Rwenzing’s 5.0L Supercharged Ranger FX4
The Ranger Station’s December 2008 Truck of the Month and 2008 Truck of the Year
Some modified trucks are impressive because of the parts that were installed. Others are impressive because of the thought and engineering that went into making everything work together. Rwenzing’s 2003 Ford Ranger FX4 Level II is a combination of both.
At first glance, it looks like a clean Silver Frost FX4 Level II sitting on Alcoa forged aluminum wheels and 31-inch BFGoodrich All-Terrain tires. Look a little closer, however, and it becomes clear that very little was left untouched.
Under the hood is a supercharged 5.0L V8 backed by a 4R70W automatic transmission and a Borg-Warner 4406 manual transfer case. The chassis features Bilstein 7100 reservoir shocks, James Duff traction bars, a custom rear suspension, and four-wheel disc brakes.
The interior is where the truck really begins to reveal how much work went into it. Rwenzing adapted components from Explorers, Mountaineers, Mustangs, Tauruses, F-150s, and other Ford vehicles to add features that were never available together in a Ranger. Electronic automatic climate control, steering wheel controls, an Explorer center console and overhead console, keypad entry, custom door-lock indicators, additional instrumentation, and an ABS disable system are just some of the changes.
Many of these modifications required more than simply installing a part from another Ford. Wiring had to be modified, electronic modules had to be integrated or reprogrammed, and custom brackets and other components had to be fabricated.
That combination of V8 power, off-road capability, factory-style technology, and attention to detail made this Ranger stand out from the crowd.
Our 2008 Truck of the Year
Each month, The Ranger Station held a Truck of the Month competition in our forums. Members nominated vehicles during the first half of the month and voted during the second half. The winner was featured on the site’s front page during the following month and was entitled to a Truck of the Month decal.
At the end of the year, the monthly winners were entered into the Truck of the Year competition, where forum members voted for the overall winner.
Rwenzing’s Ranger was selected as our December 2008 Truck of the Month and then went on to win the 2008 Truck of the Year.
At the time, the Ranger was the most popular Ford Ranger on Cardomain.com, where it carried a 4.5 out of 5-star rating. By October 2010, its Cardomain page had received 105,216 views.
Unfortunately, Cardomain is no longer available, and the original page—and the photographs and detailed documentation it contained—disappeared with it.
The Foundation: 2003 Ranger FX4 Level II
The truck began life as a 2003 Ford Ranger FX4 Level II, Ford’s most off-road-oriented Ranger package.
It came equipped with 31-inch BFGoodrich All-Terrain tires mounted on 15-inch Alcoa forged aluminum wheels. The truck also featured limited-slip differentials and front and rear tow hooks.
Rwenzing retained the Ranger’s off-road character while significantly expanding its performance, capability, comfort, and technology.
Supercharged 5.0L V8
The most obvious mechanical modification is the truck’s supercharged 5.0L V8.
The engine is equipped with a Ford Motorsport supercharger, Torque Monster headers, an SLP Thunderbolt intake, and a MagnaFlow dual-in/dual-out exhaust.
The V8 is backed by a 4R70W Explorer automatic transmission and a Borg-Warner 4406 manual transfer case from an F-150.
Adapting the drivetrain required more than simply installing the V8. The Ranger’s transfer case shifter was adapted to operate the F-150 transfer case linkage, while the driveshaft combination includes a shortened Ranger rear driveshaft and a front driveshaft from a 2003 F-150.
The result is a powerful four-wheel-drive Ranger with a supercharged V8 and a manually shifted transfer case.
Suspension and Drivetrain Modifications
The truck retains its off-road capability with a number of suspension and drivetrain modifications.
An Aussie Locker has been installed in the front differential, while the rear retains the FX4 Level II’s limited-slip differential. The truck uses 4.10 gears.
Bilstein 7100 reservoir shocks improve suspension control. The front installation includes custom lower shock mounts and limiting straps, while the rear also uses Bilstein 7100 shocks with remote reservoirs.
James Duff Traction Bars
A set of James Duff traction bars was installed to help control axle movement.
At the time of the installation, the available bars were listed for 1982-1997 Rangers, so they required modification to fit the 2003 FX4 Level II.
The bottom of the L-brackets required grinding to fit the Ranger spring plates, and the mounting holes were slotted to accommodate the wider U-bolt spacing of the 31-spline axle used in the FX4 Level II.
The original brackets were also tall enough that the traction bar ends could contact the pinch weld on the bottom of the bed. To prevent this, the brackets were shortened approximately one inch and the pivot holes were redrilled.
A second set of modified brackets was fabricated so the traction bars could be attached to both U-bolts at each wheel, with the pivot bolt supported from both sides.
Chevy Leaf Spring Swap
The rear suspension was further modified using leaf springs from a full-size Chevrolet C1500 pickup.
The springs provide additional lift and are stronger than the original Ranger leaf springs. Installing them required relocating the leaf spring hangers approximately six inches forward.
The James Duff traction bars were subsequently lengthened to match the new spring hanger location.
Taller bump stops from a 2006 Ford F-350 were installed to prevent the Bilstein shocks from bottoming internally during full suspension compression.
One photograph shows the Ranger carrying approximately 2,400 pounds of rock while still retaining about an inch of suspension travel before contacting the bump stops.
Four-Wheel Disc Brakes
Another significant modification is the truck’s custom rear disc brake conversion.
There are several ways to convert a Ranger from rear drum brakes to rear discs. This is the combination rwenzing chose for his 2003 Ranger. The finished system works very well, but it is not a simple bolt-on conversion.
Originally, the truck used the factory 10-inch rear drum brakes.
The conversion replaces the factory drums with 11 1/4-inch vented rear discs.
The major components include:
- 1979-1985 Cadillac Eldorado, Buick Riviera, or Oldsmobile Toronado rear calipers with integral parking brakes
- 1984-1986 Mustang SVO 11 1/4-inch vented rear rotors
- 1994-2004 Mustang GT front brake hoses
- Custom-fabricated caliper mounting brackets
- Custom-fabricated splash shields
- Custom parking brake cable adapters
The Eldorado-style calipers include integral mechanical parking brakes, allowing the Ranger’s parking brake system to be retained. Custom adapters were fabricated to connect the calipers to the Ranger’s parking brake cables.
The caliper mounting brackets and splash shields were also fabricated specifically for the conversion.
The finished installation replaces the factory 10-inch rear drums with 11 1/4-inch vented discs and gives the Ranger four-wheel disc brakes.
A Factory-Looking Interior That Never Came From the Factory
While the supercharged V8 is probably the modification that first gets people’s attention, the interior may be one of the most impressive parts of the truck. Rwenzing adapted components from several different Ford vehicles and integrated them into the Ranger. The result is an interior with features that were never available together in a Ford Ranger.
Electronic Automatic Temperature Control
An Electronic Automatic Temperature Control system, commonly referred to as EATC, was adapted from a Mercury Mountaineer. The system automatically controls temperature, fan speed, and air delivery while still allowing manual overrides. Remote sensors monitor interior temperature, exterior temperature, and sun load and provide information to the climate control system.
Explorer Limited Steering Wheel Controls
An Explorer Limited steering wheel and airbag were installed to provide integrated controls for several systems.
The steering wheel controls operate:
- Electronic Automatic Temperature Control
- Speed control
- Audio system functions
The conversion required replacing the Ranger clockspring with an Explorer clockspring containing additional conductors for the steering wheel-mounted controls. Additional dash wiring was installed to connect the steering wheel controls with the dual-media head unit, remote CD changer, climate control system, and electronic speed control.
Explorer Electronics in a Ranger
The interior includes an impressive collection of Explorer-derived components.
A high-output Explorer Mach dual-media head unit is combined with the electronic climate control system and an Explorer trip computer. The head unit also controls a remote six-disc CD changer originally used in an F-150 Lightning.
The system includes speed-sensitive volume control, allowing the radio volume to automatically adjust based on vehicle speed. This required tapping into the Ranger’s speedometer output from the Powertrain Control Module.
The interior also includes:
- Explorer center console
- Explorer overhead console
- Explorer trip computer
- Automatic headlamps
- Auto-dimming mirror
- Heated seat controls
The full-length Explorer center console had to be reshaped on the driver’s side to provide clearance for the manual transfer case shifter.
The Explorer overhead console provides a digital compass and ambient temperature display, along with dome lights, map lights, and a compartment for a garage door opener.
Custom Instrumentation
With a supercharged V8 under the hood, rwenzing added a comprehensive collection of instrumentation to keep a close eye on the engine and drivetrain.
The gauges are mounted in a combination of A-pillar, steering column, and dash-mounted pods. All of the pods are designed to accept standard 2 1/16-inch gauges.
An AutoMeter 15308 dual A-pillar pod provides mounting for two gauges. A single-gauge version is also available as AutoMeter part number 15309.
An AutoMeter 15004 F-150 steering column pod provides another mounting location. It requires minor trimming to clear the instrument cluster bezel on a 1995-and-later Ranger and fits automatic-transmission trucks.
A NewSouth Performance POD-004 triple dash pod provides mounting for three additional gauges. The base must be trimmed to match the contour of the Ranger dashboard. NewSouth also offers one-, two-, and three-gauge versions of the pod, angled either left or right.
The A-pillar and steering column pods are the easiest to install and can be removed relatively easily if desired. The dash-mounted pod is a more permanent installation because mounting it requires drilling holes through the dashboard.
The instrumentation includes:
- AutoMeter 4357 Transmission Oil Temperature
- AutoMeter 4348 Engine Oil Temperature
- AutoMeter 4378 Wideband Air/Fuel Ratio
- AutoMeter 4344 Exhaust Gas Temperature (Pyrometer)
- AutoMeter 4301 Vacuum/Boost
- AutoMeter 4363 Fuel Pressure
Together, the gauges allow rwenzing to monitor several of the most important operating conditions associated with the supercharged 5.0L V8. Boost, air/fuel ratio, exhaust gas temperature, fuel pressure, and fluid temperatures can all be monitored from the driver’s seat.
A Real Oil Pressure Gauge
One particularly interesting modification involves the factory oil pressure gauge. Many late-model Ford oil pressure gauges do not actually display a continuously changing oil pressure reading. Instead, they are controlled by an on/off pressure switch and display essentially the same reading as long as minimum oil pressure is present.
Rwenzing modified the system to provide an actual oil pressure reading. A variable-resistance sending unit and an earlier Ford gauge movement were adapted to create a functional oil pressure gauge. Because the later Ranger circuitry would not return the earlier gauge to zero when the engine was shut off, additional electronics were used to briefly power the gauge after the ignition was turned off. The system also includes a low-pressure warning circuit. If oil pressure is lost while the engine is running, a Sonalert annunciator provides an audible warning.
LED Door Lock Indicators
Even the door lock indicators received a custom electronic upgrade. The factory lock rods and pins were removed and replaced with red and green bipolar LEDs. When the polarity of these LEDs is reversed, their color changes. With the ignition off, the LEDs flash red or green to indicate whether the doors are locked or unlocked. When the ignition is on, additional LEDs near the switches take over the lock status indication. These LEDs also remain illuminated for approximately 20 minutes after the ignition key is removed. A custom relay box controls the system using inputs from the Central Security Module, Powertrain Control Module, and Generic Electronic Module.
ABS Disable Switch
The truck also features a custom ABS disable system for off-road use.
There are certain off-road situations, particularly on loose surfaces such as rock and sand, where a driver may prefer braking without the anti-lock braking system. Rwenzing adapted a switch from a 2005 Explorer for use as an ABS disable switch.
The switch was installed in a modified Ranger radio bezel. Because the Explorer switch was designed to mount on a flat surface, the contour of the bezel had to be modified using plastic wedges and body filler. The switch was recessed slightly below the surface to help prevent accidental activation.
The modified bezel also contains switches for the driving lights and heated mirrors.
Keypad Entry
A factory-style keypad entry system was adapted from a 1994 Ford Taurus. The keypad is wired to the Ranger’s Central Security Module, which was reprogrammed to allow the keypad system to function. A rectangular opening was cut into the driver’s door to accommodate the keypad.
Additional Interior Modifications
The Ranger’s interior includes numerous other upgrades:
- Ebony and blue interior
- Heated bucket seats
- Blue fabric inserts in the seats
- Mustang GT dome light
- Bullitt Mustang brake and accelerator pedals
- Automatic passenger-side window
- Pushbutton door chime disable circuit
- Door lock status LEDs
The passenger-side automatic window function was created using a module adapted from a Ford Taurus.
The predominantly black interior is contrasted by blue fabric inserts in the bucket seats.
Audio System
The Ranger’s sound system includes:
- Explorer Mach dual-media head unit
- Speed-sensitive volume control
- Remote six-disc CD changer
- Rockford Fosgate four-channel amplifier
- Cerwin-Vega 6×8 speakers
The Explorer steering wheel controls allow the driver to operate many of the audio functions without removing a hand from the wheel.
Exterior Modifications
Considering everything that has been done mechanically and electronically, the exterior remains relatively understated.
The truck is finished in Silver Frost and retains a factory-inspired appearance while incorporating several subtle modifications.
Blacked-Out Headlights
The headlights were modified by heating and separating the clear lenses from the housings. All interior surfaces, except for the reflectors, were painted satin black before the headlights were reassembled. 2006 Ranger corner markers received the same treatment. The finished modification gives the truck a darker appearance while retaining the factory headlight and corner marker housings.
2006 Ranger Fender Badges
2006 Ranger fender emblems were installed and modified with custom die-cut Level II decals. Custom die-cut bedside decals were also created in the size and style of the original graphics, with the colors revised to match the blue elements of the truck. A smaller matching decal was added to the tailgate.
Additional Exterior Modifications
- Heated mirrors
- Rhino lining
- AMP BedXtender
- Tailgate lock
- Draw-Tite trailer hitch
- Dual rear tow hooks
- Blacked-out headlight backgrounds
- Blacked-out 2006 Ranger corner markers
Rear Tow Hooks
When a Level II is equipped with a frame-mounted trailer hitch, one of the factory rear tow hooks is deleted. To retain the tow hook after installing a Draw-Tite trailer hitch, both the hitch and the tow hook had to be modified so they could fit together. A second rear tow hook was also added to the driver’s side. The bracket required cutting and rewelding to make the installation work. The result is a Ranger equipped with both a trailer hitch and dual rear recovery points.
Underhood Light
Late-model Rangers no longer come with an underhood light, regardless of trim level. Rwenzing added one using a light salvaged from a Ford Probe. It is a relatively small modification, but it reflects the attention to detail found throughout the truck.
Complete Modification List
Powertrain
- Supercharged 5.0L V8
- Ford Motorsport supercharger
- 4R70W automatic transmission
- Borg-Warner 4406 manual transfer case
- Torque Monster headers
- SLP Thunderbolt intake
- MagnaFlow dual-in/dual-out exhaust
Drivetrain
- 4.10 gears
- Aussie Locker in the front differential
- Limited-slip rear differential
Suspension and Chassis
- Bilstein 7100 reservoir shocks
- Custom front lower shock mounts
- Limiting straps
- James Duff traction bars
- Modified traction bar brackets
- Chevrolet C1500 leaf spring swap
- Leaf spring hangers relocated six inches forward
- 2006 Ford F-350 bump stops
- Rear sway bar
- Alcoa forged aluminum wheels
- 31×10.50R15 BFGoodrich All-Terrain tires
- Explorer differential cover
- Four-wheel disc brakes
Rear Disc Brake Conversion
- 1979-1985 Eldorado/Riviera/Toronado rear calipers with integral parking brakes
- 1984-1986 Mustang SVO 11 1/4-inch vented rear rotors
- 1994-2004 Mustang GT front brake hoses
- Custom caliper mounting brackets
- Custom splash shields
- Custom parking brake cable adapters
Exterior
- Silver Frost paint
- Ford keypad entry
- 2006 Ranger fender emblems
- Custom Level II decals
- Heated mirrors
- Rhino lining
- AMP BedXtender
- Tailgate lock
- Draw-Tite trailer hitch
- Dual rear tow hooks
- Blacked-out headlight backgrounds
- Blacked-out 2006 Ranger corner markers
- Underhood light
- Removable bed crane
Interior
- Ebony and blue interior
- Heated bucket seats
- Explorer Electronic Automatic Temperature Control
- Explorer Limited steering wheel controls
- Explorer center console
- Explorer overhead console
- Explorer trip computer
- Automatic headlamps
- Auto-dimming mirror
- AutoMeter and NewSouth Performance gauge pods
- Wideband air/fuel gauge
- Exhaust gas temperature gauge
- Vacuum/boost gauge
- Transmission oil temperature gauge
- Engine oil temperature gauge
- Fuel pressure gauge
- True oil pressure gauge modification
- Low oil pressure warning
- Automatic passenger-side window
- ABS disable switch
- Door chime disable circuit
- LED door lock indicators
- Mustang GT dome light
- Bullitt Mustang brake and accelerator pedals
Audio
- Explorer Mach dual-media head unit
- Speed-sensitive volume control
- Remote six-disc CD changer
- Rockford Fosgate four-channel amplifier
- Cerwin-Vega 6×8 speakers
A Ranger That Deserves a Closer Look
There are plenty of modified Ford Rangers with engine swaps.
There are Rangers with suspension modifications. There are Rangers with custom interiors. There are Rangers with upgraded electronics.
What makes rwenzing’s Ranger different is the way all of these ideas come together.
The supercharged 5.0L V8 is what initially catches your attention. But the closer you look, the more there is to discover.
The Explorer climate control system. The steering wheel controls. The Explorer center console. The keypad entry system. The custom LED door lock indicators. The true oil pressure gauge. The custom ABS disable switch. The rear disc brake conversion. The Bilstein reservoir shocks. The modified leaf spring suspension.
Nearly every area of the truck has been examined and improved.
Perhaps most impressive is that many of the modifications were accomplished by adapting factory Ford components rather than simply installing aftermarket accessories. Making those components work together required research, fabrication, wiring, electronics, and experimentation.
The finished truck demonstrates just how far a Ford Ranger can be taken while still retaining its identity as a Ranger.
That combination of performance, engineering, off-road capability, attention to detail, and creativity is what made rwenzing’s 2003 Ford Ranger FX4 Level II our December 2008 Truck of the Month.
And it is why Ranger Station forum members selected it as the 2008 Truck of the Year.
Congratulations to rwenzing and his incredible 2003 Ford Ranger FX4 Level II.
Link
Discussion Thread – FX4 Level II V8 (Note, Rwenzing changed his username to V8 Level II)
Photos
About The Author
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.
Since launching TheRangerStation.com, Jim has documented thousands of real-world Ranger builds, technical repairs, drivetrain swaps, suspension modifications, and off-road adventures contributed by owners worldwide. TheRangerStation.com has been referenced in print, video and online by enthusiasts, mechanics, and off-road builders looking for practical, and experience-based information.
