Hello everyone!! I am very happy to have just purchased a 1999 ford ranger XLT as my first car!! Its a 6 Cylinder 3.0 Manuel XLT.
I have been looking around a lot and trying to find a lift kit for this truck, but it seems to be pretty hard!! I would really appreciate if someone could steer me in the right direction with a budget lift kit that will still be reliable!! I am in college so the cheaper the better

Anyways, if anyone could help I would really appreciate it!! :)

Also, Im looking for a 3 inch lift if possible :))

 

Also, its a 2WD with Coils in the front, I have seen these threads but for 4WD vehicles

 

You have a new to you 1999 Ford Ranger, it is your first vehicle that you need for collage.

I highly recommend you get used to this truck and sort out all the neglected maintenance items before you start modifying the truck.

Raising a 2wd truck in my opinion is the complete opposite of what most people do.

People lift their 4wd trucks to gain ground clearance and to make it possible to install over sized tires and wheels.

When lifting or lowering a vehicle, suspension geometry is very important, cheaper less thought out lifts or lowering kits neglect this important factor.

lets say you manage to lift your truck and install the larger tires and wheels you may want.

Now what ? you have a jacked up truck that is worse on gas than it was before, the gear ratio will be off so you will not have proper acceleration or top end gearing. all for what to look cool?

Being a one wheel wonder jacked up in the air will only get you stuck once you take it off road. so you got to really consider is this really what you want?

 

Well heres the thing, I wouldnt be doing much off roading, and i have come to the acceptance that my gas mileage wouldnt be as good. I wouldnt ever really want to lower a truck (No offense to those who like the low ride).
To be fully honest, I only want all of this for the looks. I love the way a nice lifted ford ranger looks, and would love to have one myself.

Also, the truck has been maintained really well before I bought it. Had car facts showing all maintenance and its only at 60k miles. I believe it has a lot of potential. I appreciate the warnings you are giving me for lifting and putting on bigger tires, however all of these things are pretty much worth it for me.

 

There are several lift options for 2wd coil spring trucks.

- 1" - 2" coil spacers
- 1" - 3" body lift
- 3" - 4" spindle lift

Do a Google search on spindle lift (or body lift) and you'll find a crap ton of information.

I myself have opted for a 4" spindle lift but it's not cheap. I have all the parts. Just need to get off my lazy butt and get it done.

For a limited budget I would probably go with the body lift.

 

thank you!!! Will definitely look into spindles!! May I ask what brand?

 

There are Maxtrac, Wheels-N-Parts (WNP), Doetsch and Fabtech spindles.

I went with the WNP spindles just because they had a decent reputation and cost seemed good and, because the spindle spud is pressed in and not bolted in like you see on the Ebay lift spindles.
I've also got some 2" lift shackles and 2.5" lift blocks for the rear because I like the rear of the truck to be just a tad higher than the front for hauling reasons.