leveling and replacement shock question 2004 4X4
 

hey everybody. I'm looking at installing a leveling kit on my 2004 ranger XLT 4X4. I'm looking at getting new shocks while I'm installing it. I just had a few question before installing just so I don't start a project I cant finish. I don't really know a lot about fixing cars and trucks but want to learn.

1.How difficult is installing the leveling kit and unloading the torsion bar itself? I've watched youtube video after youtube video and it seems pretty easy, but it seemed a little o easy without them running into any unexpected problems.

2. What kind of shocks should I get? I was looking at either bilsteins or rancho rs5000's. I don't really need a heavy duty offroad shock, but I want something that ill look nice on the truck and wont rust seeing that its going to be lifted 2 inches in the front and might be exposed for people to see.

thanks!

First off, don't buy anything advertised as a "leveling kit" for a 1998+ 4x4 Ranger. Simply crank your torsion bars up. All it takes is a 13mm socket, a floor jack, and a tape measure...it's free! If you want more than what that will give you, I suggest looking at either a 3" bodylift or a 4" Superlift suspension lift. Putting in "leveling keys" on these trucks leave very little if any down travel of the suspension, aides in rough ride, and accels wear to balljoints and CV shafts. The stock keys allow for safe adjustment, geometry, and long life of components....even when the driver side bolt is "maxed" out.

Do a search here for "cranking torsion bars" or "cranking bars".

I ran Bilstein Heavy Duty line of shocks before I lifted the truck. I'm speaking of the yellow and blue Bilsteins. They were far superior to the stock shocks that came off the truck and if I were to ever have another stock stock, they'd be the first parts I'd put on it. They're not cheap, but they are some of the best shocks you can buy even if the truck only sees street miles. 2" torsion crank isn't enough to expose the shocks to casual on-lookers....heck mine with 8" of lift and 35's, you can barely see the shocks.

Front: http://www.summitracing.com/parts/bs...d/model/ranger
Rear: http://www.summitracing.com/parts/bs...d/model/ranger