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Any new style Rangers with Trailmaster or Superlift kits?


Jim Oaks

Jim Oaks

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2005 Jaguar XJ8
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2021
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Ford Ranger
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4WD
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2.3 EcoBoost
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Automatic
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3.5-inches
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295/70/17
I've talked to Trailmaster and Superlift.

Trailmaster says their new kits are only for the 1998-2001 Ranger and Superlift says theirs is only for the 1998-2005. :icon_confused:

I don't see where there was any great change in the front suspension from 1998 to 2008. Does ANYONE have one of these kits for a year newer than listed? If so, was there any problems installing it?

Please post up.
 
Jim,

In 2002 Ford increased the front rotor size, that's why Trailmaster is only listed for 98-01. As for the Superlift kit, it should fit any new Ranger. Just make sure if it is an 02 or up to get the kit listed for 02-05. They sell 2 kits, 98-01 and 02-05. The rotor size does make a difference because the knuckles are slightly differen.t
 
Well heck, you learn something new every day. I didn't know that. Thanks!
 
4x4RangerGuy said:
Jim,

In 2002 Ford increased the front rotor size, that's why Trailmaster is only listed for 98-01. As for the Superlift kit, it should fit any new Ranger. Just make sure if it is an 02 or up to get the kit listed for 02-05. They sell 2 kits, 98-01 and 02-05. The rotor size does make a difference because the knuckles are slightly differen.t
Click to expand...

I would think that the rest of the kit would work just fine then. I wonder if the knuckle difference is enough that it wouldn't work ??
 
i should have thought of this, i have 2003 front end parts in my garage and it's easy to tell the brakes are bigger than those on my 98.
 
Jim, I posted you a link to this guy's profile in your other post, did you see it?

He has a Superlift kit on his 2007.

jimmyd1050

As 4x4rangerguy mentioned, the '03-'08 is all the same.

Edit:

I just went on Superlift's site, and I get the same kit (#K358) no matter what year I plug in from 2000-2005, so I'm not sure where the bigger brake thing even comes into play, I guess it must not matter with SL's knuckles? :icon_confused:
For 1998, 1999 only, I get kit #K357.
 
Last edited:
4x4junkie said:
Jim, I posted you a link to this guy's profile in your other post, did you see it?

He has a Superlift kit on his 2007.

jimmyd1050

As 4x4rangerguy mentioned, the '03-'08 is all the same.

Edit:

I just went on Superlift's site, and I get the same kit (#K358) no matter what year I plug in from 2000-2005, so I'm not sure where the bigger brake thing even comes into play, I guess it must not matter with SL's knuckles? :icon_confused:
For 1998, 1999 only, I get kit #K357.
Click to expand...

Junkie, it's possible that a taller caliper bracket is used on the stock knuckle, I actually have both at my shop (my truck and a customer's 2003 FX4), so I could try and make a comparison.

Another reason could be the PVH system used on 98-mid 00 Rangers...I do know the knuckles are different since the 98-00 kit has fittings for the vacuum lines.
 
Junkie, Superlift kit's are...

1998-1999 kit is K357
2000-2005 kit is K358
 
Jim Oaks said:
Junkie, Superlift kit's are...

1998-1999 kit is K357
2000-2005 kit is K358
Click to expand...

Yes, I realize that.... I was trying to figure out how (or if) this '02-'03 brake change thing was something that really mattered, and apparently it doesn't for Superlift... so what's the deal with RCD and TM then? Why are they saying these kits won't fit trucks after a certain year (which apparently is a different year for each company you talk to, too :rolleyes: ). And why does superlift say theirs won't fit trucks after '05 when people clearly have their kit fitting on said trucks?


4x4RangerGuy, yes, if you could compare whatever you got, that could help with some of the confusion on these years (maybe).
I may not be quite as familiar with all the changes that have taken place during the SLA IFS years as the TTB years, but it really does seem they are all the same damn thing to me, and that whoever's writing out their applications are just ignorant dumbasses (I know for a fact the guys you talk to on the phone are not always the same guys that engineer the kits, this was glaringly obvious when I spoke to Rancho many years ago about why my kit kept falling apart, the guy was just full of it :no2: ).
 
Last edited:
4x4junkie said:
Yes, I realize that.... I was trying to figure out how (or if) this '02-'03 brake change thing was something that really mattered, and apparently it doesn't for Superlift... so what's the deal with RCD and TM then? Why are they saying these kits won't fit trucks after a certain year (which apparently is a different year for each company you talk to, too :rolleyes: ). And why does superlift say theirs won't fit trucks after '05 when people clearly have their kit fitting on said trucks?


4x4RangerGuy, yes, if you could compare whatever you got, that could help with some of the confusion on these years (maybe).
I may not be quite as familiar with all the changes that have taken place during the SLA IFS years as the TTB years, but it really does seem they are all the same damn thing to me, and that whoever's writing out their applications are just ignorant dumbasses (I know for a fact the guys you talk to on the phone are not always the same guys that engineer the kits, this was glaringly obvious when I spoke to Rancho many years ago about why my kit kept falling apart, the guy was just full of it :no2: ).
Click to expand...

Junkie, I'll see what I can get on Monday. Also, I think it might be a combination of both things. I think their writers/techs aren't really doing all their homework, and it may be that Ford changed the knuckles slightly. I can tell you for a FACT that the knuckles have different part numbers, due to the fact that my customer's FX4 was in an accident and needs a new knuckle (ironic, no?). I called my local dealer who I'm good friends with, and he said there is a different PN for the 02+ knuckle. I'll make a visual inspection on Monday to confirm.
 
I noticed that Superlift breaks the TTB from 83-88 and 89-97 but the only difference is the sway bar mounting kit. I don't understand though why Camburg lists their kit from 89-97?
 
This is what RCD says about their 1998-2002 kit:

"System Designed to work with manual or electronic front hubs. System will not work with pulse vacuum hub equipped vehicles."
 
Alright, here's what I came up with.

The lower ball joint is lower (further away from the center of the hub) on the 02+ knuckle. The knuckle, therefore, is taller than a 98-01 knuckle. The caliper bridge is also increased in height from the 98-01 bridge. Both are minimal, but enough to make a difference in lift knuckle design.
 
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