Well, I've been on this forum for over 2 years now and I've decided to finally start a build thread for my truck. Hopefully this turns out ok for a first attempt. I'm going to do it in multiple post until I get caught up to the current state of the truck. Enjoy.

Alright well first off I'll start off with how I got to the truck I have.

My first truck was a 1994 Ford Ranger XLT. It was a 2WD, 5-Speed, with 182,000 miles on it. I loved that truck and did everything I asked and more. I had that for about 11 months before I had a run in with a nice oak tree. The good picture isn't my truck but what it looked like. The wrecked truck is mine.






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Alright so after that I had a few vehicles and then when I was stationed in Pensacola, FL, I bought a 2004 Ford Ranger XLT. It too was 2WD, but an automatic.



I mainly kept this truck stock aside from switching over my sub etc.
Then I decided to purchase a camper shell for the truck. Paid $150 for the shell and $150 to have it painted. I was hooked after that.



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Well I kept this truck for about 9 months. Then one day I drove by a dealership and saw a 2006 Ford Ranger XLT. I pulled in and traded the truck in two days later.

The truck was a 1 owner. An older couple had been pulling it behind their RV. IT had 56,000 miles on it and the part that caught my eye was the brand new A.R.E. camper shell painted to match.

This is the truck the day I brought it home. *That isn't me in the picture.



First thing I did to the truck was transfer the sub then headed to the junkyard to find a suitable roof rack for the shell. I ended up paying $40 for a rack off a GMC JIMMY. Bought new hardware and drilled and mounted the rack.



Shortly after that, maybe 1 month. I decided that carpet wasn't going to work for me. I spent far too much time outdoors. The last truck had the OEM vinyl in the floor so I knew that was an option. Yet i wanted something more drastic and original. So I did my research and more research and finally decided to do a roll in bed liner called 'Herculiner'. Till this day, by far the best mod I have done. I will touch lightly on this subject and link the thread I started for it.

http://www.fordrangerforum.com/inter...er-my-cab.html

Just a few pictures.




After that I just kept the truck like this for about a year or so. Atleast till I moved to Jacksonville, FL. I added simple things like K&N air filter and what not.





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Finally I sold the original tool box and sliced and diced a Craftsman tool box and mounted that in the shell.



As well as adding a nice touch to the headliner.




Then buying my first Yakima rack system of Craigslist. Paid $200 for a set of 48" cross bars, four rail grabbers, two bike trays, and a fairing.

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All in all my set-up was working for me just fine, but on a long trip home to Illinois w/ the old man, I got to thinking about ideas.

Really I wanted to start making the truck to suit my needs. I definately knew (due to past experience) that if I was going to start running more after market electronics that I would like to make this wiring independent from the factory wiring. With that I decided on an aftermarket fuse box from west marine and while I was at it decided to use marine grade connections for all the wiring.

From there I started to develop a better idea of my options.

First was wiring. I utilzed a 12-16 gauge wiring depending on the application. All the wiring coats were a different color. I believe 8 initially. This was to avoid confusion on which wire was for what. i.e. I know the wire for my camper shell light is a 14g yellow wire.

Next I decided on toggle switches for everything. Went with 7 switches from autozone with the red LED indicator. The plan was to wire up for the future plans as well. i.e. kc lights, utility light etc. So that when I added electronics it was simply a matter of running the load wire and grounding the equipment.

I chose a simple toggle switch box from a 4x4 magazine for the shell and made a panel for the cab which fit under the radio. *Scored this idea from another member of whom I can't recall now. Sure someone can, anywho credit goes to him.





All of the wires were run off the fuse box, which recieved its power from
the same power wire as the amp.



The wires running through the cab were hid under the panel alongside the drivers door. The wires running to the shell required a 1 1/2" hole to be drilled through the cab and into the bed.(Total pain in the ass). I used wire loom and rubber plugs on both the cab and bed to protect the wiring. Then tucked it under the bed rail.




I also wanted speakers in the camper shell. I hit up the beach and tailgate so often that to me it just made since. This way I got good sound at the tailgate where I needed it without having to blast the music through the cab.
It also came to my attention how annoying it was to have to go the cab to change a song on the iPod/iPhone. So to fix this issue I decided to also run a 20ft AUX cord from under the headunit to the camper shell/tailgate.
I chose two marine grade 3 way speakers for this. I upgraded my sub in the cab to a pioneer 10" and a 4 channel 300 watt amp. I also upgraded to a square sub box for mounting purposes. The sub recieves 150 watts while the two speakers in the shell recieved 75 a piece.




Next, fix the tool box I had been using. All i wanted to do was have it welded together and painted. As well as adding a few touches here and there to tweak it.



Then was the drop in bedliner. Had to go. Since I had such good results with the 'Herculiner'. I decided that was the route to go. I prepped and coated it with two coats.




I would also like to note that the camper shell went from having C-clamps to being hard mounted with 6 ; 1/2" i bolts with a neoprene and fender washer on either side. Utilized the i bolts for rigging purposed vs just a standard bolt.

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Along with this project I made a shell that fit a 20" cooler and a 20' charcoal grill under it.
Using strips of 1/2" aluminum and rivets to make a 'racksystem' on the roof of the shell for things like chairs and a foldable table.



Also added velcro straps for quick access on the tool box.


Lastly I had a cover made to clean up and hide all the wires on the box.
And a small safe for the pistol and other valuables while tailgating etc.

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After this project I took a break and enjoyed my hard work for awhile. It doesn't seem like much when you some it up into a few pictures but for anyone who has tackled a larger project you understand the time,frustration, and setbacks that go along with.

Ultimately I try and do modifications to my truck from experience and then thinking about how to make it work for me even better. Some ppl look at it like I'm crazy for drilling holes and hard mounting things into my truck, but the way I see it is its just upgrading it to my needs.

Over the next few months I did simple things such as swapping my 48" crossbars for 56" bars and replacing the end caps.

Also installed a removable fork mount in the bed to put the bike in the back for certain circumstances.

Added mooring cleats to the camper shell. Use these a lot for light rigging as well as towels and packs while camping etc. They are strong enough for me to utlize as a step.

Then finally scored a light bar ($75) off craigslist for the truck and another light bar of a Jeep w/ 4 kc driving lights ($100). Removed the lights sold the light bar from the Jeep for ($125) so I made out pretty good IMO.



Mounted two lights off the front and two off the yakima rack.
Both sets where controlled by seperate switches on the panel under the radio.

The lights on the rack were later moved inward to make way for the new yakima space booster. Stayed like that for a month or two and then I felt they were out of place and impeding my bike racks etc. So they were removed and one was transferred to the bumper and the other a spare.



CB antenna was also installed as well as a Cobra C75WXST All In The Handset CB Radio.

Also decided to remove the running boards around this time also. To me they served very little purpose for this truck.

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Nice truck what type of light bar is that?

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2007 XLT Ext. Cab 4x4 4.0l V6 Auto
Mods:
Superlift 4" Suspension Lift|33"x12.50" BFGoodrich Mud Terrains|Eagle Alloy 8"x15" Polished Aluminum Rims|Black Billet Grille|Silverstar Ultra's|Tinted Windows|Diamond Plate Black Toolbox|Halogen Fogs|Spyder Tailgate Light Bar

Next few modifications included a homemade tent/screen that velcros onto the shell/tailgate opening for camping; The removal of the tool box in the shell; The removal of the headliner completely(and later more interior panels). The making and instalation of web nets on the ceiling of the cab.

The screen was made from an old tent. Its for truck camping to keep the bugs out and such. Goes in and out in about 30 seconds.



With the tool box I took it out for a project and loved the space so I decided to leave it out for good.

As far as the ceiling goes. Well Bob was getting old and I removed the headliner for a bit until I could come up with something else. After awhile it grew on me so I said screw it and left it. Then after a trip to Wekiva Springs, FL I slapped a sticker from the trip up there and haven't stopped since. Initially I actually emailed all the companies I use/love from MSR to Moon Pies. I told them what I was doing and how much I loved their products and requested any decals if they had them. I emailed 27 companies and recieved replies and stickers from atleast 20. The netting came along later to utlize this new found space of mine. Light items only in the nets. i.e. small pillow, wool blanket, parka, etc.




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Never could find the brand. It's very similiar to this one though.

http://www.offroadwarehouse.com/prod...productID/3718

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I love your truck man, great work!

Sent from my Android using FRF App

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1993 XLT 2.3 Single cab 2wd
Used to be lifted, but now low and slow. Flipped hangers and cut coils up front for 2/2 drop. Soon to be 3/4, 17x8, 235/45/17 up front, 245/45/17 in the rear 300K+ miles
My Build Thread:[url]http://www.fordrangerforum.com/project-logs/89577-jldanger-rangers-build-thread.html[/url

Thanks man, still have a few more post to get it up to date. Woulda been wise to have started one a long time ago.

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Lol well hey, what are you gonna do lol

Sent from my Android using FRF App

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1993 XLT 2.3 Single cab 2wd
Used to be lifted, but now low and slow. Flipped hangers and cut coils up front for 2/2 drop. Soon to be 3/4, 17x8, 235/45/17 up front, 245/45/17 in the rear 300K+ miles
My Build Thread:[url]http://www.fordrangerforum.com/project-logs/89577-jldanger-rangers-build-thread.html[/url

Next up I installed two utility lights facing backwards. They are a yellow 55 watt fog light. These lights are double wired as far as switches. I can turn them on from the tailgate as well as from the cab. Both switches on the panels previously discussed. They do not override one another.



Also installed are two LED lights inside the shell. These are wired up they exact same as the utlilty lights.

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Finally I wore out the tires on the truck. In Jan. 2011 I bought a full set of 255/65/16 Firestone Destination A/T's. They were rated for 50,000 miles. I got just under 60,000 out of them and could have easily got another 5,000. I opted to buy them early given summer was around the corner and I figured I would need new tread for the summer.
SO....while the wife was away I decided to play.

I purchased a full new set of Destination A/T's. 31.5/10.5/16. I was impressed with these tires the first time so it was an easy decision. Plus I was excited to finally get some 31's.



Tires were mounted then I installed new Rancho 5000's all the way around and cranked my torsion bars. The truck sits at 36" all around from fender to ground . Then utlized that lifetime alignment.

Then off to the car wash for a real good cleaning. Got to looking at the truck and decided to ditch a few things.

The bug shield; GONE
The seemingly pointless rainguards over the back window; GONE

Also a new CB antenna was installed. I was wheeling in Marianna,FL and snapped the fiberglass one.



Also that day I did a solid engine bay wash. Now when I bought the truck the engine bay was spotless and I try to keep up with this. This truck has definately seen its fair share of offroad and trails. Although I will say I really try and stay away from excessive mud slinging. Sure its fun, but IMHO if you care about your vehicle your gonna clean it afterwards. To me the pain of cleaning isn't worth it.



On top of that I am pretty particular about the undercarriege also. It gets hit with Rustoleum textured paint every 6 months atleast.




Really satisfied with how the truck turned out and the new shocks made a world of difference.

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Next up; I wish I had seen this earlier, but you rarely get it all right the first time. I wasnt happy at all with the toggle switch box either in the cab or the shell. So I decided to re do them both.

The cab was simple. Make a new template and re do it. The way I did the black was I actually went to target, purchased a black plastic cutting sheet. Then traced, drilled holes, glued and installed. Also installed a rubber grommet for the AUX cable (other end is at the tailgate). No screws or anything this time, just cut it to squeeze in tight. Also around this time I snipped the power wire to the headunit and installed that on the far right switch. This allows me to run the stereo system without the key in the ignition at all. Also keeps anything else off. Love this mod.



Next was the rear box. I was walking through home depot looking for something to use and finally found it. Its actually an electrical box (plastic) used for outdoor outlets. Then bought seperate, is the blank faceplate which came with a rubber gasket. I painted it black and installed my switches. As well as a 12V outlet with a kill switch and another one of those rubber grommets for the AUX cord. This turned out so so nice IMO. Couldnt be happier. I also had some extra LED fixtures around and installed one of those under the bed rail/ above the box. Its 3 red LEDs. They are tapped into the taillight. This means, when the lights are on at night so is this, giving me an immediate reference to the boxes location in the dark.



I aslo decided to re-locate the marine speaker to the ceiling like the other speaker. And then relocated to fire extinguisher to the bed side. Actually as I type this I wonder why on earth did I do it any other way to begin with?!



At some point I missed that I hard wired my 800 watt cobra inverter. I also removed the other jump seat and replaced it with a rack, which has turned out nicely. Switched over to a tool bag from a tool box and bought a small husky bag for my straps, as well as a 750CCA jump pack. Also you can see that I tore out the rear panel as well and hard to see but I mounted the speaker box to the cab wall now. Sits nice and flush and very secure.




Like I mentioned ealier, I removed the old tool box and never decided to put it back in. The reason for the shift here is simple... I got married. haha. And when I got married I got to move out of the barracks and I finally had a place to put the grill and what not. However now I do carry a water jerry can(half full) a gas jerry can(Full) and a waterproof box with a 72 hr kit as well as my bottle jack, extension cord, towel, etc.



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Grill was painted black along with all the badges.



Also two more utility lights installed. These run off the same switches as the rear ones. For as cheap as these lights are ($25) they put off a ton of light and also have a great beam too.



The interior cab light(factory one) wasnt cutting it and I had been looking for something else. I wanted red and white. I initially settled for some clearance red LED strip from west marine, but it wasnt cutting it. A few months later I discovered this bad boy. pulls a 180mA, has white/red setting. You turn it to choose which one then you can twist and hold to dim the light. Since it's wired using the factory wiring, it works just like the factory light. It was originally white, but I painted it up black. Great light. Expensive, but great.

*Also in this photo you can see a new grab handle, well those are also the same handles I installed when I removed the factory a-pillar panel/handles. I have another installed above the passengers side window.

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P.s. I can't work on this anymore today. Haha peace

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Nice set up!!!

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1993 FORD Ranger XLT 2.3L 5 Speed Regular cab Short Bed
Mods: Grill Mod Throttle Cable Mod Night Shaded Tail & Cab Lights 8.8" Rear 4:10 Gears Straight Piped Flowmaster 40 No Cats

VERY NICE!!!

I see you already have a rack-system of sorts installed on the INSIDE of your cap to hang things from. Is it flat aluminum or L channel? Hard to tell in the picture.

And yes I know all about how it doesn't look like much in a few pictures but in reality its days and weeks of pulling the truck apart and running miles of extra wire..but the end result is so worth it! Keep it up man, your truck has been a big inspiration to me as far as rigging up gear and extra lights. And you can never have enough of either! haha

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Dennis Brady

Black 2001 4x2 XLT Supercab 3.0 "Shadow" - WIA

Black 2001 4x4 EDGE Supercab 4.0 ('Body donor' for Shadow lol)

Build thread:
http://www.fordrangerforum.com/proje...adow-redo.html

It's flat aluminum with holes drilled every 18-24 inches. Then washers, to give a spacing and the riveted if to the top. My shell has like a double ceiling in the middle so that what I mounted it too. Initially I made up straps and used buckles, but those were a pain to adjust to I cut em out and just used Velcro straps. I put the space in the and leave the straps movable so that I can slide a strap where I need it instead of it's just where it is. Leaves some versatility for sure. It's worked out very well so far. Still need to put one more strip up there.

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I'll take some better shots today.

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