Michael, I have to say, you could not have made it through there with out some serious damage to the bottom of your Ranger even with the most skilled spotter. I was very careful going over those big rocks and got a few scrapes on the transfer case skid plate. The torsion bar guards also got some scrapes and one small dent. All minor damage. That was with 32" tires, 1.5" torsion bar lift and pumped up bags (~2") in the rear. Since you have been through there before to enjoy the trip, you may want to consider bypassing next fall, if it is still as rough.
The tippy spot that Ace referred to was not that bad but a bad line with some poor judgment though there could result in a bad day for someone.
I had not gone though Mengel Pass before but very much enjoyed it. Starting at Ballarat with the interesting character and history there, up through Goler wash (spectacular), the view at Mengel's grave and then down the east side was all worth the minor scuffs to the bottom side. The side trip to Barker Ranch was a nice bonus. I could almost feel a lingering presence there.
I have not had time to put a few pictures together of the Death Valley portion of Desert Expedition IV but I will.