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I picked up a 97 Ranger for $750 recently, in pretty much perfect condition (well, for it's year and mileage 133,000). Great deal if you ask me. Living in SoCal, it's not hard run across desert rangers and "prerunners" on my commute to work. I've driven a Tacoma 2wd set up for desert driving/racing and I had a blast in it and want to do something similar with my Ranger...
I know this is an expensive hobby, but I have money to throw down for a build. Take note that this will be my only car for a while, so it can't be down for more than a weekend at a time. I want to start off with the simple stuff (if there is any) and slowly save and do more over time. I have limited fabrication skills, but have friends and family to help with it/do it for free, so it can be a learning experience for me in that sense. I would like as many bolt on parts as possible though (drilling is fine, but serious fab is not an option for me til later in the build). I want this to be a very mild, but functional desert truck, capable of taking on sand highway at Glamis, mild desert trails and roads and just for fun in general. I want long travel, both front and rear, and want something that isn't going to cost a hell of a lot at once (over time, yes). What good, functional kits are out there? Let's put a ballpark budget of 5k to start, which is what I've read and heard.
Eventually, I want it caged and fully done up...When I have another car or truck, so I can have a true project. It's a daily driver for now, and I don't want to sacrifice drive-ability too much. If you can give me a guide of where to start and what I'm looking at for each modification, that would be great, cause I simply don't know. The glass seems to be the cheapest place to start, but I don't feel like being a poseur, with no suspension to back it up. I'm not just looking for the look. I want something to play with for real. Also, I know this is a suspension forum, but any tips on motor mods for a 2.3? I ran into a page with "free mods" and already did those, so what else is there without resorting to forced induction, V6, V8, or Turbo coupe 2.3 swaps? I know if I run bigger wheels, and tires that necessitates gear changing. Are there any shops in The High Desert specializing in Rangers, or desert trucks in general that are worth a look? Thanks in advance for any help.
I know this is an expensive hobby, but I have money to throw down for a build. Take note that this will be my only car for a while, so it can't be down for more than a weekend at a time. I want to start off with the simple stuff (if there is any) and slowly save and do more over time. I have limited fabrication skills, but have friends and family to help with it/do it for free, so it can be a learning experience for me in that sense. I would like as many bolt on parts as possible though (drilling is fine, but serious fab is not an option for me til later in the build). I want this to be a very mild, but functional desert truck, capable of taking on sand highway at Glamis, mild desert trails and roads and just for fun in general. I want long travel, both front and rear, and want something that isn't going to cost a hell of a lot at once (over time, yes). What good, functional kits are out there? Let's put a ballpark budget of 5k to start, which is what I've read and heard.
Eventually, I want it caged and fully done up...When I have another car or truck, so I can have a true project. It's a daily driver for now, and I don't want to sacrifice drive-ability too much. If you can give me a guide of where to start and what I'm looking at for each modification, that would be great, cause I simply don't know. The glass seems to be the cheapest place to start, but I don't feel like being a poseur, with no suspension to back it up. I'm not just looking for the look. I want something to play with for real. Also, I know this is a suspension forum, but any tips on motor mods for a 2.3? I ran into a page with "free mods" and already did those, so what else is there without resorting to forced induction, V6, V8, or Turbo coupe 2.3 swaps? I know if I run bigger wheels, and tires that necessitates gear changing. Are there any shops in The High Desert specializing in Rangers, or desert trucks in general that are worth a look? Thanks in advance for any help.
