1986 Ford Ranger – Bryan H.

Let me share the story of my one-of-a-kind 1986 Ford Ranger SuperCab long-bed 4×4.
What makes this truck unique is its configuration. At the time, Ford offered three options: a regular cab with a long bed, a regular cab with a short bed, or a SuperCab with a short bed. In 1985, I special-ordered the regular-cab, long-bed version.
My Ranger came with the XL package, which included a basic interior, manual windows, door locks and manually operated four-wheel drive with manual locking hubs. Its additional features included dual fuel tanks, limited-slip front, rear differentials and a 2.9-liter V6 engine with a five-speed transmission.
Eventually, I wanted a truck with more legroom so I came up with the idea of building a SuperCab with a long bed. To make that possible, I purchased a second Ranger with a SuperCab, the XLT package and the same equipment as my original truck. The differences included a 60/40 split bench seat, wing windows in the doors, power windows and door locks. I chose not to use the power windows and locks in the finished truck.
After purchasing the second truck, I stripped both vehicles down to their frames. I built a jig, cut the two frames, welded the sections together and adding substantial reinforcement. I then assembled the truck temporarily to confirm that everything fit properly. Once the fit was verified, I took it apart again, had the frame painted, and began the final assembly.
The longer configuration required extending the wiring, fuel lines, brake lines, driveshaft, emergency brake cable and exhaust. I also rebuilt the engine, both the front, rear differentials and the transfer case.
With all the wiring removed and accessible, I was able to inspect it thoroughly and make the necessary repairs before rewrapping it. I also modified the front radius arms by installing Heim joints at the ends in place of the rubber bushings and added a three-inch suspension lift.
I removed the cab and bed from the frame so they could be painted inside, underneath, and outside. A black stripe was added around the entire truck to complete the exterior.
After approximately ten years of work, hard labor and cleaning every nut and bolt, my truck is finally back on the road. It now features a custom interior with all the plastic trim wrapped, a matching dashboard and a leather headliner.
I also want to thank LMC for supplying many of the hard-to-find parts for my truck, including brake lines, air-conditioning lines, engine sensors, brake light lenses and fuel pumps. I used numerous LMC parts throughout the project and I appreciate their commitment to keeping these components available so we can continue to keep these good old trucks on the road.