Need Lift and tire help
#1
03-05-2019
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: Melbourne Florida
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Need Lift and tire help
Hey guys. I currently have a 2004 2wd 3.0l V6 Ranger with 121,000 on it and I want to lift it and put tires on it but don’t know all that much on what I should do.
My original plan was to go with a 3in. body lift and throw some 33in tires on 15in rims and call it a day. But after reading a BUNCH of confusing comments on a lot of threads, I’m thinking I go 3in front 2 in back suspension lift to level out the truck and give the entire thing clearance.
I dont want to go ridiculously too big of a lift cause it’s my daily driver and I’m not going to take it off-road. Obviously I would like to keep it cheap but am willing to spend the money on what it’s worth.
So my questions I guess are:
Body or Suspension or both?
How big of a lift should I go?
33in tires or bigger?
When will i know im paying too much and is there any websites or places I should be looking at for tires or all of these parts?
...any other questions or suggestions are highly encouraged!!
Keep it civil lol
Just want to get the project going but need to do it right!!
My original plan was to go with a 3in. body lift and throw some 33in tires on 15in rims and call it a day. But after reading a BUNCH of confusing comments on a lot of threads, I’m thinking I go 3in front 2 in back suspension lift to level out the truck and give the entire thing clearance.
I dont want to go ridiculously too big of a lift cause it’s my daily driver and I’m not going to take it off-road. Obviously I would like to keep it cheap but am willing to spend the money on what it’s worth.
So my questions I guess are:
Body or Suspension or both?
How big of a lift should I go?
33in tires or bigger?
When will i know im paying too much and is there any websites or places I should be looking at for tires or all of these parts?
...any other questions or suggestions are highly encouraged!!
Keep it civil lol
Just want to get the project going but need to do it right!!
#4
03-05-2019
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: Melbourne Florida
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Just some pictures I have of my current project
doing the rear quarter panel soon (suggestions,tips,recommendations?)
putting a black OEM bumper on with a black valance for the moment till the lift I guess
putting an OEM rear bumper on soon might wait till quarter panel
But need help on lift and tire opinions ^^
#5
03-05-2019
Quick note from a 4WD Truck guy !
I don't know what is available for a 2WD Ranger but here is what I think.
33" Tires with 15" wheels look the best on a Ranger; do what you have to for a lift to get 5" of lift for a 33" tire.
Start with a Suspension Lift, then go to the Body Lift (BL) but try not to go over 2" for the Body Lift.
My personal opinion on BL is not to use one at all, but I know within limits they work, but they put extra stress on the Body Bolts and Loads added to the Bed.
That's all I know, Good Luck on your choices.
I don't know what is available for a 2WD Ranger but here is what I think.
33" Tires with 15" wheels look the best on a Ranger; do what you have to for a lift to get 5" of lift for a 33" tire.
Start with a Suspension Lift, then go to the Body Lift (BL) but try not to go over 2" for the Body Lift.
My personal opinion on BL is not to use one at all, but I know within limits they work, but they put extra stress on the Body Bolts and Loads added to the Bed.
That's all I know, Good Luck on your choices.
#6
03-05-2019
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: Melbourne Florida
Posts: 8
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Quick note from a 4WD Truck guy !
I don't know what is available for a 2WD Ranger but here is what I think.
33" Tires with 15" wheels look the best on a Ranger; do what you have to for a lift to get 5" of lift for a 33" tire.
Start with a Suspension Lift, then go to the Body Lift (BL) but try not to go over 2" for the Body Lift.
My personal opinion on BL is not to use one at all, but I know within limits they work, but they put extra stress on the Body Bolts and Loads added to the Bed.
That's all I know, Good Luck on your choices.
I don't know what is available for a 2WD Ranger but here is what I think.
33" Tires with 15" wheels look the best on a Ranger; do what you have to for a lift to get 5" of lift for a 33" tire.
Start with a Suspension Lift, then go to the Body Lift (BL) but try not to go over 2" for the Body Lift.
My personal opinion on BL is not to use one at all, but I know within limits they work, but they put extra stress on the Body Bolts and Loads added to the Bed.
That's all I know, Good Luck on your choices.
Thank you for your opinion I like your thoughts. I’ll probably go suspension lift first. Probably a 3 inch and then down the road I’ll throw a 2inch BL on.
Have been thinking about a full lift kit like a rough country. Heard good and bad things. This is my daily driver so I want it to drive right, not just look right.
#7
03-05-2019
Thank you for your opinion I like your thoughts. I’ll probably go suspension lift first. Probably a 3 inch and then down the road I’ll throw a 2inch BL on.
Have been thinking about a full lift kit like a rough country. Heard good and bad things. This is my daily driver so I want it to drive right, not just look right.
Have been thinking about a full lift kit like a rough country. Heard good and bad things. This is my daily driver so I want it to drive right, not just look right.
How much lift ?
RC didn't have a great rep for the material used in their lifts, but looking at pictures of the new 4WD Lift, the 5.5 RC 4WD Lift Kit looks good and IF I was doing a lift now it would probably be an RC.
Good Luck on your Lift, get pictures of every move.
Ltr,
#8
03-06-2019
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: Melbourne Florida
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Does Rough Country (RC) have a 2WD Lift ?
How much lift ?
RC didn't have a great rep for the material used in their lifts, but looking at pictures of the new 4WD Lift, the 5.5 RC 4WD Lift Kit looks good and IF I was doing a lift now it would probably be an RC.
Good Luck on your Lift, get pictures of every move.
Ltr,
How much lift ?
RC didn't have a great rep for the material used in their lifts, but looking at pictures of the new 4WD Lift, the 5.5 RC 4WD Lift Kit looks good and IF I was doing a lift now it would probably be an RC.
Good Luck on your Lift, get pictures of every move.
Ltr,
hearing good things about a spindle lift. Looking for ground clearance cause I don’t like how low the undercarriage sits to the ground. A body lift would just raise the body and make the low hanging parts more visible. Might go 3 or 4inch spindle lift at first and then put a small BL or level kit on to get to 5in but really just want to get high enough to look good and clear 33inch tires.
Again dont know too much about parts and what’s gunna be best for the truck, but would like to learn as much as I can before making a purchase.
#9
03-06-2019
Hearing good things about a spindle lift. Looking for ground clearance cause I don’t like how low the undercarriage sits to the ground. A body lift would just raise the body and make the low hanging parts more visible. Might go 3 or 4inch spindle lift at first and then put a small BL or level kit on to get to 5in but really just want to get high enough to look good and clear 33inch tires.
Again dont know too much about parts and what’s gunna be best for the truck, but would like to learn as much as I can before making a purchase.
Again dont know too much about parts and what’s gunna be best for the truck, but would like to learn as much as I can before making a purchase.
Enjoy, Ltr
#10
03-11-2019
Member
A 5-inch lift and 33s on your rig is gonna look sick!
The spindle lift (depending on the manufacturer) might take a little grinding off the LCA, but with patience and some masking tape, it's doable.
There are also lift springs for the front for an extra 2" or so (shop around for the size you're looking for) to help get those meats under your fenders.
A cheap kit off Amazon will cost you 539 bux; spindles, shocks, shackles. This is the kit I'll be getting once I get all my issues sorted with my rig:
AND...the springs too:
The BL is the quickest, easiest, cheapest method you can do, but for me, I don't like it because it puts stress on the longer bolts needed and increases the shearing factor. If you don't do off-roading or super-high-G turns on your fav on-ramp to your fav highway, you should be fine.
I currently have 31s on stock suspension, but I had to trim the valance to keep the rubbing down. I'll keep it at 31 with this lift because of the space it leaves in the wheel well. Looks like mucho wheel travel
Just for looks...for meow.
The spindle lift (depending on the manufacturer) might take a little grinding off the LCA, but with patience and some masking tape, it's doable.
There are also lift springs for the front for an extra 2" or so (shop around for the size you're looking for) to help get those meats under your fenders.
A cheap kit off Amazon will cost you 539 bux; spindles, shocks, shackles. This is the kit I'll be getting once I get all my issues sorted with my rig:
AND...the springs too:
The BL is the quickest, easiest, cheapest method you can do, but for me, I don't like it because it puts stress on the longer bolts needed and increases the shearing factor. If you don't do off-roading or super-high-G turns on your fav on-ramp to your fav highway, you should be fine.
I currently have 31s on stock suspension, but I had to trim the valance to keep the rubbing down. I'll keep it at 31 with this lift because of the space it leaves in the wheel well. Looks like mucho wheel travel
Just for looks...for meow.
#11
03-11-2019
A BL Kit is not going to gain you ground clearance... and to me the look of BL isn't the best one !
Do a lot of checking on the Web, there has to be info out there about 2WD Lift Kit and how to install them, I would make sure I read all I could and listened to U-Tube Videos, get it all together, then make a decision.
What are the Kit Manufacturers that sell 2WD Lift Kits for Rangers ?
I have no idea on the subject, although I have seen postings on the subject.
Just a suggestion and not trying to move you out of the Site... there might be other Ranger Sites that have better info on 2WD Rangers.
Good Luck, post up what you are doing and don't forget the pictures !
#12
03-11-2019
Join Date: Jan 2019
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#13
03-11-2019
#14
03-12-2019
Join Date: Mar 2019
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Or is this looking like a good option
A 5-inch lift and 33s on your rig is gonna look sick!
The spindle lift (depending on the manufacturer) might take a little grinding off the LCA, but with patience and some masking tape, it's doable.
There are also lift springs for the front for an extra 2" or so (shop around for the size you're looking for) to help get those meats under your fenders.
A cheap kit off Amazon will cost you 539 bux; spindles, shocks, shackles. This is the kit I'll be getting once I get all my issues sorted with my rig:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07HNPNPFW...v_ov_lig_dp_it
AND...the springs too:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00D3XWZ22...v_ov_lig_dp_it
The BL is the quickest, easiest, cheapest method you can do, but for me, I don't like it because it puts stress on the longer bolts needed and increases the shearing factor. If you don't do off-roading or super-high-G turns on your fav on-ramp to your fav highway, you should be fine.
I currently have 31s on stock suspension, but I had to trim the valance to keep the rubbing down. I'll keep it at 31 with this lift because of the space it leaves in the wheel well. Looks like mucho wheel travel
Just for looks...for meow.
The spindle lift (depending on the manufacturer) might take a little grinding off the LCA, but with patience and some masking tape, it's doable.
There are also lift springs for the front for an extra 2" or so (shop around for the size you're looking for) to help get those meats under your fenders.
A cheap kit off Amazon will cost you 539 bux; spindles, shocks, shackles. This is the kit I'll be getting once I get all my issues sorted with my rig:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07HNPNPFW...v_ov_lig_dp_it
AND...the springs too:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00D3XWZ22...v_ov_lig_dp_it
The BL is the quickest, easiest, cheapest method you can do, but for me, I don't like it because it puts stress on the longer bolts needed and increases the shearing factor. If you don't do off-roading or super-high-G turns on your fav on-ramp to your fav highway, you should be fine.
I currently have 31s on stock suspension, but I had to trim the valance to keep the rubbing down. I'll keep it at 31 with this lift because of the space it leaves in the wheel well. Looks like mucho wheel travel
Just for looks...for meow.
like where your heads at. Haven’t ran into that kit yet either. Putting together a future shopping cart on amazon. Want to definitely go at LEAST a 5 inch lift. Will get bigger tires if necessary but i want to do 6 inches if I can. Trying to find ways to achieve that without going 1,800-2,200 on a superlift kit.
Looking at that 4inch front 2 inch back suspension kit
looking at 2 inch longer springs
looking at an add a leaf rear 2 inches
wondering if these will work, look good, and won’t be too harsh on the truck itself....
#15
03-12-2019
IMHO...I know little about 2WD Lift Kit but 4" Lift Blocks are crazy... the spacing between the rear axle housing and the spring is too far apart and will, may, create excessive torque on the rear suspension and may result in wheel hop.
New springs for the rear that give you a matched lift would be FAR better !
Good Luck... !
New springs for the rear that give you a matched lift would be FAR better !
Good Luck... !
#16
03-12-2019
Member
Copying my wish list
Yeah. All of these will work, but keep in mind the add-a-leafs will make that rear much more solid, i.e., unforgiving.
I'm not a fan of ANY size blocks on the rear, but if you get a good set of traction bars, you should be OK.
With the spindles AND the springs, there's your 6-inch lift in front, but keep in mind, you will sag a bit. The springs MIGHT be a higher spring rate to keep it from sagging much, but there will be a bit of it.
Be aware if you do the shackles, add-a-leaf, AND the blocks, you're now at 8" of lift. Personally, I would do the shackles and leaves only and your truck may level out, hence where the name "leveling kit" comes from. You CAN do just the 4" blocks to retain stock ride, but again...get some traction bars (not wheelie bars ) to keep your axle from "walking" and/or wrapping up the leaves under hard acceleration.
Stock, your rear is higher than the front because it's a truck and this is in anticipation of a rated load you're gonna haul in your truck.
While you're under there installing, check your bushings and other components that might be wearing down. With the spindle off, shocks and springs out, it's a great time to change/check your control arm bushings. I recommend graphite-impregnated polyurethane (usually black in color) because you won't get that squeaky squeaky. Stock rubber is fine if you're on a budget.
Maybe paint/powder coat your control arms a cool color for detail? Just a thought!
Maybe add a camber bolt kit for proper camber alignment.
Remove rust and recoat.
When you lift it, all that will be visible, so why show them any rust patches?
Best of luck
Yeah. All of these will work, but keep in mind the add-a-leafs will make that rear much more solid, i.e., unforgiving.
I'm not a fan of ANY size blocks on the rear, but if you get a good set of traction bars, you should be OK.
With the spindles AND the springs, there's your 6-inch lift in front, but keep in mind, you will sag a bit. The springs MIGHT be a higher spring rate to keep it from sagging much, but there will be a bit of it.
Be aware if you do the shackles, add-a-leaf, AND the blocks, you're now at 8" of lift. Personally, I would do the shackles and leaves only and your truck may level out, hence where the name "leveling kit" comes from. You CAN do just the 4" blocks to retain stock ride, but again...get some traction bars (not wheelie bars
) to keep your axle from "walking" and/or wrapping up the leaves under hard acceleration.Stock, your rear is higher than the front because it's a truck and this is in anticipation of a rated load you're gonna haul in your truck.
While you're under there installing, check your bushings and other components that might be wearing down. With the spindle off, shocks and springs out, it's a great time to change/check your control arm bushings. I recommend graphite-impregnated polyurethane (usually black in color) because you won't get that squeaky squeaky. Stock rubber is fine if you're on a budget.
Maybe paint/powder coat your control arms a cool color for detail? Just a thought!
Maybe add a camber bolt kit for proper camber alignment.
Remove rust and recoat.
When you lift it, all that will be visible, so why show them any rust patches?
Best of luck
#17
03-12-2019
Member
IMHO...I know little about 2WD Lift Kit but 4" Lift Blocks are crazy... the spacing between the rear axle housing and the spring is too far apart and will, may, create excessive torque on the rear suspension and may result in wheel hop.
New springs for the rear that give you a matched lift would be FAR better !
Good Luck... !
New springs for the rear that give you a matched lift would be FAR better !
Good Luck... !
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