Cyberess
Active Member
This is my MK2 build, sort of modelled of My Mahindra build that I did 4 years ago http://4x4earth.com/forum/index.php?threads/mahindra-pik-up-dual-cab-2012.19873/ so I will sort of call that my MK1 build, as I have tried to incorporate as much as I have learnt from my MK1 build into my Ford MK2 Ranger build .
The process of selecting a Ford Ranger from the base of my build took nearly 6 months, and it nearly ended up being a Amarok, Nissan D23 or even at one stage the latest Hilux, and I finally settled on the Ford.
What I was after at the time of hunting for my new vehicle:
A naked PX MK2 Ford Ranger 3.2L 6 speed manual.
This is how the end build ended up looking with a 50mm lift -- The actual lift ended up being 56mm but I should setting down to 50mm, larger tires, not too crazy tyre size increase of 265/75/16, TJM bar work and a custom built canopy.
Extras and Additions:
it comes with 8000kg rated recovery points
The TJM has none of the silly plastic bits that fit fog lamps into to smash
The tyres used are Hercules Terra Trac RS 265/75/16 – Rough Service Tyres -- well that's the way they were advertised -- time will tell, if they live upto their rough service label.
Hmm this post is getting long, I think I will have the Canopy and the Long Tank in my next post
The process of selecting a Ford Ranger from the base of my build took nearly 6 months, and it nearly ended up being a Amarok, Nissan D23 or even at one stage the latest Hilux, and I finally settled on the Ford.
What I was after at the time of hunting for my new vehicle:
- A Cab Chassis, as what was central to my build was the alloy canopy and I really did not want to pay for a tub that I would be removing and disposing of.
- I wanted a base model that has a diff locker as factory standard, I have no idea why some brands only put the diff locker on their top range luxury models, and leave their base models with out a diff locker.
- Vinyl floors if I get could get it -- I would taken carpet floors if their was no choice but I do prefer easy clean vinyl floor.
- Had to be a vehicle that would take a easy suspension lift, and has good ground clearance out of the box.
- I have a preference for 16" rims, as out bush it's just so much easier getting 16" tyres, and replace tyres are usually cheaper.
- Any colour, as long as it's white -- many due to pin striping hiding ability of white vehicles, and in the heat of Northern Australia, white colour is is a fair bit cooler.
- A high wadding depth is important to me as well, and checking out if all electrics are mounted up high in the engine bay.
- Visibility from the drivers seat -- this is was one of the reasons that knocked the Nissan D23 out
- I wanted a common six stud pattern with the wheels -- not a total necessity but it is something that I did have a preference for.
- A large dealer network if possible.
- A price of below $40000 On the road -- yes that is possible with the Ford
A naked PX MK2 Ford Ranger 3.2L 6 speed manual.
This is how the end build ended up looking with a 50mm lift -- The actual lift ended up being 56mm but I should setting down to 50mm, larger tires, not too crazy tyre size increase of 265/75/16, TJM bar work and a custom built canopy.
Extras and Additions:
- Snorkel TJM with Wedge Tail Head
- 9 Inch Screen Android Stereo Navigation System upgrade, as purchased from Aliexpress
- Windows tinting -- as needed to read all my screens
- Under Tray Polymate 70Ltr AUX Tank, with it’s own filler, as mounted under tray, and plumb in via the the original fuel tanks breather system.
- Dash matt
- UHF radio – ariel as mounted on canopy
- Dual battery setup, with a Thunder 20A DC to DC charger, that also acts as a MPPT solar regulator
- Reverse camera with screen replacing the rear view mirror
- Tow bar TAG – High Clearance for Cab Chassis as purchased off ebay and installed.
- Winch Dobinson 12000lb with plasma rope as installed by me
- Tyre upgrade Hercules Terra Trac RS 265/75/16 – (RS = Rough Service) the 265/75/16 Max legal size diameter upgrade, the speedo is now reading about 4 km/h to slow, so I have to be careful – been checked against the GPS
- Custom Canopy Alloy with side Gull Wing doors flat floor door lip, with spare wheel mount, jerry can holders and with locking that’s wired up to vehicle's central locking
- TJM XGS Suspension Lift Upgrade – Bit over 50mm lift
- Brush rails TJM
- Steel winch bar TJM -- it's a fleet bull bar with out all the plastic crap stuff that used for inserting lights, as it would just end up smashed with the typre of 4WDing that I do.
it comes with 8000kg rated recovery points
The TJM has none of the silly plastic bits that fit fog lamps into to smash
The tyres used are Hercules Terra Trac RS 265/75/16 – Rough Service Tyres -- well that's the way they were advertised -- time will tell, if they live upto their rough service label.
Hmm this post is getting long, I think I will have the Canopy and the Long Tank in my next post