Need help with lifting my ranger

[cablesNOTwires]

i just bought a 2003 ford ranger xlt fx4 with a 4.0L. I definatly want to lift it but the biggest suspension lift I can find is a 4 inch lift by Superlift. I am wondering if I do that 4 inch suspension lift and a 2 inch body lift, will I be able to fit 35's under it? And do I need to change the gears for that also? Or I was wondering if I just change out the torsion bars with coil overs because I would like more lift than just 6 inches total.

 

[Original_Ranger84]

Superlift is the only one that makes a lift for our trucks, and the only body lift is a 3" lift for our trucks. But with those you can fit 35's I believe a few people on here have fit them with that. You would need to go 4.88's more then likely for gearing as they are the deepest gearing you can get with the front axle. The only suspension kit besides the discontinued RCD lifts is the dixon bros long travel kit that will get rid of the t bars and replace them with coil overs but it doesn't give you more then 3 or 4" of lift.

 

[cablesNOTwires]

thanks man, and how much is that dixon bros long travel kit? And is it worth it? I just want to jack up my truck like six to eight inches but it seems like it isnt possible. And what does it take to change the gearing to 4.88's I am just coming into learning how to lift trucks and such and dont know all that much. Thanks again

 

[Original_Ranger84]

I think the long travel kit was around 2 or 3,000$ then you have to lift the back yourself. the long travel kit also puts your front wheels out about 2" on either side or something like that. As far as gearing goes you will have to pull your front axle out and remove the carrier and pinion from it and the same for the rear. Its easier to take to a shop if you haven't done it before...

 

[Sunk]

If you have to ask what it takes to set up gears it's best to take the truck to a shop and have it done. It is very precise work, and can take many tries to get right. Unless you know somebody who will give you a good deal on the set-up, it could easily run you $500 or more.

 

[cablesNOTwires]

Thanks guys, and I am having a friend help me out with all the labor, and another quick question. Would I have to change the gears if I just got 33's instead of 35's? And also, is there a way I can get bigger u-bolts? Is it ok to stack rear blocks in the rear and just get u-bolts to fit over them?

 

[Sunk]

You don't need to re-gear, but it's definitely encouraged. If you happen to have 4.10 gears now, you'll probably be alright 33s. If not, your power and MPG will suffer and if the truck is a 5 spd the clutch will see more wear.

If you're not sure what gears your axles have, you can check the tag on the rear diff; it will read something like 3 55 or 4L10. If the tag is missing you can find the axle code on the driver's door jamb and either search in the Tech Library or post it here and we can tell you.

You can get bigger u-bolts at many auto parts stores as well as online at places like Summit. Don't stack blocks, it's unsafe. Instead use Belltech 6400 shackles (or knock off parts store shackles). They are designed to lower full size Chevys , but their stock shackles are mounted inverted so it will lift your truck.

 

[cablesNOTwires]

I checked in the door Jam and at the bottom it said axle and under it said R7. would that be the code?

 

[rangerchris]

Mine says the same on a '99 and mine is a 8.8, 4.10

 

[rangerchris]

I was thinking about cranking up my torsion bars all the way up and adding a 3" body lift but if I do the 3" all the way around and crank the T-Bars then would the front be higher than the rear? and if so what do I need to , to the rear to make it level to the front? also if I did that what size tire would you recommend? sorry for all the questions thank you for any input

 

[4x4junkie]

I was thinking about cranking up my torsion bars all the way up and adding a 3" body lift but if I do the 3" all the way around and crank the T-Bars then would the front be higher than the rear? and if so what do I need to , to the rear to make it level to the front?

The shackles Sunk mentioned would take care of that.

32x11.50s or 33x12.50s on 15x8" rims would look & work good.