1990 Ford Ranger 4x4 XLT - Prerunner Truck

1990 Ford Ranger 4X4 Xlt Front Left View

When Rich moved his family to the West Coast, his love for Baja and the desert grew leaps and bounds. That meant his truck would also have to grow, as well as his welding skills. Over the past few years, Rich converted the truck himself-a hobby that would eventually lead to the start of his shop, High Definition Motorsports. We like this truck because it shows what the average guy can build in his garage on a budget.

When Rich moved his family to the West Coast, his love for Baja and the desert grew leaps

You would have a tough time finding a Ford Ranger that has been through more than Rich Hobbs' 1990 4x4 XLT. Rich is the original owner of this beast, and over the past 20 years the truck has been rolled twice, salvaged twice, lifted big with a body lift East Coast style (when he lived in Maryland), and eventually converted into a prerunner. He named the truck Emilie, after his daughter, because in his own words, "Although she can be a pain in the butt, I wouldn't trade her for anything in the world."

Specs
Vehicle:
'90 Ford Ranger 4x4 XLT

Owner:
Rich Hobbs

1990 Ford Ranger 4X4 Xlt Rear Right View

Having a love for motorcycles, Rich informed us that he built the rear bed cage with enough room to carry his motorcycle where the dual spare tires are mounted. We would have shown you, but we didn't have a bike handy. Both the front and rear fiberglass is from Perry McNeil Fab n Fiber. American Racing 15x8 wheels are wrapped in 32x11.50R15 BFG A/T KO rubber. Rich painted the glass to match with spray paint in his garage, and we have to admit it looked pretty good.

Having a love for motorcycles, Rich informed us that he built the rear bed cage with enoug

Chassis:
Stock

Engine:
2.9L V-6, K&N, Flowmaster

Drivetrain:
Dana 28, Dana 44, 4.10 gears

Suspension:
Custom extended I-beams, H&M Shackles, King shocks, Camburg plates, International springs

Steering:
Stock

Brakes:
Stock with SS brake lines

Tires/wheels:
American Racing 15x8, BFG AT KO

Interior:
CB, PRP seats, Garmin navigation unit

Other Parts:
Hamstar lights, Optima batteries, Fuel Safe cell

Favorite Off-Road Area:
From East Coast to West Coast and south of the border

The 'cage surrounding the truck was built from 1.5-inch 4130 chromoly tube. With a history of rollovers and a lead foot, Rich spared no expense on quality steel. Hamstar 100-watt flood lamps and amber dust lights have been mounted to a removable light bar above the cabin. Shocks in the rear include King 2.5x18 reservoir shocks providing 20 inches of wheel travel.
The 'cage surrounding the truck was built from 1.5-inch 4130 chromoly tube. With a history

Resting behind the cab is a 25-gallon Fuel Safe cell retaining all stock smog equipment. This truck is still Rich's daily driver.
Resting behind the cab is a 25-gallon Fuel Safe cell retaining all stock smog equipment. T
Dual Optima Yellow Top batteries are mounted just behind the fuel cell. The aluminum floor jack can also be spotted here under the spare tire.
Dual Optima Yellow Top batteries are mounted just behind the fuel cell. The aluminum floor
The Optima Red Top battery under the hood makes a total of three batteries on this truck. He must have some hidden 5,000-watt stereo amp draining those cells that we didn't see during the shoot. The stock 2.9L V-6 is still rocking under the hood pushing a massive 150 horsepower. Rich likes to call it the rubber band motor: Twist it up and let it go. He has added a K&N Intake Kit and 3-inch Flowmaster exhaust to help it breathe better.
The Optima Red Top battery under the hood makes a total of three batteries on this truck.

Wanting to keep in line with his budget, Rich cut and extended the stock 4x4 I-beams 2 inches per side instead of going out and dropping $2,000 on a pair of prefabbed ones. King 2.5x12 coilovers keep the front end moving and helped the Ranger achieve 12 inches of front wheel travel with 4WD intact.
Wanting to keep in line with his budget, Rich cut and extended the stock 4x4 I-beams 2 inc
Rich built the suspension on his Ranger himself. He added an National 4-inch Ranger leaf pack which measures 57 inches eye to eye and provides 20 inches of wheel travel. Energy Suspension bumpstops have been added to control harsh impacts. H&M shackles have also been added, as well as Camburg spring plates, tying the rear end together. Gussets were added to the rear end for strength as well as 4.10 gears and a limited slip.
Rich built the suspension on his Ranger himself. He added an National 4-inch Ranger leaf p
PRP provided all three seats, including a pre-teen seat in the rear with a preemie insert for his daughter. Rich doesn't have the high-dollar fancy race radio and instead is still rocking a CB. He says, "If that doesn't work, I yell out the window and scream."
PRP provided all three seats, including a pre-teen seat in the rear with a preemie insert