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2011 Ranger Sport 4x4 Stock Suspension Replacement: no lift


herniated

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2011
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Ford
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Hi, I have a 2011 Ranger Sport 4x4 and my suspension is worn out. The shocks are Rancho.

I don't want to make any real change to the suspension but am considering getting the pre-2007 torsion keys and Belltech shackles for a 2" body lift. Currently running stock size tires but am considering going with the largest metric tires I can fit at some point.

I would like decent shocks. Was thinking Bilstein Heavy Duty but don't really know. What kind of shocks do you recommend? 90% highway and town and 10% rough logging roads.

What specs do I need to look at? The only thing I've found it 1.38" piston diameter for both front and rear shocks. Is this correct?

What should I do about leaf springs? They seem to be worn out because my truck sags in the rear, especially loaded. Does re-arching them take care of that or should I replace them?

Thanks
 


4x4junkie

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Bilstein makes excellent shocks, you can't go wrong with those. Boasts about things like piston diameter are mostly marketing though (at least in standard non-rebuildable consumer-grade shocks), what you want to look for is a monotube nitrogen gas-charged shock that is something of quality. Bilstein is definitely that.
Another you might also look at is KYB. Somewhat cheaper price, but IMO they are almost as good (and might even last longer, not sure... the Gas-A-Just shocks on mine are over 20 years old, though with only about 60K miles).

Many guys swap to Explorer springs. Ones from a 4-door should give your Ranger about 2" lift (if your current springs are sagged, you may actually see more lift. You should be able to compensate for this with the Belltech shackles though if needed).
I wouldn't suggest re-arching though... All that is really doing is taking what may be a sacked-out pair of springs and stressing them out even more by permanently deforming them. I can see a fatigue failure happening in their near future.


Oh, and just a small terminology correction:
A body lift uses spacer blocks placed above the body mount bushings to lift the body higher above the frame (what you proposed is a suspension lift, even if only minor).

Hope that helps.
 

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