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- Joined
- Dec 4, 2025
- Messages
- 1
- Points
- 0
- City
- Pendleton
- State - Country
- SC - USA
- Vehicle Year
- 2008
- Vehicle
- Ford Ranger
- Drive
- 2WD
- Engine
- 2.3 (4 Cylinder)
- Transmission
- Manual
- Total Lift
- 0
- Total Drop
- 0
- Tire Size
- 235/70 R15
That's what my best friend said when I bought it and realized that it actually does need some work! 
Hello everyone! Iām Dustin from Upstate South Carolina. My 2008 Ranger started out as a simple, inexpensive daily driver and something reliable to get me around without much fuss. At the time, I figured Iād keep it mostly stock and only handle basic maintenance.
That didnāt last long. What began as a budget-friendly pickup has turned into a steady project. Between repairing previous-owner āsurprises,ā sorting out electrical quirks, updating the audio system, chasing down suspension details, and planning a few OEM-plus improvements, the truck has become more of a long-term build than I expected. The costs are adding up, but itās been worth it to bring the truck back into solid shape and make it my own.
I really like it as it is. It's pretty nice body-wise, with only a couple mild issues that a PDR guy could handle. The previous owner had LED headlight bulbs installed. Those went the moment I had an opportunity. I do have plans to swap out all the bulbs to LED and run a no-load flasher, then rebuild the headlights, integrating a pair of semi truck LED headlight housings that are truly DOT rated.
However, repairs are needed:
- VC gasket & PCV (purchased)
- Engine & trans mounts (got 'em)
- Spark plugs and MAF clean
- FULL TRANSMISSION AND REAR END REBUILD...
- New General Altimax RT45 white letter tires in 235/70 15 (I know, not a stock size, but it's closer to OEM OD running the Ultra 15x8's that came on the truck).
Then upgrades:
- Front to rear complete Energy Suspension bushings upgrade
- Steering rack replacement w/ filter upgrade
- Rear aux hitch/reverse lights (a post for later!)
- Adding fog lights
- Adding driving lights
- Toolbox to trunk project with added lights
- Audio system install with sound deadening in the doors and roof
- LED interior and dash lights with semi-truck red under-dash lights to illuminate the cupholders
I'm sure there's more, but I'll post all of it here whenever it gets done.
Hello everyone! Iām Dustin from Upstate South Carolina. My 2008 Ranger started out as a simple, inexpensive daily driver and something reliable to get me around without much fuss. At the time, I figured Iād keep it mostly stock and only handle basic maintenance.That didnāt last long. What began as a budget-friendly pickup has turned into a steady project. Between repairing previous-owner āsurprises,ā sorting out electrical quirks, updating the audio system, chasing down suspension details, and planning a few OEM-plus improvements, the truck has become more of a long-term build than I expected. The costs are adding up, but itās been worth it to bring the truck back into solid shape and make it my own.
I really like it as it is. It's pretty nice body-wise, with only a couple mild issues that a PDR guy could handle. The previous owner had LED headlight bulbs installed. Those went the moment I had an opportunity. I do have plans to swap out all the bulbs to LED and run a no-load flasher, then rebuild the headlights, integrating a pair of semi truck LED headlight housings that are truly DOT rated.
However, repairs are needed:
- VC gasket & PCV (purchased)
- Engine & trans mounts (got 'em)
- Spark plugs and MAF clean
- FULL TRANSMISSION AND REAR END REBUILD...
- New General Altimax RT45 white letter tires in 235/70 15 (I know, not a stock size, but it's closer to OEM OD running the Ultra 15x8's that came on the truck).
Then upgrades:
- Front to rear complete Energy Suspension bushings upgrade
- Steering rack replacement w/ filter upgrade
- Rear aux hitch/reverse lights (a post for later!)
- Adding fog lights
- Adding driving lights
- Toolbox to trunk project with added lights
- Audio system install with sound deadening in the doors and roof
- LED interior and dash lights with semi-truck red under-dash lights to illuminate the cupholders
I'm sure there's more, but I'll post all of it here whenever it gets done.
