So I can't decide on a 3" coil or 3" body lift. I would want to do the coil but I already have a 4" spindle and I'm afraid that the upper ball joint will slip out of the spindle if the suspension extends. Would an alignment fix this? I don't think my upper control arm will be maxed out but I don't want the run the risk of it slipping out of the spindle

 

Spindle lift shouldn't have anything to do with coil location. If you have seen anyone run on 3" coils without spindles, then you can do it with spindles.

 

So it should be fine? I'm just worried about having the spindle and the coil maxing out the upper control arm real bad

 

3 inch coil spring lift is the maximum the stock ball joint can handle

but you can always install aftermarket ball joints meant for spring lifts

 

Can you send me a link of some? I can't find any

 

you should call or email them to double check for the proper application

these may only fit their own upper control arms

Fabtech Upper Ball Joint for 98 Ford Ranger

 

What did you search? I search "ford ranger upper ball joint for lift kit" and I can't find anything other than just stock ball joints

 

ford ranger upper control arm lift kit ball joints

 

Still not coming up with anything other than stock ball joints. Do you think a ball joint from another truck would fit? Like maybe from a Taco or s10

 

stock ball joints are limited in total motion

the fabtech ball joints have a longer motion allowance , but you must purchase a aftermarket upper control arm to match

only fabtech manufactures ball joints for lifted vehicles

you might want to research their very own control arms that have the ball joints installed

their upper control arms are longer than factory , that eliminate the top of the tire tilt in

 

Ok thanks that makes more sense. I hear a lot about moog control arms. I guess they don't make any for lift kits?

 

moog does make a control arm that accept replaceable ball joints

you will have to sift through rock auto`s catalog to find out the proper part number`s

 

Ok so basically your saying I need a longer control arm when I do my coils

 

yes

or you see the top of the tire inner tilt in effect

the fabtech upper control arms move the ball joint out more to eliminate the tire tilt in effect

 

Ok so alignment plays a factor. I never got an alignment after my spindle lift

 

just a spindle lift , does not require a alignment

but a alignment is required when you install longer coil springs , they affect the way the spindle and tire sits , the steering also becomes affected , toe in or toe out , vibrations or excessive tire wear

straight up or tilted inwards

 

I'd be willing to bet that a spindle lift requires an alignment. I can post a pic of my tire wear if you want outside tread, barely touched. Inside tread almost bald

 

factory ranger suspension has a slight tire tilt in effect , but nothing serious

longer coil springs compound the problem

all lift spindles do is move the axle stud downward 4 inches , alignment should not be affected

unless your factory coil springs have sagged some what

 

Well I have 107k miles on mine so maybe they are sagged a touch