2000 Ford Ranger

[origonalbe]

Hey everybody what should one do in mods to a 2000 ford ranger for traveling the baja mexico? What would be some must haves for a trip? Im from Calgary AB and will be driving down. Any advice awesome thanks.

[eightpot]

Most on here will probably be familiar with Toyotas and Land Rovers, with Africa being the most likely destination for forum users, and as such Ford Rangers don't really come up.
That said, the problems faced will be the same- personal comfort and keeping the vehicle going.
As far as personal comfort goes, don't take too much junk, and what you do take with you pack as sensibly as possible so you can get to things easily - good quality storeage crates help. Think about how you store things in the vehicle - if possible make shelves so crates can be slid out without removing everything else first..
If you're going to wild camp, consider a roof tent unless you really enjoy putting up and taking down ground tents every day.

In terms of the vehicle, just make sure everything is absolutley tip top while you have the luxury of having it on your driveway - and take plenty of spares and tools, don't skimp on this area as if you don't take something, you will need it... In terms of mods, I wouldn't stray too far from standard, you don't need any trick stuff on a car, it just adds weight and is more to go wrong. Maybe some uprated shocks if you think you are going to be bounding over dunes with a ton of gear in the back, but generally factory stuff should get you round.

just a couple of basic pointers, there are loads of usefull tips on here from more experienced overlanders, just have a good read through the old threads, some things come up time and again regardless of what vehicle you have.

[silver G]

Obviously this is the best place for overlanding advicebut for Ford Ranger specific info you might try
Expedition Portal: Vehicle Dependent Overland Community

[Riq]

I went down a couple of years ago from Edmonton in a Ford Areostar and had no problems however we stayed mainly on the hard pack.

As far as part availability for a ford in Mexico there is no problem that I am aware of unless you go into a bunch of after market gear.

Don't know if this helps or not but I hope you have a blast.

Rick

[mattsavage]

Hi. Take a look at
Sahara Overland ~ Mazda B2500 desert pickup
This is about a Mazda B2500, but it's the same as a Ford Ranger. Well, it is here in the UK anyway.

Cheers,
Matt Savage

[mario travaini]

If they are the same Rangers sold in Southamerica then go for the 3.0 "powerstroke" and stay away from the olders 2.8 and 2.5 (I'm talking turbo diesel 4 cyl.)

[4WDTraveller]

Driving to and through Baja is about like driving to BC from Alta. You don't need anything special for Baja but Pepto and a passport...