I have been really trying to do my homework on this and know exactly what I want to do but have a couple issues I have been reading about. I've decided the 3" BL is the way I want to go.

After reading through a couple how to guides on doing it yourself I noticed they consistently said that your tow hooks are now for show. Before I had my ranger I had a much bigger truck, and was always called to pull my friends out, if they are stuck in the mud, or in the snow. Is there an option where I can still lift the bumper and still have good functional tow hooks? Also I plan on towing up the weight of another truck, so I would like to be able to do that also.

I am a kind of a self taught mechanic. I'm not a pro, but I know how to turn a wrench. But I have never done anything like this before. The problem for me that complicates it is my vehicle has quite a bit of rust.

Anyways in a nut shell, I've never done something like this before, and I have quite a bit of rust. I'm just looking for advice, also what is going to be my limits for towing.

Last thing. I was looking at getting the summit 3" lift but what would you guys recommend for a beginner to install?

Truck Info:
1999 Ranger single cab 3.0 Flex
4x4
6' bed
stock wheels

 

The 3" BL lifts the bumper up 3", but the two hooks will stay at their original location on the cross member. They will be just as strong as they were before the lift, but you will have to cut your bumper valance to be able to use them. Also, when doing the lift, use a lot of heat on the cab bolts. Heat makes removing them much easier.

 

another thing you could do is ditch the hooks and fab up a front hitch.

 

I had to deal with a bit of rust on my truck when I did the body lift. It would be good for you to have the tools necessary to cut out a broken bolt and to drill out and retap the hole - just in case.

The body lift is not hard to install, it just takes time. Impact guns, torches and PB Blaster are all good to have on hand for the project.

 

when you are under there you could also por 15 and then undercoat, or go to zeibarts on west Henrietta road and have them do it afterward. As long as the metal around mounting pad is solid you should be all set.

i was lucky, my truck was from down south when i bought it. i undercoated it before the first winter up here. i only had one bolt that gave me an issue, it was my radiator core bolt.

 

Anyone have any pros/cons of summit versus the PA 3 inch lift kit?

 

its the same thing