1986 Ford Ranger - Off Road Race Truck

Every once in a while, we think back on a previous shoot and wish we snapped just one more picture. In this case, we didn't miss a high-speed action shot, or a close-up detail shot of the engine. What we missed showing you was the entourage of Toyota technician shirts that came pouring out of Kenny Walker's motorhome while unleashing his '86 Ford Ranger from its trailer. Kenny and his friends are Toyota technicians even though they race a Ford in MDR, SNORE and MORE organizations 1400 Class. When we asked why a Ford, Kenny said, "This is my third Ranger build and it's what we know how to build, fix, and race. I am also a big fan of I-beams. Not to mention Rangers are definitely cheaper than Tacomas to build."

No, that's not the same engine that came with this '86 Ford. Kenny gutted an '89 Ford Mustang and stole the 302ci V-8 from under its hood. To get the engine pushing over 300 horsepower, it was bored 0.30 over, modified with GT40 heads, E303 Ford cam, 24-pound injectors, and a Cobra intake manifold. Torque Monster headers were also added running to a custom build Howard's muffler system. KW also built the C6 Ford transmission with a full roller, TCS torque converter, bolt-on tail shaft, five-disc clutch packs and Fluidyne coolers.
No, that's not the same engine that came with this '86 Ford. Kenny gutted an '89 Ford Must
It's not hard to tell this is not the first truck Kenny has built. His experience with fabrication is easy to spot. Years of racing expertise has led to the development of his very own shop, KW Fabworx, specializing in race builds, prep and general fabrication. KW pulled out all the stops for this Ranger, pouring years of experience into every bend, notch, weld, and aftermarket component. Although the truck is gorgeous to look at, it was built with one purpose in mind-to win. Only a small portion of the original frame is found under the cab. Dual spare tires and a stout rear bumper keep nerfing problems at bay. Both the aluminum race jack and fire extinguisher have been placed in easy-to-reach areas in case of emergency. OMF Performance added bead lock rings to the 15x8 American Racing wheels and wrapped them in Goodyear MT/R 35-inch tires.
It's not hard to tell this is not the first truck Kenny has built. His experience with fab

From the ground up, you can see how KW fabricated the mounts for the 42-gallon Racer X fuel cell and race jack. The same mounts are removable under the cell in case it needs to be replaced. Check out the added strengthening Kenny did along the rear bumper, he knows what it feels like to get nerfed (nerf = giving the car ahead of you a bump letting them know you would like to pass. Don't try this at home) and knows what it takes to keep his truck running after it happens.
From the ground up, you can see how KW fabricated the mounts for the 42-gallon Racer X fue
Kenny spent a lot of time getting the steering setup just right on his Ranger. He started with a Howe steering box then custom-built a steering arm, 7/8 swingset tie rod, drag link, and steering shaft.
Kenny spent a lot of time getting the steering setup just right on his Ranger. He started
A Speedway Engineering full-floating 9-inch rear end contains a modular iron third member case with billet front nose cone and yoke. Hi-Desert Driveline built the new driveshaft, which needed to be longer and stronger than the stock unit. Other internal components include 5.14 gears, a spool, and 35-spline axles.
A Speedway Engineering full-floating 9-inch rear end contains a modular iron third member

KW Fabworx's in-house built equal length I-beams are attached to 2.5 King coilovers, 3.0 bypass shocks and 2.0 hydraulic bump stops pushing out 20 inches of wheel travel. A big Ron Davis radiator is still running up front with additional coolers mounted in the rear. Baja Designs Soltek HID lamps have been mounted to the front bumper and Pro Comp HID lamps are added when even more light is needed.
KW Fabworx's in-house built equal length I-beams are attached to 2.5 King coilovers, 3.0 b
With the rear portion of the frame removed, a new chassis was built out of 1 3/4-inch 4130 chromoly tube. KW built a three-link rear suspension using 2.5 King coilovers, 3.0 bypass shocks and 2.0 hydraulic bump stops. The new rear would pull 28 inches of limited wheel travel. An orange anodized Cone swaybar is keeping the rear suspension steady.
With the rear portion of the frame removed, a new chassis was built out of 1 3/4-inch 4130
Yes, that is an '86 Ranger, but that's not '86-style fiberglass. Hanneman Fiberglass converted the front end to match the '03 Ranger with only the stock steel doors and cab remaining. Rear bedsides and the hood are also from Hanneman. Valley Collision painted the entire truck stop sign red making KW easy to spot on course.
Yes, that is an '86 Ranger, but that's not '86-style fiberglass. Hanneman Fiberglass conve

Specs
Vehicle:
'86 Ford Ranger

Owner:
Kenny Walker, KW Fabworx

Chassis:
1 3/4-inch 4130 chromoly race built by KW Fabworx

Engine:
302ci V8 Ford

Drivetrain:
Speedway 9-inch, 5.14 gears, spool

Suspension:
Custom three-link, equal length I-beams, King shocks

Steering:
Howe with custom modifications

Brakes:
Wilwood

Tires/wheels:
15x8 American Racing, 35-inch Goodyear MT/R, OMF bead locks

Interior:
Auto Meter, Momo, Art Carr, PRP, Crow, PCI Race Radios pumper, Racer X race radio, Lowrance GPS

Other Parts:
Baja Designs, Pro Comp, Ron Davis, Racer X, Hanneman fiberglass

Favorite Off-Road Area:
Racing MDR, MORE, and SNORE

As you can see, this is a purpose-built, no-bling truck. A Momo steering wheel is wired with push-button communication controls between the occupants and base camp via a Racer X race radio and intercom. Auto Meter gauges provide the driver with all warning indications. PCI Race Radios air pumper system is setup and ready to provide clean cool air located behind the seats and a Lowrance Baja GPS is found above head providing guidance.
As you can see, this is a purpose-built, no-bling truck. A Momo steering wheel is wired wi
Occupants keep comfy in PRP racing seats and strap in using Crow five-point belts. The co-driver is often the mechanic when something goes wrong during a race. Dirt Bagz small and medium tool bags are made to fit around cage structures. You can see how Kenny has his wrapped perfectly around the co-driver seat for quick access. The less time you spend stopped, the quicker you get to the finish.
Occupants keep comfy in PRP racing seats and strap in using Crow five-point belts. The co-
All four corners of the truck have beefy Wilwood disc brakes.