Thrilling Off-Road Speed: The Custom Ford Ranger That Redefines Desert Driving

There’s Nothing Quite Like Going 100-plus Across the Desert in a Purpose-Built Ford Ranger

Everyone has that one vehicle that causes them to pause—that quintessential custom you can only dream of emulating in some shape or form in a future build. For off-road desert speed fans, that truck is Rob Lindsay’s Ford Ranger, turned insanely custom pre-runner! And for good reason.

Rob’s Ranger started off life like any other standard Ford Ranger—mildly capable, big enough to haul some stuff around, but not overly impressive when it came to, let’s face it, any specifications. But, match that Ranger up with one heck of a fabricator, an unbelievable prowess for building off-road capable vehicles, four years of work on nights and weekends, and some of the best upgrades and modifications money can buy, and you’ve got yourself one legendary off- road truck!

A talented fabricator, Rob owns and runs RJ Fabrication out of Hesperia, California, specializing in building custom pre-runners—vehicles meant to have the suspension and clearance for off-road fun, with the style and comfort of a full race vehicle. So when it comes to one of the most well-known pre-runners in the off-road world, it should come as no surprise that it was commissioned, built, and is owned by Rob himself. Chances are if you’ve spent any time in the SoCal desert, you’ve seen, and drooled over, this very truck.

“Out back, 60-inch trailing arms and another set of Eibach springs and FOX shocks bump suspension travel up to an amazing 30 inches.”

Built from the Frame Up

This being a completely purpose-built truck, everything from the chassis up was customized, starting with the frame, which started as a standard 1989 Ford frame but was then plated and boxed in the front. Out back, the frame was completely done away with and replaced with a full custom tube chassis, which runs up through the cab of the truck for added stability and passenger safety. From there, in true pre-runner style, the suspension dynamics were significantly changed, giving the truck the travel and ability to speed through the desert with little trouble.

Up front, nickel-plated, RJ Fabrication custom I beams and radius arms pair nicely with Eibach springs and FOX shocks for an impressive 20 inches of suspension travel. Out back, 60-inch trailing arms and another set of Eibach springs and FOX shocks bump suspension travel up to an amazing 30 inches. Paired with a Power Steering Solutions GM Saginaw 800 steering box and a hydraulic ram stabilizer, this suspension setup makes it possible for the truck to go just about anywhere!

“The transmission makes use of a Coan Racing 4200-stall converter, while two extra large CBR Performance transmission coolers make sure the fluid pulsing through its veins stays as cool as possible.”

If you’re going off road, you certainly need wheels and tires that can hold up under pressure. This is why Rob chose to go with Walker Evans Racing 17×9-inch billet beadlock wheels and wrapped them in 39-inch BFGoodrich’s highly capable Baja T/A KR tires. Stopping power on an off-road truck is also a major consideration, so Rob opted to give his truck the full Wilwood treatment with 14-inch brakes and 6-piston calipers on all four corners, fed by a Wilwood dual master cylinder.

Power to the Pavement, and Beyond

Whether its driving through the streets of Hesperia or going fast over the dry lakebeds of Johnson Valley, getting as much power to the ground is vital for this truck. So what better way to do so than to cram a stout 532ci Chevy big-block-based V-8 under the hood?

Built by Ballinger Custom Engines to be all but bulletproof, this massive fully balanced and blueprinted powerhouse started off with a Dart Machinery block before being equipped with a Crower Cams forged crankshaft and connecting rods, Diamond 10.8:1 pistons and rings, and a Straub Technologies Bullet camshaft with a 0.760-inch intake/0.780-inch exhaust lift, and a 0.266-inch intake/0.270- inch exhaust duration at 0.050-inch lift. An Air Flow Research 315cc competition port cylinder head was entrusted to control air flow in and out of the engine’s cylinders, while also controlling fuel deployment along side the Edelbrock Victor Jr. EFI intake manifold and Fuel Air Spark Technologies Gen II EFI fuel injection system, fed by a Harmon Racing fuel cell behind the cab of the truck. Pulling spent fuel from the engine are fully custom 2 1/8-inch primary headers that dump into a custom 3-inch exhaust system with rear bedside dumps, built by RJ Fabrications.

Backing the built 532 is a TH400 automatic transmission, built by Chris Gardner of  Maximum Offroad Transmissions. This bad-boy transmission can take the pre-runner’s full punishment thanks to a 2018 Reid Racing case, billet internals, a billet valve body, and a Maximum Offroad Transmissions shift kit. The transmission makes use of a Coan Racing 4200-stall converter, while two extra large CBR Performance transmission coolers make sure the fluid pulsing through its veins stays as cool as possible.

In staying true to getting as much of the 532’s power to the ground, Rob outfitted his truck with a custom driveshaft built by High Desert Driveline, as well as 45-spline axles paired with a custom 3.5-inch, .250-wall chromoly rear drive axle housing he built himself. This is matched up with an Evan Weller differential built with a GearWorks case and a 45-spline spool, and topped off with 5.14 rearend gears.

“To create the Ranger’s wide race truck look, Rob fitted the truck with a modified McNeil Racing front clip and fiberglass grille, creating mini fenders to fill in the sides up front.”

Pre-Running Beauty

Given its loads of power and ability to charge through the desert, one could forgive you for thinking there would be little point in making this truck look fantastic in addition to being highly capable. After all, what’s the point in making something look nice if you’re just going to go thrash it off road? Well, just like with many of our own projects, this one snowballed, turning into a much nicer looking truck than originally planned by Rob. The result is an amazingly unique desert powerhouse.

To create the Ranger’s wide race truck look, Rob fitted the truck with a modified McNeil Racing front clip and fiberglass grille, creating mini fenders to fill in the sides up front. Modified McQueen bedsides help give the truck a girthier silhouette, while the space where the truck’s bed would be was exchanged for a custom rack for spare wheels and tires. Of course, there is also a McNeil fiberglass hood and prominent custom skid plate adorning the front of the truck, the latter to protect the radiator, transmission coolers, and rest of the engine from any pesky rock damage one could pick up bombing through the desert.

For lighting, Rob opted to go with Raptor headlights, while adding KC lights above the cab, as well as a light bar in the front grille for optimal illumination on dark back roads and night-time desert treks. The entire truck was then sprayed in Dupont black for a sleek finish by Mike Doman of Doman Auto Body, and topped with laser-cut rear cage details from Western Fabrication.

Inside, the truck was treated to even more custom fair, from the beige, marine-grade vinyl covered PRP Podium seats with custom embroidery done by Rudy’s Custom Upholstery, to the custom aluminum dash, center console and panels built by RJ Fabrication. Safety still being of utmost concern in his truck, Rob also built a custom 2-inch chromoly rollcage, which is integrated it into the custom interior flawlessly.

Giving the driver ultimate control of the truck’s direction is a MOMO steering wheel, while a B&M Pro Ratchet shifter makes easy work of manually shifting the truck from the center console. Gauges in the custom dash hail from both Speedhut and Fuel Air Spark Technology, while a full Rugged Radios push-button communication system with AlphaBass headsets make for easy driver and passenger communication when faced with the roar of the modified Chevy Big Block at full boar.

You may not be used to seeing luxury prerunners like this one, but when it comes to the trucks that Rob builds, they are nothing but top-notch in performance and aesthetics. The only question we have is what is Rob going to build next?

UPGRADES

1989/1995 Ford Ranger Prerunner

Owner:

• Rob Lindsay
• Hesperia, California

Chassis & Suspension: 1989 Ford front frame section, lated and boxed by RJ Fabrication; Custom tube chassis rear built by RJ Fabrication; 20-inch front and 30-inch rear suspension travel; Eibach front and rear springs; FOX front and rear shocks; Custom I-beams with radius arms in front end built by RJ Fabrication; 60-inch rear trailing arms with upper wishbone 3-link; Aircraft quality 12-point hardware throughout the chassis; Power Steering Solution GM Saginaw 800 power steering box; Power Steering Solutions hydraulic ram steering stabilizer

Wheels & Tires: Walker Evans Racing 17×9-inch billet beadlock wheels; 39-inch BFGoodrich Baja T/A KR tires

Engine & Drivetrain: 532ci Big-Block Chevy V8 built by Ballinger Custom Engines; Dart Machinery block; Internally balanced and blueprinted; Crower Cams forged crankshaft; Crower Cams connecting rods; Diamond 10.8:1 pistons and rings; Straub Technologies Bullet camshaft, 0.760-inch intake/0.780-inch exhaust lift, 0.266-inch intake/0.270-inch exhaust duration at 0.050-inch lift; Air Flow Research 315cc competition port cylinder head; Edelbrock Victor Jr. EFI intake manifold; Fuel Air Spark Technologies Gen II EFI fuel injection; Custom 2 1/8-inch primary headers built by RJ Fabrication; Custom 3-inch exhaust system with rear bedside dumps built by RJ Fabrication; MSD 6AL-2 ignition; Harmon Racing fuel cell; TH400 with 2018 Reid Racing case, fitted with billet internals and a billet valve body, built by Chris                    Gardner of  Maximum Offroad Transmissions; Maximum Offroad Transmissions shift kit; B&M Pro Ratchet shifter; Coan Racing 4200 stall converter; Two extra large CBR Performance transmission coolers; Custom driveshaft built by High Desert Driveline; 3.5-inch, .250-wall chromoly rear drive axle housing built by RJ Fabrication; Evan Weller differential built with a GearWorks case and 45-spline spool; 45-spline axles; 5.14 rearend gears; Wilwood 14-inch brakes; Wilwood 6-piston calipers; Wilwood dual master cylinder

Body & Paint: Modified McNeil Racing front clip; Modified McQueen fiberglass fenders and bedsides; McNeil Racing fiberglass grille; McNeil Racing fiberglass hood; Custom bumpers by RJ Fabrication; Raptor headlights; KC secondary lights; Custom skid plate; Laser-cut rear cage details from Western Fabrication; Dupont black paint sprayed by Mike Doman of Doman Auto Body

Interior & Stereo: PRP Podium seats covered in beige marine-grade vinyl by Rudy’s Custom Upholstery; Crow Safety Gear harnesses; Custom aluminum dash, center console and panels built by RJ Fabrication and covered by Rudy’s Custom Upholstery; Custom RJ Fabrication 2-inch chromoly rollcage; Speedhut and Fuel Air Spark Technology gauges; MOMO steering wheel; Rugged Radios push-button communication system with AlphaBass headsets

Editor’s Note: A version of this article appeared in TREAD Mar/Apr 2024.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How long has the manufacturer been building championship off-road race vehicles?

For nearly five decades, this manufacturer has been creating top-tier off-road race vehicles known for their exceptional durability. Starting their journey in 1975, they have since established a reputation for meticulous craftsmanship and unmatched attention to detail.

What technology is included in luxury pre-runners for GPS tracking and vehicle performance management?

Advanced Technology in Luxury Pre-Runners for GPS Tracking and Vehicle Performance Management

Luxury pre-runners are outfitted with cutting-edge technology to enhance both navigation and performance. Here’s a closer look at what you can expect:

GPS Tracking Systems

• High-Precision Mapping: Utilizing top-tier GPS units from brands like Garmin and Lowrance, these vehicles offer unparalleled accuracy in route planning and real-time navigation.
• Live Tracking: Some systems provide live tracking features, allowing for real-time updates on vehicle location and speed, which is crucial for off-road adventures.

Vehicle Performance Management

• Engine Diagnostics: Advanced software, such as that offered by Magellan or Racepak, monitors engine parameters, including temperature, RPM, and fuel efficiency, ensuring optimal performance.
• Suspension Analysis: Cutting-edge sensors capture data on suspension dynamics, offering insights that can be used to tweak settings for smoother rides.
• Integrated Displays: User-friendly touchscreens combine GPS and performance data, displaying everything from real-time navigation to detailed analytics on vehicle behavior.

User-Friendly Integration

• Customizable Interfaces: The technology often includes customizable dashboards, allowing drivers to prioritize the information most important to them.
• Remote Monitoring: Some systems even offer remote monitoring capabilities, enabling vehicle diagnostics and performance tracking from a smartphone or tablet.

By integrating these advanced technologies, luxury pre-runners provide a seamless and sophisticated driving experience, making them the ultimate off-road vehicles.

How does customization and attention to detail contribute to the performance and style of a luxury pre-runner?

Given its loads of power and ability to charge through the desert, one could forgive you for thinking there would be little point in making this truck look fantastic in addition to being highly capable. After all, what’s the point in making something look nice if you’re just going to go thrash it off-road? Well, just like with many of our own projects, this one snowballed, turning into a much nicer looking truck than originally planned by Rob. The result is an amazingly unique desert powerhouse where high levels of customization and impeccable attention to detail are key aspects. Performance and style work in harmony to deliver the best driving experience.

To create the Ranger’s wide race truck look, Rob fitted the truck with a modified McNeil Racing front clip and fiberglass grille, creating mini fenders to fill in the sides up front. Modified McQueen bedsides help give the truck a girthier silhouette, while the space where the truck’s bed would be was exchanged for a custom rack for spare wheels and tires. Of course, there is also a McNeil fiberglass hood and prominent custom skid plate adorning the front of the truck, the latter to protect the radiator, transmission coolers, and rest of the engine from any pesky rock damage one could pick up bombing through the desert.

For lighting, Rob opted to go with Raptor headlights, while adding KC lights above the cab, as well as a light bar in the front grille for optimal illumination on dark back roads and nighttime desert treks. The entire truck was then sprayed in Dupont black for a sleek finish by Mike Doman of Doman Auto Body, and topped with laser-cut rear cage details from Western Fabrication.

Inside, the truck was treated to even more custom fair, from the beige, marine-grade vinyl covered PRP Podium seats with custom embroidery done by Rudy’s Custom Upholstery, to the custom aluminum dash, center console and panels built by RJ Fabrication. Safety still being of utmost concern in his truck, Rob also built a custom 2-inch chromoly rollcage, which is integrated it into the custom interior flawlessly.

Giving the driver ultimate control of the truck’s direction is a MOMO steering wheel, while a B&M Pro Ratchet shifter makes easy work of manually shifting the truck from the center console. Gauges in the custom dash hail from both Speedhut and Fuel Air Spark Technology, while a full Rugged Radios push-button communication system with AlphaBass headsets make for easy driver and passenger communication when faced with the roar of the modified Chevy Big Block at full boar.

You may not be used to seeing luxury prerunners like this one, but when it comes to the trucks that Rob builds, they are nothing but top-notch in performance and aesthetics.

What makes a luxury pre-runner the ultimate vehicle for off-road driving?

“Given its loads of power and ability to charge through the desert, one could forgive you for thinking there would be little point in making this truck look fantastic in addition to being highly capable. After all, what’s the point in making something look nice if you’re just going to go thrash it off road? Well, just like with many of our own projects, this one snowballed, turning into a much nicer looking truck than originally planned by Rob. The result is an amazingly unique desert powerhouse.”

“To create the Ranger’s wide race truck look, Rob fitted the truck with a modified McNeil Racing front clip and fiberglass grille, creating mini fenders to fill in the sides up front. Modified McQueen bedsides help give the truck a girthier silhouette, while the space where the truck’s bed would be was exchanged for a custom rack for spare wheels and tires. Of course, there is also a McNeil fiberglass hood and prominent custom skid plate adorning the front of the truck, the latter to protect the radiator, transmission coolers, and rest of the engine from any pesky rock damage one could pick up bombing through the desert.”

Luxury pre-runners are not just about rugged performance; they are about creating an unparalleled driving experience. These vehicles seamlessly blend high levels of customization and impeccable attention to detail. Performance and style work in harmony to deliver an unmatched desert adventure.

Imagine being surrounded by premium amenities as you conquer extreme off-road terrains. Features like supercharged dual air conditioners ensure you stay cool, while custom leather seats offer maximum comfort. Modern technology, including user-friendly GPS tracking and advanced vehicle performance management systems, makes navigating and managing your ride a breeze.

“You may not be used to seeing luxury prerunners like this one, but when it comes to the trucks that Rob builds, they are nothing but top-notch in performance and aesthetics.”

What premium amenities are featured in luxury pre-runners to enhance the driving experience?

“Inside, the truck was treated to even more custom fair, from the beige, marine-grade vinyl covered PRP Podium seats with custom embroidery done by Rudy’s Custom Upholstery, to the custom aluminum dash, center console and panels built by RJ Fabrication. Safety still being of utmost concern in his truck, Rob also built a custom 2-inch chromoly rollcage, which is integrated it into the custom interior flawlessly.

For those sweltering desert days or chilly mountain nights, dual air conditioners ensure the cabin remains comfortable, no matter the weather. The custom leather seats add an additional layer of luxury and comfort, making long drives more enjoyable.

Giving the driver ultimate control of the truck’s direction is a MOMO steering wheel, while a B&M Pro Ratchet shifter makes easy work of manually shifting the truck from the center console. Gauges in the custom dash hail from both Speedhut and Fuel Air Spark Technology, while a full Rugged Radios push-button communication system with AlphaBass headsets make for easy driver and passenger communication when faced with the roar of the modified Chevy Big Block at full boar.

Modern technology plays a crucial role in these high-performance machines. Advanced GPS tracking systems and vehicle performance management tools ensure that every journey is not only thrilling but also safe and efficient. These features collectively elevate the pre-runners to a level often compared to supercars, blending unmatched off-road capability with top-tier luxury.”