Custom Airbrushed Paint
Matt received a vacation from driving after getting a speeding ticket and put his free time to good use getting the paint job done properly. With help from his father, Joe Conrad, the factory white paint and teal pinstripe were removed and the Ranger received a bright coat of Corvette Yellow paint. On top of that, Matt used an airbrush to create the look of riveted steel ripping through the base coat. A cowl-induction hood, European-style headlamps, taillights, side markers, and a rollpan rear bumper were bought from various Internet auctions and combined with a Recon third brake lamp to nearly complete the unique look of the Ranger.
Homemade Bumper
Unable to find a suitable off-road bumper for a small truck, Matt decided to build his own. After the first two attempts did not work out, the version you see here was mocked-up with cardboard and traced on steel that was cut primarily with a band saw and some torch cutting. Matt welded the bumper together and airbrushed it to match the rest of the truck just a couple of days before the Diesel Power photo shoot.
Suspension Lift and 33-inch Tires
To make room for 33x12.50 BF Goodrich Mud Terrain tires mounted on 15-inch American Racing wheels, the Ranger got a Superlift 3-inch body lift along with suspension modifications. In front, a 3-inch spindle lift was combined with 2-inch spacers that Matt fabricated, and in the back 4-inch blocks were combined with helper leaf springs to get the truck up into the air.
Show Stopper
We caught Matt's 4BT Ranger at the TS Performance Outlaw Race where it made its public debut. Whether it was in the Show 'n' Shine area or on the dyno, it was surrounded by crowds throughout the show. Judging from the great reaction of onlookers, we guess the truck will be appearing at more truck shows, but until you can see it in person, you can check out videos of the 4BT Ranger in action blowing smoke and burning the tires on the Internet at: www.youtube.com/user/stackedranger.