Yo, so I'm looking to lower my Ranger in the mid-future, probably with or sometime after getting a junkyard 8.8 for the disc brakes, posi, and 1.5" wider track width. Anyway, I was wondering what the limits were for tire size when lowering since most of what I'm seeing in threads is lifted information.

I've done some research prior, and came across 26" being the critical diameter for 4/5 and lower, but I want the wheel wells a little more filled than that at 27", so I've kinda pre-decided on only going 3/4 instead of 4/5. If that won't work just tell me now. I'm also wondering about width, too.

I've seen 18x9's and 245's, but I was wondering if I could push it to 265's and maybe 9.5 wides. I want to do square stance so I can rotate but I'm eventually gonna turbo the 2.3, so I also need some meat for forward traction. If I can't I'll just deal with wheelspin and/or get some wider wheels and tires later after the turbo and run staggered, but I'm hoping you guys can shed some light on the subject. I'm not averse to rolling or pulling the fenders, but I'm not hacking up my stuff unprofessionally, so that's out.

Thanks for the help!

 

Welcome to the forum

The year of your Ranger matters, for lifting or dropping

There are options for lowering, some are here: https://www.therangerstation.com/tec...ion_drop.shtml

Rear spring hanger flip: https://www.therangerstation.com/Mag...005/tech.shtml

Smaller diameter tires don't look that good I agree

Me, I like the the simple things, 4 nails, one in each tire, lowered it right down and pretty cheap, had the parts on hand............................

 

It's an 09 reg cab 2wd with the 2.3 and 5 speed. Would you say the ranger station is a better forum? Doesn't seem like many forums in general (of any kind) are very active anymore... And all the "veterans" with all the knowledge and info seem to be ghosts in the wind, now, too. Leaving guys like me to either re-discover all the tricks and do everything homebrew, spend an obscene amount of time and money finding a shop or pro, or give up. Not too keen on either of those options, TBH...

 

The "mini truck" craze came and went a few decades ago, so yes you will need to dig a bit to find lost knowledge
There are mini truck forums that have loyal members but not sure how active they are
There are also mini truck clubs, may be one in your area, just need to look

Any Ford truck or Ranger forum will have helpful info so join a few, also the mini truck forums, its FREE
Most have a Tech article section, "how-tos" by members

Truck forums in general are more about towing or off-roading, some may have sub-forums for speed and customizing, you just have to find them

You wouldn't go to a Mustang forum to look for info on towing or off-roading and expect to find much, mini trucks are, at this time, a smaller niche but dedicated, lol, so the info is out there

Have a look at the new Ford Maverick, that could bring back the mini truck craze all on its own

 

4/5 Drop I don't know of any other way to lower the rear end. 5in flip? oh yeah and a 4in Chop

 

Nice. I couldn't chop mine, though. My head brushes the roof as is.

 

lower the seats?