Newish to Rangers, need some help.
 

Hey all, I've had my ranger for a few months now and I have a few questions for all you experts. I have a 2000 XLT, 4.0 V6, etc. I've installed a small body lift, put on the newer tires and wheels, installed a K&N FIPK Cold air intake, and a few other minor things. Included is a some what recent photo. I understand you may not want to answer all of these, so please just post any info you can spare.

Q#1 How do I get rid of the gap that the red arrow points to? I know it's caused by the body lift, but can I just raise the bumper up on its mounting bracket? Or is it more complicated than that?

Q#2 What is this plastic piece along the bottom of the bumper? I've seen people referring to a similar piece as a "Valance". I ask this because it doesn't have anywhere for fogs light in it like most of the others I've seen. There are even a few green and black wires dangling from the front and back (dunno what the back ones were for) that make me think the PO removed them and did a terrible job hiding/covering the wires. Regardless, I want fog lights haha

Q#3 I like the look of the 06+ fender flares. Will they fit on my 2000?

That's all I can think of for now. I'm always looking for ways to make the Ranger look better, so any and all suggestions concerning upgrades, both mechanical and exterior, ARE VERY WELCOME! Thanks guys!

Re: Newish to Rangers, need some help.
 

Anyone? Anything?

Re: Newish to Rangers, need some help.
 

From what I have read you just loosen bolts to adjust your bumper and re-tighten it has been hit and forced from correct location

You need a a valance from the j/y with fogs and the plug hanging down in front is for the fog lights all you need is a bezel with the fog light switch and maybe a relay?

The plug near the back bumper is the pigtail for a trailer

Can't say on fender flares yours is a gen 4 06 flares are gen 5 hopefully somebody will come along and verify the fit

If I'm wrong on any of my answers you will get plenty of replies then,LOL!

I'd like to add my 2 cents worth. First, I agree completely with Bob. Consider, this is a truck. It's meant to do a little, light off-roading. Maybe to haul away the occasional tree stump or something.

When you get off paved roads, the world is lumpy and bumpy. A truck's frame will twist and flex to keep you a little more comfortable.

Parts that could potentially rub or bump each other will be placed a little further from each other to prevent that.

With that in mind, if you never go off-road, tighten everything up a bit. For Q2, your truck didn't come with fog lights. You need a valence from a truck that did if you want a clean installation.

Hope that thought makes a little sense.

2005 2.3L XL Electronics Tech since '70's

Re: Newish to Rangers, need some help.
 

I do a bit of off-roading, at least 2 times a month, but that number will only increase, especially once duck season comes back around. I guess I'll just leave it all how it is for now! Also, what year/model would I need the valence from? I'm also looking at 06+ Fender Flares. I know they're gen 5, while my ride is gen 4, but can anyone tell me what type of modding, if any, would need to be done to get them to fit? Also, Bob C. from Indiana.... what? lol my bumper hasn't been hit. There is a gap there because of the body lift...