With clean factory body lines maintained, the appearance of Barker's massive Ranger pickup almost seems unremarkable at first. However, zoom in on any one key area of this unique rig, and you will find a whole lot more than meets the eye. For example, a custom boxed ladder frame constructed of 2x6-inch, .250-inch-wall rectangular tubing is tied into the rollcage at eight points. Massive gussets triangulate the front and rear crossmembers, and the whole frame is bend-free for added strength.

With clean factory body lines maintained, the appearance of Barker's massive Ranger pickup

The Danger Ranger If ever there was a TTC vehicle where engine performance ensured top status, Brian Barker's full-bodied Ford Ranger would be it. Additionally, Barker is good buddies with the former TTC champ Clayton Kraatz, of Evolution Warthog fame. As such, Barker's undercarriage features two very familiar borrowed components that raised the stakes when Kraatz won at Hollister, and remain unchallenged still today. It's no wonder you, the readers, voted in this bash-proof Blue Oval as the third highest vote-getter in the Truck Class.

Specifications

• Owner name/city: Brian Barker/Plamondon, Alberta, Canada
• Occupation: Auto parts sales
• Vehicle model: 1993 Ford Ranger
• Estimated value: $100,000
• Engine/aspiration: Ford 598ci V-8/EFI
• Transmission: Hughes full competition C6
• Transfer case: NorthWest Fab NP205/Black Box underdrive
• Suspension (f/r): Double-triangulated four-link, 16-in King coilovers, King air bumps, Evolution rod ends/double-triangulated four-link, 16-in King coilovers, Evolution rod ends
• Axles (f/r): 7-ton ITL SD-70/5-ton ITL SD-50; 5:1 hub reduction gears; Wilwood calipers, custom rotors; full hydro steering
• Axle ratio: 15:1
• Wheels: 20x12 steel bead locks
• Tires: 54-in Mickey Thompson Baja Claw TTC

Inside, the factory dash was up-fitted with four Auto Meter gauges to help Barker monitor underhood vitals. Beyond that, a whole assortment of safety devices exists to keep occupants safe during airborne assaults. Seating accommodations carry the Corbeau brand name, and each is affixed to the chassis through the extensive network of DOM tubing that makes up the interior rollcage.

Inside, the factory dash was up-fitted with four Auto Meter gauges to help Barker monitor

Brian Barker, Team #23

• Most looking forward to: "All of it. Probably the Mud Pit, because that is what the big power is meant for."
• Not looking forward to: "The Mini Rubicon. My truck is tall and I have not done any rockcrawling."
• Playing in his iPod/CD player: "Rob Zombie"
• Barker says: "It takes a lot to get my adrenaline running. Nothing can have enough power or go fast enough."