Rick's Rangerz 3 Link Kit - has anyone used one?

[PetroleumJunkie412]

Saw this today, and got all hot under the collar:

https://www.ricksrangerz.com/product-page/1983-2009-ford-ranger-bolt-on-3-link-kit

So this will finish out the parts to buy list for the 2011 if it will fit a 2011. Called Rick to see why it's only listed to 2009, waiting for a response.

Does anyone out there have any experience with the kit, or is there a build thread on here that features one? Looking to mix it with coilovers, not with bags (tho bags are cool).

 

[Bird76Mojo]

No experience with that kit but I've been eyeballing his 1st gen coilover brackets for quite some time. I was also hoping someone would have some experience with it before I bought one.

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

No experience with that kit but I've been eyeballing his 1st gen coilover brackets for quite some time. I was also hoping someone would have some experience with it before I bought one.

Well. We will see how the call with him goes when I hear back. If it'll fit my 2011, it will probably be happening as I slowly turn it into a street truck. Leaf springs leave a lot to be desired for handling. This plus a panhard/track bar will work out for what I want... maybe.

 

[rubydist]

I am curious about the answer to this, because I thought the leaf springs were the same mounting location through 11.

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

I am curious about the answer to this, because I thought the leaf springs were the same mounting location through 11.

Only thing I can think of is that it uses the diff housing as a way to mount the top link, and there may be something screwy with the 2010/11 diff (there are many things screwy with the 2010/11 diff, this may just be another one)

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

From the Man Himself:

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

Rick is a good dude.

I’m probably largely responsible for him offering the torsion bar lowering arms. I got a set for my green Ranger but life has gotten in the way of working on getting it back on the road.

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

Well. After some more discussion, he has informed me that there's no need for a panhard or watts.

Guess I'm the guinea pig for the kit.

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

Interesting... there's a parallel 4 link kit incoming as well that he's indicated he's currently working on.

Not sure if I'd be better off with the 3 or 4 link... comments appreciated.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Four link with watts and coilovers

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

Four link with watts and coilovers

I'm leaning on that one tbh. The intent is "spirited driving" and trolling (read: losing, but having fun) at the local autocross events. 3 link is better than the current leaf springs and traction bars IMO, and I'm presuming parallel 4 link with a watts is better again. But I'll be honest, I'm in unfamiliar territory here.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I don't think a three link is going to be leaps and bounds better if you are keeping leaves.

It is basically the same thing as traction bars with addition of the extra bar on the top.

I am assuming you are keeping leaves if you don't need a panhard/watts to locate the axle.

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

I don't think a three link is going to be leaps and bounds better if you are keeping leaves.

It is basically the same thing as traction bars with addition of the extra bar on the top.

I am assuming you are keeping leaves if you don't need a panhard/watts to locate the axle.

Oh Lord no... ditching leaf springs as soon as possible. I'm only considering this because I found out the kits were available yesterday. I was planning on having to make all my own crap for the rear end, but this seems like a major time saver.

Front coilovers and all of the adapter parts from north peak are laying on the workbench for installation over winter once driving season is done for the year.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

You are going to need something to keep your rear axle under your truck then, either panhard or watts...

Three link is cheaper/easier to get in and set up, four link is more expensive/complicated but better once dialed in.

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

You are going to need something to keep your rear axle under your truck then, either panhard or watts...

Three link is cheaper/easier to get in and set up, four link is more expensive/complicated but better once dialed in.

The three link looked good with the coilover combo. Four link with a panhard or watts intrigues me more, once again with coilovers. Cost will enter in to it a bit, but if they're within range of one another, I'll probably bite for the four link pending the amount of fab work I'd need to do.

The only other four link I know of on the market is like $4100... which ain't neva gon happen on a 15 year old truck.