ranger baja build

[allen.hollestelle]

I recently had the urge to buy a ford ranger and build a baja truck. Not one of the trophy trucks because i am on a budget so nothing over the top. I want a 4x4 manual but im not sure which is the best cabin or bed size. Please give recomendations on the best engines, suspension, tires ect since i am new to this. Thanks for the help

allen

 

[dasfinc]

I recently had the urge to buy a ford ranger and build a baja truck. Not one of the trophy trucks because i am on a budget so nothing over the top. I want a 4x4 manual but im not sure which is the best cabin or bed size. Please give recomendations on the best engines, suspension, tires ect since i am new to this. Thanks for the help

allen

These are not 'ranger' specific questions, just FYI.

From what I've seen, most ranger Baja trucks are just 2wd, and many/most are super cabs for the length/stability when you are getting airborne.

 

[Viva*the*Ranger]

These are not 'ranger' specific questions, just FYI.

From what I've seen, most ranger Baja trucks are just 2wd, and many/most are super cabs for the length/stability when you are getting airborne.

Umm, how are those not Ranger specific questions? He's asking about which Ford Ranger would be best for a pre-runner (like) setup...

I would go with a extended cab, short bed, 4.0L, five speed

 

[feellnfroggy]

Baja style doesnt necessarily means 2wd, most "prerunners" are 2wd but 4wd are common builds too. CHeck out TRS1 Jims Baja truck. Id recomment a good cheap 93-94 ext cab, but everyone has different likes. Of course you are also faced with whether or not you wanna run TTB or IFS.

 

[allen.hollestelle]

the reason i want 4wd is because it's going to be more of a fun truck. i use the term baja truck losely. right now i have a 2000 explorer with the 302 in it but it doesnt have
4wd so i want something that i can use more than just for races. when you say the 4.0 liter do you mean the sohc or the ohv? also would you turbo charge the engine for a baja truck or leave it relatively stock? another question, can you use the 302 or 289 engine? the reason i ask is because they are probably fords two best engines built and are more reliable the the 4.0, or is a v8 to strong for a ranger?

 

[mp3deviant721]

A V8 is perfect for a Ranger. I wish Ford put them in the Rangers from the factory. But for your needs I also say a extended cab with a 4.0. What kind of budget do you have anyhow?

 

[allen.hollestelle]

im turning 16 soon so my budget is going to be relatively small. i might get a job in a friends garage but im not sure the pay. so is the v8 unnecisary for what i want to build? and which 4.0 engine cus there are two of them?

 

[magnetnerd]

Take a look on Dezert Rangers, there's a lot of good info over there.

I know that 97 and earlier trucks used "TTB" and they're generally regarded as "cheap" and easy to lift.