Marcel’s Daily Driver Ford Ranger Prerunner

October 21, 2024
A white off-road truck with a Prerunner design parked on a dirt surface. The truck has large wheels, a roll cage, and a spare tire mounted in the bed. Text at the top says daily driver offroad truck.

In the world of off-road vehicles, prerunners hold a special place. They are designed to pre-run the course of a race, allowing teams to map out the terrain and make necessary adjustments for the main racing event. These vehicles are often modified with enhanced suspension systems, roll cages, and other features to ensure durability and performance in rough conditions. In Norco, a remarkable prerunner build is owned by Marcel, who has transformed his truck from a basic model into a formidable off-road machine over the years.

The Evolution of Marcel’s Prerunner

A white Ford Ranger with large off-road tires and a slightly lifted suspension parked on a paved area, with a landscape of greenery, rocks, and trees in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

Initial Purchase and Modifications

When Marcel first purchased his truck about five years ago, it was a mild prerunner build. He was primarily interested in the roll cage and the potential for repurposing or reselling various parts to create his ideal off-road vehicle. Initially equipped with extended stock beams, a coilover suspension setup, and leaf springs in the rear, the truck also featured a bed cage and bypasses. Over time, Marcel retained some elements, such as the cab cage, while rebuilding and upgrading key components.

Front-End Enhancements

The front of the truck underwent significant changes. Marcel installed SI Motorsports beams and steering, which are bolted to the frame for easy replacement in the event of damage. The beams are equal-length, kingpin style, and plated with chromoly, ensuring strength and reliability. The tie rods are robust, with inch-and-a-quarter chromoly construction, providing stability and minimizing the risk of steering issues during off-road excursions.

A man wearing a black shirt and cap is crouching next to the front bumper of a vehicle, possibly a prerunner, with visible skid plate and tire. An RV is parked in the background.
A person wearing a black shirt and cap is inspecting the undercarriage of a Prerunner vehicle, focusing on its suspension and skid plate, with a wheel visible in the background. An RV and orange safety netting are in the distance.

Suspension and Performance

Marcel’s prerunner boasts a suspension system that offers impressive travel and handling. The front suspension features a 3.0 coilover race series from King, meticulously prepared for optimal performance. The rear suspension consists of a King 2.5 by 16 bypass and a 2.5 by 14 coilover, delivering around 23 to 24 inches of travel. This setup allows for smooth navigation over rough terrain, with significant up-travel achieved by modifying the frame to accommodate the suspension’s full range.

Underside view of a truck with custom suspension components and a visible tire, set on a concrete surface.
Suspension system of an off-road prerunner truck with a visible King Shocks coilover, dirt-covered tire, and an American flag in the background.
Close-up view of a vehicle suspension system showing blue coilover shock absorbers and parts of the frame, likely from a prerunner truck.
Close-up of a blue shock absorber on a Prerunner truck with surrounding mechanical components and visible rain droplets.

Engine and Powertrain Upgrades

Engine Swap

A man wearing a camouflage cap and black t-shirt stands next to a modified white truck with the hood open, examining the engine. An RV is parked in the background.

The truck’s engine was swapped from the older 4.0-liter V6 to a newer overhead cam version, boosting power significantly from 100 to 180 horsepower. This swap was straightforward, as the newer engine bolted directly into the existing mounts and retained the same computer system. Marcel’s choice to keep the vehicle true to its Ford origins is reflected in the drivetrain, which includes a built C4 transmission.

Manual Brakes

Due to the layout of the suspension and other components, Marcel opted for manual brakes, removing the brake booster for better shock angle placement. Although different from power brakes, the current setup with large single-piston brakes works efficiently, with plans to upgrade to six-piston CNC brakes to further enhance performance.

Interior and Safety Features

Custom Interior

Interior of a Prerunner truck showing a man standing outside the open door. The truck has a roll cage, racing seats with harnesses, and a red light mounted on the ceiling. A camper and landscape are visible outside.
Interior of a vehicle with a focus on the dashboard and steering wheel, featuring aftermarket components. A person stands outside the open passenger door, leaning in. The vehicle has racing seats with harnesses, suggesting it is a modified off-road truck or prerunner.
Interior of a prerunner vehicle showing a Sparco steering wheel, dashboard with gauges, bucket seats with harnesses, and a man leaning on the passenger side door.

Inside, the truck features PRP seats and harnesses for safety and comfort. A custom center console by Firehouse Fab adds functionality and style, showcasing rolled aluminum construction. Marcel retained the factory dash, appreciating its stock appearance, and plans to wrap it to match the leather-wrapped console for a cohesive look.

Cage Modifications

Future modifications include reworking the cage to accommodate a third seat for his child, aligning with Marcel’s priorities of family and safety. The existing cage is crafted from two-inch chromoly, offering robust protection during off-road endeavors.

Additional Features and Considerations

Rear Assembly and Fuel System

The rear of Marcel’s prerunner includes a carefully constructed cage and fuel system. The fuel cell is a Jeep speed model, repainted to maintain its appearance, and connected to an external pump and filter. The truck’s fuel gauge works thanks to a custom sender that aligns with the stock gauge’s requirements.

Lighting and Accessories

Lighting is an essential component for off-road vehicles, and Marcel’s prerunner includes innovative solutions like custom-made dome lights and aftermarket steering. He also runs a third brake light from his own brand, Cutlass Designs, which integrates seamlessly with the truck’s aesthetics.

The Culture of Off-Road Customization

A hand rests on a tire under the wheel arch of a truck, showing the suspension components of a prerunner.

The passion and dedication seen in Marcel’s prerunner reflect a broader culture of customization among off-road enthusiasts. Building such vehicles often involves a blend of creativity, technical skill, and resourcefulness. Many builders, like Marcel, begin with basic models and gradually enhance their machines through trial and error, utilizing personal experience and community knowledge.

Notably, the off-road community values innovation and craftsmanship, often favoring self-built modifications over ready-made solutions. This ethos is evident in Marcel’s approach, where practical solutions are developed using accessible tools and resources, underscoring the potential for anyone with the passion and dedication to create their own off-road masterpiece.

As off-road culture continues to grow, communities around the world are sharing insights and techniques, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in vehicle customization. This dynamic exchange of ideas contributes to the ever-evolving landscape of off-road vehicle design and performance, inspiring enthusiasts to continually reach new heights in their builds.

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