TheTwanksta's 2006 Ranger STX "Street" Project - Page 3

OhioMike · #31 09-29-2012, 08:59 PM

Normally, I'm not into anything lowered, but in this case, I think it was very well done. I have an 08' ext. cab XLT in Dark Shadow Gray with the automatic transmission and no foglights, but when I was shopping, I really wanted the STX package, which is very rare. I can't believe the difference the foglights and different valance and grill make.

The Twanksta · #32 09-30-2012, 03:25 PM

Thanks,I love my stx, the front bumper had to go though. I still want to change over to the 03 edge front end eventually though.

Sent from my computer phone.

OhioMike · #33 09-30-2012, 04:44 PM

Quote:

Thanks,I love my stx, the front bumper had to go though. I still want to change over to the 03 edge front end eventually though

Amazing, since the old saying is true that buying a certain brand or color vehicle regardless of how popular makes the driver more observant of other similar colored and styled vehicles. The other day I was driving and I saw the twin to my vehicle right across the street. It was about an 06' STX Ranger ext. cab, dark shadow gray, so it had the foglights. I noticed today that the guy lives in the apartment directly from me.

The Twanksta · #34 10-04-2012, 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fifthranger

Amazing, since the old saying is true that buying a certain brand or color vehicle regardless of how popular makes the driver more observant of other similar colored and styled vehicles. The other day I was driving and I saw the twin to my vehicle right across the street. It was about an 06' STX Ranger ext. cab, dark shadow gray, so it had the foglights. I noticed today that the guy lives in the apartment directly from me.

Haha, I also have a DSG ranger in my apt complex. It has a mild lift and some offroad tires on it, its sort of beat up(he actually uses it) but it still looks good to me, Im biased though.

OhioMike · #35 10-04-2012, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Im biased though.

At one time, I had an 04' 4*4 silver Ranger, which I leased in September of 04'. My mom had just purchased a silver-colored Taurus in July. When the lease was up in 07, I really wanted a white pickup, but I ended up with the DSG Ranger. My dad happened to own an 02/03' Taurus in DSG, but the real irony was two or three other coworkers had a DSG-colored vehicle -- my boss a BMW, a co-worker a Mazda Tribute (A.K.A. Ford Escape), and another co-worker a Toyota Tundra.

The Twanksta · #36 10-04-2012, 02:20 PM

My wife has a DSG Sable(Taurus), haha!

Tex Arcana · #37 10-06-2012, 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Twanksta

Thanks, no I didnt get a chance to take pics of the suspension install.

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Snapped a quick one before tucking it away in the garage for Slamfest tomorrow. Its not the greatest picture, I was running out of light fast.

Son, I am disapoint.

Great ride, tho... Maybe some pics of the suspension, with some commentary?

The Twanksta · #38 10-10-2012, 06:58 AM

Next time I get under it Ill try to snap some pics, I dont have a lift though so the truck is too close to the camera to really make out what you are looking at.

The Twanksta · #39 10-11-2012, 01:47 PM

Might be picking this up Sunday! :crosses fingers:

Pioner AVIC-F90BT -
Premier In-Dash Navigation AV Receiver with DVD Playback and Built-In Bluetooth W/ back-up cam and Ipod connector.

The Twanksta · #40 10-12-2012, 11:22 AM

FORD RANGER PIONEER AVIC F90BT INSTALL

I started by purchasing the following items, ended up being about $25 shipped. After a few days of research of viewing other members installs, the American International seemed like the best kit, with the best fit and finish. I believe its the only one that allows for a "flush" mount installation out of the three major kits (AI, Metra, Scosche).

Parts Need For Double Din / Navigation Installation:
American International FM-K552 Dash Kit - Double Din Dash Kit

Metra 70-1771 Wiring Harness - To Connect your factory 98-up Ranger harness to the Pioneer harness.

Scosche DIN Factory Radio Removal Tool - Not necessary, but recommended to remove factory radio.

Pioneer F90BT w/ Back-Up Camera & iPod Cable

Finished my install last night, everything went real smooth!

Stock Double DIN MP3 Radio

I used the Metra radio removal tools to get my stock unit out. These arent necessary, but they sure made is VERY easy!

Stock Radio Removed from Bezel

You have to do some trimming to the bezel for most aftermarket double DINs to fit. Simply remove the two screws shown, and the whole thing pops out pretty easily. I found it easier to pull from the top near the AC vents.

To fit the new head unit, you will need to trim the top and bottom ridges as shown below. DO NOT trim the vertical sides of the bezel opening, the dash kit uses these to clip in.

I was extra precautious, so I used 3m tape to protect the surround from getting scratched or gouged by the dremel.

After using a dremel tool, this is the finished product and what yours should look like before you can install the new head unit.

The American International Dash Kit was very straight forward. Just attach the two side pieces to the unit with the supplied screws. Then slide it into the bezel until it "clicks" into place. You have some adjustability with this kit, I preferred the "flush" look. Once you get the desired look, tighten everything down and snap the trim surround piece over the front and your done!

Then you will need to take the supplied head unit harness and match it up with the Metra harness made for your vehicle. At this time, I hardwired the video "bypass" so I could have full functions while driving also.
For the Pioneer "F" Series, you just need to move the mute wire pin in the harness, and then ground it with the green wire. I used the following diagram to bypass my Pionner unit.
AVIC "F" Series Bypass (Picture Guide) - CLICK HERE

*Before you put everything back in the truck, you will need to run the GPS Antenna, Bluetooth Mic, Reverse Camera, iPod hookups, etc.

I did not want to run any wires outside of the truck(nor put the magnet on my paint), so I decided to mount the GPS antenna on the dash near the defrost vents. The black defrost trim simply snaps up and then you can feed the wire through the dash to the head unit. I am very happy with the location and on the way home and even in my garage I had full GPS signal.

Next I ran the Bluetooth Mic up to the sun visor. I removed the visor to run the wire through the headliner, then down the A-pillar(behind the trim), through the defrost trim just like the GPS and finally through the dash to the head unit. You cant any wires at all except where it comes out in the visor.

I got my head unit used and it was missing the mic clip, so I just let the visor hold it for now.

Next I ran the iPod hookups to the glove box.

I then plugged in all the wires and re-installed the bezel. Here is the finished product!

I added a little custom touch to the start up screen to give it a little more "OEM" feel.. This is the loading screen in all the new Ford vehicles with "Sync".

You can also adjust the illumination of the head unit to match the rest of your factory controls and cluster. So I made mine green to match the rest of my displays.

Playing through the iPod with full control from the head unit.

And GPS.

JTbeast · #41 10-12-2012, 12:33 PM

Some good pics of install would be great! I'd love to upgrade to a similar double din in the future. I love my single din pioneer premier I have now though.

RangerKid22 · #42 10-12-2012, 01:46 PM

Is the truck lowered 4/5??

The Twanksta · #43 10-12-2012, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RangerKid22

Is the truck lowered 4/5??

I have the DJM 2/3 kit installed, but in actuality I got a 3/4 drop out of it. Im saving up for the front control arms and then the truck will be dropped another 2" from where it sits now.

RangerKid22 · #44 10-12-2012, 06:34 PM

Ok, how'd u go from 2/3 to 3/4?

The Twanksta · #45 10-12-2012, 06:36 PM

That's just what it ended up being, nothing special. It looks like you have a pre-98 truck though, so your suspension is a little different.

Sent from my computer phone.