Cole Taylor’s 1994 Ford Ranger Prerunner Budget Build

Cole Taylor’s 1994 Ford Ranger is proof that a low-buck, low-power truck can still be a desert favorite. Terra Crew walks through the build and the driving philosophy behind it.

Featured in “The Perfect 90s Ranger Prerunner! | BUILT TO DESTROY” by Terra Crew.

The Ranger runs a five-speed manual and a 2.3-liter four-cylinder, a modest combo that Cole leans into rather than fights. He bought it from a friend, Jeremy, who had already started a roll cage, then took the build further with help from off-road veterans like Roy. It’s since seen plenty of desert time, including runs at Ocotillo Wells.

The suspension and tires got the most attention, with worn shocks swapped for stronger units and a jump up to 37-inch tires, a change that was met with skepticism but actually cut weight and improved performance on rough terrain. Cole’s bigger point is that with a low-powered engine, momentum and driving skill matter more than horsepower, a useful lesson for anyone new to the sport.

Build highlights

• Platform: 1994 Ford Ranger, five-speed manual, 2.3L four-cylinder
• Tires: 37-inch
• Interior: safety harnesses, fire extinguishers, simplified controls
• Electronics: Lowrance GPS, co-driver communication setup
• Bed: shock hoop setup, large fuel cell, Harbor Freight toolbox

Inside are harnesses, fire extinguishers, a Lowrance GPS, and a comms setup for co-driver coordination. Out back, a shock hoop setup, a large fuel cell, and a Harbor Freight toolbox keep the truck prepared. The Ranger’s best story sums up the whole ethos: at the Mint 400, Cole and Roy snapped a throttle cable early and limped on by rigging it with a shoelace.