Have you been wheeling this winter?
I love a cool Ford Ranger (no pun intended). I love them even more when I can watch the build of the truck as it progresses with the owners vision. Case in point is this 2008 Ford Ranger FX4 4×4 owned by forum member Mr. Bossley.
The truck went through the various stages of lift:
- 3-inch body lift
- Leveling kit
- Belltech shackles
- Explorer rear leaf springs
- Superlift 4-inch suspension lift
- Skyjacker 6-inch rear leaf springs
- Torsion bars replaced by a front FOX coilover shock conversion
To be more precise on the front suspension, Mr. Bossley didn’t like how low the torsion bar brackets hung after the 4-Inch lift was installed. He bought a set of coilover conversion brackets online and then added Fox 2.0 remote reservoirs custom valved for trails with Eibach 750lb coils, and Daystar bump stops.
In case you’re wondering, the coilover conversion brackets would look similar to the ones shown below.
For more information on Ford Ranger coilover conversions, click HERE.
(With the torsion bars – above)
(Without the torsion bars – above)
You can clearly see how much more clearance you get switching to coilovers. Also note the sliders made from 2″ x 3″ x 1/8″ steel tubing.
(The new coilovers with adjustable limiting strap clevis’s)
(The Superlift for comparison)
You can say that Mr. Bossley knows his way around the 1998-2011 Ford Ranger 4×4 suspension. From torsion keys to coilovers.
Along the way it’s had 33×12.5×15 MTRs on 15×8 Pro Comp Wheels, and then 35×12.5×15 MTRs. A VIAIR 300P compressor is mounted behind the grill for those occasions when you need to air down the tires and then air them back up for the ride home.
Other upgrades include a dual cardan driveshaft, 4.56 gears, and Torsen differentials. The engine is stock, but the exhaust now exits on the passenger side ahead of the rear tire and features a Flowmaster 50 Series muffler.
Mr. Bossley has used his truck for hauling dirt bikes, and a canoe, along with an occasional camping trip. For camping, he’s used a fiberglass shell on the bed, and a tent made specifically for a truck bed, before finally going with a Smittybilt Overlander rooftop tent mounted on a Thule Xsporter rack. The Smittybilt tent is quick and easy to set up and take down, while still leaving the bed available for hauling gear.
This is definitely a cool adventure rig. If you want to see more photos and information about this truck, check out his Build Thread HERE.
More Photos:
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About The Author
Jim Oaks is the founder of The Ranger Station, one of the longest-running Ford Ranger enthusiast communities on the web. He has spent over three decades owning, modifying, repairing, and driving Ford Rangers on the street, trail, and cross-country routes.
Since launching TheRangerStation.com in 1999, Jim has documented thousands of real-world Ranger builds, technical repairs, drivetrain swaps, suspension modifications, and off-road tests contributed by owners worldwide. His work has been referenced by enthusiasts, mechanics, and off-road builders looking for practical, experience-based information rather than theoretical advice.
Jim’s hands-on experience includes long-distance overland travel, trail use, drivetrain and axle upgrades, suspension tuning, and platform comparisons across multiple Ranger generations. The content published on The Ranger Station is grounded in first-hand experience and community-verified data, not marketing claims or generic specifications.
