I have a 2wd 3.0L V6 '02 Ranger XLT. I would like to lift it approx 3 inches or so, however I dont know a lot about this stuff, but Im willing to learn. What are the advantages and disadvantages of the suspension lifts vs body lifts? which would be best for the truck? What brands are good? Any kit recommendations? Are there any problems that I should be aware of about lifting the truck? Are there any other changes that need to be made, I keep hearing stories about changing steering linkages and differentials and all sorts of other horror stories, meanwhile I just want to try to lift it, mostly for show, and not have to deal with that and hurt my wallet. And last but not least, but how much $$$ am I looking at to get it all done? Thank you in advance for your replies, I realize its a lengthy post.

PS pics would be awesome. At least driving around, you dont see too many lifted Rangers so im very curious.

 

so it appears no one wants to touch this thread...

 

get a spindle lift, if you do a "search" someone just posted a lift for sale on ebay that will fit your truck it will give you 3 inches of lift and make the truck look its best.

i hve pics i can post tomorrow.

other option is a body lift for 200$ its ok option but if you are a 2wd which you are i would get a spindle lift.

both lifts i think you can fit 33s.

 

see i wasnt even looking and ran accross this

https://www.ranger-forums.com/forum2...ead.php?t=8952

 

be nice, be nice. hes new! Welcome Ryan...

 

yep thats my spindle lift i got for sale, for comparison, heres a before and after lift shot:

before:



after:



thats 3" procomp lift(which i have for sale) and 31" buckshot mudders

Justin .

 

i didnt mean it that serious. sorry if i came off that way.

 

If you are going for usabilaty/durability go with the spindles in the fornt and blocks in the rear.

If you are going for looks and mild off roading go for the Body Lift. It's cheaper and not a bad lift. Even though some swear it is.

I have both on my truck the spindles and the body lift. I love my spindles but for looks a body lift is the better/cheaper choice. With the body lift all you have to extend are the steering linkage and grounds. All that is included with the Body Lift. if you have a manual you will need the shift extension which is like $35. THe Body lift if you install it should be no more than $250 and i think you can clear 33's with it. Not definate on that so check around.

 

spindles and blocks/springs eather or

 

thanks guys...if i go with the spindles what other things need to be done(its auto) and how much should i be expecting to spend if i get it done at a shop?

 

you will need spindles for the front, some type of lift in the back(AAL's, blocks, or shackles) and a cam kit for the front to get it aligned after the lift is on.

 

hard to say best thing to do is call and ask. im sure some FL members could help ya install it.

 

dont forget...
if you get a body lift,
you will have to make brackets to raise your bumper 3 inches (of it doesnt come with the kit.
your trailer hitch will be 3 inches lower that your truck
and if you are looking for a grill gard or anything that attached to the frame, you will have to make special brackets for ALL of that since the lift is only lifting your body.

Spindle lift is best.
it may cost $100 more, but is so worth it for the future.
and they look WAY nicer. No one wants to see a rusted frame under the body.

 

I think yall might be forgetting that if he's new to this, a body lift is much more labor-intensive than a suspension lift, especially for a 2wd XLT. A 3" suspension lift should cost no more than about $300-400 and would be easier to install IMO. A few florida members would be able to help out no problem and it would take no more than an afternoon. I'd STRONGLY reccommend the spindle suspension lift over a body lift, especially for a 2wd truck.

 

i have spindle's, check out my site, and i would suggest going with them. you should be able to run 32's, i run 31's, but 33's might be pushing it(might need trimming or won't work)

not everybody needs an alingment kit, but make sure that you do get it alinged after the spindle lift though

 

Yeah, my superlift kit came with alignment bolts, but they didn't need them to get my truck aligned.

 

I went by Trick Trucks today...a customs shop in the Annapolis area...they quoted me $1200 for the kit itself and $600 for labor. Does that sound right? The kits I keep seeing online are much cheaper than that. I dunno?

 

what kit? but whatever it is install it yourself!

 

Fabtech 3" spindle lift...how difficult is it to Install these kits? I dont have any kno-how when it comes to cars and trucks. I know how to fly airplanes and the op sys in them but not automobiles.

 

One more question...How do these mods affect gas mileage?

 

the lift won't affect gas mileage, it is the tires that do.

that price for the fabtech spindle is INSANE!!! if i remember right i paid $700-750 parts, labor, and alignment. that was just about average if not a little high for the job. if i had to do it again i would probably do it myself considering it really isn't that hard