We wanted something to go a little faster in the desert than the Willys, so we started this Ranger project. Since our budget was initially $7,500, we had to find an inexpensive basic truck so we would have more for the modifications. 1988 was the last year that the front I-beams were forged (stronger), in 1989 Ford went to cast beams (weaker). We found a nice 1988 Extended Cab Ranger 2WD with the 2.9L V6 and 5 speed transmission for $2,200. It ran well, and had some recent mechanical work done, including brakes, u-joints, and heater core.

Wheels and Tires

Our first step was to purchase wheels and tires. We chose 15"x8" Eagle Alloy Polished 559 wheels ($330 for 5 from the distributor in San Diego). We debated between Mud Terrains and All Terrains, and decided on the 33x12.5x15 Mud Terrains and bought 4 of them ($692 Discount Tire - we will buy the fifth when we near completion).

Fiberglass

We knew we wanted a later Ranger look, and were deciding between a '92 and '95. A friend knows Perry McNeil and suggested I contact him. Perry races professionally and won the San Felipe 200 this year in a Class 7 Ranger with Eli Yee. Perry lives in Lemon Grove and has his shop in Tijuana. He charges $600 for the front glass (fenders, hood, and grille) and $400 for the rear fenders. He has just started selling the '98 front kit and this is one of the first. The fenders bulge 6" front and rear. I opted to buy the headlights, taillights, and the support for the headlights new from Ford ($450 for all) and paid Perry $400 for the complete installation. The rear fenders were cut away leaving the upper sill on each side. The fiberglass then covers and rests on that sill, creating a good strong attachment. There are struts holding the bottom of the rear fenders. The front glass is good quality and will not require much bondo to fill the typical waviness. The rears are not as nice visually, but they will do. I can't rate these compared to other glass makers, but they seem to be heavy duty and I'm impressed with the double walled hood.