STX and High Rider Info! [Archive] - The Ranger Station Forums

kunar

08-06-2007, 10:15 PM

Thought this should go back up. Pics will be put up as soon as i host them somewhere again

Seems every other week somebody is misinformed about the high rider or asking about it in one way or another so here is what i have come up with. my info came from either a ford factory 1987 ranger brochure, an ad from feb 1987's field and stream or from guys here at TRS along with my own experience

High Rider became available in 1987 only on regular cab stx models. "A list of 21 unique components was required to give the STX High Rider it's increased vehicle height and greater handling performance" including a front mounted sway bar, a redesigned rear sway bar, new revalved gas shocks, new leaf springs, revised brake components, front drive shaft and transfer case. 140 Hp 2.9L V6 was standard with this package. (from factory brochure)

All high rider trucks are STX models which includes "special accenting, sporty trim, tinted glass, black foldaway mirrors, black grille and bumpers, and new tape treatment" (from field and stream)

"STX features reclining cloth bucket seatsin the Regular Cab model, or dual cloth Captain's Chairs with individual recliners and power lumbar supports in the SuperCab. The door trim panels are cloth-covered and include carpeted map pockets. The steering wheel is wrapped in genuine leather. Standard sound system is electronic AM/FM stereo with digital clock and four speakers. In STX you also have pivoting front vent windows for added ventilation, a convienent trip odometer, and a tachometer on the instrument cluster to read the pulse of the STX's electronically fuel-injected 2.9 liter V-6 engine." (from factory brochure, also noted on the page that some equipennt may be optional)

STX models came standard with Handling package (included front and rear sway bars), cloth buckets, tach, black rear step bumper, 2.9, tinted glass, etc etc. I have charts that show all available options and all equipment packages i would like to try to scan and make available here. I also have pictures of standard TTB brackets VS High Rider brackets i will post as soon as i can

pacodiablo

08-06-2007, 10:21 PM

Good stuff. When I have time, I will try to post up some model info from the brochures I have.

AllanD

08-08-2007, 04:42 PM

I also have the original 1987 dealer sales brochure
I MAY have the 1988 and I'm sure I also have the 1987bronco2 brochure.

and No, I didn't save them, I bought them off of ebay about 5 years ago.

AllanD

baddis

08-25-2007, 03:16 PM

was the roll bar and brush guard an option or standard equipment on the stx?

kunar

08-25-2007, 10:02 PM

was the roll bar and brush guard an option or standard equipment on the stx?

it was optional, this is what the brochure says...

The optional Sport Appearance Package - light bar** with off-road lights, grille guard with fog lamps, plus tubular rear bumper - is available to give your Ranger STX an even bolder performance image.

**Light bar not intended for occupant protection.

i have had one truck with them (removed by the previous owner) and one truck without them (was never there as far as i can tell)

kunar

10-05-2007, 06:23 PM

as promised...

http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z69/bkunar5356/HIGH1.jpg

http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z69/bkunar5356/HIGH2.jpg

http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z69/bkunar5356/HIGH3.jpg

By far, the easiest way to identify the high rider is by the extra plate on the passenger side bracket, or by the blocks on the radius arm crossmember

Natedog

11-16-2007, 09:46 PM

I also have the original 1987 dealer sales brochure...

AllanD

Still have mine from original.

According to the original 1987 Ford Ranger sales brochure that I still have:

"Get ready for fun-tough driving excitement in a 1987 Ranger STX4x2 or 4x4. In STX you have a powerful 140-horsepower 2.9 liter electronically fuel-injected V-6 plus excellent handling capability to go along with it........the new STX Regular Cab 4x4 called the High Rider. It's engineered with a unique suspension system that raises the vehicle height and delivers improved handling performance . Or choose the STX SuperCab 4x4 equipped with a Handling Package. Both the Regular Cab and Super Cab STX 4-wheelers ride on P215/75Rx15SL outline-white-letter off-road tires.....................Ford enigineers set out to create a new experience in Ranger 4-wheeling enjoyment when they designed the new STX High Rider Regular Cab. When the design task was completed, a list of 21 unique components was required to give the STX High Rider its increased vehicle height and greater handling performance. STX High Rider's complete suspension system was engineered with the aid of extensive computer-design technology to deliver flat stable handling and ride smoothness.....................features a special forward-mounted stabilizer bar which helps deliver excellent cornering performance and optimizes handling balance between the front and rear suspension systems. This front stabilizer bar is computer-matched with a new rear stabilizer bar for precise handling and control..........new revalved heavy-duty gas-pressurized shock absorbers, new rear leaf springs, revised brake components, transfer case and front driveshaft."

kunar

11-16-2007, 09:51 PM

thanks, natedog. sounds like the same one i have, i was just too lazy to quote that much of it....

metalmacguyver

11-17-2007, 09:13 PM

kunar

11-17-2007, 09:34 PM

how common are the STXs? i am curious because i happened to find and buy a BW 13-50 with the fixed front slip yoke just yesterday and am curious how rare it is. i read the transfer case disassembly article and it mentioned "the elusive fixed front yoke STX tcase" or something to that effect.

thats the t-case they use on the high riders (not the stx) and they are in fact very rare to find. they were only used for a few years on certain trucks. you must have seen how rare it is for people to find the high rider ttb brackets...the t-case comes from the same truck. good find, good buy. if you dont mind me asking, did you get it for a decent price? oh and if you dont mind, please post up some pics.

metalmacguyver

11-18-2007, 01:33 AM

well i had just picked up a regular 1350 for 35 bucks. the yard for some reason thought it was broken some how. i gave them scrap plus a bit. the t case was fine. didnt matter thought cause i am going to be cutting it down to convert it into a doubler. anyway i had never torn one of these down so i go and read the article in the tech section about disassembly and it mentioned these rare fixed yoke versions. so i go and tear it down and get to thinking, "gee it would be nice to have another case to mock up the doubler with on the bench so i dont have to pull the one from my truck." i go to this kinda hole in the wall yard that i had been to recently and i knew had a 1350 laying around. i ask him about it. he wants $125. i ask to look at it again. go look at it and to my surprise i find this nice rare fixed yoke tranfercase. FIXED YOKE FOR THE WIN!!!!! so i offered him 80 bucks for it and its sold. i should probably work on my negotiating skills cause he didnt want more so i was above his minimum price. oh well i am only 20 years old and still have alot to learn.

i tore this fixed yoke case down to inspect it so ill get pics later but here is one of the output shaft which you can see has the external splines and the threaded end.

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/7/web/2923000-2923999/2923646_17.jpg

if this doesnt work, go to my cardomain.com page in my sig and you can see the pic on the second page.

i will get more pictures when my room mate is not asleep and when there is more outside light.

are there any production numbers that tell how many high rider rangers were made compared to how many 4x4 rangers were produced overall during the same time period?

baddis

11-18-2007, 01:57 AM

is the fixed yoke a e case? i hate my e case. i am seriously thinking of swapping a manual case in but dont know what would be involved in switching a 1350 manual case to a fixed yoke.

metalmacguyver

11-18-2007, 03:21 AM

nope its a manual. as far as i can tell all you need to swap is the actual out put shaft. the u joint is the same as is everything else. good luck finding a shaft.

Dangerous ranger

01-06-2008, 10:38 AM

Thanks soo much! That explains a lot! My vehicle is not a highrider model, but there are specifications saying "except STX" everywhere I look for springs. I ordered a set of leaf springs for the rear and new sensitrack gas shocks in the rear. After installing them the rear looks nice, but the front is sagging a bunch! pretty old parts up there! I've done a ton of work recently to ressurect this baby of mine from the 2yr sit in the garage. I want to get the front end op where it's supposed to be. With so many options out there, can anyone make any suggustions? I don't want to spend an arm and a leg...but I want it to be right. I started out with a set of leaf springs from JC Whitney. I hope that those leafs turn out to be a good bet! They seem good so far Any suggustions?

LordVngr

07-15-2008, 09:05 PM

Wow, Very Interesting. I didnt know I had such a Rare truck. And to think I was thinking of trading it in just the other day. As far as I know my STX is the high rider model and I know the suspensions are different but I didnt know they had different transfer cases and front drive shafts too. Interesting.

Guess that answers the question of weather I should buy a lift kit for it or not. If I do I will probably destroy some of it's value. How much more do you think a high rider model is worth compared to say a non-high rider model with everything else being the same.

Below is a few pictures for your viewing enjoyment. the tires that are on it now are 30x10.5 and I have never changed anything out on the suspension and probably never will.
What do you think. Does it have the high rider option or not.

http://outlands.ws/images/vehicles/ranger1.jpg

http://outlands.ws/images/vehicles/ranger2.jpg

http://outlands.ws/images/vehicles/ranger3.jpg

http://outlands.ws/images/vehicles/ranger4.jpg

http://outlands.ws/images/vehicles/ranger5.jpg

baddis

07-15-2008, 09:15 PM

not a highrider. the highrider was stopped in 88.

LordVngr

07-15-2008, 09:23 PM

not a highrider. the highrider was stopped in 88.

Not true but they called it the Sport Rider suspension in 89, I'm looking right at it in my 1989 sales brouchure. It say's and I quote " The 4WD Sport Rider suspension, Standard in STX and optional in custom XLT features 21 Unique components for increased ride height and improved performance.

I'm sure I have the suspension but the rest I dont know about.

Ok, Just went and looked and for sure I have the radius arms crossmember blocks and I think the extra plate on the passenger side bracket. Dont think the transfer case is different though.

I didnt realize that there was both a High rider and Sport rider suspension. I've always thought they were one and the same. Ford must have dropped the Option in 88 But included the suspensions in 89 model Stx's. Who knows/cares, I'm still happy I didnt trade it in. Night...

87stx

07-17-2008, 11:05 AM

So this is what my 87 is, because I have 31 inch co-ops with no lift but the factory lift. My mastercylinder is leaking (brake) and can't non of the stores get one because the ports are facing the engine and not the fender. I have to got to ford or find one in a junkyard, which I did. Mine has the stripes also. Pictures coming soon! Tim

metalmacguyver

07-20-2008, 01:52 PM

Among those 21 components was included a drop pitman arm.

stegomon

08-05-2008, 08:17 PM

well i know my "stx" was stock in all black and had an l/s in the back with a dana 35..becouse of a 90 and it had a m5od in the thing....but now it is llifted with a 4.0 and manual t-case and other crap that i swapped in

AllanD

08-24-2008, 06:58 PM

not a highrider. the highrider was stopped in 88.

Incorrect. the last year for the "High Rider" was 1989.

I've pillaged the brackets off of TWO '89 Highrider STX's

Not true but they called it the Sport Rider suspension in 89, I'm looking right at it in my 1989 sales brouchure. It say's and I quote " The 4WD Sport Rider suspension, Standard in STX and optional in custom XLT features 21 Unique components for increased ride height and improved performance.

I'm sure I have the suspension but the rest I dont know about.

Ok, Just went and looked and for sure I have the radius arms crossmember blocks and I think the extra plate on the passenger side bracket. Dont think the transfer case is different though.

I didnt realize that there was both a High rider and Sport rider suspension. I've always thought they were one and the same. Ford must have dropped the Option in 88 But included the suspensions in 89 model Stx's. Who knows/cares, I'm still happy I didnt trade it in. Night...

My '87 supercab also has the radius arm spacer blocks, but they aren't stock.

My truck wasn't even a 4x4 originally.

The "tell" is are the drop brackets riveted to the frame rail or bolted?

I've been told that a few, a VERY FEW (<10) supercabs were factory produced in late '87 as engineering "test articles" with the Highrider
parts and several more were "accidentially" produced (by mistake,
but on purpose if you catch my drift) by assembly line workers who
were working on a special order vehicle that was being built as their
OWN personal vehicle.

part of the reason it was "difficult" was that the supercabs were NOT produced at the same plant as those producing standard cabs.
Frankly I've never seen a US-built Gen1 or Gen2 supercab that wasn't produced at the Twin-Cities assembly plant

There are "unacknowledged Rarieties" that got made because the truck was being made specifically for someone at ford as their personal vehicle
on a special order basis. OR the build was "specialized" at the plant
without corporate approval because someone at the plant ordered
a vehicle for themselves then literally "walked it down the line"
making sure it got built EXACTLY the unorthodox way they wanted it.

Joe_Roofer

09-02-2008, 06:09 PM

Wow!
I'm going to look at an '89 STX tomorrow that I was going to buy for parts
for my '90 XLT. Now I'm really kinda excited! All it needs is a head gasket (as far as I know), maybe I'll just fix it.
Nice truck lordvngr! http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb64/blindmoose3/STXjpg.jpg

gw33gp

09-03-2008, 06:02 PM

My 89 STX was like that, white with the reddish stripe. It is still being driven by a co-worker and is in great condition with way over 200k miles on it.

wrecking-crew

10-25-2008, 10:58 PM

Sunk

10-25-2008, 11:17 PM

damn. i didnt know a stx was that rare to find. i found mine on craigslist and bought it on impulse. if you want to see pics of my 88 stx go to http://www.cardomain.com/ride/3162891. and also can you tell me if its got the highrider package

It doesn't look like yours has the HighRider package to me. It looks about how mine was when I got it. What size tires are on it?

wrecking-crew

10-26-2008, 09:26 PM

my truck has 215-75-r15 size tires stock. same size on it now i beleive.

Sunk

10-26-2008, 09:30 PM

Yeah, that's what mine had. Not the High Rider.

baddis

10-27-2008, 08:50 PM

that is what the door sticker on mine calls for and it is a highrider

Sunk

10-27-2008, 10:08 PM

Oh, nevermind then. Maybe somebody else will chime in...

canyoncritter

10-27-2008, 11:01 PM

this is what the highrider/sport rider STX brackets look like....not the best pic, but its what I have. The eaiset way to tell is if your radius arm crossmemeber has the spacer blocks in it.And the crossmember is rivited to the frame.

http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb176/canyoncritter/04-12-08_1559.jpg

2nd way is to look at the driver side beam bracket, it will have a solid late runnig down it, vs being open like the standard brackets....

http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb176/canyoncritter/04-12-08_1600.jpg

pacodiablo

11-08-2008, 11:32 AM

Man I forgot about this thread. All my brochures are at my parents house...I'll try to remember to grab them over Thanksgiving and post up some pics.

ranger_mclaren

11-12-2008, 05:42 AM

my mom just gave me this its an 89 stx it has front and rear sway bars and a 2.9 with a five speed but not sure if its a highrider

http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/43/l_348cfbce09f341189b25daa1557ba9a2.jpg
http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/53/l_3ba8160397a34b51a78b417d9e35a22d.jpg

gw33gp

11-12-2008, 10:25 AM

First off, it is not an 89. My guess is it is an 87. It could be a highrider.

ranger_mclaren

11-12-2008, 12:34 PM

yea i think your right about the year i don't have the title yet, i just couldn't remeber but when she bought it i think i remeber it being one year newer than mine which is an'86 so sorry 'bout that.

pacodiablo

11-26-2008, 02:48 PM

Scans from the 1987 Ranger brochure...
http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o95/aegerar1/image.jpg
http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o95/aegerar1/image-1.jpg

If anyone wants scans of other specific pages, such as the XLT page or the engine specs, let me know. As much as I'd like to, I just don't have the time to scan up every page right now.

I also have brochures from other years.

pacodiablo

11-26-2008, 03:07 PM

These scans are from the 1989 Ranger brochure. Interestingly, they indicate that the Sport Rider package was standard with the STX 4x4 for '89, and optional on the XLT and Custom. The Sport Rider is clearly the same as the High Rider since they mention 21 unique components in both brochures.

http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o95/aegerar1/image-2.jpg
http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o95/aegerar1/image-3.jpg

Please excuse the poor quality of the scans. I'm working with a 10 year old (and free) scanner.

kunar

11-27-2008, 12:49 PM

If anyone wants scans of other specific pages, such as the XLT page or the engine specs, let me know. As much as I'd like to, I just don't have the time to scan up every page right now.

I also have brochures from other years.

i suppose i could dig out my scanner and try to get some stuff posted up.

btw, here (http://www.therangerstation.com/Magazine/spring2008/high_rider_stx.htm) is side by side comparisons of the ttb brackets (standard v high rider)

bombsquad

12-21-2008, 09:58 PM

Dang sweet truck, if u think about gettin rid of it let me know

WNY964x4

01-10-2009, 01:42 PM

heu guys , i am going down to my dads this week and a frien of his has a literal ranger boneyard at his house , he has 20 rbv , and i believe one is an STX Highrider , itlooks identical to the one on the tech page , soame color , has the roll bar and push bar , i will take some pics while i am doen there , and if i post them can you tell me if it is a highrider , it is missing one door and both the seats , but i could get it cheap , i will post pics next week

jefffmaz

01-12-2009, 04:02 PM

mrecoolgar

03-03-2009, 05:31 PM

I looked at a 90 STX today.
Green with gray interior, SC, 4.0.
It drove well and showed 90k mileage.
It was a bit rusty but workable.
I may have to get it.
A friend may be buying my blue 90 that I just got 2 weeks ago.

Hahnsb2

03-04-2009, 07:01 PM

Moto Mel

03-26-2009, 04:50 PM

We have a '92 Ranger STX, 4X4, 4.0, 5 spd.,E T/Case, and manual hubs. It seems to be all original and likely a Sport Rider as it has the leather wrapped steering wheel, power windows, A.C., cruise control,cloth striped seats like those pictured,with the power lumbar and under thigh extendables, 3.73 gears with Traction Lok rear, not sure of the front diff., and it has coil spring suspension as well as front and rear sway bars. We bought this truck for a toy and so far it's been a project, new u-joints, brakes, windshield leaks, broken/rusted rear spring mounts, etc, etc... and the beat goes on. If it wasn't such a good runner we would junk/part it.
Soon to get a fresh bed, driver side door and both rear quarters for the cab.
If it is a Sport Rider we might not modify it, at present we have a Garrett Turbo, steering wheel and both seats from a T-Bird Super Coupe that we are about to install mainly because the stock seat bottoms hammer our butts when off road and they are a bit uncomfortable compared to our other vehicles, Lincoln Mark VIII, Expedition, Mountaineer, and a Monterey Van. We don't mind the rough ride, we just don't enjoy the harsh seats.
In any case does this sound like a Sport Rider truck to you guys with knowledge?

88STX

10-10-2009, 12:43 PM

Hi, I have been reading up on the STX High Rider and I believe I have on. I bought it off a friend for $300 (well $150 and my PSP /w games) but I'm not sure what shocks I should buy for it.

Anyone have the same problem? If so what did you get for your High Rider?

It's a 1988 Ford Ranger STX by the way.

Sorry guys, I tried to post a couple of pics but couldn't seem to figure it out.

Thanks for your help.

baddis

10-10-2009, 02:22 PM

when i got the ones for the front of mine i had to use ones from an f150

gw33gp

10-12-2009, 01:55 PM

I had an 89 STX and it had the equivalent to the High Rider suspension but it was called something else. It was not easy finding the proper shock for it. I finally found a brand of shock that actually listed shocks for the High Rider suspension on a Ranger. They were made by Heckethorn. I found them at a Jeep parts supplier.

They were good shocks but I questioned the workmanship of the first set I bought just by the appearance. I never had a problem with them and put over 100,000 miles on the first set before needing to replace them.

freeride

11-21-2009, 07:00 PM

does the high rider use longer springs or just use different spring perches?

Mudhound

11-22-2009, 05:52 PM

So, a forward mounted swaybar is an indicator of the "Highrider" then? My 87 STX has yellow painted front coils, and sat as high on 235s' as my 84 BII on 31s'. The BII has the swaybar in the front BTW.

AllanD

11-24-2009, 04:37 PM

Hi,
I own a fairly mint 87 super cab, STX 4X4, 2.9 6 cyl. I have always wondered if it was a High Rider, as it has every other option available on it - sway bars front and rear, locking diffs front and rear, etc. I have now figured out that it is not though, from the pictures at the start of the page.
The biggest clue would have to be the front mounted sway bar. Mine has the sway bar mounted behind the front suspension, not like the Silver truck in the picture looking under the front end. Seems to me that that would be the easiest and fastest way to tell the High Rider from standard suspension models.

There are NO Supercab Highriders.

Rangers never got locking diffs, it is possible that it does have limited slips front and rear.

No but Ford refers to their Limited slip as a "Locking diff"

We have a '92 Ranger STX, 4X4, 4.0, 5 spd.,E T/Case, and manual hubs. It seems to be all original and likely a Sport Rider as it has the leather wrapped steering wheel, power windows, A.C., cruise control,cloth striped seats like those pictured,with the power lumbar and under thigh extendables, 3.73 gears with Traction Lok rear, not sure of the front diff., and it has coil spring suspension as well as front and rear sway bars. We bought this truck for a toy and so far it's been a project, new u-joints, brakes, windshield leaks, broken/rusted rear spring mounts, etc, etc... and the beat goes on. If it wasn't such a good runner we would junk/part it.
Soon to get a fresh bed, driver side door and both rear quarters for the cab.
If it is a Sport Rider we might not modify it, at present we have a Garrett Turbo, steering wheel and both seats from a T-Bird Super Coupe that we are about to install mainly because the stock seat bottoms hammer our butts when off road and they are a bit uncomfortable compared to our other vehicles, Lincoln Mark VIII, Expedition, Mountaineer, and a Monterey Van. We don't mind the rough ride, we just don't enjoy the harsh seats.
In any case does this sound like a Sport Rider truck to you guys with knowledge?

The Last year for the "High Rider" or "Sport Rider" was 1989.

does the high rider use longer springs or just use different spring perches?

Longer Springs, longer shocks, a Radius arm drop brackets
and unique axle pivot brackets.

freeride

11-24-2009, 11:32 PM

Longer Springs, longer shocks, a Radius arm drop brackets
and unique axle pivot brackets.

cool, thanks

gw33gp

11-25-2009, 11:04 AM

There are NO Supercab Highriders.

My 89 STX Supercab had the factory lift. It was not called Highrider but was the Sport Rider suspension and that is essentially the same as Highrider. So, if you are saying there where NO Supercabs with the label 'Highrider' suspension; that may be true but I do know the Supercab STX had the Sport Rider suspension.

ranger_mclaren

11-26-2009, 06:19 PM

Diesel_brad

12-09-2009, 07:08 PM

Here is my old 89 STX . It had rancho 2 coils in the front to bring it back to stock height. I then added a 2" body lift to clear the 32"s http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/63/l_a3ba0fe2d6434dd7b5715a13fa1a885e.jpg
http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/16/l_f66e9c14ecb241abba786f8171ec6189.jpg

AllanD

12-10-2009, 09:17 PM

My 89 STX Supercab had the factory lift. It was not called Highrider but was the Sport Rider suspension and that is essentially the same as Highrider. So, if you are saying there where NO Supercabs with the label 'Highrider' suspension; that may be true but I do know the Supercab STX had the Sport Rider suspension.

Show me pictures of the riveted to the frame Radius arm bracket taken from the wheelwell looking at the interface between the bracket and the frame.

Ford played musical names but according to ford they never put the factory "highrider" or whatever they called it in some brochures on the supercab and in any event it was much less of a "lift" than a factory
"leveling kit"

My '87 has the kit on it, but it is not factory.

ranger_mclaren, the second picture in your post (post #52)
IS a "Highrider" passenger side axle pivot bracket.
Note the outboard T-shaped reinforcement (Viewed edge on in the PIC)

AD

gw33gp

12-11-2009, 12:09 PM

I will try to get a picture. I don't own the truck anymore but a co-worker does and he usually drives to it work every day. We work at different locations but that should not be a problem and I don't think he will object to a photo.

Now, I just need to figure out what position I need to be in to take that picture and exactly where it is. I hope I can do it without disassembling anything.

AllanD

12-11-2009, 06:17 PM

An STX highrider or sport rider or whatever anyone wants to call it will have radius arm drop brackets that are riveted to the frame and riveted AND welded to the radius arm brackets.

The two bolts that go vertically into the frame from below that hold the radius arm
brackets (in addition to the two rivets on the side) DIRECTLY above the radius arm
have to go through a welded to the radius arm spacer block

IF the upper pair of rivets that hold the drop brackets to the frame aren't there
(if the drop brackets are BOLTED on the side of the frame) you essentially can't
prove tjhat the lift was factory installed on the truck unless you can get it up on a lift and take a picture of the "center" bracket for the passenger side Beam showing that IT is riveted to the frame.

I've been shown three alledged "Factory" supercab highriders
ALL have had BOLTED ON Radius arm drops and passenger beam pivot brackets.
(the pivot bracket on the engine crossmember)

The OTHER pivot bracket (the one on the passenger frame rail) for the drivers side beam
is ALWAYS bolted.

BTW the "Front mount" sway bar is only an identifier on an '87-88 "Highrider"

ALL 1989-up Rangers IF equipped with a sway bar have a front mount bar.

I will comment that the front mount Sway bar on STX Highriders is the
stiffest bar ever fitted to the front axle of a Ranger based vehicle.

IT's the same thickness as the Stock behind-the-axle bar fitted to 1983-88 Rangers
but it has shorter lever arms.

Basic spring physics:
Shorter torsion section
shorter moment arms
thicker bar stock
all increase stiffness

So for all you corner carvers and drifters... the STX High Rider front bar is
the bar you want to find.

Stiffest REAR bar? found on 2wd Bronco2's

AD

gw33gp

12-14-2009, 11:37 AM

I forgot my camera today but I will take a look at the truck to see if your description exists on it. I bought this 89 Supercab STX new and I never did anything to the front suspension other than shocks and alignment. I installed a set of AAL springs in the rear suspension because I had a fairly heavy shell on it.

So, either the factory or the dealer did it but I doubt the dealer would do something like that without adding it to the sticker price and there was no extra charges. I got it well below sticker price due end of year pricing and a lot of bargaining.

gw33gp

12-16-2009, 04:09 PM

I got a chance to look at my old STX today and take some pictures. As far as I can tell the drop brackets are riveted to the frame. I will try to download some pictures later.

gw33gp

12-17-2009, 11:48 AM

This is a view from the driver side, behind the axle showing what I think is the riveted drop bracket for the passenger side radius arm.
http://img705.imageshack.us/img705/3765/stxsuspension1.jpg

This is a view from the passenger side, in front of the axle showing what I think is the bolted on bracket for the driver side radius arm.
http://img705.imageshack.us/img705/9945/stxsuspension2.jpg

This is a view from the passenger side, behind the axle showing what I think is the riveted bracket for the passenger side radius arm.
http://img705.imageshack.us/img705/7214/stxsuspension3.jpg

And this is the 89 STX SuperCab these pictures came from.
http://img705.imageshack.us/img705/9378/89stx.jpg

There have been no changes to the front suspension and is shown as it came from the dealer when new. They actually had two of these that were exactly alike except the other one had a manual shift transfer case.

AllanD

12-17-2009, 02:34 PM

The Cast pivot bracket looks like the standard bracket, but it's hard to tell.

THE positive way of proving it's a high rider is showing BOTH joints for the radius arm brackets the Block between the frame and the radius arm brackets
and the upper "Drop" bracket RIVETED to the frame.

AD

budro

12-17-2009, 04:05 PM

What is that fitting and hose next to the oil drain plug in the oil pan?

http://img705.imageshack.us/img705/7214/stxsuspension3.jpg

gw33gp

12-17-2009, 04:10 PM

I am not sure if I can get a picture like that without getting it up on a lift. I had to get in strange positions to get some of these pictures. If I am able to get them it will not be for a while because the
current owner is going to be out of town.

I have included the 89 STX brochure page below. You have probably seen it already but take a look again. It specifically states you can get the STX in Regular Cab or SuperCab. It also states the
STX 4-wheeler is called a Sport Rider and goes on later to explain that the suspension is what makes it a Sport Rider. This includes increased ride height. Nowhere does it exclude the SuperCab for the
Sport Rider suspension. From what I read, the Sport Rider suspension was available only on the 4WD STX, not the 2WD STX.

I know a brochure advertisement does not document the existence of anything Ford did but it is a good indicator. I also know that STX SuperCab sat about 2" higher than the standard 89 Ranger 4WD
because one was parked right next it when I bought it and the salesman explained why. Of course when I put the the 31" tires on it, the height increased even more. Which reminds me, I didn't have to
do anything to the truck to get good fitment with the 31" tires.

http://img504.imageshack.us/img504/7533/stxad.jpg

gw33gp

12-17-2009, 04:18 PM

Budro, that fitting is the return line for the by-pass oil filter I installed on that truck. I ran extended oil changes on it and needed the by-pass filter to be able to do it. If you look at the shot I took from the font on the passenger side, you can see the bottom of the by-pass filter.

89STX

12-19-2009, 11:18 AM

I believe I also have one of these rare 1989 SuperCab High Rider Rangers.

Driver side radius arm crossmember riveted to frame:
http://i1001.photobucket.com/albums/af131/clechlit/100_0301.jpg

Blocks on driver side crossmember:
http://i1001.photobucket.com/albums/af131/clechlit/100_0302.jpg

Passenger side crossmember riveted to frame:
http://i1001.photobucket.com/albums/af131/clechlit/100_0304.jpg

Drop bracket for passenger side beam riveted to frame:
http://i1001.photobucket.com/albums/af131/clechlit/100_0306.jpg

The truck:
http://i1001.photobucket.com/albums/af131/clechlit/Truckdesktop.jpg

AllanD

12-20-2009, 08:50 PM

Veddy Interesting!

AD

ranger_mclaren

12-22-2009, 06:39 PM

As promised heres the front mounted sway bar:
http://i633.photobucket.com/albums/uu57/sonymclaren/DSC01613.jpg?t=1261528394
http://i633.photobucket.com/albums/uu57/sonymclaren/DSC01610.jpg?t=1261528578
http://i633.photobucket.com/albums/uu57/sonymclaren/DSC01608.jpg?t=1261528616

And heres some of the front mounted rear swaybar:
http://i633.photobucket.com/albums/uu57/sonymclaren/DSC01614.jpg?t=1261528696
http://i633.photobucket.com/albums/uu57/sonymclaren/DSC01615.jpg?t=1261528744

copperminer2002

12-24-2009, 07:29 AM

Okay guys,,here it is. I don't have pics of suspension yet. but will post some later today. This is an 88 ranger STX, with the highrider suspension.
http://i980.photobucket.com/albums/ae287/copperminer2002/November-29_1018.jpg
http://i980.photobucket.com/albums/ae287/copperminer2002/November-29_1015-1.jpg

army88stx

04-20-2010, 04:47 PM

i just picked up an 88 stx high rider and was wondering how rare it is it is not a super cab

1mean02hd

04-21-2010, 08:07 PM

I miss my '87 STX.... it was my first truck and first Ranger. It was a standard cab and had a 5 speed with the manual transfer case which I believe I still have. Grey with red interior and it had the light bar in the bed with KC Daylighters on it. No brush guard though (I tried hard to find one). I remember that getting parts for it were a PITA because the standard Ranger stuff would never fit. Front shocks being one of them, and the transmission was another. It had a Mitsubishi 5 speed which I am guessing was only available for 2 or 3 model years (like 86 and 87). The 88s went to the Mazda 5 speed with the integrated bellhousing.

gw33gp

04-22-2010, 05:09 AM

The 89 STX SuperCab had the Mitsubishi 5 spd.

liamkeough88

04-22-2010, 01:40 PM

Diesel_brad

04-24-2010, 07:12 AM

Here is my 89 i had in collage. I added a 2" body lift and 32" Factory aluminum roll bar and brush guard. I added the steel nerf bars . had 4:10s w auto. It was terrable on gas 13mpg Rancho coils were put in the front to replace the sagging stock ones. and a add-a-leaf in the rear .http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n29/diesel_brad/89ranger.jpg

ranger_mclaren

04-25-2010, 01:17 PM

alwaysFlOoReD

06-27-2010, 09:48 PM

Some pics of pitman arms, small one is '91 STX, big one is '87 STX Highrider;
http://i734.photobucket.com/albums/ww342/mrich1962/race%20truck%20p2/worktruck564.jpg
http://i734.photobucket.com/albums/ww342/mrich1962/race%20truck%20p2/worktruck563.jpg
http://i734.photobucket.com/albums/ww342/mrich1962/race%20truck%20p2/worktruck562.jpg
A comparison of front sway bars;
http://i734.photobucket.com/albums/ww342/mrich1962/race%20truck%20p2/worktruck437.jpg
http://i734.photobucket.com/albums/ww342/mrich1962/race%20truck%20p2/worktruck438.jpg
http://i734.photobucket.com/albums/ww342/mrich1962/race%20truck%20p2/worktruck436.jpg
Left to right; '87 stx highrider 1.156" OD, '85 B-II .989" OD, '91 stx .901" OD
Measurements were taken where the rubber rides. Also notice the difference in the rubber mounts.
Later,
Richard

ranger_mclaren

06-29-2010, 07:08 AM

I really wish i had pics. of my truck before i modified it. Its an 88 STX highrider. had both the roll bar and push bar both with the factory off road lights on em and factory intalled switches to run them. It was black with dark grey graphics and chrome STX emblems on the bedsides. Was a great looking truck! still is now just a bit different with the fiberglass fenders and more lift..lol

Ya know I forgot to metion this with mine, before I had got my hands on mine it belonged to my mom who bought it from the original owner it had a fiberglass one piece winshild visor and roof spoiler with 2 small KC offroad lights and a with a switch mounted just under dash with a plastic switch housing that had the KC logo on it. My mom after driving back and forth to work several times on the interstate didn't like the visor it keep shaking really bad and she thought it was slowing the truck down so I had her bring it over so i could try to remove it it took 3 hrs and I put a large crack down the middle. I was woundering if it was factory installed it had a third brake light filler and the double sided sticky stuff holding it on was deffinitly industrial strength and the wires were ran very well through the roof and down to the dash simular to the cab lights on HD trucks not to mention the perfect fit when it was on it looked as if the roof spolier was molded to the roof insted of glued. I actually still have it being I think its so rare heres a pic.

http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/73/l_8e7f15f8ccc94527adb88f9844208d89.jpg

You can't tell by the pic but theres a 9 inch long crack on the drivers side and a 5-6 inch crack on the other from me pryn on it. An yes my mom said it did go down the road much better with out it.

ZMan

07-01-2010, 05:16 PM

heres the one I had back in 2005, attempted to make a winter driver out of it but it turned into a big project, I ended up parting it out.
http://img692.imageshack.us/img692/8739/20040730wintertruck0001.jpg

kunar

07-01-2010, 06:08 PM

lee, i bought that grille guard and light bar off of you a few years back. sold the light bar with a different truck, but still have the grille guard on my truck today.

ZMan

07-11-2010, 12:09 PM

yep I remember!

zdewald

10-23-2010, 03:12 PM

i have a 87 ranger with the 2.9 4x4 but mines not a stx its a xlt it has the factory blocks under the leaf springs so is it still a hyrider?

alwaysFlOoReD

10-24-2010, 05:18 AM

From what I understand...no. The highrider has blocks under the radius arms as well as the rear and different [1.5" lift] brackets for the beams, all stock from the factory.

Richard

zdewald

10-24-2010, 08:07 AM

but it sits way higher than others when i park next to one its way higher. its all stock under there im not sure if it has blocks under the front what do they look like?

ranger_mclaren

10-24-2010, 10:25 AM

I took some pics of the front mounted sway bar i'll get'em up as soon as i remember my memory card but here are some pics of the factory lift brackets from stock '86 4x4 and off my '87 highrider:

Regular 7 inches long:
http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/47/l_72a9406919ac4ac38cfbe4ce90f021d8.jpg

Highrider 9 inches long:
http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/52/l_2857e68a688d466da5a427c33e08c083.jpg

measure the front axle piviot bracket highriders was 9" long, regular was 7".
The rear leaf block is factory on all 4x4x rangers the highriders basicly are leveled making them taller.

but it sits way higher than others when i park next to one its way higher. its all stock under there im not sure if it has blocks under the front what do they look like?

Although it doesn't really look like it in your avatar, you may have a body lift. allwoing you to fit what looks like maybe 31x10.50s which will make you truck way taller than factorty.

zdewald

10-26-2010, 08:34 PM

mine from the bottom of the frame to the bottom of the piviot bracket is 8" as far as i know it is all stock. i have p235/75 r15 tires on it. witch i bleave is 28.9 x 9.3 right?

alwaysFlOoReD

10-26-2010, 10:42 PM

Here is a pic of an '87 STX Highrider radius arm bracket, stock, RIVETED in place.

http://i734.photobucket.com/albums/ww342/mrich1962/alwaysFlOoReDs%20stx%20race%20truck/worktruck100.jpg

If yours has one like this then it's a Highrider.

In comparison, this is a pic of a '91 STX [ NOT a Highrider ] radius arm bracket, stock, RIVETED in place.

http://i734.photobucket.com/albums/ww342/mrich1962/alwaysFlOoReDs%20stx%20race%20truck/worktruck097.jpg

Compare the rivet spacing and the three extra rivets on the Highrider bracket, there is also a block of steel between the frame and bracket that is 1 1/4" thick. It's welded to the bracket. In this pic I've taken that block out;

http://i734.photobucket.com/albums/ww342/mrich1962/race%20truck%20p2/worktruck475.jpg

STX Highrider passenger axle pivot bracket on left, non-Highrider on right;

http://i734.photobucket.com/albums/ww342/mrich1962/race%20truck%20p2/worktruck500.jpg

STX Highrider drivers axle pivot bracket on right, non on left;

http://i734.photobucket.com/albums/ww342/mrich1962/race%20truck%20p2/worktruck499.jpg

Hope that helps,

Richard

frambach

11-30-2010, 12:01 PM

I'm on the lookout for an OEM tubular rear bumper like the one shown in this 1986 brochure.

By any chance any of you STX guys have one you'd want to sell?

http://www.frambachphotography.com/photos/1110035215_m9uMJ-M.jpg

http://www.frambachphotography.com/photos/1110035223_vxdCC-M.jpg

gw33gp

11-30-2010, 02:53 PM

I think all the factory STX tubular bumpers turned to rust.

snoranger

11-30-2010, 04:31 PM

I think all the factory STX tubular bumpers turned to rust.

:iamwithstupid:

They like to hold water inside the tubes and rust from the inside out.

Tims03svt

12-01-2010, 12:17 PM

Guys what shocks should I get for a high rider? I just bought one yesterday for 300 bones.

gw33gp

12-01-2010, 03:31 PM

I used Heckethorn shocks on my 89 STX factory "lift" Ranger. They had them specifically for the factory "lift" and they were not expensive. They were good long lasting shocks but the workmanship of them appeared less than high quality. They never failed me though and lasted around 100,000 miles before noticeable degradation in performance.

35Remmy

02-05-2011, 09:14 AM

Heh, I have an '88 Hi-Rider and my rear tube bumper is absolutely perfect...same for the pushbar, the Cateye fog lights (which have black plastic covers with the Ford oval in white stamped on them) and light bar...I always thought the factory switches for the fog lights and off-road lights were neat.

I've had mine since '97 (my first vehicle) and it's been MINT ever since. In the garage for the past 7 years in storage with a brand-new trans, heh. The 2.9 blew at around 200K, less than ONE oil change after I had the A4LD trans rebuilt, which is still in it.

Have a 5.0 sitting on a stand I'm going to swap in...I'm not too worried about decreasing the value of this truck...it'll never be worth anything, in my honest opinion. It WAS, by FAR, the BEST 4WD vehicle I have ever owned...better than the Wrangler I owned, hands down. It was amazing how that thing did off-road being a stock vehicle!!!

ranger_mclaren

02-05-2011, 01:38 PM

35Remmy

02-06-2011, 05:13 AM

Ranger, I'll try and get some on here...the factory switch is located under the steering column (oh about 6 inches) on the right side, directly under the dash...it's black, and has 2 switches side-by-side..1 for the fog lights and 1 for the rollbar lights...and each one illuminates when depressed. I have found this factory setup w/ the wiring and switches before on ebay but the guy wanted like 500$!!! I put round black KC's on my rollbar, as I never had the originals that came with the truck which I believe were actually rectangular.

ranger_mclaren

02-06-2011, 05:26 AM

My STX came with a one piece visor/ spoiler/ light mount which had two retangular KCs mounted with black covers in had a switch in side just off to the right of the colmn with KC emblem on it. I don't know if this was a factory install or some type of KC option avalible on the rangers. I have a pic of the visor thing I don't know if it's in this thread or not i'll look.

ranger_mclaren

02-06-2011, 05:31 AM

Here it is I still have the KC switch mount too.
http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/73/l_8e7f15f8ccc94527adb88f9844208d89.jpg

Diesel_brad

02-06-2011, 08:37 AM

I think all the factory STX tubular bumpers turned to rust.

My tube rear bumper, roll bar, and brush guard were all aluminum. No rust issues there

Boggin

02-06-2011, 08:58 AM

I gotta make a trip to the scrapyard, see if any of the trucks i sent there were highriders..

douglasc76

04-11-2011, 11:43 AM

I have an 89 STX 4x4 High Ride Reg. Cab Long Bed, 2.9L mitsu 5 speed eshift BW1350, Bucket seats, Optional Push Bar w/ fog lights and Light Bar w/off road lights. Tube Rear Bumper. 144,000 miles. Needs a motor, paint job, minor body work and Back bumper. It's the first truck I ever owned, bought in 93. Trying to decide if i should sell it or fix er up. I have a motor. Thanks, Doug:icon_thumby:

Diesel Ranger

04-13-2011, 10:10 PM

I've got a tubular pushbar on mine too with the headlight loops, but around here I've seen a few of those pushbars around, just start hittin the junkyards to find one.

crispyominus

01-08-2012, 09:32 PM

saw this thread and thought i'd jump in. i have a 86 stx 2wd 2.9L automatic trans. is there any listing of what all the 2wd stx package includes?

90rangerSTX

03-08-2012, 08:50 PM

I bought a 1990 STX from a dumb car dealer near the house about a year ago. I bought it for $300, and loaded it on the trailer. He said it wouldnt start so he wanted it gone cheap, I took it home and tightened down the battery cables and it started.
Anyways..
Its a ext. cab with the 4.0L it got a 8.8 rearend with 3.73 posi. it has the factory shackle flip in the rear. It had the sway bars front and back but i took them off. it has all power interior stuff(seats/windows/locks). and it has that really awsomely gay decal down the sides.

mobile madness

03-13-2012, 01:10 PM

i almost know someone custom ordered my stx from the factory. it has a wierd quirks. like that it has a 4.0l,manual windows,straight glass,automatic. id kill for the sport appearance package.

SiouxTika

07-25-2012, 01:06 PM

Apologies for any crappy formatting, etc. My internet is down and I'm using my cell.

Hey y'all,
I have an 87 High Rider that I planned on restoring but life happened and now I'm sellin' her. Loretta Synn, is her name. 89k miles on her, purchased from an old man in north GA. I paid 2 and have put about 1500 in her. She's been jimmy rigged a bit under the hood but she's my daily driver and I take her an hour north once a week to see my folks. I'm back on the forum to offer her to y'all first. She needs someone who can do the restoration themselves and I'd like to know she stayed in the family. My only issue is I'm unsure I can get what I want from an enthusiast, vs. a random Craigslister. Are any of you local? I'm in Atlanta.

I'd love to speak with anyone but especially a local. I'm sad to see her go.

Cheers,
Anya