J0shM1lls' Ranger Build Thread!

[j0shm1lls]

Great video. How long did the job take you? Nice air lift btw.

Thanks! I started on Friday and worked basically all day, half day on Saturday, and half day on Sunday. So pretty much 2 full days, leisurely. The lift makes things much easier!

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[Sunpilot]

Thanks! I started on Friday and worked basically all day, half day on Saturday, and half day on Sunday. So pretty much 2 full days, leisurely. The lift makes things much easier!

Thanks for the reply. It certainly looks like a lot of work and the lift and tools you have really paid off. Than k you

 

[Msfitoy]

Install video as promised!

Hi Josh...what type of spring compressor is that?

 

[P. A. Schilke]

Thanks! I started on Friday and worked basically all day, half day on Saturday, and half day on Sunday. So pretty much 2 full days, leisurely. The lift makes things much easier!

Hi Josh,

Nice work and great video. That said, you can not ever go back to stock after cutting the frame, so you own it from now on.
I will go on record to only say that if you install such a "system", you now own your truck and if your drive line or frame develop problems, you own them as well. You seem to be a level headed person and hope you realize this. I am not a fan of BDS as I have not seen any engineering analysis of their parts.I doubt they will meet Ford engineering standards for durability or function. Hope they work for you. I welcome BDS to supply FEA analysis, metallurgical analysis etc.e=that ensure they have a robust system

I think the front diff brackets are questionable. Hope I am wrong.

Happy Motoring.

Phil Schilke
Ranger Vehicle Engineering
Ford Motor Co. Retired

 

[j0shm1lls]

Hi Josh...what type of spring compressor is that?

Its a free rental from AutoZone actually, but the brand is PowerBuilt. Here's a direct link to it https://www.autozone.com/test-scan-...r/powerbuilt-strut-coil-compressor/537058_0_0

$200 on the credit card and they refund it completely when you take it back. Not a bad deal!

 

[j0shm1lls]

Hi Josh,

Nice work and great video. That said, you can not ever go back to stock after cutting the frame, so you own it from now on.
I will go on record to only say that if you install such a "system", you now own your truck and if your drive line or frame develop problems, you own them as well. You seem to be a level headed person and hope you realize this. I am not a fan of BDS as I have not seen any engineering analysis of their parts.I doubt they will meet Ford engineering standards for durability or function. Hope they work for you. I welcome BDS to supply FEA analysis, metallurgical analysis etc.e=that ensure they have a robust system

I think the front diff brackets are questionable. Hope I am wrong.

Happy Motoring.

Phil Schilke
Ranger Vehicle Engineering
Ford Motor Co. Retired

Hey Phil,
Thanks! I'm well aware that there's no going back at this point haha. BDS at least offers a 'if it breaks we'll replace it no questions asked' warranty. Hoping I never have to use it of course. I hope everyone realizes that if you modify anything these days you have to accept some level of risk. I can also appreciate your passion for Ford Engineering standards!

 

[Noseoil]

Josh, nice job on the video & lift. You are aware of the risk vs. reward & have assumed responsibility for the mods, so it's all good. The only way to find out is to do it!

 

[j0shm1lls]

I got my BDS Intrusion Beams installed today, not too bad of a job and you really don't have to follow their instructions to a T. I didn't remove the front bumper completely, just loosened the frame bolts all the way out, then took the 3 off from the side I was working on, pulled the bumper forward enough to slide the front intrusion beams out and slid the bumper back on. For the rear, I popped the 3 rearward fender trim clips off (broke one on the driver side and then realized I can reach my hand in from the inside and push the clips out so they don't break), then removed the two push pins holding the fender liner on and was able to get the bolts for the inner plastic support from there. I also removed the two lower fender bolts which gave me just enough room to push it back and slide the rear intrusion beams out. It was a few more steps than just chopping the stock ones off but it wasn't terrible. Here's some before and afters for the front and just an after for the rear (I forgot a before pic ).

Front Stock Intrusion Beam

Front BDS Intrusion Beam

Stock Front vs BDS Front

Stock Front vs BDS Front Thickness

Rear BDS Intrusion Beam

Stock Rear vs BDS Rear

 

[FULLSCALE]

Were your tires running on the factory ones or did you just change them to make sure there was extra clearance?

 

[Msfitoy]

I got my BDS Intrusion Beams installed today, not too bad of a job and you really don't have to follow their instructions to a T. I didn't remove the front bumper completely, just loosened the frame bolts all the way out, then took the 3 off from the side I was working on, pulled the bumper forward enough to slide the front intrusion beams out and slid the bumper back on. For the rear, I popped the 3 rearward fender trim clips off (broke one on the driver side and then realized I can reach my hand in from the inside and push the clips out so they don't break), then removed the two push pins holding the fender liner on and was able to get the bolts for the inner plastic support from there. I also removed the two lower fender bolts which gave me just enough room to push it back and slide the rear intrusion beams out. It was a few more steps than just chopping the stock ones off but it wasn't terrible. Here's some before and afters for the front and just an after for the rear (I forgot a before pic ).

Front Stock Intrusion Beam

Front BDS Intrusion Beam

Stock Front vs BDS Front

Stock Front vs BDS Front Thickness

Rear BDS Intrusion Beam

Stock Rear vs BDS Rear

Does BDS sell these as stand alone set?

 

[j0shm1lls]

Were your tires running on the factory ones or did you just change them to make sure there was extra clearance?

Yep, they were rubbing on both the front and rear driver's side in reverse at full lock. Not anymore!

 

[j0shm1lls]

Does BDS sell these as stand alone set?

They sure do, here's a link http://bds-suspension.com/product-display?sr=123614 . You can also get them from @Stage3Motorsports which is where I got mine.

 

[j0shm1lls]

I installed my Bushwacker OE-Style smooth finish fender flares today. I went with the thinner version that I haven't seen elsewhere yet and I'm quite pleased. They truly do look almost OEM. Here's the set I got in case anyone is interested - https://www.bushwacker.com/bushwacker-20955-02-oe-style-fender-flares-front-and-rear

What do you guys think?

I'll also have an install video up soonish. EDIT: Video is up!

 

[AzScorpion]

I installed my Bushwacker OE-Style smooth finish fender flares today. I went with the thinner version that I haven't seen elsewhere yet and I'm quite pleased. They truly do look almost OEM. Here's the set I got in case anyone is interested - https://www.bushwacker.com/bushwacker-20955-02-oe-style-fender-flares-front-and-rear

What do you guys think?

I'll also have an install video up soonish.

Those look great! I really like that they still look stock unlike the other aftermarket bolt on flares. No offense to others who have that style just these look like a stock flare on steroids!

 

[Lmood]

Those look good. Very raptor-like. Is there an add-on flair for the bumper to make it more flush?

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