my 2008 I replaced the chrome grille with the body color version from the 08 FX4, huge improvement. I sold my chrome one for $100 on eBay. Painted version set me back just over $200 if I recall. As for the huge ovals, I don't mind the one on the grille but the one on the tailgate is too large but kinda stuck at removing it since it has pins through holes in the tailgate. A smaller replacement might work but it will be a bitch to get off since it is mounted with 3M tape.

I now have a 2011 Sport 4X4 to replace the 08.

What are the two airbox mods you did?

 

[K.Strong]

Welcome to the site! You'll find theres more info here then you can shake a stick at!

As for the huge ovals, I don't mind the one on the grille but the one on the tailgate is too large but kinda stuck at removing it since it has pins through holes in the tailgate.

Do what I did, paint it the colour of your truck

 

[pro-five-oh]

yes it will fit, but striping the ranger of what makes it a truck, IMHO is gay. though it is a 4 cyl, so im guessing you wanted a car that can haul stuff?

Exactly, I am a car guy that needs space for car parts, my drums and gets good fuel economy.

Actually I'm making it more of Ford, since I figured out that 1970s hood letters (F-O-R-D) will cover up the holes on the tailgate very easily. I will post pics if my plan actually works.

The factory emblem was a pain to remove, and just as I expected, it says F150 on it. What I didn't expect is that the emblem is made in Italy!

 

[pro-five-oh]

In my 2008 I replaced the chrome grille with the body color version from the 08 FX4, huge improvement. I sold my chrome one for $100 on eBay. Painted version set me back just over $200 if I recall.

I now have a 2011 Sport 4X4 to replace the 08.

What are the two airbox mods you did?

I think the 04 grille might be right up my alley, since I do like a bit of chrome they offered. Your grille mod sounds pretty awesome too!

All i did to the airbox was:

1. Install K&N, for better or worse
2. Remove the "snorkel" in the lower airbox
3. Remove the rubber/plastic funnel that funnels air to the snorkel (it's mounted on the header panel) and cut it so the hole is the same size as the new snorkel-less airbox.
4. Put some structural foam around the perimeter of the new hole in the airbox so it seals TIGHT to the plastic funnel against the header panel.

Instant cold air intake! It feels a little perkier and makes WAY more noise about 4000 rpm, which I really like!

 

[pro-five-oh]

Oh and thank you all for your kind words. Much appreciated!