One of the great things about hosting an off-road gathering isn’t just getting to play off-road, but getting to meet people and check out their trucks. Nick Swanson saw our 2020 Fall Round-Up posted online, and made the trip from Michigan to the Badlands Off Road Park in Attica, Indiana to join in on the action.
Nick’s 1999 Ford Ranger 4×4 came with the 4.0L V-6 and 5-speed manual transmission, but the axles are no longer stock.
The front axle is a Dana 44 that once lived in a 1978 Ford Bronco. It’s been given a new life in the Ranger with 5.13 gears and a limited slip. The axle is suspended under the Ranger with 5-1/2 inch Bronco lift coils, and custom extended radius arms with heim joints.
(Check out the rock slider and extended radius arm with heim joints)
The rear axle is a Ford 9-inch that also came from a 1978 Ford Bronco, and features 5.13 gears, a Detroit Truetrac, and a pinion guard. It’s suspended under the Ranger with 63-inch Chevy leaf springs.
The Ranger rolls on 37×12.50×17 Pro Comp all terrains.
The Ranger also features a set of custom rock sliders, beefy front and rear bumpers, and a Traveller 12,000 lb winch.
It was great meeting Nick, checking out his Ranger, and watching him wheel, and we look forward to seeing him at future events.
More Photos:
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About The Author
Jim Oaks is the founder of The Ranger Station (TRS), 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 overlanding 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 adventures. TRS has been heavily referenced by enthusiasts, mechanics, and off-road builders looking for practical, experience-based information.
