New to Ranger Forums--been on RPS for years, though. I've been searching but can't seem to find this---Does anybody have any pics of the new O.R.W. coilover conversion kit? Just from the few posts that I've read, this setup sounds SWEET! I'm really getting sick of my Ranger riding like an F350. How involved is the install?
Thanks
MikeR

 

the install is easy if you have tools, and some knowledge,, and a little time , you basically take out the shocks and the torsion bars, and replace them with the brackets and the coilovers, i did mine with a bit of help cause we were doing a full suspension swap , both front and back with a superlift kit,,
the complete install of both ends took about 20 hours , but we swapped the whole back and the whole front ends , just doing coilovers should be about a 4-5 hour job ,

 

Welcome and

 

Thanks guys---Any Installation Instructions or installed pics? If i decide to do this, it will be on a stock-height (cranked T-bars) suspension.
MikeR

 

I have a Superlift, but this gives you an idea:

 

Here's mine with a 4in Superlift:

 

What is involved as far as the welding goes? Does it have to be welded to the truck befroe assembly, or could the kit be installed and then taken someplace to have it welded?
I don't have easy access to a welder, and I'd rather do as much of the work myself as possible.
Thanks
MikeR

 

How often do you have to rebuild those shocks, and how long do the springs last before sagging/needing adjustment?

 

You have to weld on 4 gussets (2 on each side). It would be easier to weld the gussets on before assembly.

Depends upon how much use/abuse they are subjected to.

 

They are kind of hard to see, but the blue/yellow circles are pointing out the gussets:

 

Just send Nick a PM. Or give ORW a call. The should be able to point you in the right direction.

 

I checked on their website, but didn't find this kit. What's the cost??

 

The coilover conversion bracket kits aren't on the ORW website as of yet. They are charging $175 for the kit. See here for more information: https://www.ranger-forums.com/forum2...-brackets.html

 

THe gussets go on either side of the shock....and are welded to add strength to the shock/bucket to frame connection Here's a pic:

The shiny area is where they are going to be welded up to:


Fully welded up:

 

But keep in mind that you need the coil-over too now. The brackets are $175, but iirc, the coilovers are $500. So its close to $700 in the end.

 

700 is so worth it. I really wish they had this back when I had IFS!! I would have been all over it.

 

So Other than welding on the gussets, everything else is prety much bolt-on?

 

It looks like it might be a mother to weld without disconnecting the upper control arm from either the frame mount or at the ball joint!
MikeR

 

You have to weld on 4 gussets and drill 8 holes. Other than that, the conversion is bolt-on.

Also, keep in mind that you will need to add limit straps. Bump stops and support bars are highly recommended if you go "wheeling". So depending upon how you want to mount them you might have a couple more things to weld.

 

undoing the ball joint is a piece of cake, but it has to be done to grind the rusties off the frame for welding,

 

Rusties?

Don't you have those quick disconnect sway bar links? How do you like them? And, how hard are they to reconnect if the vehicle is not on level ground?

 

Can the gussets be welded-on with all of the stock stuff still in place? That way I could have all of the welding done ahead of time and the do the bolt-ons myself. The gussets don't look like they would interfere with the stock parts in any way. Can somebody e-mail or PM the install instructions for the kit?
Thanks
MikeR

 

You might be able to, but it would be much more difficult than it needs to be. Also, the only person I know of that has instructions is ORW. I am more than willing to help you if you have questions. Don't be hesitant to do the conversion, it's a piece of cake.

 

Yes, I did it on my truck. It just tight in a couple spots.

 

Thanks for the info everyone---if I can scrounge the cash, this might be done in time for All Ford Nats in Carlisle in June!
MikeR