Hey guys,

I recently got a 2004 FX4 lvl 1, and I am absolutely loving it. I got the truck to convert into a sleeper and I plan on using it for on and off road adventures and overnighters. I do all my own work, and will be doing these mods myself.

I think I'm still at factory height, just with some 31.5" tires, and I'm trying to figure out what upgrade path to take.

The current shocks are absolute goners and need replaced asap. Wouldn't be surprised if they were the original set from 2004. So of course I wanna upgrade to Bilsteins (only lvl 1 FX4, so no Bilsteins OEM), I see that the 4600 series is the main replacement, with the 5100 series being better for offroad or lifted applications.

I'm stock height currently, but will likely be lifting soon. I want a little more clearance and off-road ability, but nothing unreasonable. Honestly, I'm not a fan of excessively lifted trucks at all, so I'm not rushing out to find the biggest body spacers I can find just to have some extra swag around town. I wanna lift it properly, and doing what's best for my application.

What would be the best style lift for offroading?
What Bilsteins would be the best for my application? Are the 5100s okay on a stock height until I lift it? or will I ruin them and have a terrible ride until I get the lift?

Thanks guys

 

Here a good read. Lot of info to guide you in the right direction.
https://www.therangerstation.com/tec...nd-body-lifts/

 

Yeah, I've seen that page, and there's a ton of information there, but I posted to try and get a conversation going. Just want to see what people actually end up doing to their trucks and how they like it, or people who have been in my shoes and what they did

 

With what you said, a body lift will be ideal. That would give you some clearance and maybe able to go up a tire size or two.
Can use the Bilstein 4600 shocks. I would go over your suspension and replace all worn out parts a well.

 

I have a 2002 with a lift key in the front, bilstein 4600s, 33x12.50 tires and a yukon dura-grip differential. I use my truck from some occasional wheeling and camping but also as a daily and it works great off road without sacrificing too much handling.
The 4600s made a noticeable difference on my truck on and off-road and are definitely worth the extra few bucks. An FX4 lvl2 front skid plate would also be a great addition to your truck if you plan on going off road!

 

What were your reasons for going with the 4600s over the 5100s? Just because you daily it and don't have much of a lift?

I can't seem to find the skid plate you're talking about, but I'll keep digging! Thanks!

 

Can somebody confirm for me that 5100s will work on a stock height Ranger just fine? I understand it might not be the *best* choice for a stock height ranger, but will they actually fit and function correctly?
I'm leaning towards going with the 5100s for now, and then setting my eyes on a 2-3" body lift, which will make the 5100s ideal. But my current shocks have got to go ASAP, so shocks are the priority.

 

A body lift will not affect the suspension at all. So the 4600 will work with the stock suspension.