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  #1  
Old 02-20-2015, 03:06 PM
Garfield Garfield is offline
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Default Project "Keep It Simple!" 09 XL 2wd

Since I have gotten more into the Ranger world, I figured I'd start a build thread on here. I don't know if I can really call it a build, but my plans for this truck have been simple, OEM inspired mods, kind of like a stock + version of my little '09 XL. I've only had the truck for 3 weeks as of now.

The truck is a 2.3 5 speed with approx 40k miles on it. I've always had a weakness for compact pickups and this is my second, after my old S10 (2000, 2.2 5 speed). I love this Ranger because it's the last of a dying (dead) breed of small, base trucks. I am a big fisherman and love the practicality of a pickup, and since gas is so damned expensive in Canada, I am happy to have chosen the 2.3.

Here she is, dealer photo, before coming home with me:


Bone stock, down to the OEM tiny Conti tires.

First thing was 300lbs of sand in the bed and 31s. I have owned BFG A/Ts in the past (on my old Jeep) and they are my favorite looking tire, not to mention the exceptional treadlife and all year performance.




They fit perfectly with practically 0 rubbing (except on very tight U turns, for example, and it's minor).

Since I can't ever keep anything stock, I started shopping for rims... I was originally thinking Soft 8s, but I think black wheels on a truck with black bumpers and trim just wouldn't look right, not to mention that that type of wheel only looks good with a low backspacing and a lift. I then decided it might be nice to give the truck a factory + look... that would save me the "obligation" of lifting it and it's hard to get tired of clean.

Yesterday I found a set of DSG OEM Alcoas for $300. I got them installed on the spot, so didn't have time to dremel out the front center caps, so I got them to throw on the OEM caps. I honestly think it looks pretty good as is, but I'll probably swap the caps at some point. Here are some pics as of today:




Don't mind the rear sag, it's because of the sandbags in the bed


Let me know what you guys think, and any ideas you may have! As I said, I am trying to keep it simple with this one (since my last 4 vehicles have been heavily modified) but I am open to suggestions
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  #2  
Old 02-20-2015, 07:59 PM
Skylark65 Skylark65 is offline
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Default Re: Project "Keep It Simple!" 09 XL 2wd

nice clean truck, love an XL that isin't white for a change, and the BFG's & alcoas look great!
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2000 XLT 4X4 Offroad, 4.0 / auto, supercab - the project truck!
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  #3  
Old 02-20-2015, 09:38 PM
MotorStuff MotorStuff is offline
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Default

I'm a sucker for simple trucks too. Its great to see a really clean example!
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Build Thread >>> http://www.fordrangerforum.com/proje...ml#post2172639
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  #4  
Old 02-20-2015, 10:06 PM
trailbikerider trailbikerider is offline
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Default Re: Project "Keep It Simple!" 09 XL 2wd

I'm jealous of the DSG alcoas! They would look great on my DSG Level II!
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  #5  
Old 02-21-2015, 11:13 AM
Garfield Garfield is offline
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Default Re: Project "Keep It Simple!" 09 XL 2wd

Thanks guys! Trailbike, funny you mention that because I wanted the Alcoas you have before finding these ones!

Quote:
Originally Posted by MotorStuff View Post
I'm a sucker for simple trucks too. Its great to see a really clean example!
Thanks! I think I must be growing up now because I prefer a vehicle that makes you look back and admire subtle, tasteful changes over one that immediately draws your attention. For the record here's my old S10, not exactly inconspicuous


The cool thing about the Ranger is you don't need 5" of lift to clear 31s, that was always discouraging with my Chevy.
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Old 02-21-2015, 11:24 AM
Bitzy Bitzy is offline
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Nice little truck you got there! I'm also curious about what your camera is? The pics look really good!
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  #7  
Old 02-21-2015, 11:39 AM
Garfield Garfield is offline
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Default Re: Project "Keep It Simple!" 09 XL 2wd

Quote:
Originally Posted by Bitzy View Post
Nice little truck you got there! I'm also curious about what your camera is? The pics look really good!
Thanks!

I've seen your pics on here and they're nice as well! I'm using an old Sony Alpha DSLR with a 50mm f1.8 lens. The real trick is a quick edit in Adobe Lightroom
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Last edited by Garfield; 02-21-2015 at 11:41 AM.
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Old 02-21-2015, 11:52 AM
trailbikerider trailbikerider is offline
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Default Re: Project "Keep It Simple!" 09 XL 2wd

Too bad you don't live closer or we could do a trade!
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2004 DSG FX4 Level II - DD, T-bar Crank, Custom front tube bumper, Dynomax Catback, DSG Alcoas & 32x11.50 BFG KO2s
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  #9  
Old 02-21-2015, 11:55 AM
Garfield Garfield is offline
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Default Re: Project "Keep It Simple!" 09 XL 2wd

Hahaha unfortunately!!
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Old 02-21-2015, 12:17 PM
Bitzy Bitzy is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Garfield View Post
Thanks! I've seen your pics on here and they're nice as well! I'm using an old Sony Alpha DSLR with a 50mm f1.8 lens. The real trick is a quick edit in Adobe Lightroom
That's the exact same set up I'm running. Don't alpha a3000 with a 50mm f1.8. I use Lightroom also!
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  #11  
Old 02-21-2015, 12:20 PM
Garfield Garfield is offline
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Default Re: Project "Keep It Simple!" 09 XL 2wd

Quote:
Originally Posted by Bitzy View Post
That's the exact same set up I'm running. Don't alpha a3000 with a 50mm f1.8. I use Lightroom also!
Haha that's so funny! I think mine is an A200, but needless to say, it's an older camera. Does the job though. Understandable that I noticed your pictures then
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  #12  
Old 03-14-2015, 11:04 AM
Garfield Garfield is offline
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Default Re: Project "Keep It Simple!" 09 XL 2wd

Finally washed her since the winter. Only other change is the Delta Champion box I got to make up for lack of storage space. The original Alcoa center caps are coming soon.







Let me know what you think!
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Old 03-14-2015, 02:48 PM
UltraHDGames UltraHDGames is offline
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Default Re: Project "Keep It Simple!" 09 XL 2wd

Damn that's a beautiful truck, makes me really wish i had gone with 31's instead of 30's, btw those are some amazing quality pictures
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  #14  
Old 03-14-2015, 02:57 PM
2004 fx4 level II 2004 fx4 level II is offline
sooo fuckin deeeaaadddd
 
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Default Re: Project "Keep It Simple!" 09 XL 2wd

looks really good!! get some fog lights
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Yeah fuck Chevy
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  #15  
Old 03-14-2015, 03:20 PM
Garfield Garfield is offline
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Default Re: Project "Keep It Simple!" 09 XL 2wd

Thanks guys! Silverbullet, your truck looks good regardless, we always want to go bigger anyway haha, 32s have been on the back of my mind for a while.

And id get fogs but I dont feel like dealing with wiring!
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