2wd Off-road?

[59Edsel]

Hey guys I've been thinking on something. Wondering if the experts could help.

I drive 98 Ranger 2.5L 5-speed, 2wd.

Other than the oversized tires on her, She stands taller than other Rangers. Not the 4wd's, they're about the same height. (Or at least it seems like it )

What the question is this:

Did Ford make 2wd off road 4 banger Rangers? I've got a pic here that shows my current ride (with oversized tires) with the bumper sitting 1 inch away from the frame.

Now I've been looking to lower the truck to a 2/3 height but going down 2", you'll see my problem.

Now the truck has 212,xxx miles on her so could the springs have settled and I need new ones? Seeking advise from those who know more than I.

-Grant

 

[rusty ol ranger]

No "off road" 2wd ranger ever built.

Except the "edge" which were all 3.0

 

[59Edsel]

Ok. mine's a XLT.

next question. Do bigger bearings help for off road?

As I said I've been looking into lowering the truck. Everybody (or at least mostly) everybody puts Mustang rims on their truck for the street appeal.

I've got a set of rims from a '08 Mustang V6 and they wont fit due to the center hole not being big enough to clear the bearing on the hubs. So am I missing something?

I measured my current rims and they have a clearance hole sized to about 3 1/4".

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Ok. mine's a XLT.

next question. Do bigger bearings help for off road?

As I said I've been looking into lowering the truck. Everybody (or at least mostly) everybody puts Mustang rims on their truck for the street appeal.

I've got a set of rims from a '08 Mustang V6 and they wont fit due to the center hole not being big enough to clear the bearing on the hubs. So am I missing something?

I measured my current rims and they have a clearance hole sized to about 3 1/4".

Bearing size does nothing for off road ability.

Im guessing that youll need older (pre 04) stang wheels to fit your ranger. I had a set of 01 mustang wheels on my 99 crown vic, which, also would fit ranger rims.

 

[59Edsel]

Would you know if I could swap spindles to a newer, something like a 2011 set up?

Too difficult, Or to many changes?

 

[Ranger850]

No "off road" 2wd ranger ever built.

Except the "edge" which were all 3.0

No Edge 4.0s?

 

[Uncle Gump]

They did also have a package that was called the "Trail Head". But I believe those 3.0's with torsion bar front.

 

[Go2fasteddie]

Yep!, was thinking the same thing. Lol.

 

[Uncle Gump]

I actually wanted one of those... just couldn't get a 4.0L.

 

[pjtoledo]

Would you know if I could swap spindles to a newer, something like a 2011 set up?

Too difficult, Or to many changes?

the coil spring spindles from 1998 to 2011 are identical.
your coils may have sagged slightly, my 2005 had about 1 or 1.5 inches at the bumpstop when new.
check for "drop spindles", be sure to specify coil springs.

 

[59Edsel]

ok.

 

[Dirtman]

Off topic but by your name, do you actually have a 59 edsel?

 

[sgtsandman]

The closest thing to an off road Ranger from the factory was the Edge with the torsion bar front suspension. Theoretically, one could use one of those with a rear locker as an off roader and do ok as long as one doesn't get too crazy. It would never do everything a properly set up 4X4 will.

 

[Dirtman]

My 93 s-10 2wd with a small lift and a locker was a beast on sand trails. Traction and ground clearance are the main 2 things you want offroad. A 2wd with a good locker and a lift is better than a stock 4x4 with open diffs. At least in basic trail scenarios. A transfer case with a low range is awesome on rocks/hills though...

 

[59Edsel]

Off topic but by your name, do you actually have a 59 edsel?

Yes. Although I should change it to 58Ranger. I own a 58 Edsel Ranger, and 59 Corsair.