Ranger Prerunner Build Part 6: Bedside Mounts, Spare Tire Design, and Fabrication Techniques Explored

October 21, 2024
An off-road truck with a blue cab and white rear fenders, raised on stands in a garage. The truck has a visible roll cage and large spare tire in the rear. Red arrows and text are pointing to parts of the vehicle.

In the world of off-road vehicle customization, the prerunner truck build is a fascinating pursuit. This article delves into the specifics of a ranger truck build, focusing on areas such as the installation of bedside mounts, the approach to spare tire mounting, and the intricacies of creating a robust structure for off-road adventures. The prerunner style is not just about aesthetics; it’s about functionality and performance in challenging environments.

Bedside Mounts and Fender Stability

Structure and Mounting

The installation of bedside mounts is crucial for both the aesthetic appeal and structural integrity of a prerunner truck. In this build, the bedside is not fully mounted yet but is sufficiently secure to hold its position. The main focus is on ensuring that the fender remains stable, reducing the risk of paint cracking once it’s applied. A notable feature is the use of a waterfall-like design for the fender tops, which can be adjusted to a flat style for better aesthetics and stability.

Close-up of a two-tone vehicle body, primarily focused on the seam between white and teal panels, with visible attachment points and the edge of a large off-road tire.
A person examining the wheel area of a truck on jack stands in a garage setting. The truck has large off-road tires and a white body, indicating it might be a prerunner or similar vehicle. The person is wearing a cap, a checkered jacket, and black pants.

Fiberglass and Rigidity

The ranger build makes use of a specific type of fiberglass that is relatively thin compared to other models. To enhance the rigidity, a Linex coating is applied. This serves two purposes: it protects against rocks and debris hitting the front of the bedside, and it adds structural support to prevent flexing. Proper mounting positions are critical to ensure the fiberglass stays rigid once mounted on the truck.

Mounting Techniques

Close-up of a large off-road tire mounted on a metal frame in a workshop with various tools and machinery in the background.
Front suspension of a Prerunner vehicle without the wheel, showing shock absorbers, brake caliper, and rotor, supported by a jack stand in a garage setting, with a focus on the metal frame and components.

Different methods are used to secure the fiberglass, including Autofab polyurethane fender washers and Kibby Tech washers. While the Autofab washers provide isolation against movement, the Kibby Tech washers offer a flush, secure fit. Each method has its advantages, and the choice often depends on the specific requirements of the build and the potential future modifications or replacements.

Large off-road tire with deep tread mounted on the back of a prerunner truck, garage setting with shelving, tools, and workshop equipment in the background.

Spare Tire Mounting

Design Considerations

A person stands next to a customized truck in a workshop. The truck has a large off-road tire at the rear and modified body panels. Shelves with tools and automotive parts are in the background.

In this build, the spare tire is mounted in a manner that balances aesthetics with practical needs. Originally planned as side-by-side placements, the design has shifted to accommodate a single spare. The rear bumper tube is designed to extend beyond the body line, ensuring that any potential impacts will hit the tube rather than the fiberglass or taillights.

Off-road vehicle suspension system with a large tire visible, tubular metal framework, and shock absorbers, part of a prerunner build in a workshop environment.

Innovative Approach

A person stands next to a partially assembled white prerunner truck in a garage, with visible roll cage, off-road tires, and various tools and equipment in the background.

The mounting design incorporates a structure that allows the spare tire to be both functional and visually appealing. A one-inch tube structure is planned to hinge over the tire, providing secure holding without relying solely on a strap. This approach is both a nod to traditional methods and an innovative take, aiming to create a unique and practical solution for spare tire mounting.

Custom Fabrication Techniques

Precision Engineering

Person in a plaid shirt stands next to a custom off-road vehicle chassis with a large knobby tire mounted on the back.

Custom fabrication is key to achieving the desired functionality and appearance in this build. The mounts are designed to be easily removable, allowing for quick access and modifications. Using tools like Fusion 360 for design and a plasma cutter for execution, the builder can create precise and functional components that are both durable and adaptable.

A person in a garage points at a partially built vehicle frame with large tires mounted on it, likely for a prerunner truck. Various tools and equipment are visible in the background, including a drill press and spare car parts.

Attention to Detail

A person standing in a garage beside a partially assembled prerunner vehicle, with a large off-road tire positioned on its frame. The garage contains various tools, equipment, storage boxes, and a motorcycle.

In off-road builds, every component must be carefully considered. From the choice of materials to the method of assembly, each decision impacts the truck’s performance and reliability. The builder’s experience with previous projects informs the design choices, resulting in a vehicle that not only looks good but performs well under demanding conditions.

Future Enhancements and Considerations

As the build progresses, further enhancements are planned, including improved chassis lacing and the integration of a new carrier bearing. The ongoing development of the vehicle aims to increase both performance and durability, preparing it for the rigors of off-road use. These considerations highlight the importance of planning and adaptability in custom vehicle builds.

Garage with a prerunner vehicle featuring off-road tires and a visible fuel tank, a man in a cap stands in the background, and the workspace contains various tools and equipment.

The ranger truck build exemplifies the combination of creativity, engineering, and practical design. Through careful attention to details like bedside mounts and spare tire structures, the builder demonstrates a commitment to both form and function. This approach not only ensures the vehicle’s performance in off-road environments but also enhances its visual appeal, making it a standout project in the realm of prerunner builds.

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