I plan on using my 2002 Ranger in truck pulls next year in the 5000 pound stock class. Here's what I'm planning on doing:

33x12.5 mud terrains on stock suspension. Should I be worried about rubbing? I don't plan on flexing it out, just 33's for the pull. I was thinking 33's to get maximum speed out of first gear, since I don't want my auto to shift into second gear.

Hitch set at highest height allowed, 26 inches.

Suitcase weights from the front of a tractor on the passenger side floor to maximize weight over right front tire, since both rears were spinning last time I did it, but only the right one in the front was spinning. Plus I believe its best to have the weight as far forward as possible.

Blocking the rear axle to stop it from squatting lower while under load.

I also just plan on doing small performance mods, along the lines of complete exhaust, intake, and some SCT tunes.

How about adding a switch that I can use to manually lock the torque converter?

Well, thanks for the help. I pulled 239 feet last year on crappy stock tires, and a way-too low hitch height, and the weight in the back of the bed. I think these changes should make "Truck Norris" more of a competitor.

 

The biggest thing I would worry about is your tranny. I am not sure what kind of mods you could do to beef it up but I would. Automatic Ranger trannies arnt known for being the stoutest of trannies.

 

Valve body upgrade would prolly do you some good.

 

Get a locker in the back as well. You want all the power to the ground.

 

i wouldnt use a block on the rear for pulling. id use an aal or a shackle or both. maybe traction/antiwrap bars!

 

im not sure how those comp work. its on 2 hi or 4 hi or 4low when you do those pulls?

cause i could try to get max speen on a 2hi with 33 pulling 5000lbs... id go with either gears or smaller tire and know well the gears.. but thats not my area...

 

Thought about it, but most of the time the rear tires spin together so its at the bottom of the list for upgrades.

I should have been clearer. I didn't mean a block for lifting, but a block of wood or metal between the frame and rear axle to stop it from squatting, which will keep the hitch height up.

The 5000 pounds is the weight of the vehicle pulling, not the amount being pulled. Pulls are done in 4 Lo, 4 hi would barely get it moving, at least for most stock or close to stock trucks. On stock tires I didn't even get enough speed to have it shift into 2nd gear.

 

whenever im pulling i like 4low and 2nd gear. it gives you more speed but still lower than 4hi 1st. but i also have a manual trans not auto

 

YOU MUST VIDEOTAPE THIS PULL FOR US.


GB :)

 

my thought would put air springs on the rear axle rather than blocking it don't know how you would keep those in. check a diesel forum and see what they do there.