I considering a small truck or SUV as a daily driver. I'm primarily looking at the Ranger, Tacoma and Jeep XJ, haven't ruled out others. I'm looking to buy cheap and since I can never leave well enough alone, I want to spend some money "individualizing" my purchase e.g. lift, wheels/tires etc. Aftermarket parts for the Jeep are easy, they're everywhere.

What about the Ranger? What are some good sources of after market parts? I mean parts beyond basic lift kits, fender flares, lightbars, wheels/tires etc.

Some things I've seen that interest me are what I believe are called chase racks to my eyes it looks like someone took a roof rack, rollbar, bed rails and spare tire carrier and welded them together. Most of ones I've seen are too out there and I'd probably be embarrassed to drive to the office sporting one. One I have seen was on a Chevy Colorado Xtreme. Not sure if this vehicle is a prototype, SEMA show care or Europe only model but I've never seen one here. Another thing I've seen that interests me are "pre-runner" kits. Again the ones I've seen are way too extreme. I'm not sure if there are any relatively tame pre-runner inspired body / bed panels out there. Finally, I'm wondering if there is a way to shorten the bed a bit without spending more money that the truck itself costs.

All that said I don't go mudding or rock climbing. I do want a 4x4 that will go on mild offroad trails. The mods above are mostly for looks. Weird to say I guess I want something that looks like it could be from the factory and doesn't draw a lot of attention.

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Welcome Mike, Glad you found us. Have fun and enjoy FRF.
From Don
Grove City, Ohio.

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Myrtle: & Danna
1999 Ranger 4x4 3.0 Stepside Ext Cab XLT
2000 Mustang 4.6 Roush Supercharged ( Show Car )
1984 Elcamino 350 330 HP ( Nick's Show Car )
1959 Wife ( Arm Candy )
Danna passed away 5/26/2016

Welcome to FRF

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Mike, welcome to FRF.

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2000 Ranger Extd Cab XLT, 4X4 Off Road, 4.0L, Auto, 8.8 - 4.10's, 01 grille & lights swap.
69 Mustang, modified 5.0, & 5spd.(project)
99 Explorer Sport, 4.0 SOHC, Auto, 8.8 - 4.10's, PW, PL, PM, Cruise, Tilt. (Wife's DD)
05 F-150 2WD Regular Cab. ( My DD)

I have both an 89 XJ and a 98 Ranger (well Mazda B4000).

The XJ has infinite possibilities when it comes to modifications and customizations

They are out there for the ranger, but nearly as plentiful.

Both ride like rucks, with solid rear axles, and a solid axle on the front of the jeep. I have stock suspension on the truck, and a VERY expensive but VERY good 3.5" lift kit on the XJ, and I think the XJ edges out the ranger for ride comfort. stock on both I would give it to the truck and a jeep lift kit on the XJ would give it to the truck in a hand basket.

The truck gets slightly better fuel economy, Both are wearing the same size tires (31's), but the truck has better gearing for it (3.73 vs 3.55) and a bit more power from a similar sized engine.

the truck is nice because you can haul a bunch of crap it in, but not as many people.
The XJ is nice because you can haul a bunch of people and a decent amount of stuff in it.

This is my XJ:


This is my B4000:

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98 Mazda B4000 4x4 31" tires
Check out my off road youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/aicoffroadvideo