On the '02 model rangers, what would be considered the hardest lowering it? replacing the front coils or flipping the rear axle?

To me, I would think the front would be more annoying. When I used to lower Civics and Mitsubishis, I hated having to compress the coils to take apart the strut assembley. So, having to compress the front coils reminds me of that and im not looking forward to it. I am not saying its actually harder, but it doesnt seem like the fun part to me.

As for the rear, I really dont know how hard it is. In my mind, its as simple as this:
Remove bed.
Support Axle.
Remove bolts from springs and lower to the ground.
Remove axle from springs.
Place springs under axle and follow steps in reverse (making sure to put in shackles too).

I hope it is that simple. I may be wrong. I did a search for a walk through on how to lower my truck, front and back, and didnt see anything. So, again, some help is at hand.

BTW, I appreciate all of what you guys have done to help me and point me in the right direction. It has been a huge help. Without the help, I wouldnt be as far along with my truck as I am now.

 

well it depends if you have coils up front or not. if youre a 2wd XLT you may. even then, you probably cant get away with just coils, you may have to do some control arm work.

as far as the axle flip, first of all you probably wouldnt have to remove the bed, and second of all, youd need to get a flip kit with new perches, otherwise there is nothing to keep your axle located with the springs mointed on the bottom. on the top of the axle there is a spring perch that is a flat area for the srping to sit on and a hole in the cetner of that for the centering pin of the leaves

before you ask, no you cannot flip the axle itself over, the wheels would turn the wrong way

 

I already have that stuff. I have the DJM 2/3.

Just was finding out info when i actually tackle the job. I am possibly going to pay someone to lower the front and I will do the rear myself.

if the front is easy enough, I will just do it myself too.

 

Front, coils can be a very big pain to work on, not to mention all the stuff u gotta go through just to get em out. The rear is very easy to do, but make sure u have a flip kit that will make it much more easier. First take off ur leafs reverse the center bolt, then just bolt em back up put the axle on top secure em down with the U-bolts, the axle brackets that fit ontop of the leafs do fit up inside the perches already on the axle so no need to have them taken off. Then ur done of course thats a very general description of it there are more details i didnt go into on about the rear but thats pretty much it.

 

I've never really delt with ranger coil suspension but I know S-10's. The back is a breeze. The front isnt hard, its just annoying goin through everything just to get to the coils. A pickle for came in VERY handle with my dealings with it. Good luck man...

 

Well, I decided to pay someone to do it. I need to get an alignment anyways, so the guy that is going to paint my truck referred me to his alignment guy. The guy is going to put in all of my lowering kit, align the truck and put in the camber kit for 400 dollars. I dont think it is too bad. Said he will warranty the work for as long as i have the truck. I will be getting it done tomorrow, so i will have more pics in my Yahoo Picture album. Click 'My Ride' to see. Will be updated 3-23-05 afternoon sometime.

 

Sweet cant wait to see it!

 

I really hope i am happy with the 2/3. I am geting second thoughts, but when i go look at my wife's mustang, its about the height i want my truck off its tires and when i measured it, i think thats what it will come out to. I just hope it looks right and even. I dont want the front higher than the back =(

 

What all did you order?

 

I got the DJM 2" drop coils in front and the Flip kit+shackle 3" drop in rear.

This a ranger with a 3/4 on 16" wheels-

http://www.cardomain.com/memberpage/252776/2

So i really think i will be happy with the 2/3 on my truck.

If anyone can find me a nice side pic of a 2/3, i would appreciate it =)

 

Ok, so the axle flip drops it a lot but the shackle raises it back up slightly? If thats the case then yes, you should have a killer stance on your hands. Especially with those wheels its gonna be sweet... you will always want to go lower

 

Yeah, it lowers 5", i think, with the flip kit and the shackles raise another 2".

As for going lower, I think I will be happy. I really still need to beable to pull things and load up the bed of the truck. Evantually, if Dodge puts the Hemi the new Dakotas, then i will buy one of those and slam the Ranger. I dont know. I do things on a whim. BTW, in 3 months, i will regret doing any of this. Just saying it now, im a freak like that.

 

I wanna go lower but I cant without the help of airbags.

 

Hahah yeah I do the same thing really. I HATE my truck and want to sell it... but I keep buying more stuff for it...

You dont need bags, do a custom coilover set up like EdgeRat did. His looks awesome...

 

About to go pick up my truck. *Fingers Crossed*

 

Wow... Just wow. the 2/3 was perfect for me. i love the look. I will get pics tomorrow, its too dark now. Only thing is, the front looks like its about 1/2 an inch higher. I hope the front springs settle a little.

 

Ok, i got some new pics up in 'My Ride'. I will get more once i wash it.

 

where is a good place to get a axle fip kit?