BIGGER AND BETTER

WHEN most folks think of big four-wheel drives they think of RAM 2500s and Ford F-250s, but rarely will they picture a PX1 XLS Ranger. However, this isn’t any regular Ranger. Its owner, Jesse Endenburg, threw the spanners and grinders at it to make it 300mm longer, and that’s only one aspect of this insane build.

By stitching an extra 300mm of chassis rail, pushing the rear axle back and stretching the wheelbase, the vehicle needed a lift to cater for the comprehensive makeover. To this end, the team at Performance Suspension Racing in Queensland gave the vehicle a 50mm body-lift.

A four-inch suspension lift from Superior Engineering provided Jesse with the balance he was seeking, with the monotube arrangement comprising high-quality shocks. Superior Engineering upper control arms were also slotted in, as was a PSR diff-drop kit.

The rubber of choice was Mickey

Thompson MTZ tyres, and they’re wrapped around Method Race Wheels alloys.

Unlike the previous two builds, this Ranger retains Ford’s 3.2-litre five-cylinder turbo-diesel engine. The Duratorq engine has been fettled by Just Autos, in an effort to allow the engine reach its potential – aided by an HDI intercooler and four-inch Fabulous Fabrications stainless-steel snorkel. A custom NPC clutch aids the six-speed transmission, while a custom exhaust system expels spent gasses.

An ARB Deluxe bullbar resides up front, as does a Domin8r 12,00lb winch. A set of custom Elite Engineering rock sliders run down the flanks, with an Ironman 4x4 steel rear bar keeping things tidy and protected down back.

Lighting duties are taken care of thanks to a 50-inch light bar positioned on the roof, while a 22-inch Stedi bar lives on the ARB bullbar. Power needs are controlled via a Redarc 1240 BCDC charger and Kickass slimline battery.

JESSE ENDENBURG THREW THE SPANNERS AND GRINDERS AT IT TO MAKE IT 300MM LONGER