Sgtsandman's 2019 STX FX4

[sgtsandman]

This thread is more of a place holder for when I start to modify this truck. I have done some things to it but nothing that is really "build" level yet on it.

Being that I ordered the truck through a friend of mine that works at a dealer about an hour away and he kind of drives past my house on the way home, he delivered it to my house and had his wife pick him up for the rest of the trip. So, no dealer lot picture but I do have a picture of it in the drive. Call it the end of an era and the beginning of another since 2011 was the last year the small truck Ranger was sold in North America and 2019 was the first year for the new Ranger to be sold in North America.

Now, what is done to the truck is going to be a bit different than the 2011. The FX4 was bought to replace a crossover SUV and the bed isn't exactly work truck friendly. Body on frame, 4X4, and four doors was more the priority than anything else.

 

[sgtsandman]

One of the first things I did was get a cap for the bed. This one is a bit more fancy than the one on the 2011. The interior is carpet lined, has front and back LED lights that turn on when the hatch is opened, a roof rack, front slider window that tilts open, pet screen protection, a power port block, and a roof cargo net. Both the lights and the power port block are wired into the start battery.

 

[sgtsandman]

The other one of the first things I did was to get a set of steel wheels and winter tires.

 

[sgtsandman]

I also had to find room for the various items I used to have in the SUV. Not an easy task since cabin storage is somewhat disappointing.

 

[sgtsandman]

I also want to install a battery quick disconnect that doesn't require tools. Well, that didn't happen because if this wonderful monstrosity of a battery setup.

 

[sgtsandman]

Because the bed is so short, and thus the rack on the cap, I got a set of roof racks for the cab to support long items like a canoe or building materials.

 

[sgtsandman]

I also got a hood protector and window visors. I don't have a dedicated picture showing them. So, this from a calendar shoot from a couple years back will have to do.

 

[sgtsandman]

I also put some patches on the roof liner and ordered some "Return of the Ranger" stickers to make the truck more mine.

 

[sgtsandman]

The rear axle got a new differential cover since I thought it was like the axles on almost all the other vehicles I've ever owned. You have to pull the cover to change the fluid. Well, I was wrong. It's a better cover that reinforces the differential housing and will take a hit way better than the factory cover. So, not a waste of money.

Original cover

Factory drain plug.

This is what the locker looks like.

ARB cover

 

[sgtsandman]

In anticipation for eventually taking it off road, I installed a collet for an off road safety flag.

 

[sgtsandman]

The OEM parking brake boot didn't last long. The vinyl started splitting only after a couple of years. So I got a new boot for it and the shifter made of real leather.

Old

New

 

[sgtsandman]

Because of the rake of the windshield, suction cup mounts do not work well. I found a solution for that as well.

 

[sgtsandman]

The truck being used as intended.

 

[Robert Mangrum]

First off. Did the patches just stick to the headliner?
Second. I love the steelies. I've been debating on a set for my truck. I've beat the tee total heck out of my sport wheels.

Really nice build man. I expect nothing less from you man. You always do some really classy upgrades. But I didn't see any mention of that new transmission pan. Haha

 

[sgtsandman]

First off. Did the patches just stick to the headliner?
Second. I love the steelies. I've been debating on a set for my truck. I've beat the tee total heck out of my sport wheels.

Really nice build man. I expect nothing less from you man. You always do some really classy upgrades. But I didn't see any mention of that new transmission pan. Haha

Thanks. I forgot about the pan and I don't think I have pictures. I guess I should remedy that.

I like the look of the steelies. I'm thinking of getting a set of 16" wheels for mud tires so there is more side wall. I really haven't explored the options on that yet. If I do it, then I have an extra set of wheels. I'll have to mull it over.

EDIT: The patches stick but you do have to wiggle them a little to get the velcro to grab.