Thread: 2004 Ford Ranger FX4 In Dash PC Project

I think I would put the OS on the PCIe drive. In my experiences the faster the OS drive the better the system runs. 4gb gets small very quick as well.

Got some more work done on the LCD mounting and bezel. Had to mill a slot into the trim in order to fit the screen proper. It rests in there nicely, just snug enough. Took some patience and a steady hand for this. Now the ABS trim plate will sit just slightly recessed into the factory panel with a cut out all the way around for the screen. I debated a lot about how to do this step, but this is what I ended up deciding on to keep the look clean and factory. I did not want the bezel sticking out or covering the factory opening. The factory trim was only off by about 1/8" just enough to require the slot to be cut. I'm happy with the mounting results. I'll have to file some nice flat rounded sections into the chassis front bottom where the LCD wires will pass to the PCB. Still working on the PCB layout at the moment, but that should progress quickly now that I know where the LCD will be stationed.

Minor setback , old dash was scrapped in favor of a 4x4 silver dash. Same process as the old dash but completed some mounting and cnc work today :-)

Made a few additional brackets to make chassis mounting more modular, and simple. Designed and cnc machined an ABS trim plate to give the setup a "factory" feel. Milled the chassis and lower dash to allow LCD wiring to pass through on smooth surfaces. Now to begin mounting these items and the PCB's!

Joe looking very good!! Super excited. Like I said before I've never seen a factory looking install in a ranger and you're making it a reality with your unique custom professional designs. Look forward to seeing more as it comes along.

Thank you for the kind words, I treat every install as if were going into my vehicle. Current state of affairs. Epoxying a plate to the top of the dash recess where the slot is for strength and retaining purposes.

Lots more done on the ranger build!! The in dash PC is beginning to take shape. I solved a few design problems with keeping the entire system modular by adding an LCD bracket to retain the screen, it uses industrial Velcro to hold it in place in addition to the ford trim itself. I added foam rubber to the upper slot to keep the screen held taught, and insulate from vibration. The Velcro works very good as well, almost too well as I had to drop down from 3 strips settling for 2. Holds the screen tight and perfect position, yet offers some vibration dampening.

The chassis is nearing completion too. Lots of dremel machining, drilling, tapping, sanding and smoothing tonight. Component layout is going well and the unit will be very self contained due to the VGA connection and adaptors Greg has picked out. This unit will have a very specific assembley/disassembley order which I will document in the final assemble.

More pics :-)

Joe, the build continues to look great. Sorry I didn't realize how much the VGA adapter would constrict you. I definitely didn't take that into account.

I know it's going to look great in the Ranger.

Looking forward to more pics!!

I'm trying to figure out what these two wires are for on the monitor. (Pointing to them) Trigger for the rear cam I suspect? I don't want to ground or power them without knowing what they do and how they trigger. On the PCB they are marked "bk" and "DC". In the meantime doing a little burn in on the monitor, looks really clear, bright, and glare free. Nice LCD!

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The red is +12 switch to av1 for backup camera. That I can confirm working on mine.

Black is auto display dimming but I did not hook up mine so cannot confirm it's +12v to activate, but supposed to connect to headlights... when on, screen dims.