This would be my first 'mod,' and i'm not real familiar w/some of the costs associated w/lifts, etc., so bear with me...

I have an '02 2.3L XLT 2WD and i'm about to need new tires and I already need new shocks...at first I was just going to do a body lift but i'm thinking now I might do a suspension lift. I guess my question is, if i'm already going to replace the shocks, how much more time/effort/money is it for a small lift, say, 1"-3"?

I'm a commuter and i'm basically just going for a little more ride height, plus I just like the look of larger tires (but I don't want to sacrifice too much HP or MPG--i'm thinking 30's or 31's).

Or, money-wise, would it be better to just do a body lift since it's mainly for looks? (I don't think I have t-bars???)
thnx

 

It is going to be considerable more time any money, because you are doing more than removing 8 bolts for the shocks. If you can do it yourself, then it is going to be cheaper obviously. But a 3 inch lift normally runs like 800 I think...but that comes with new shocks.

In the end its up to you if it is worth it. Personally it would for me, but I like my trucks lifted.

 

Hey thanks for the reply.
$800!...damn...

hmmm...decisions, decisions. The shocks I know I can do myself, not sure about the rest though. Guess I need to read a few more lift posts.

 

98 99 00 RANGER 3" Lift Kit 2WD Spindles:eBay Motors (item 390057192555 end time Jul-04-09 0602 PDT)

Of course you would need shocks, which really shouldn't be too bad. Aside from that, if you cant install yourself, you'd have to pay for install of the parts or you can get someone to install it for some beer.

 

get some KYB's or bilstein shocks and new tires and ull be on ur way

 

I think a BL is the most cost effective choice.

 

Hey thanks for the replies.

Yeah, I looked into it...didn't realize a SL was as pricey as it is (and i'm not comfortable doing it myself). I think i'm just going to put some new shocks & tires on for now and do a BL a little later on, which i'm sure I can do in my driveway.

 

If you can do a BL you can do a SL. Some say the SL is actually easier, just much more expensive.

 

do like the brotha's do... put air shocks on it and maxx them *****es out so you can fit 24's on it.lol

 

I think the spindle lift would be easier and quicker than a body lift.

 

Another thing to think about if you are going to mount bigger tires on a 4x2 is gearing. My old '96 xlt 2.3 went from being very fuel miserly to an (even more) gutless gas guzzler when I put 31 inch tires on it. I re-geared the axle from 3.73 to 4.10 and even after that my MPG was still lower than stock. Just another thing to consider.

 

A spindle lift kit will give you that 3in. and allow you to fit a 31" tall tire no problem. the cost of the spindle runs like $500. I got mine from Off Road Warehouse shipped to my door for cheep. Stay away from the body lifts! Ascetically they look OK but raising the trucks center of gravity doesn't do anything for performance and handeling, plus they mite be cheaper but are very time consuming to install. As far as shocks go I would go with the 5100's from bilstein.


I have an '02 2.3L XLT 2WD and i'm about to need new tires and I already need new shocks...at first I was just going to do a body lift but i'm thinking now I might do a suspension lift. I guess my question is, if i'm already going to replace the shocks, how much more time/effort/money is it for a small lift, say, 1"-3"?

I'm a commuter and i'm basically just going for a little more ride height, plus I just like the look of larger tires (but I don't want to sacrifice too much HP or MPG--i'm thinking 30's or 31's).

Or, money-wise, would it be better to just do a body lift since it's mainly for looks? (I don't think I have t-bars???)
thnx[/QUOTE]

 

There is nothing wrong with body lifts at all. It does not change the COG dramtically enough to notice a difference, all your doing is raising the body, your not raising the engine, tranny, driveshafts, gas tank or any of that stuff. A body lift can be installed in a weekend with someone that knows how to change their own oil.

 

Yeah seriously what is wrong with a body lift? If you do it right, it doesn't affect your ride, controls wiring anything.