Ranger filling in as tank in a static

[MikeXG]

So I have a static group with 4 RL friends. Ranger(me), Cleric, SK, Monk, Chanter.
we are 55/56. Our SK just had a new baby and will be MIA for a bit. My ranger is fairly well geared, has off hand epic and some tanky gear to swap in. My question is 2 parts.

1. Granted the ranger won't be able to tank as well as SK, but could the ranger tank easier group content for a 55ish group?

2. I have been looking at gear to help in tanking and was wondering how a Fungi would be. Obviously it would be awesome to have on my ranger, just wondering if wearing it while tanking would be better than wearing something like a phase spider carapace for tanking purposes.

Thanks