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 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:
Click the photos to enlarge – click the arrows to load more.
Jim Oaks is the founder of TheRangerStation.com, the longest-running Ford Ranger resource online since 1999. With over 25 years of hands-on experience building and modifying Ford Rangers — including magazine-featured builds like Project Transformer — Jim has become one of the most trusted authorities in the Ford Ranger off-road and enthusiast space. In 2019, he was loaned a Ranger FX4 by Ford Motor Company to test and document across the TransAmerica Trail. Jim continues to inspire and guide Ranger owners around the world.
