Suspension Tech General discussion of suspension for the Ford Ranger.

suspension lift question

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Old 02-14-2006
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suspension lift question

I was checking out Superlift's site and read that after doing a suspension lift, the front driveshaft will only last approx. 15,000 to 20,000 miles. Since it is a tulip-style shaft, the angle into the transfer case gets too radical after a lift. they offer a reinforced dirveshaft to fix this problem. id like to do a lift of some sort to my 01 flareside (just like zabeards) im not really too sold on a body lift but a body lift would allow me to reverse it if i chose to without as much work. i guess im still deciding and wanted some opinions. its not currently the everyday driver but will be soon. im not sure how much longer the 2.3 is gonna last lol. I really like the looks of the superlift and would be willing to spend the money for one but i dont want to get too crazy with a lift. i do mostly highway driving. Has anyone done a superlift and had problems with the front driveshaft? needless to say, mine doesnt do much offroading. I appreciate the help guys/gals. :) by the way, zabeard has about the height im looking for. im currently running MT classic II's (16x8's) though.
 
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Old 02-14-2006
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are you 2wd or 4wd?
 
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Old 02-14-2006
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4wd, LS, pretty much the same truck as yours.
 
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Old 02-14-2006
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oh ok.

the front driveshaft will need replaced. alot of people have had problems with it.

i think the superlift is worth the money. after seeing and installing the kit. its worth it. its a nice kit. directly bolt on and i bet just about anyone can do it with the right hand tools.

on the same note i dont regret doing the body lift at all, its a nice kit as well.

both take about the same skill to install and the same time.
 
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Old 02-14-2006
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i think ive asked you this in the past, but are there any big losses in handling? i mean, other then the obvious. its a truck not a vette. i remember you saying before that you had your set up for towing a trailer. do you have alot of free play in the steering or anything goofy like that? i figured on replacing the drive shaft. once i decide to pull the trigger on this, i might as well spend the money and do it right. any other suggestions or advice you think i might need? in your opinion, you think it'll look good with just a suspension lift? like I said, i dont want to get too crazy with it.
 
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Old 02-14-2006
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Originally Posted by crawly1025
in your opinion, you think it'll look good with just a suspension lift?
the truck will look awesome with a suspension lift ... go for it
 
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Old 02-14-2006
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actually the ride and handling are not bad its actually just about the same as stock! I am really happy with the kit and u will need the drive shaft and i wouldnt count on the drive shaft lasting long, mine only lasted 600miles on my 04 after the lift.
 
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Old 02-14-2006
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the reinforced one only lasted 600 miles or the stock one? lol

yea i need to quit being a sissy and just spend some money. go into debt a little deeper lol
 
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Old 02-14-2006
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does anyone have any pictures of a ranger with just a suspension lift?
 
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Old 02-14-2006
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he means the stock one.

it will handle just as good as stock. since the wheels are wider and the tires are wider.

mine handles better than stock.

either way you go it will looks good.
 
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Old 02-14-2006
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My stock driveshaft lasted about 6k miles with the lift before I wrecked the truck. Never had a problem with it.

You ought to try searching this has been covered waaaaaaaaaay too many times.
 
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Old 02-14-2006
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is that a 4" superlift? that looks sick. you wont have to try hard to talk me into it if it'll look something like that.
 
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Old 02-14-2006
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^^ yes
 
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Old 02-14-2006
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4" superlift 33x12.5" BFG ATs on 15x8" wheels. fantastic kit I'd highly reccommend it
 
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Old 02-14-2006
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i think im sold.
thanks for all the help/info guys.
 
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Old 02-14-2006
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did you do anything to the rear? blocks or add-a-leaf?
 
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Old 02-14-2006
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nevermind i think summit answered my question
 
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Old 02-14-2006
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it comes with 3" blocks i believe.
 
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Old 02-14-2006
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Originally Posted by zabeard
it comes with 3" blocks i believe.
I think they are 4", but yeah they come with the kit. I don't know but I have heard that those blocks make terrible axel wrap. Either way I would think about some traction bars.
 
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Old 02-14-2006
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well i dont do any off roading with it. just the occasional farm field. one more question, im running the same size wheels that were stock, 16x8's. if i get a taller tire, will i need to recalibrate the speedo? i think i will, but im just making sure. have mercy on a noob. :)
 
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Well only if you want it to be right. I had mine adjusted and its close but not perfect. As long you know how bad it is offand you think about that every time you go out, you are ok. Only real fix is a chip/tuner.
 
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yes you will. but you have 16x7s stock. handleing wont be too great. too narrow. you need widder more of an offset wheels.
 
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Originally Posted by Ranger1
I think they are 4", but yeah they come with the kit. I don't know but I have heard that those blocks make terrible axel wrap. Either way I would think about some traction bars.

i menat to say i know they are 3" blocks but im not 100% sure if they come with the kit it might be an additional option.

axle wrap is an issue with them im sure.
 
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yea, 16x7's were stock. The Mickey T's are 16x8's. If I'm gonna need a wider wheel for a decent ride/look, this whole idea might get reconsidered lol. I just bought those wheels! :) im glad you mentioned that though.
 
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Old 02-14-2006
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Originally Posted by crawly1025
yea, 16x7's were stock. The Mickey T's are 16x8's. If I'm gonna need a wider wheel for a decent ride/look, this whole idea might get reconsidered lol. I just bought those wheels! :) im glad you mentioned that though.
ok wait. i got confused cause you said this....

Originally Posted by crawly1025
one more question, im running the same size wheels that were stock, 16x8's
if you have 16x8 M/T you will be fine.
 

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