Howdy all! I've been registered here for a while and usually just browse but I have a few questions....

I've got a 1996 2wd XLT 4.0 Auto. I recently moved to MN from NJ and during the winters it can be a bit difficult to get around. What I would like to do is some sort of lift kit and larger tires for some better ground clearance.

I've looked at both body and suspensions lifts and not sure if I should go with one over the other, or even both.

I will have 5 weeks from June to July where I can be without the truck and I plan on removing the bed, rust proofing and painting the frame and replacing all the bushings (the ride is getting a bit bad after 200,000 miles).

I figure if I'm doing all this it wouldn't be a bad time to do it all. I will need new tires and rims since I only have the stock 14" right now. I also realize I will need to re-gear the rear-end (currently 3.55 - this I will get professionally done).

I don't mind spending the money to do it right the first time but funds aren't completely unlimited. I was wondering if anyone could help recommend pretty much anything and everything. Links to purchase on-line would be helpful too.

I'd like to be able to clear 33" tires, maybe larger but I don't really do any off-roading (that might change after doing all this). This is my daily driver but I'm not putting many miles on it these days so MPG isn't a terrible concern.

I would like to avoid major modifications to steering components, things that can more quickly damage parts (like ball joints) or anything that needs to be welded.

Thanks in advance for any help you can give. This is site is awesome and has helped me much in the past.

George

 

look into coil and spindle lift options.

cant remember the name but think its fab-tech makes a 5.5 inch spindle lift

id look in to a 8.8 rearend if you dont have one already and some 4.10 gears. that will set you up quite nicely.

 

I do have the 8.8 already. Do you think 4.10 would be sufficient or something like 4.56?

Are coil lifts difficult to install? Do they require different shocks where the spindle doesn't?

What about the rear, I could add a leaf but maybe just replace the entire shackle? The rear end sits almost completely level with the front, I'm guessing the rear springs are just worn out.
Thanks!

 

ill let someone chime in on the 410 question. im not too sure on gears vs tires on the 4.0

a coil lift isnt that bad. spindles arnt too bad either. i do beliave you need a bigger shock with the spindle but i could be wrong.

you can add a leaf and you can get beltech shackles for it as well

 

Which option would people recommend? I have just replaced the wheel bearings, rotors, pads and calipers so it won't be too terrible to take that apart again for the spindle lift. Is there a specific place to get them or a specific brand people like? Do they require extended brake lines?

Edit: I'm looking online and can't seem to find any spindles that work my year, seems they only work from 98 and up?

 

5" of lift is what you would need for 33's on a 2wd.

I would say to do a 2" suspension lift and 3" BL, do the suspension with coils or coil spacers, you'll need a little longer shock for that... they dont make spindles for your yr model since you're TTB.

The 4.10's should work fine with 33's since you have a 4.0

 

I don't mean to be rude but I believe some of the above information is false. I have never seen a spindle lift for TTB or TIB truck before. Your 1996 truck has two I-beams for the front suspension. There are several affordable lift kits out there for your truck that work quite well. On the cheap end Rough Country offers a 4" Suspension lift for around 500 hundred dollars. It is a decent and complete kit but the ride can be a bit harsh with them. Skyjacker offers several kits that go up to a 6" suspension lift and possibly a 8" lift. The skyjacker kits are a bit more expensive but a bit better imo. There are other companies out there as well if you like around such as James Duff, and better kits like Camburg.

If you are looking for a smaller lift up to 2" you can either use coil spacers are upgraded coil springs for the front of the truck. They would require a front end alignment but no drop brackets. Check out TheRangerStation.com in their Tech section they have recommended lifts for a given tire size and will help you decide what size lift to clear a 33" tire. They also have a fairly complete list of the lift kits available.

 

Check out Autofab too. They make a bent I-beam kit that's fairly cheap and it nets you more travel also.

Ranger econo2WD lift

It's there Econo2wd lift...

 

Thanks for the info. Especially on the spindles, that was pretty confusing.

According to here: Ford Ranger/Bronco II Tire Fitment if I had a 3" BL with a 2" suspension lift I would be able to clear 32" tires? If I am reading that correctly.

So I would need a 2" large coil spring in the front and 2" leaf in the back? How difficult is it to replace the coil springs? I would then need longer shocks too, how do I determine the proper length shock needed?