Suspension Tech General discussion of suspension for the Ford Ranger.

Lift Suggestions

  #1  
Old 07-15-2014
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Lift Suggestions

I've been wanting to lift my truck (05 Edge) pretty much since I got it and after years of looking at my different options I believe I have come to somewhat of a decision.



My main goal has been to fit 35's, however, I know that there is a whole lot that I'll have to do.

First step, I was looking at the 3" Body Lift offered by Performance Accessories off of Ebay. From looking around, that's what most members here have on their trucks. $200 for that along with a few hours of work will get me started.

Second step, I'll be getting a 3" lift spindle for the front, I'm only 2wd, so that's the easiest way to go. Not quite sure on the brand yet (looking at Maxtrac part number 703030C), but I know that they'll be under $400, but I may as well replace the wheel bearings and some of that other good stuff while I'm in there.
For the back, I will probably be going with the Belltech 6400 Shackles that a lot of others on here use as well. A little over $50 for them and if I need a bigger block to make it level I'll do that. (I already have a tough Country AAL)

Third step, and a little more unsure about this, is the shocks. I know that I don't need longer shocks for the front since its only a spindle lift, but the back is where I will be more concerned. I'm looking at Bilsteins all around, but I'm open to other reviews from different brands and am also looking for the part number for the longer rear shocks.

Fourth and probably the most difficult part will be the rear end. I currently have an open 8.8 with a 4.10:1 ratio. I know that the two preferred ratios for 35's are 4.56:1 and 4.88:1. I'm not sure about which you guys might suggest. I figured 4.56:1 because I will be doing mostly highway driving in a year or so and would get better mileage with the 4.56:1, but I don't want to zap too much performance or add too much strain on the tranny. I'm also considering on throwing a limited slip in the rear end since its going to be all apart anyway. Wanting to know about some different brands, but I'm thinking Yukon for the ring and pinion, Timken for the bearing and seal kit, but not sure on the limited slip.

Fifth is the rims/tires afterwards. Looking for opinions on tire brands/rim sizes. (exact size I want are 35x12.5)

I really wish that I could do things farther apart than all at once, but lifted over 6 inches with 31's would just look beyond ridiculous.

I know it's a long read, but I actually want to do something instead of just thinking about it so any opinions will be helpful
 
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  #2  
Old 07-15-2014
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Good with 1 and 2

-f250 shocks for the rear

-4.88 for 35s, 4.56 is for 33s

-15x10 wheels and bfg mud terrain KM2






...and you'll have something like this lol

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  #3  
Old 07-15-2014
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I miss Korey's truck
 
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Old 07-15-2014
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Lol he sure as hell doesn't miss it
 
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Old 07-16-2014
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I am going to ask the same question again about lifting my 2008 ranger.
Just went to a local truck store near where I live. They suggested torsion keys for the front, & air bags for the rear. They told me my truck would ride rougher by cranking up the torsion bars than it would by using torsion keys. Has anyone used torsion keys on a 2008 ranger here???
 
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Old 07-16-2014
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In 2008 Ford switched to a lower indexed torsion key for the Rangers, if you can find torsion keys from a 98-07 Ranger in a junkyard or in the classifieds you can swap that to gain a couple inches.

Speaking directly about aftermarket torsion keys, they are a waste of money. The ride will be the same with keys or cranked torsion bars. Also, aftermarket torsion keys will gain you no additional height vs. cranking 98-07 torsion keys
 
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Old 07-16-2014
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Originally Posted by quality1
I am going to ask the same question again about lifting my 2008 ranger.
Just went to a local truck store near where I live. They suggested torsion keys for the front, & air bags for the rear. They told me my truck would ride rougher by cranking up the torsion bars than it would by using torsion keys. Has anyone used torsion keys on a 2008 ranger here???
Originally Posted by 01RangerEdge
In 2008 Ford switched to a lower indexed torsion key for the Rangers, if you can find torsion keys from a 98-07 Ranger in a junkyard or in the classifieds you can swap that to gain a couple inches.

Speaking directly about aftermarket torsion keys, they are a waste of money. The ride will be the same with keys or cranked torsion bars. Also, aftermarket torsion keys will gain you no additional height vs. cranking 98-07 torsion keys
Just like Justin said.
 
  #8  
Old 07-17-2014
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Started looking more thoroughly at my rear suspension and it almost seems like my truck already has a rear shackle from the factory. Would the belltech one replace the factory one? It is an Edge, so could that mean that a block or new leafs are my only option for the rear? I'll take a picture when I get home from work, but I'm definitely surprised.

Also unrelated, but did all Edge models come with an auxiliary tranny cooler? Because mine has one and I'm pretty impressed.
 
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Old 07-17-2014
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All Rangers have shackles, the Belltech allows for more adjustability
 
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Old 07-17-2014
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Originally Posted by 01RangerEdge
All Rangers have shackles, the Belltech allows for more adjustability

x2 belltechs have different settings where as the stock ones just have 1. Also, all automatic rangers have transmission coolers right behind the grille.
 
  #11  
Old 07-17-2014
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I'm good with the belltechs now. That makes sense. With the tranny cooler, I expected the lines to go into the radiator like it does on most vehicles. However with mine it goes to the radiator, comes out into an auxiliary cooler, then back to the transmission. Is that typical? Also, what year f250 shocks would be preferred? I pulled some shocks from an 05 f250 and my truck at work and the compressed length was like 2 inches longer and the eyes were the same, but is there a better year to use?
 
  #12  
Old 07-20-2014
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Also looking to add a new diff cover to the shopping list as well. figured I should get one with a drain and fill plug to make maintenance easier along with getting something that will help cool it off too. Any suggestions on brands?
 
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Old 07-31-2014
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Originally Posted by Dewey
Also looking to add a new diff cover to the shopping list as well. figured I should get one with a drain and fill plug to make maintenance easier along with getting something that will help cool it off too. Any suggestions on brands?
I just bought a G2 cover, should be here next week. It has drain and fill plugs.
 
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