Full size vs. Mid size

[rdc]

Well as you may or may not know, I have been planning a build up for some time. I originally wanted to build a Ranger similar to that of RIVIERA Racing's (Nick Baldwin) Prerunner. However, being 6' 3" tall, I want to be comfortable. I have a Ranger now that is four wheel drive with a camburg Kit on it (camburg Rocks) and it is getting to be too small. So I thought about bumping up to an F-150 or 250 and building that similar to the PLANK motorsports yellow F-150 (rest in peace). Naturally It should be able to fit at least 35's on it. And be four-linked with who knows what kind of front end. So I guess what I want to know is what are the advantages between each and what are the disadvantages. I think I will go with bilstein shocks or maybe Sway-a-way or even King, I don't know yet. Give me some insight as to what is the best. Thanks for all the advice. I want to do this soon, so any advice you can give would be appreciated.
-Josh
Kaotick industries

[Waldo]

Equations #1 More Power + More Comfort + Bigger Suspension + Bigger Office = FULL SIZE

I went from a Toy prerunner to a F-150 prerunner...never will I go back. It may be heavier but the looks and feel are better to me.

Brannon

BRAAAAAAAAP!

[rdc]

Thanks for the info, tell me more about your 150.
What do you run up front, shocks, rear, gearing, etc...

[scott]

Dude, I had a Full-size F-150 then to a Toyota X-tra cab, and now I'm back to an F-150......Full-Size

[rdc]

Im building mine right now also and for prerunning the bigger ride is the way to go. Put 3 seats in that thing and your ready to go. H and M motorsports did my front end with the equal length beams and the SAW coilovers and it just mows [censored] down. I compare the difference to being in a small boat on the river vs. a larger one the small boat tends to get tossed around a bit going through the wakes where as the larger boat just soaks it up.

[Waldo]

Squash, I've only added new Camburg upper control arms, Eibach's, Bilsteins, and wheels and tires...It's not as aggressive as I can afford but I already like the way it rides off-road. It can only get better. I hear the Camburg long travel kit is pretty nice. Check it out on their website...www.camburg.com. Late!

BRAAAAAAAAP!

[rdc]

I don't really have to check it out, I have Camburg custom suspension on my 4 x 4 Ranger. The long travel kits they make are outstanding.

[rdc]

Toddt, your truck is what inspired me to go fullsize, it tight!!!
What do you have in the rear?

[rdc]

just started on my F-150 and it kicks rangers ass got a 4.6 in it with JBA's intake exhaust. As for gearing you Have to get 4:88 they may seem high but they rock! with an AOD tranny i can hit 80 on the freeway with 33s at 3000 RPMS and off the line i smoke rockets and they dont expect what coming. As for all my friends they got rangers and i beat em all the time SO diffently go with he F-150

Drive it like you Stole it
dan

[Gabe_Lara]

Its interesting to see others opinions on fullsize or midsize, but there is alot more to it, I think...
I am 6'2" and have NO problem getting in and out of my Ranger. Dan Vance is a good size guy too, and I'm sure he'd say the same about his beast.
Off-road you may want to consider what will work better for you, a shorter wheelbase or a longer wheelbase?
And suspension set-up will say alot too......Beams or A-arms? Springs or linked? It could be the difference in handling felling like its a Cadillac, or a Porsche, especially with the wheelbase.
As far as horsepower, Baldwins' prerunner has a V8 in it, as does mine (5.0 litre 302), so no worries in the "pony department". I was running 37's for some time, and had NO problem smoking them.( I'm now running 35's for MPG reasons) 9 inch rear end geared with a 4:88, and cruising @ 2800 rpm doing cruising 80 mph in the fast lane.....And plenty of power to spare.

Hope this helps!