Joe Acevedo Jr
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August 03, 2026
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F100 Builders Guide
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AS SEEN IN OUR F-Series Builders Guide Summer 2026 ISSUE – Buy Now!
Meet Ryan Bacher, an Idaho Falls local, and his blue 1976 Ford F-100 Ranger. When it comes to show and style, there is no mistaking this truck and all its gorgeous features. This truck features amazing sights and experiences at every turn. Don’t let this truck fool you though—it maintains classic appeal with a lot of the original parts, such as the original grille, refurbished headlights, restored front and rear bumpers, and meticulously maintained paint to really give it the proper shine of a show rig. It is also sporting a set of cut-out color-matched sky blue fender flares to keep the body lines appealing.
This Ranger is equipped with a ‘76 Ford 360 ci FE small-block that pushes 215 horsepower—just like it was fresh off the showroom floor. Paired to the engine is a C6 automatic transmission for the sake of smooth cruising. Manual is cool, and it is a big part of the older stages of vehicles, but it is nice to be able to start and stop without worrying about that third pedal sometimes. When you want a classic truck that gives you all the right feelings, an automatic is what you need. The C6 is completely stock and is mated to a factory transfer case. The Ranger is 4WD and sports aftermarket driveshafts in the front and an aftermarket driveshaft in the rear to keep all the proper geometry. Paired to those driveshafts are stock gearing and stock axle shafts, which really takes this truck back to before the large aftermarket support in axles that we have today.
Back in 1976, these Rangers came with a Ford Dana 44 in the front and a Ford 9-inch rearend. Sometimes a larger pinion size was present to give it a little more toughness when towing or utilizing the truck to its full potential. This beauty won’t be doing much of either of those activities, so a beautiful set of wheels and tires was added to really make this Ford Ranger pop! One of my favorite features is the chrome roll bar in the bed, which really adds a sharp touch. On top of that bar is a set of overhead lights from an older time to keep this rig frozen in time. When looking at this Ford, it reminds me slightly of Bigfoot—the original monster truck with its beautiful body lines, blue color, and unique accessories. Other than the gargantuan lift, monster truck tires, wheels, and axles, it definitely gives me the vibe that follows that legendary rig! That comparison is something to be very proud of regardless of whichever direction you take this truck in.
To bring a rig built like this to a halt is actually easy enough, as the Ranger is relatively lighter in weight—even with the metal body that we all desire. It is running disc brakes up front and drum brakes at the rear. Something you rarely see but is cool to witness is this truck’s completely stock frame. Many times you see frame modifications due to the chassis sagging, twisting, or even bending. This Ford, though? It was built in an era when the Built Ford Tough slogan was the name of the game. That was a generation when trucks were built to last and take a beating like no other! Now that is what we like to see when it comes to these classic restorations.
Hopping in the cab of this Ranger, you will find that it is still rocking the front bench seat and the original dash, gauge cluster, and steering wheel setup. Featuring this rig and its originality is refreshing in a world of modernization. We thank Ryan for allowing us to cover his Ford and all its beauty. There aren’t many Rangers out there of this caliber, and we love to see them all. Until the next one, tread on!
My name is Joe Acevedo Jr., but most people know me as “Ace.” I’m a photographer based out of South Texas, and for as long as I can remember, I’ve had a passion for cars and trucks. Growing up ...
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