(insert smartass D.R. jackass comment that is no help at all to the O.P. HERE that definitely would not come from me since I'm a good little boy......)
Okay, looks/sounds like you're on the right track to wanting to learn and build this stuff!
QUESTIONS QUESTIONS QUESTIONS.
Dgaf if anyone gets pissed, it's the best/easiest way to learn!
you definetly do not need 37s, a 9" axle, or any of the "wazoo" parts like that. you're in the beginning stages of your build. just skim over any of that shit for now.
So, let's start from SQ 1.......
you've got a ranger platform (w/ a dogdoodoo motor, but it'll work!),
4WD (which is going to make it a little bit more "difficult"/just more research/learning for you),
BUT ALL THAT GETS MADE UP FOR WITH IT BEING A MANUAL (I think, at least),
and minor body damage (who fucking cares hah)
#1 - READ THREADS OF OTHER BUILDS ON HERE OR R.D.C. and skim through allllllllllllllllllllll the classifieds of everything to become familiar with prices of shit
you want a decently built truck to go mash and party with on the weekends with your friends.
you have a high school kids budget though.
PERFECT START HOW HONESTLY, A LOT OF US IN THIS "desert/prerunner scene" STARTED. SO DON'T BE DISCOURAGED OR SOME SHIT.
#2 - READ THREADS OF OTHER BUILDS ON HERE OR R.D.C. and skim through allllllllllllllllllllll the classifieds of everything to become familiar with prices of shit
#3 - I'd search the classifieds here, RDC, craigslist, or FB Marketplace (even though i fucking despise that place and think it's for complete morons that don't know shit. which can be good or bad for you) for a decent "lift kit" or........ i forgot what Camburg calls theirs, just a kit with some radius arms, decent aftermarket shocks, an aftermarket taller spring, a drop pitman arm for the steering, and just start with that.
if you still have money burning a hole in your pocket, (you said $1,500..... which might seem like a lot to you depending on your circumstances. but it'll go just in buying a DECENT, REPUTABLE front end/kit that i just spoke of, and tires/wheels if you get a good deal on the tires. more if not)
#4 - READ THREADS OF OTHER BUILDS ON HERE OR R.D.C. and skim through allllllllllllllllllllll the classifieds of everything to become familiar with prices of shit
#5 - (you said you have access to a welder...... i assume that means a 4.5" angle grinder then, as well?) if not use that money to go buy a nice 4.5" angle grinder, a box of cut off wheels and 2 boxes of flapper discs
#6 - READ THREADS OF OTHER BUILDS ON HERE OR R.D.C. and skim through allllllllllllllllllllll the classifieds of everything to become familiar with prices of shit
#7 - use the angle grinder and welder to mess around building scrap shit at home or whatever shop you have to work in. i dont give a shit what it is but just START DOING SOMETHING WITH THE GRINDER & WELDER
#8 - READ THREADS OF OTHER BUILDS ON HERE OR R.D.C. and skim through allllllllllllllllllllll the classifieds of everything to become familiar with prices of shit
#9 - start out by building a bumper first. it's not going to cause you to not be able to drive the truck to work, school, etc. it might look ugly, but it'll be drivable. use the knowledge you've gained from reading (what should be by now
) 69k threads on here or R.D.C. combined, hence you should have a basic knowledge of how to/building a bumper. maybe have a buddy or even ask someone on here that's nearby you to bend up the main bumper tube.
#10 - READ THREADS OF OTHER BUILDS ON HERE OR R.D.C. and skim through allllllllllllllllllllll the classifieds of everything to become familiar with prices of shit
#11 - finally, don't pay TOOOOOOOOOO much attention to jackasses comments on the interwebz (usually, their from me. but im trying my best to get better and be of actual help to others, like THIS post exactly ((SEE, SMELLIOTELLIOT AND WALSTERS!))
#12 - PARTY ON and send over your mothers phone number as a thanks. 




i just had to you guys...................
oh oh oh. and to answqer your question about a "truss", its just basically added reinforcement to your axle to keep it from bending/bowing/warping. kinda like this pic i just googled.
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