In the heart of Lake Oswego, Oregon, Nick Jaynes of Differential Communications has brought to life a capable purpose-built overland vehicle based on the 2022 Ford Ranger XLT.
Designed as a press demonstrator for the agency’s clients such as Roofnest, DECKED, Firestone, and Leitner Designs, this customized Ranger was built to blend style, functionality and rugged performance together all into a fun-to-drive four-wheeling package.
OVR was invited to take the Ranger out for some product testing and we weren’t about to turn that offer down. We arranged to spend a long weekend camping in it and doing some light wheeling at Holcomb Valley in Big Bear, California. Before we get into our experiences, let’s take a closer look at this pickup and its upgrades.
Beneath the Skin
Powering this off-roader is a factory 2022 Ford 2.3-liter EcoBoost I4 engine. Although the powerplant is factory stock, a Ford Performance tune was applied to ensure that the rig has all the power it needs for the adventures ahead.
The Ford Performance calibration package promises to increase power and improve performance throughout the RPM range. Ford lists this tune to impart a power gain of 45 horsepower and a torque gain of 60 lb-ft.
The Ford 10-speed auto transmission ensures smooth power delivery to all four corners. The differentials remain stock but are enhanced with a factory rear locker, providing the necessary traction when conquering challenging terrain.
Upgraded Capability
With locations in both Washington and Oregon, Mule Expedition Outfitters was responsible for much of the work done to this Ranger. First up, the front suspension was upgraded with Old Man Emu BP-51 shocks, providing enhanced control and responsiveness.
The rear suspension saw the addition of OME BP-51 medium duty components, ensuring a balanced and comfortable ride even in the most demanding conditions.
The exterior boasts a rugged yet refined look thanks to a host of trail armor pieces from ARB including ARB Summit bull bars, ARB side rails and side steps, and ARB front, mid and rear skid plates.
Considering where this pickup may end up traversing, these upgrades offer a much-needed layer of protection for the vehicle. A powerful ARB Intensity V2 driving light system and a Comeup Winch Slim Seal 9.5 recovery winch add both style and functionality to the front end.
The Ford steelie 16x7-inch wheels are mounted with Firestone Destination M/T2 tires in 285/75R16 sizing, ensuring optimal traction and durability on any off-road adventure. We understand that many truck owners prefer aftermarket wheels for their lighter weight and increased strength, not to mention looks, but we also appreciate the budget-friendliness as well classic look of basic steel wheels.
Comfort Meets Functionality
A Switch Pro 9100 and SDHQ Ford Ranger SP-9100 Keypad Mount enhance the instrumentation, while a Midland MXT-575 GMRS radio keeps the lines of communication open. The interior is further modified with an ARB single air compressor mounted behind the rear seatback, providing on-demand air for the tires.
Being that it’s a pickup truck, there’s plenty of storage opportunities to be had with this Ranger. On top of the cab you’ll find the latest Leitner Designs Gear POD Roof storage system on a Rhino Rack Pioneer Platform. This system makes storing and retrieving items from the truck’s roof a breeze.
Over the truck’s bed, a Leitner Designs ACS Forged bed rack was mounted to accept Leitner’s GearPOD XL and GearPOD Dual storage units. These storage solutions are perfect for keeping gear secured and free of dust and moisture for long trips over uneven terrain.
A Leitner HydroPOD shower kit is also installed for instant access to water when needed. In the bed, you’ll find a Decked Drawer System. Decked’s sliding drawers offer ample storage and security for gear and other essentials. Both the ACS Forged and Decked systems were installed by the techs at Leitner Designs.
A Roofnest Condor Overland 2 roof-top tent was mounted on Leitner Designs ACS Forged bed rack to complete the setup for an unforgettable overlanding experience. The tent folds open to provide sleeping space for at least two adults on a comfortable memory foam mattress and is accessed by a space saving telescoping ladder.
The Build’s Journey
Jaynes tells us: “I fell in love with the Ranger after testing one on central Oregon. I quickly realized that with its segment-leading payload, oversized and boxed frame, potent powertrain, and Australian bona-fides, it was the best truck in the midsize segment—bar none. It’s proven to be a perfect truck. It’s easy to modify and operate and looks great doing it. It’s a crowd-pleaser to be sure.” We couldn’t agree more.
While residing in Oregon, the Ranger rarely saw local roads. It completed its 2,000-mile break-in and was promptly sent to Southern California, where it has been on loan to media outlets such as OVR. Despite its number of customizations, Jaynes reports that the build process was a breeze.
If given the chance to start over, he wouldn’t change a thing—this Ranger is good to go as-is. With its impressive modifications, it’s ready to tackle the toughest trails, from Johnson Valley, California, to Death Valley.
In fact, Jaynes, along with the crew at Firestone, already took it out to Johnson Valley in early 2023 for King of the Hammers and ran some trails out there. Not only did he say it was a blast, he’s now itching to take it out to Death Valley for a real shakedown. Unfortunately, that will have to wait until it’s done with its press demonstrator gig.
Our Time
Speaking of which, we did take it to Big Bear to experience not only how the truck performed, but the other gear that it had been outfitted with. We only had a couple of full days with it, but during this short time we were happy with what we experienced.
Going over it from top to the bottom, the Leitner and Decked storage systems did everything as promised and Roofnest’s roof tent was comfortable to sleep in. We appreciate that the tent includes storage pouches for gear that hang just outside of the entrance, making them accessible from both inside and outside the tent.
Mind you, we weren’t pushing the truck hard or driving in extreme terrain, but the Firestone tires were every bit capable of what we asked of them and drove over modest rocky trails without issue.
Final Thoughts
To sum up this build, we’d say that it has everything it needs and nothing it doesn’t. It’s outfitted with the essentials such as plenty of secure storage, a capable suspension, armor where it needs it and increased grip thanks to upgraded suspension and tires. It also has some nice luxuries such as a comfortable roof-top tent, a winch for solo recoveries and an onboard air compressor. We were fortunate to have the chance to take this rig out for a weekend. If asked again, we’d be happy to spend more time with it.
| Vehicle Specs | Differential Communications 2022 Ford Ranger XLT |
|---|---|
| Base Vehicle | 2022 Ford Ranger XLT |
| Engine | Ford 2.3-liter EcoBoost I-4, Ford Performance Pro Snap tune |
| Suspension | Front— OME BP-51, Rear— OME BP-51 Medium Duty |
| Wheels & Tires | Ford Steelies (16x7); Firestone Destination M/T2 (285/75R16) |
| Armor & Racks | Rhino Rack Pioneer Platform, Leitner Deisgns ACS Forged Truck Bed Rack, ARB Summit bull bars, ARB side rails and side steps, ARB front, mid, and rear skid plates |
| Recovery | Comeup Winch Slim Seal 9.5 |
| Storage | Leitner Designs Gear POD Roof over cab, Leitner Designs GearPOD XL, Leitner Designs GearPOD Dual; Decked Drawer System |
| Lighting | ARB Intensity V2 |
| Electronics | Switch Pro 9100 plus SDHQ Ford Ranger SP-9100 Keypad Mount, Midland MXT-575 GMRS radio |
| Upgrades & Accessories | ARB Single Compressor, Roofnest Condor Overland 2, Leitner Designs HydroPOD ACS Rack Shower Kit |
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This article originally appeared in OVR Issue 07. For more informative articles like this, consider subscribing to OVR Magazine in print or digital versions here. You can also find the print edition of OVR at your local newsstand by using our Magazine Finder.
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