Cosmicjumperalex03
Active Member
- First Name
- Alex
- Joined
- Dec 20, 2025
- Threads
- 2
- Messages
- 25
- Reaction score
- 69
- Location
- Las Vegas, NV
- Vehicle(s)
- 2024 Ford Ranger XLT
- Occupation
- Shop Foreman @ Ford Dealer
- Thread starter
- #1
Hey all,
This will be my first post on the 6G forum, I used to be a highly active user on the FordTransitUSA forum, and used to own a 2018 Ford Transit that was built out. I have since sold that vehicle (cries inside) and now I moved on to this ranger.
I've been a Ford dealer tech for over a decade now and as such I find I've got some different opinions about how to modify vehicles, I am not insinuating that my way is better, simply different. Ill explain how I came to choose this exact version of the ranger, what I have changed about my ranger and why I modified it in the way that I did. The build is certainly not completed and I never seem to "complete" a build anyways.
What did I purchase?
2024 Ford Ranger XLT, this vehicle was initially used as a loaner vehicle for the dealership so it had about 2,000 miles on it when I purchased it. It has the 2.3L 4cyl engine, electronic locking rear differential, the larger center tablet, cloth black seats, factory privacy glass, cactus grey.
Why choose this over other options?
The main choice for me when deciding on my purchase was, do I go for the raptor or not. I would love a raptor, in theory but after reviewing the specifications for load capacity and towing capacity, its just not able to do what I need. So that leaves me with the other trim levels to choose from. I am a technician, so anything that goes wrong with the vehicle, I'll be the person fixing it, so simplicity as much as is possible, while still providing the performance and comforts I need is key. I chose the XLT trim because I don't want leather seats in the Las Vegas heat, and I didn't want all the additional features that come on the Lariat trim level which would add cost, weight and difficulty in repair/reliability long term. I didn't go with the XL trim because I wanted the larger center screen and things like heated seats. I specifically chose a vehicle that had been one of our loaners because I knew that it would carry a slight discount, as well as it received an oil change before sale, so the first oil change at 2k miles I always do on my new cars has been taken care of. I made sure to get the FX4 package to get all the off road goodies I could obtain before stepping up to the raptor.
What modifications have I made?
Primary focus of the modifications is to build up the off road capability to enjoy trails with my buddies on the weekends and for accessing remote camping sites, I don't have much reason to do high speed desert running luckily so I don't need to build a pre-runner or anything.
I added a simple 2" level puck to the front struts, it doesn't actually create an exact level ride but I didn't want to tweak the suspension geometry too far from factory and I wanted to maintain some level of rake to allow for it to ride acceptably when towing and while loaded.
Next I removed the sway bar, yes I know this is controversial, but its what I decided to do, it definitely helps wheeling and I don't have much of a change in driving characteristics on road. I can't recommend others do this necessarily, but I do prefer it personally.
I found that the front skid plate on the rangers is extremely thin and I began to bend it from trail rides, so I added a second factory skid plate and just stacked them one on top of the other. It's not noticeable visually but its way stronger.
I started to bend and almost ripped off the tail pipe from wheeling so I cut that short, it dumps just after the axle, no change in noise or anything.
Next I upgraded my wheels and tires, I like to try and minimize the number of aftermarket components, OEM+ is preferrable. I purchased a set of ranger raptor wheels. Did a test fit and found they do in fact fit, no trimming necessary but when I rebalanced the wheels I had to do inner and outer sticky weights instead of the clip on weights on the inside because it would hit the wheel knuckle. I like how it isn't protruding and fits nice a flush. This is visually more appealing to me personally but it also doesn't affect the acreman angle as much as wheels with a large offset.
I also installed a GMRS radiodity radio, one with only a display on the mic and the actual radio module itself I mounted hidden in the driver foot well. Everything gets controlled by the mic and screen on the mic so its nice and minimalistic. Mounted the antenna on the front edge of the bed and seems to get decent enough range.
Lastly I got lucky and came across a set of 2024 Bronco 4door factory rock sliders. They have similar but not perfectly the same mounting locations. It took some modification of the pinch weld to fit and it doesn't protect the entire body as its just a bit short, which is a bummer but its better than no protection. When I am ready to invest in an upgrade here Ill have custom full length welded rock sliders built and installed but until then, this will do better than no rock sliders.
Only other little things are for example, the license plate I riveted onto the truck as I have had license plates stolen in the past. I added a chepo bed mat which has been nice and I removed all the little mud flaps and air dams around the wheel wells as they bother me visually and will end up just getting ripped off anyways on a trail.
I know this build isn't fancy or flashy and my justifications may be odd to some but I have been really happy with how everything has ended up so far and ultimately, like with everyone, all that matters in the end is that I enjoy it. Happy to answer any questions or give more in depth explanations about what has been done and why.
This will be my first post on the 6G forum, I used to be a highly active user on the FordTransitUSA forum, and used to own a 2018 Ford Transit that was built out. I have since sold that vehicle (cries inside) and now I moved on to this ranger.
I've been a Ford dealer tech for over a decade now and as such I find I've got some different opinions about how to modify vehicles, I am not insinuating that my way is better, simply different. Ill explain how I came to choose this exact version of the ranger, what I have changed about my ranger and why I modified it in the way that I did. The build is certainly not completed and I never seem to "complete" a build anyways.
What did I purchase?
2024 Ford Ranger XLT, this vehicle was initially used as a loaner vehicle for the dealership so it had about 2,000 miles on it when I purchased it. It has the 2.3L 4cyl engine, electronic locking rear differential, the larger center tablet, cloth black seats, factory privacy glass, cactus grey.
Why choose this over other options?
The main choice for me when deciding on my purchase was, do I go for the raptor or not. I would love a raptor, in theory but after reviewing the specifications for load capacity and towing capacity, its just not able to do what I need. So that leaves me with the other trim levels to choose from. I am a technician, so anything that goes wrong with the vehicle, I'll be the person fixing it, so simplicity as much as is possible, while still providing the performance and comforts I need is key. I chose the XLT trim because I don't want leather seats in the Las Vegas heat, and I didn't want all the additional features that come on the Lariat trim level which would add cost, weight and difficulty in repair/reliability long term. I didn't go with the XL trim because I wanted the larger center screen and things like heated seats. I specifically chose a vehicle that had been one of our loaners because I knew that it would carry a slight discount, as well as it received an oil change before sale, so the first oil change at 2k miles I always do on my new cars has been taken care of. I made sure to get the FX4 package to get all the off road goodies I could obtain before stepping up to the raptor.
What modifications have I made?
Primary focus of the modifications is to build up the off road capability to enjoy trails with my buddies on the weekends and for accessing remote camping sites, I don't have much reason to do high speed desert running luckily so I don't need to build a pre-runner or anything.
I added a simple 2" level puck to the front struts, it doesn't actually create an exact level ride but I didn't want to tweak the suspension geometry too far from factory and I wanted to maintain some level of rake to allow for it to ride acceptably when towing and while loaded.
Next I removed the sway bar, yes I know this is controversial, but its what I decided to do, it definitely helps wheeling and I don't have much of a change in driving characteristics on road. I can't recommend others do this necessarily, but I do prefer it personally.
I found that the front skid plate on the rangers is extremely thin and I began to bend it from trail rides, so I added a second factory skid plate and just stacked them one on top of the other. It's not noticeable visually but its way stronger.
I started to bend and almost ripped off the tail pipe from wheeling so I cut that short, it dumps just after the axle, no change in noise or anything.
Next I upgraded my wheels and tires, I like to try and minimize the number of aftermarket components, OEM+ is preferrable. I purchased a set of ranger raptor wheels. Did a test fit and found they do in fact fit, no trimming necessary but when I rebalanced the wheels I had to do inner and outer sticky weights instead of the clip on weights on the inside because it would hit the wheel knuckle. I like how it isn't protruding and fits nice a flush. This is visually more appealing to me personally but it also doesn't affect the acreman angle as much as wheels with a large offset.
I also installed a GMRS radiodity radio, one with only a display on the mic and the actual radio module itself I mounted hidden in the driver foot well. Everything gets controlled by the mic and screen on the mic so its nice and minimalistic. Mounted the antenna on the front edge of the bed and seems to get decent enough range.
Lastly I got lucky and came across a set of 2024 Bronco 4door factory rock sliders. They have similar but not perfectly the same mounting locations. It took some modification of the pinch weld to fit and it doesn't protect the entire body as its just a bit short, which is a bummer but its better than no protection. When I am ready to invest in an upgrade here Ill have custom full length welded rock sliders built and installed but until then, this will do better than no rock sliders.
Only other little things are for example, the license plate I riveted onto the truck as I have had license plates stolen in the past. I added a chepo bed mat which has been nice and I removed all the little mud flaps and air dams around the wheel wells as they bother me visually and will end up just getting ripped off anyways on a trail.
I know this build isn't fancy or flashy and my justifications may be odd to some but I have been really happy with how everything has ended up so far and ultimately, like with everyone, all that matters in the end is that I enjoy it. Happy to answer any questions or give more in depth explanations about what has been done and why.
Sponsored
