1988 Ford Ranger GT owned by Lonnie and Kathy Smith

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Issue

April 2023

Owner

Lonnie Kathy Smith

Ride

Lonnie's Obsession
(1988 Ford Ranger GT)

Photographer

John R Murmaw

Ride Details

What was the inspiration?

I grew up around cars and the drag strip. After a Liver Transplant and due to complications I was unable to return to full time work. I was told I needed to find an outlet/hobby. I decided to build something, but wasn't sure what. I found the GT one day while browsing for sale ads and from there it became an Obsession.

How long did it take you to build?

Still Building, they are never truly done are they?

How long have you been building?

We have been working on the GT a little at a time over 15 years,

Your future plans?

Next on the list is to narrow the 8.8 again now the the 4 link is installed and go to a 12.inch rim on the back. This will allow me to run a 14.5" wide tire. Currently running a 10.5" tire on the back. Then the interior would be the next major hurdle. I have found and purchased a set of Original High Back bucket seats I want to put back in the truck.

Vehicle history

I am the third owner of the GT. Previously it was owned by two brothers since new.

Thanks to

My Family, Kathy, Jacob, and Jenifer!!! In no particular order... Kevin Ferguson: frame, suspension and much more. Greg Mayton and Adam Mayton: tuning and figuring out things at Speedy Dyno Owensboro, KY. Adam Hudson: tuning at MAK. Tony Spears: paint work. Rick Sombrio: paint work. Mark at Earls Indy for always being there and finding the solutions. Mike Stark at CFM Performance. Tim at M&M Performance for the work on the new Boss 302 block. Sean Cawthon at ACS for always making it look new.

Previous Rides

1967 Mercury Cougar, 1987 Dodge Dayton Turbo Z CS, 1989 Ford Thunderbird SC. Then I slowed down 1988 Ford Ranger XLT extended cab, 1998 Ford Explorer 5.0 AWD, current 2001 Ford Excursion 7.3 Diesel

Engine Details

Make

Ford BOSS 302 2021

Cylinders

Displacement

331

Engine Mods

New Ford Boss 302 Block bored to 331. All Eagle Forged bottom end, Aluminum cylinder heads, 2.02. 1.60 valves 64cc chambers ported and polished heads. Upper and lower intakes ported, polished and matched to the heads.75 MM Throttle Body. Holley 890 Fuel pump delivering fuel to 42 lb injectors. Terminator management system.

Engine Add Ons

Paxton Supercharger, Methanol to help cool the engine, controlled by the Terminator. Also available for WOT.

Chrome or polish

Polished Engine Components.

Driveline Details

Clutch flywheel

Ram 10.5 inch

Axle

Moser Axles

Gears

3.73

Builder Shop

TKO 600 5 speed built by Hanlon Motorsports

Chassis Details

Chassis

Original Ranger Chassis

Mods to Frame

Custom Boxed from back to under the cab.

Drop or lift inches

Trailmaster Drop Beams in the front. Shortened 8.8 originally flipped in the back. Now 4 linked.

Front Shocks

QA1 DS 403 350# Springs

Rear Shocks

QA1 DS 501 250# Springs

Four Link

Custom Built

Chrome, Paint, or Polish

Painted

Wheels Details

Front Wheel Type

Dante

Rear Wheel Type

Dante

Front Wheel Size

17X9

Rear Wheel Size

17X9

Front Tire Size

245/40/17

Rear Tire Size

Toyo Proxes TQ 275/40/17

Paint Details

Color

Black

Graphics By

Body Details

Hood

fiberglass 2.5 inch cowl

Body Mods

Ground Effects are Factory for the GT Ranger.

Interior Details

Dashboard

Modified Factory

Gauges

Autometer C2 Line

Steering Wheel

Boyd

Head Unit

JVC

Amps

AudioPipe 550 watt

Speakers

MTX

Stereo Installed by

WEBBS

Shifter

PRO 5.0

Seats

Short back early Mustang Bucket seats

Upholstery Description

Old School tweed with leather inserts in doors and head liner.

The 1988 Ford Ranger GT is a classic vehicle that has stood the test of time. The truck’s popularity among car enthusiasts is no surprise given the range of modifications that can be made to improve its performance and style. Lonnie and Kathy Smith’s “Lonnies Obsession” is a prime example of this.

The Smiths have been working on their 1988 Ford Ranger GT for over 15 years, and it’s still a work in progress. Their passion for cars and racing led them to find the GT, and it’s been an obsession ever since.

The truck’s engine is a new Ford Boss 302 block that has been bored to 331 with all eagle forged bottom end, aluminum cylinder heads, and ported and polished heads. The upper and lower intakes are also ported and polished, and the engine features a Holley 890 fuel pump delivering fuel to 42 lb injectors. The Paxton supercharger and methanol cooling system add to the engine’s power and performance.

The chassis of the GT has been customized with a custom boxed frame, trailmaster drop beams in the front, shortened 8.8 axle, and a 4-link suspension system. The wheels are Dante, with 17×9 front and rear wheels and Toyo Proxes TQ 275/40/17 rear tires. The truck’s paint is black with painted graphics, and the body features a fiberglass 2.5-inch cowl hood and factory ground effects.

Inside, the GT’s dashboard is modified, and the gauges are Autometer C2 Line. The steering wheel is by Boyd, and the head unit is JVC. The short back early Mustang bucket seats have old-school tweed with leather inserts in the doors and headliner.

While the Smiths’ “Lonnies Obsession” is a work in progress, it’s already an impressive vehicle that showcases the Ford Ranger GT’s potential for customization and power. With its powerful engine, customized chassis, and stylish design, this 1988 Ford Ranger GT is sure to turn heads and impress car enthusiasts everywhere. Check out this other amazing Ford Ranger featuring a body drop and custom paint.