"The Grey Squirrel" My 2020 XLT Sport 4x4

[Robertmangrum.rm]

Well it's long overdue. But I'm gonna start a build thread on my 2020 overland build.
Back in October of 2020 I paid off my 2015 Nissan Frontier. I was only in because Ford had discontinued the Ranger when I needed a new truck. At this point I was already dreaming of getting back in a Ranger since the re-release in 2019.
Wife finally gave me the okay and shopping I went. I went originally to purchase a STX package that a local custom shop had lifted and 33s. Well it had 2 major down falls.
1st: 20inch rims. Though they look nice not practical for what I had planned.
2nd: No rear e-locker. One of main wants after open/open in the Nissan.

After talking to the salesman. He showed me a Lariat FX4. Super nice. But out of my price range. He told me he would find me a truck if I'd give him a day or 2. The next day he said he got my truck. I drive over and sure enough.
He showed me a Sport 4x4, 302A package with a rear e-locker. And wow in my price range.

I really liked how the body was same as wheels and bumpers. Man still a good looking truck as I look back.

 

[Robertmangrum.rm]

Before the first oil change. I had it out on a local trail "TN Dirt Devil" easy trail with gravel roads and multiple shallow creek crossings. Decided it needed larger tires and more ground clearance. So along came a level kit and 255/75r17 MTs. Inspired by @Blmpkn build of his 2019.

Also added the Rough Country tow hook conversion kit.

 

[Robertmangrum.rm]

I'll keep adding to this till I get it up to date. But here's a preview of the finished build so far. I get the details

 

[Snoranger]

I'll keep adding to this till I get it up to date. But here's a preview of the finished build so far. I get the details View attachment 118681

That’s nice… but more importantly, that’s a nice Lariat Tremor behind you.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

That’s nice… but more importantly, that’s a nice Lariat Tremor behind you.

True, not nearly as nice as the guy that took the picture though...

 

[Robertmangrum.rm]

After running my setup this past season, I've found some good things and some bad. So today I tore it all out. I've acquired a bed tray that will roll out. It's 40x59. I plan on designing and building a homade deck system. I hope to get started next weekend. I will first pull the soft topper and all the electrical components left in the bed. Then scuff and pai t it with some bed liner coating. Then hopefully be able to get everything back in and built next weekend.

Everything's out for measuring and design day tomorrow

 

[Robertmangrum.rm]

Went and picked up the bed tray today. It barely fits. Had to remove the tailgate cutting board to get it home. I will trimm the front and back little folds off then install and build around it.

 

[sgtsandman]

Went and picked up the bed tray today. It barely fits. Had to remove the tailgate cutting board to get it home. I will trimm the front and back little folds off then install and build around it. View attachment 123060View attachment 123061

What's the weight rating on that and what's the plan for bolting down since the bed mount bolts don't go through the bed deck like on the old models?

 

[Robertmangrum.rm]

What's the weight rating on that and what's the plan for bolting down since the bed mount bolts don't go through the bed deck like on the old models?

It has an 800lb static weight rating. I'm probably gonna bolt it down with some 1/4x20 nut zerts. I will only have my recovery gear and camping stove, cookware, dishes, and a few small 1lb propane tanks. I will build a platform above it with my fridge slide and aux battery. The extra length will allow me.to use my tire carrier again. I plan on building some kind of cover I can use as a table while it rolled out.

 

[Robertmangrum.rm]

Cleaned the bed with some dawn and water. Then wiped ot down with some denatured alcohol. Then applied the first coat of spray in bed liner.

Kinda foggy still in the second. Hopefully this will knock down on all the scratches. Will apply a second coat tomorrow. Hopefully I can start loading g it back after church on Sunday.

 

[bobbywalter]

you should be red squirrel. and i grey squirrel.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

you should be red squirrel. and i grey squirrel.

Sounds like Bobby wants to trade trucks...

 

[Uncle Gump]

Red or gray squirrels are way over rated...

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

View attachment 123195

Red or gray squirrels are way over rated...

Ah yes, your spirit animal...

quando omni flunkus moritati

 

[bobbywalter]

Sounds like Bobby wants to trade trucks...

i am good with green squirrel