Suspension Tech General discussion of suspension for the Ford Ranger.

Lowering questions/concerns

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Old 03-27-2010
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Lowering questions/concerns

I've started looking for a 4/5 drop kit for my truck and have a couple questions and concerns about it. I've wanted to lower it for awhile now but between time/money never could. So being spring and the summer wheels will be going on soon I thought why not.

My other reasons were I think I need to replace my balljoints and/or tie rod ends anyways (Im getting a knock when I reverse and turn the wheel). Im not sure if thats something else possibly??

So the questions I have:

1.Are there any cons/downsides to a drop kit?

2.Will I have any problems with my wheels/tires. (Currently have 2005 17" Mustang Bullits) can get tire side if needed but there still the stock tires.

3. Would it be beneficial to buy a brand new kit or get a used one? (ie. is there major wear or a reason why I wouldnt want a used kit or problems with one?).

4.Anything else need to be replaced when installing a drop?

5.Average price for a kit? I've been looking at DJM mostly not sure of all the kits.

Ill probably have more questions and I have been searching through old posts as well. Any insight/answers anyone can give would be great as I've never installed anything like this to date.
 
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Old 03-27-2010
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if you have stock tire size, as in height its too big for a 4/5 your gonna need new tires, DJM is the best kit, and if you buy used you may have to replace ball joints anyhow. As for pros and cons, pros looks way better, and there really are no cons unless you live in a place littered with potholes. Any thing needing to be replaced? um you could replace the transmission crossmember but i never did and it never bottomed out on anything yet so...
 
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Old 03-27-2010
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thanks for the input anyone else?
 
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Old 03-27-2010
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Originally Posted by Andrew_2006
I've started looking for a 4/5 drop kit for my truck and have a couple questions and concerns about it. I've wanted to lower it for awhile now but between time/money never could. So being spring and the summer wheels will be going on soon I thought why not.

My other reasons were I think I need to replace my balljoints and/or tie rod ends anyways (Im getting a knock when I reverse and turn the wheel). Im not sure if thats something else possibly??
You get all new BJ's with the kit, so 2 birds with 1 stone!

1.Are there any cons/downsides to a drop kit?
Other than keeping an eye out for crazy driveways, no. Installation of low profile trans x-member is highly suggested though. Illusive Fabrications is your place to find that. Here's one installed....

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4/4 truck(before the *** end finally settled)...
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2.Will I have any problems with my wheels/tires. (Currently have 2005 17" Mustang Bullits) can get tire side if needed but there still the stock tires.
No. If they're stock mustang size of 245/45R17, that's actually the suggested size tire for 17's. Alot of 'em run it. The two local 4/5'd rangers on stangs by me, both run that size and have no issues at all. They fill the wheel well nicely too with no rub. Truck above is 245/45R17's too.

3. Would it be beneficial to buy a brand new kit or get a used one? (ie. is there major wear or a reason why I wouldnt want a used kit or problems with one?).
There really isn't any difference between the two other than ball joint wear. Tha'ts about it. There's a thread over at RPS about DJM arm owners and the BJ's being turned the wrong way from the factory though. Somethign to look and think about.

4.Anything else need to be replaced when installing a drop?
Not really. Can't think of anything. Everything needed is included except for shocks I believe. DJM's usually aren't used with the kit. Most go for Belltech Nitro Drop 2's. I do suggest getting new U-bolts. But if your's have never been removed. No worries. Stockers will work just fine.

5.Average price for a kit? I've been looking at DJM mostly not sure of all the kits.
I don't even remember anymore. lol. Used 400-600. New 700-900? USD.
 
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Old 03-27-2010
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Thanks for that input ^ alot of stuff about what I asked. That is my tire size and loooks good in the picture glad to hear there really isnt any rubbing issues, and as far as clearance I pretty much always park on the road so shouldnt be any problems there.

I went on summit today would this be what I want/need?

DJM Suspension KS3098-4-5 - DJM Suspension Lowering Kits - Overview - SummitRacing.com

Also found this on stylin trucks.

http://www.stylintrucks.com/part.asp...&partid=559717

Is one better then the other?
Only difference I see is one from summit has shocks.
 
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Old 03-27-2010
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the only time ive had anything hit was when i still have my mud flaps on going into my sisters drive way they would scrape, like fx4 said you may wanna look into a transmission cross member, but ive never changed mine and i havnt hit anything with it yet
 
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Old 03-27-2010
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^^You also look reg cab to me too. My brothers super light weight 4cyl reg cab had issues getting into our drive way or driveways around town. Casper's heavier v6 super cab had alot of issues in my driveway. lol. They both are running low-pro x-members. It's not required if you don't want it, but that stocker hangs down really low and is vulnerable.
 

Last edited by Fx4wannabe01; 03-27-2010 at 08:11 PM.
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Old 03-27-2010
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lol Shane I hate your Driveway!
 
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Old 03-28-2010
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So Its something that could be installed later then if I find im having issue.

Any other input on my questions?
 
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