This Ford Ranger Cost a $100,000 to Build.. Not Really

Westen Champlin

18 May 202412:04

Summary

TLDRIn this entertaining episode, the host takes on a challenging project of reviving a Ford Ranger Trophy Truck, purchased unseen and in questionable condition. The vehicle, a modified Mazda pickup from 1992 to 1999, has a unique homemade sway bar and other creative fixes, showcasing resourcefulness on a tight budget. Despite initial skepticism, the host grows fond of the truck, aiming to make it functional again. After a series of trials, including hotwiring and installing a new fuel line, they manage to get the engine running in just 20 minutes, a new record for them. The first test drive is a mix of excitement and danger, with the truck lacking brakes, clutch, and proper steering. The episode concludes with a list of 11 critical repairs needed, highlighting the truck's readiness for a Baja 1000 race, albeit with a helper to manage the fuel pump.

Takeaways

🚚 The host bought a Ford Ranger Trophy Truck without seeing it first, which turned out to be a project car.
🤔 The truck was in poor condition, with makeshift parts and a questionable build quality.
🔧 The vehicle had a 2.5 shock setup and hydraulic bump stops, indicating potential for off-road performance.
🔨 The truck was built from scrap metal and held together with creative solutions like tape and a homemade sway bar.
🏎️ It was revealed to be a Mazda pickup from 1992 to 1999, repurposed into a trophy truck lookalike.
🔄 The truck has a motor, 5-speed transmission, transfer case, and 4WD with independent front suspension.
🏁 The host plans to install a Ford Tourist motor, which was originally developed for a high-performance car project.
🛠️ Despite initial doubts, the truck was started after some quick fixes, including a new fuel line and hotwiring.
🚗 The first test drive was successful, but with limited brakes, steering, and clutch functionality.
📋 A list of 11 critical repairs was made, including fixing the clutch, fuel leak, steering box, and transmission.
🎣 The video was sponsored by Fishing Clash, a mobile game for fishing enthusiasts, offering a unique avatar for using the code 'Weston Champlin'.

Q & A

What did the narrator purchase in the video?
-The narrator purchased a Ford Ranger Trophy Truck that was built from a Mazda pickup, without seeing it in person first.
What was the initial impression of the Ford Ranger Trophy Truck?
-The initial impression was mixed. While it was a creative build with a homemade sway bar and big 2.5 shocks, it was also described as a 'junk' and a 'piece of Wade' due to its condition.
What kind of motor does the Ford Ranger Trophy Truck have?
-The truck has an SH24 valve motor, which is a high-performance motor that was originally intended for a Ford-Yamaha mid-engine car project.
What is the purpose of the SHO motor mentioned in the script?
-The SHO motor was part of a cancelled project between Ford and Yamaha to build a high-performance mid-engine car. Instead, Ford used these motors in Tauruses, creating the SHO Taurus.
What is the condition of the truck's Electronic Control Module (ECM)?
-The ECM was found sitting in a box in the passenger seat of the truck, exposed to the elements, which raises concerns about its functionality.
What is the truck's current state in terms of drivability?
-The truck is not initially drivable. It has issues with the clutch, brakes, steering, and fuel system, among other things.
What was the outcome of their first attempt to start the truck's engine?
-After hotwiring and making some adjustments, they managed to get the engine to run after about 20 minutes of work.
What was the first test drive of the truck like?
-The first test drive was described as scary and fun. The truck had limited brakes, no clutch, and steering that worked well in one direction but not the other.
What is the plan for the truck after the initial test drive?
-The plan is to address the list of critical issues, such as fixing the clutch, fuel leak, steering box, and starter, among others, to make the truck drivable.
What is the significance of the 'Baja 1000' mentioned in the script?
-The Baja 1000 is a famous off-road race, and the narrator humorously suggests that the truck might be ready for such an event after making the necessary repairs.
What is the role of the 'fishing class' sponsor mentioned in the video?
-The 'fishing class' sponsor is promoting a game called 'Fishing Clash', which allows players to enjoy fishing from anywhere. It is not directly related to the truck restoration but is the sponsor of the video.

Outlines

00:00

🚛 Unboxing a Mystery: Ford Ranger Trophy Truck

In this segment, the narrator describes the surprise purchase of a Ford Ranger Trophy Truck without seeing it first. The truck, somewhere between a 1992 and 1999 Mazda pickup, has been creatively modified into a trophy truck lookalike. Despite its rough exterior and makeshift parts, such as a homemade sway bar and tape holding the tail lights, the truck is equipped with a 2.5 shock system, hydraulic bump stops, and independent front suspension. The narrator expresses a mix of skepticism and excitement about the truck's potential, especially with its SH24 valve Horus motor and the possibility of it being a high-performance vehicle. The segment ends on a humorous note, with the narrator acknowledging the truck's dubious state and the challenge of fixing it.

05:00

🔧 Engine Revival: Bringing the Junker to Life

The second paragraph delves into the process of attempting to revive the truck's engine. The engine, a Ford Taurus motor from a cancelled project that resulted in a surplus of motors, is tested for functionality. The team hotwires the starter and manages to get the engine to spin, indicating that it's not locked up. However, there's concern about the engine control module (ECM), which has been exposed to the elements in the passenger seat. The team also grapples with the truck's wiring, using a 'gang box' of switches made from a dinner plate. Despite the challenges, they manage to get the truck to run after some improvisation and quick fixes, including a new fuel line and some creative safety measures. The segment ends with the narrator expressing a mix of relief and excitement about the truck's potential to be driven.

10:02

🛠️ The Baja 1000 Dream: A Test Drive and To-Do List

In the final paragraph, the narrator takes the truck for a test drive, which is both thrilling and terrifying due to the lack of brakes and a functioning clutch. Despite the truck's rough ride, which shatters the narrator's preconceived notions of a smooth trophy truck experience, the test drive is deemed a success. The team then compiles a list of critical repairs needed to make the truck roadworthy, including fixing the clutch, addressing a fuel leak, securing a falling steering box, and replacing the starter. The segment concludes with a sense of accomplishment and humor, as the team reflects on the truck's transformation from a non-functional junker to a vehicle that's ready for a daring drive.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Ford Ranger Trophy Truck

The Ford Ranger Trophy Truck is a modified vehicle that is designed to compete in off-road racing events, typically characterized by its rugged build and performance enhancements. In the video, the host has purchased a Ford Ranger Trophy Truck 'unseen' and is surprised by its condition upon arrival. It is a central theme of the video as the host explores the truck's features and plans to restore it.

💡Hydraulic Bump Stops

Hydraulic bump stops are components used in vehicles, particularly in off-road and racing applications, to absorb impacts and control the suspension's movement at its maximum extension. In the context of the video, the host mentions the truck has 'big 2.5 shocks on, it's got hydraulic bump stops,' indicating the vehicle's potential for off-road performance despite its current state.

💡Steering

Steering refers to the mechanism that allows a driver to guide the direction of a vehicle. In the video, the host expresses concern about the truck's steering, stating that it needs to be fixed 'so it actually steers.' This is crucial for the truck's functionality and safety, especially if the host plans to drive it as intended.

💡Homemade Sway Bar

A sway bar, also known as an anti-roll bar, is a part of a vehicle's suspension system designed to reduce body roll during fast cornering or over uneven surfaces. The term 'homemade sway bar' in the video suggests that the truck's sway bar was created from non-traditional materials or methods, showcasing the resourcefulness of the previous owner and adding a personal touch to the vehicle.

💡Mazda Pickup

The Mazda Pickup is a light-duty truck produced by Mazda from 1969 to 2009. In the video, the host identifies the truck as 'somewhere between a 92 to a 99 Mazda pickup that's been turned into a Ford Ranger trophy truck.' This indicates that the vehicle has been significantly modified from its original form, which is a common practice in off-road racing to customize vehicles for specific events.

💡Ford SHO Motor

The Ford SHO (Super High Output) Motor refers to a high-performance engine that was used in certain Ford vehicles, notably the Ford Taurus SHO. In the video, the host plans to put a 'Ford SHO motor' in the truck, which suggests an intention to significantly enhance the vehicle's power and performance for off-road racing.

💡ECM (Engine Control Module)

The Engine Control Module, or ECM, is the electronic brain of a vehicle's engine that controls various functions such as ignition timing and fuel injection. In the video, the ECM is mentioned as being 'sitting in a box in the passenger seat,' which implies that it has been removed or is not currently functioning, a critical issue that needs to be addressed for the truck to operate properly.

💡Fuel Pump

A fuel pump is a mechanical device that moves fuel from the tank to the engine. In the script, the host and his team replace the 'absolutely garbage' fuel line and ensure the fuel pump is functioning to make the truck run. This is a vital step in the restoration process, as without a functioning fuel pump, the engine cannot receive the fuel it needs to operate.

💡Clutch

The clutch is a device used particularly in manual transmission vehicles to engage and disengage power transmission from the engine to the transmission. In the video, the host mentions that there is 'no clutch,' which is a significant issue as it prevents the vehicle from being driven in a controlled manner until it is fixed.

💡Baja 1000

The Baja 1000 is a famous off-road race that takes place in Mexico, known for its grueling course and challenging conditions. The host humorously states that the truck is 'basically ready to go on the Baja 1000,' despite acknowledging that it still requires significant work. This reference highlights the host's enthusiasm and the ultimate goal of restoring the truck for off-road capabilities.

💡Facebook Marketplace

Facebook Marketplace is a platform within Facebook that allows users to buy and sell items locally. The host mentions 'Facebook Marketplace finds,' referring to the truck and possibly other parts or tools acquired through the platform. This indicates the host's resourcefulness in sourcing materials and vehicles for his projects.

Highlights

Purchased a Ford Ranger Trophy Truck sight unseen.

Initial skepticism about the truck's condition.

The truck has big 2.5 shocks and hydraulic bump stops.

Creative homemade sway bar made from scrap metal.

Truck is a 1992-1999 Mazda pickup converted to a Ford Ranger Trophy Truck.

Truck has a motor, 5-speed transmission, transfer case, and is 4WD with independent front suspension.

Plan to use a Ford SH24 valve motor for high performance.

Engine Computer Module (ECM) found in a box in the passenger seat.

Truck's suspension and steering functionality tested.

Sponsor Fishing Clash introduced as a way to enjoy fishing anywhere.

Truck's interior reveals more about its condition and potential.

Consideration of an LS swap for the engine.

Engine starts after hotwiring and minimal adjustments.

Fuel line issues resolved with a new fuel line.

First test drive of the truck is successful.

List of 11 critical issues that need fixing identified.