Hey, I am planning on getting a Ford Ranger (*I do not have one yet*). In fact, I am set on a Ford Ranger. I have found that I want to lift the truck, so I am planning on getting the Dixon Brother's Long Travel suspension kit for the front. Although, I still have a bunch of questions. Here are a few I can think of off the top of my head:

1. What year is the best for lifting? I need one that is very durable.
2. What extra stuff and work will I have to do when I install the Long Travel to the front? For instance, any driveline upgrades? Do I need to adjust the steering or change it in any way?
3. Also, what do you guys recommend for the rear? I just want some opinions.

Thanks for your help,
David

**I am new to this forum and I didn't know where to post this. Please correct me and give me some constructive criticism about anything. All that I want is to learn so that I don't make too many bad choices.

 

if your not buying a 4x4 makes sure you get an xlt with coil springs, alot more lt kits out there. you really dont want much lift wit a lt set up, low center of gravity is more important along with down travel to keep you always in contact with the driving surface. you need a engine cage to support the front.

dbr makes a strong kit as do camburg, giant, blitz, and btf. rear set up is all on you, do you want a functioning bed or are they only for banging, linked or leafs. cantilever set ups are at the same level ot tunabilty as most caged set ups now, they retain your bed as a bed, and if you live in a sketchy neighborhood no one will know your pulling 15-17" of travel in the back, but they are more expensive though you do save on shocks requiring only 10-12" compared to 16's need for a basic bedcage.

if it was me personally spending hard earned money to build a kit truck, id have btf make me a kit up front then run a giant 64" link killer kit out back.

 

Alright, thanks, I'll keep all of that into consideration. If anyone else has more information or opinions, I will be glad to hear them.

 

Well what price, age, and price are you looking for?

93-97s make great prerunners with the Twin I-beam suspension.

98+ Coil Spring XL or XLTs also make good prerunners with long travel kits.

You also need to consider power so you want to look at 4.0 V6s EXCLUSIVELY. The 3.0 V6 (which is the base V6 in the Ranger and the most common engine) is 4 cylinder power with V6 gas mileage.