ok, out of the superlift and RCD lifts, i think i'm goin with superlift, based on the fact that i dont know, or have much info, on how well the rangers convert over to springs....

with that being said..

is the superlift something i could install myself?
is there any cutting or welding involved?

i flipped the keys and axle of my truck by myself, so i know how to work the suspension beyond a novice level...

and can anyone comment on the ride/performance/installation?

 

They convert well It would ride like a tall XLT

Yes. You seem to have the skill and knowledge involved. All there is to it is taking off everything and bolting in the brackets. TBars/Knuckles/Axles will be the most difficult part.

No.

I can comment on the installation.. but beyond that I have no knowledge. I did look deep into the Superlift a while back (before DBR was around) and have a good background in suspension... so yea... good luck, I'm sure you will be happy either way!

 

I installed the superlift myself in about 12-15 hrs using hand tools. I'd never done anything that in-depth or mechanically involved. I did have a pretty good understanding of the suspension and such, but the actual work (and a few stuck bolts) really threw me for a loop. As far as being complex, it's not. Very simple, just a little time consuming. As far as the ride goes, I love it! It's nice and smooth, not bouncy or stiff. Performance-wise, I can't really say as I've only really been able to flex it once just a little bit. Hopefully I'll be able to take it wheeling soon and have more to share on that. All in all, it's a great kit and I think it rocks! I did have some trouble at first with some missing parts, but a short call to superlift had them at my door in 2 days. I definitely recommend the superlift kit.

 

are you 4x4?

 

u alway make things difficult dont u Zach...

so Superlift is 4" and RCD is 6"

wat kind of tires u plan on runnin?

 

yes his mazda is a 4x4 Zach.


Brent if you want to install it yourself stick with a superlift and you will love it man!!!

 

then i will :)

i hope to run 33's...maybe some 34's like Brenton has...

either that or i'll be jacked up on my 31's....haha

 

34s would be nice...

u guys could be brother trucks hehe

 

true...i'd be his big bro though...

4x4 > 4x2

and surprisingly enough, those 34's are like $129/tire at 4wheelparts...for SUPER SWAMPERS!!

 

its not gonna be that hard to do since you know what you are doing... just be sure you have lots of help and lots of beer since it will take a while to do

 

...i dont drink....so...in my case...a carton on Marlboro Menthol Lights....haha

i could probably tackle it over the weekend....with my brothers help....

but the fundamentals of the lift is just to lower the crossmember that houses the torsion bars....i bet those bolts are gonna be hard to get out....air tools are a must...

but you all positive theres NO cutting, etc? i dont wanna hurt my baby...haha

 

Nope no cutting! And for me, the hardest bolts to get off were the hub lock nuts, and the bolts in the side of the front differential that hold the support bracket on. I actually broke my 15mm socket in two on the differential bolts! Air tools would be a HUGE help if you have them. Otherwise a breaker-bar and some good old-fashioned elbow grease will be great.

Be sure to get a 32mm socket and a 2/3 arm 5-ton gear puller from autozone's tool rentals. You will need the socket for the hub nuts and the gear puller for the t-bars and lower balljoints. Also a good idea to have a prybar and a small sledge ~4 lbs.

In a nutshell, you remove the torsion bars, steering knuckles, and lower control arms. Then you drop the differential down and bolt it in with special brackets. Then brackets are added on to extend the front crossmember down, and the lower control arms and new steering knuckles go on. Then you install the torsion bar drop brackets and put the torsion bars back in. Very simple concept, and not a terribly daunting feat. Just takes a bit of time. My best advice to you is to just read and re-read the instructions. I snagged myself so many times because i just didnt read all the way through and I thought I knew what I was doing!

 

BTW KYLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!! EHEM where is the pics I am waiting

 

Haha Zach I've been working about 60+ hrs a week and the weather has been terrible trying to get my truck clean and stay clean long enough to take some nice pictures of it. I'll see what I can do tomorrow before I leave for Japan = )

 

Leave for japan eh! might just fly down and keep the truck company!

 

You can keep the truck company. I'll keep the keys company

 

OH i can get passed not having key's thats not a problem