One of the great things about hosting an off-road gathering isn’t just getting to play off-road, but getting to meet people and check out their trucks. Nick Swanson saw our 2020 Fall Round-Up posted online, and made the trip from Michigan to the Badlands Off Road Park in Attica, Indiana to join in on the action.
Nick’s 1999 Ford Ranger 4×4 came with the 4.0L V-6 and 5-speed manual transmission, but the axles are no longer stock.
The front axle is a Dana 44 that once lived in a 1978 Ford Bronco. It’s been given a new life in the Ranger with 5.13 gears and a limited slip. The axle is suspended under the Ranger with 5-1/2 inch Bronco lift coils, and custom extended radius arms with heim joints.
(Check out the rock slider and extended radius arm with heim joints)
The rear axle is a Ford 9-inch that also came from a 1978 Ford Bronco, and features 5.13 gears, a Detroit Truetrac, and a pinion guard. It’s suspended under the Ranger with 63-inch Chevy leaf springs.
The Ranger rolls on 37×12.50×17 Pro Comp all terrains.
The Ranger also features a set of custom rock sliders, beefy front and rear bumpers, and a Traveller 12,000 lb winch.
It was great meeting Nick, checking out his Ranger, and watching him wheel, and we look forward to seeing him at future events.
More Photos:
Click the photos to enlarge.
