1999 Ford Ranger

[Bruce]

Originally Posted by BackroadBomber

Is your hood aluminium? I know the 01-03 rangers were and I believe they're a direct swap. Could have a little weight savings there. Also, what axle ratio do you have? My 94 has 3.45's which are the highest you could get in 94.

I have an aluminum hood and a 4.10 axle ratio.

I did a little checking and it looks expensive to change the rear axle. Wonder what payoff I would see?

[user removed]

Rethink the cap, just make it functional for your needs. My 97 is averaging just over 31 MPG in this cold dreary winter. I also have the 3.45 but with the 5 speed with a .80 OD. She loves the highway.

Your could make the sides out of hard material and a fabric sanp on center piece that you could remove, roll up and stick behind the seat. Never say never when there are real options. Build the sides out of plywood that will set in the factory holes in the bed (2each side). Snaps along the top edge and a canvas top with strips of wood or plastic to keep the center standing tall.

regards
Mech

[Bruce]

Originally Posted by Old Mechanic

Rethink the cap, just make it functional for your needs. My 97 is averaging just over 31 MPG in this cold dreary winter. I also have the 3.45 but with the 5 speed with a .80 OD. She loves the highway.

Your could make the sides out of hard material and a fabric sanp on center piece that you could remove, roll up and stick behind the seat. Never say never when there are real options. Build the sides out of plywood that will set in the factory holes in the bed (2each side). Snaps along the top edge and a canvas top with strips of wood or plastic to keep the center standing tall.

regards
Mech

Ok, I won't say never, but I'll say it's near the last thing I'll try. I really dislike driving a truck with a cap, and I really like how I can reach over the sides of this ranger to grab sacks of feed or pieces of firewood.

[user removed]

Here is mine. It's one piece and removable but it is almost too heavy for me alone. I would do it the way I suggested here if I had it to do again. I will make it so it opens sideways with the hinge point on the drivers side of the truck which would give access from the passengers side.

Regards
Mech

[kalifornia]

I have canopy envy

[Dirtydeeds]

Originally Posted by Old Mechanic

Rethink the cap, just make it functional for your needs. My 97 is averaging just over 31 MPG in this cold dreary winter. I also have the 3.45 but with the 5 speed with a .80 OD. She loves the highway.

Your could make the sides out of hard material and a fabric sanp on center piece that you could remove, roll up and stick behind the seat. Never say never when there are real options. Build the sides out of plywood that will set in the factory holes in the bed (2each side). Snaps along the top edge and a canvas top with strips of wood or plastic to keep the center standing tall.

regards
Mech

I've been thinking of something similar. I have a normal cap on my ranger. Would love the usability of a cap that could be a 'convertible' for when I put big stuff in there. If an aeromod could be mixed at the same time, it would be great.

[JRMichler]

Here's my topper:


I can remove the lid by popping off the lift struts, unplugging the electrical connector, and pulling the hinge pin (need a pair of pliers for that). The top weighs about 35 lbs or so, so it lifts off easily.

More photos in my profile.

[Bruce]

I now have a wing. I started a thread in the Aerodynamics forum in the hopes of getting some help with finding the best angle. Spring weather has been whacky here and I have no confidence in my mpg numbers. Coasting testing is coming up in the next couple of weeks.

[MPGsteward]

I like the wing. Would like to know what the white material is made of?