Bagged and Boddied 1992 Ford Ranger

It’s Not Always Rainbows and Butterflies

 Not every build is a walk in the park. Some build stories have many different components and certain trials and tribulations. Angela Dry from Grove, Oklahoma, is no stranger to adversity. In 2010, she was able to save enough money to buy her truck of choice, an ’85 Ford Ranger. When she finally got the truck home and started to inspect it, she saw the top, bottom of the door frames, and fenders were eaten up by rust. The winter in Oklahoma was likely the cause, with massive snow throughout the entire state in the late months of the year. 

Angela brought the Ranger to a shop and they hacked it up by cutting wires that shouldn’t have been cut.” 

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter

Not wanting to just scrap the entire truck, Angela set out to find a donor truck to combine with her purchase to make one whole truck. The donor truck came from Inola, Oklahoma, and the frame was removed and added to her ’85 Ranger. Angela brought the Ranger to a shop and they hacked it up by cutting wires that shouldn’t have been cut. Angela’s brother Chris Eaton had to go in and rewire everything to correct the issues this fumble caused.

SIBLING SYNERGY

Chris also handled the stock floor body-drop while the transmission had to be modified via a tunnel in the cabin. Once the body was put back on, the bed floor was raised so it wouldn’t have a hole in it. Angela wanted to learn to weld and her brother was more than happy to teach her because it meant less work for him. She spent countless hours spot-welding and working the body and bed floor. He showed her how to patch rust spots, as well as how to shave the gas door. During the process, her brother accidentally put a huge hole in the tailgate, so Angela put her newfound talents to work fixing it on her own. Her repaired tailgate is what’s on the truck today. Chris, Angela, and her long-time boyfriend, Dustin Darby, brought the truck into the paint booth and added a Nissan Pacific Blue paint to the freshly bodied Ranger.

INTERIOR MOTIVES

Turning her attention to the interior, Angela located a set of Chevy Cavalier seats and replaced the dilapidated stock seats. The dashboard was restructured due to all the cracks. New carpet was put in and the door panels were replaced. Local upholstery artist, Debra Siske, added new upholstery inside. Angela was able to find a center console that came from a Ford Explorer that fit between the seats to perfection. Her boyfriend, Dustin, works at a glass company, so replacing the glass inside the truck was relatively simple.

Under the hood, after initially running and driving fine, the stock motor seized on her, adding yet another problem to Angela’s build. Luckily the donor truck’s motor had lower miles and was able to be rebuilt, cleaned, painted, and mounted. Wheel tubs were added for proper fitment, and she decided to go with 17-inch Prime wheels she found in Mississippi to get the Ford rolling on the streets. As it was originally purchased as an ’85 Ford Ranger, the ’92 loaner truck was grafted onto the entire body, so we’ll now call the Ranger a 1992 instead. What made the grafting easy was the fact that the Toyota front clip was used.

AIN’T IT A B%#CH

Angela wishes to thank her brother for teaching her all the truck and welding skills she now has, her very supportive bearded boyfriend, Dustin Darby, and her two kids, Josie and Joseph, for all their support. As a Cherokee Indian, Angela loves her heritage and has proudly joined the Female Mini-Truckers, with whom she is excited to find camaraderie. With all the bumps in the road she experienced, Angela accurately named her truck The B%#ch.

Angela wanted to learn to weld and her brother was more than happy to teach her because it meant less work for him.” 

TRUCK SPECS

 Owner 

Angela Dry
1992 Ford Ranger
Grove, Oklahoma

Chassis

• Front Suspension:  Slam Specialties 2,600-pound air bags, Thorbeck Brothers upper and lower control arms
• Rear Suspension:  triangulated 4-link, Slam Specialties 2,600-pound air bags, engine-driven compressor, 10-gallon air tank mounted under the bed

Drivetrain

• Engine: 2.3L, Spectre air filter, painted block
• Transmission: manual 5-speed

Body/Paint 

• Nissan Pacific Blue paint, pinstripe by Gooch at Gooch’s Pinstriping, raised Ford emblem, custom fender badges by A.J. Going at Lowdown Fabworks, shaved stock gas door, bed raised 8 ½ inches, custom wheel tubs built

Interior 

• Chevy Cavalier seats reupholstered by Debra Siske, ’85 Ford Explorer center console

Stereo 

• Sony head unit
• 5-inch door speakers
• 6×9 rear speakers

Wheels & Tires 

• Wheels: 17×11 Prime wheels with Centerline centercaps
• Tires: 215/40R17 Yokohama

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What Modifications Were Made to Kyle Caso’s 1992 Ford Ranger PreRunner for Racing?

Kyle Caso’s 1992 Ford Ranger PreRunner has undergone significant modifications to transform it from a simple weekend desert runner into a competitive, race-winning machine.

Initially built with basic leaf springs for casual use, the truck has been completely overhauled twice. Here’s a rundown of some key modifications:

• Suspension Upgrades: The once modest leaf-spring setup has been replaced with advanced suspension systems that provide superior handling and stability crucial for high-speed desert racing.
• Engine Enhancements: To boost performance, the engine has been tuned and reconfigured, offering improved horsepower and torque. This allows the truck to navigate through rough terrains with enhanced power and efficiency.
• Roll Cage Installation: Safety is paramount in off-road racing. A full roll cage has been installed, ensuring the driver’s safety in the event of a rollover or collision.
• Weight Reduction: To enhance speed and agility, unnecessary weight has been stripped from the vehicle. This includes using lightweight materials wherever possible.
• Race-Specific Tires: High-performance racing tires have replaced the stock versions, providing better grip and durability under extreme conditions.
• Reinforced Chassis: The chassis has been reinforced to withstand the stresses and strains of competitive racing. This includes additional welding and the use of stronger materials.

The result of these comprehensive upgrades is a formidable race truck that has proven its mettle in various racing series. From competing in the 1450 and 1400 classes to earning podium finishes in prestigious events, Kyle Caso’s Ford Ranger is now a true testament to the power of precision engineering and relentless innovation.

How has Kyle Caso’s Ford Ranger performed in desert racing events?

Kyle Caso’s Ford Ranger has proven itself to be a formidable competitor in desert racing events. Originally a straightforward desert runner, the truck has undergone two significant rebuilds to become a race-winning powerhouse.

Over its racing career, the Ranger has excelled in various classes, specifically the 1450 and 1400 categories. Impressively, it has secured podium finishes across numerous racing series, including MDR, MORE, SCORE, SNORE, Tuff Trucks Challenge, and the Glenn Helen Baja Cup.

This journey highlights not only the truck’s initial purpose as a weekend desert cruiser but also its evolution into a highly competitive race machine. Kyle Caso’s dedication to continuous improvement has clearly paid off, solidifying the Ford Ranger’s reputation in the desert racing community.

What inspired the build of Kyle Caso’s 1992 Ford Ranger PreRunner?

The Inspiration Behind Kyle Caso’s 1992 Ford Ranger PreRunner Build

Kyle Caso’s journey into building his 1992 Ford Ranger PreRunner is driven by a deep-rooted passion for off-road racing and an adventurous spirit. Over the years, Kyle has owned several race-inspired prerunners, which essentially laid the groundwork for his fascination with transforming ordinary trucks into high-performance desert machines.

Passion for Off-Road Racing

Kyle’s love for the off-road scene saw him frequently attending weekend desert races, where he observed countless high-speed performances and innovative vehicle modifications. These experiences sparked his desire to create his own capable and rugged desert runner.

Hands-On Learning

Starting with a basic leaf-sprung prerunner, Kyle delved into the mechanics and engineering needed to withstand harsh terrains. As he tinkered and tested different setups, his understanding and expertise grew, driving him to pursue more ambitious builds.

Community and Culture

Immersing himself in the off-road community allowed Kyle to absorb a wealth of knowledge and inspiration. The camaraderie among enthusiasts and the competitive yet supportive nature of the scene profoundly influenced his approach to vehicle customization.

In summary, Kyle Caso’s 1992 Ford Ranger PreRunner build is a culmination of passion for off-road racing, hands-on learning experiences, and the vibrant culture of the off-road community. With each modification, Kyle moves closer to his vision of the perfect desert machine.

What type of suspension did Kyle Caso’s 1992 Ford Ranger PreRunner originally have?

Kyle Caso’s 1992 Ford Ranger PreRunner originally featured a basic leaf spring suspension. This setup was designed for casual off-road adventures and keeping up with desert racing events.

How many times has Kyle Caso’s 1992 Ford Ranger PreRunner been rebuilt?

Kyle Caso</Kyle Caso>’s 1992 Ford Ranger PreRunner has undergone two complete rebuilds. Thanks to these meticulous overhauls, the vehicle has evolved into a race-winning machine.

What series has Kyle Caso’s 1992 Ford Ranger PreRunner participated in?

Certainly! Here’s a more detailed rewrite:

Kyle Caso’s 1992 Ford Ranger PreRunner has had an impressive racing career, competing across various prestigious series. Notably, it has showcased its capabilities in the 1450 and 1400 classes. The truck has also earned podium finishes in several renowned competitions, including:

• Mojave Desert Racing (MDR)
• Mojave Off-Road Racing Enthusiasts (MORE)
• Southern Nevada Off-Road Enthusiasts (SNORE)
• SCORE International
• Tuff Trucks Challenge
• Glen Helen Baja Cup Series

These accomplishments highlight the vehicle’s performance and versatility in the off-road racing world.

What are some of the racing achievements of Kyle Caso’s 1992 Ford Ranger PreRunner?

Racing Achievements of Kyle Caso’s 1992 Ford Ranger PreRunner

Kyle Caso’s 1992 Ford Ranger PreRunner boasts an impressive résumé in the racing world. Rebuilt twice, this truck has not only withstood the test of time but has also thrived in competitive environments.

Here are the notable milestones:

• Podium Finishes: The Ranger has secured top spots in multiple races, earning podium finishes in prestigious series such as the MDR and MORE.
• Class Competitions: Competing in both the 1450 and 1400 classes, the truck has consistently demonstrated its versatility and prowess.
• Major Series Success: It has shone in well-known off-road racing series including SCORE and SNORE, further solidifying its reputation.
• Event Victories: The truck has nabbed wins in specialized events like the Tuff Trucks Challenge and Glenn Helen Baja Cup series.

This storied vehicle continues to build its legacy, proving its mettle in diverse and challenging racing scenarios.

In which racing classes has Kyle Caso’s 1992 Ford Ranger PreRunner competed?

Kyle Caso’s 1992 Ford Ranger PreRunner has made its mark in a variety of racing classes. This vehicle has competed in both the 1450 and 1400 classes, showcasing its versatility and performance. It hasn’t just participated; it’s also excelled, securing podium positions across multiple racing series.

Racing Classes and Achievements:

• 1450 Class
• 1400 Class

Podium Finishes in Various Series:

• MDR
• MORE
• SCORE
• SNORE
• Tuff Trucks Challenge
• Glenn Helen Baja Cup

These achievements highlight the truck’s robust rebuilds and exceptional capabilities on the track.

How has Kyle Caso’s 1992 Ford Ranger PreRunner evolved over time?

Evolution of Kyle Caso’s 1992 Ford Ranger PreRunner

Kyle Caso’s journey with his 1992 Ford Ranger PreRunner has been nothing short of transformative. Initially, the truck was a straightforward, leaf-sprung build meant for casual weekends in the desert and taking in local races. However, Kyle’s passion for off-road racing soon pushed him to elevate his Ranger far beyond its humble beginnings.

From Simple Build to Race Contender

The first significant overhaul saw the Ranger revamped into a more robust prerunner, capable of handling the rigors of competitive racing. This initial rebuild focused on enhancing the suspension and overall durability, making it a formidable contender in off-road events.

Rebuilds and Upgrades

Kyle didn’t stop there. The Ranger underwent a second rebuild, this time transforming it into a race-winning machine. The upgrades were comprehensive, featuring advanced suspension systems, improved aerodynamics, and a more powerful engine to ensure it could compete at the highest levels.

Consistent Podium Finishes

With these enhancements, Kyle’s Ford Ranger has not only entered various events but has also consistently landed on the podium. The truck has shown its prowess in numerous prestigious racing series, from the 1450 and 1400 classes to participating in the MDR, MORE, SCORE, SNORE, Tuff Trucks Challenge, and Glenn Helen Baja Cup series.

Conclusion

Kyle Caso’s 1992 Ford Ranger PreRunner has evolved from a simple weekend warrior to a race-dominating machine. Through dedication and strategic upgrades, it has earned respect and accolades in the off-road racing community, demonstrating the profound impact of focused engineering and relentless passion.

What is the history of Kyle Caso’s 1992 Ford Ranger PreRunner?

The History of Kyle Caso’s 1992 Ford Ranger PreRunner

Kyle Caso’s journey with his 1992 Ford Ranger PreRunner is a tale of evolution and perseverance. Initially, the truck started as a modest, leaf-sprung prerunner, crafted for leisurely weekends in the desert and to keep a finger on the pulse of the racing scene.

However, this truck’s story didn’t stop at being a simple weekend toy. Over the years, Kyle has meticulously rebuilt the Ranger not once, but twice, transforming it into a formidable racing machine. The current iteration is a race-winning vehicle that competes at a high level.

The Ranger has competed in numerous classes, specifically in the 1450 and 1400 categories. It has achieved significant success, repeatedly landing on podiums. Competitions where Kyle’s Ranger has shined include the MDR, MORE, SCORE, SNORE, Tuff Trucks Challenge, and the Glen Helen Baja Cup series.

This evolution underscores not just the vehicle’s transformation, but also Kyle’s dedication and passion for off-road racing.