Hey everyone, I was just curious what it would take to get my ranger from stock to have some off road capabilities? I don't have a whole lot of money to spend right now, and I realize that that's exactly what it'd take, but what would I have to upgrade to be able to take it off road?

It's a 1998, 2wd, 2.5 L 5 speed manual. I really just have this urge to take it into the dunes or something since I moved to california. All input would be greatly appreciated!

 

lift + bigger tires is the best way to start...look into the pre runner deal and a more powerfull engine later.

 

for your truck, to make it like a stock off road ranger: simple 2 inch suspension lift, bigger tires (31's) beefier shocks, front skid plate, conversion to 4x4 (if you can afford it)then as stated by fx4blackRanger, engine upgrade later.

 

all im doing to my 98 xlt is torsion bar adjustment and 32's or 33's, depending on wat i can fit, snorkel and dual exhaust.

 

I guess I was curious because I'd heard about other people here not doing a whole lot to their 2wd rangers before they take it off road. I've wanted 4x4 for a long time, but how much time and money would that cost to do? I'm sure it's not cheap or quick to do.


I'll look into the other suggestions

 

Get yourself some 3" spindles and 2" Blocks and some 31x10.5r15's.. about $1000 for lift and tires.. less if used..

then regear, body lift and 33"s..

install a 302..

then 2" Coils and some AAL's for 35"s..

then 4x4 SAS with 37"s..

just some ideas..

Though you might find a body lift for less than $100 and some lightly used 31"s for less than $400.. so you could do a 3" with 31"s for less than $500..

Only 2wd EDGE/SPORT Rangers can go from 2wd to 4wd.. but it is not cheap..

2wd Coil rangers can only become 4x4's with SAS or alot of fab work.. not cheap..


I was lifted.. got bored.. now slightly lowered..

 

Hey man, I am doing the same kinda thing with my 99 ranger with a 2.5L and its 2wd. I plan on putting a 3 in body lift, 31-33 inch tires (depends on what I can get the best deal on), put a 8.8 rear end in with a L/S.

 

sell it and buy a 4x4
thats the best and cheapest way
youll be happier for sure

 

i went 4 wheelin in my 2wd stock everything with an open diff, now i just added 3" bl, bigger tires, skid plate, and some tow hooks. I never had any problems bone stock, 4wd just gets you stuck deeper

 

HAHA hunter said it best. I only got stuck one time in my 2wd and i bottomed out in skidder ruts. 2wd can be more fun the 4wd plus its more about driver skill..still times i wish i had 4wd

 

one of the most impressives trucks on this site is N3elz's truck. It's an edge 2wd, double lifted and locked in the back w/ 35's. very very impressive truck for what it is.....a 2wd! Now he's not 2wd anymore...he solid axled it. *also...he's a 2wd EDGE...so he has the same truck as a 4x4(having torsionbars), minus the front axle and transfer case. So he already had 4x4 suspension. Where as you have a completely different setup....coil springs.



IMO.....do a spindle lift and 31's. possibly upgrade to a Ranger 8.8" limited slip rear end w/ 4.10 gears....cheap easy upgrade that'll make it more drivable on those tires with your gutless engine.



4x4 does not get you stuck deeper if you know how to drive...depends on terrain too. Me personally.....i go as far as i can in 2wd....only use that front axle when i need it.....as should anyone else who wheels.

 

I second that.

 

I'll be checking out junk yards around the area for 8.8" axles soon. I was doing some google searching and it seems like lift kits are going to cost close to or over $1,000 for a suspension lift - is that right? Seems like I could do a body lift for a lot cheaper, or wouldn't that be a good idea for off roading? As for larger tires, if I went with 31's or 33's would that kill my gas mileage if I didn't regear it? Or would my gas mileage be about the same if I did regear it?

Sorry for all the quesions, I'm trying to learn all this stuff