Best Lift Kit to buy?

[MrTap]

Hello friends I just bought my 1998 4x4 ranger a few weeks back and after some off road fun I’ve realized a lift kit is probably gonna need to be my next mod. Being I don’t have a lot of money I’m looking for the cheapest but reliable way to get a few extra inches if any of you can help I’m all ear. Thanks Tap

 

[dvdswan]

Welcome to the site.

First off, get the idea of cheapest way out of your mind. Your safety is more important than saving a few dollars.

Do you research and weigh the pros / cons of each kit for you. If the kit you want is more than another, then save for extra month or couple of months. It's better to get what you want than settle for what you didn't want.

Next, you need to decide what are you going to use the truck for, i.e. what types of terrain, conditions, etc. and how far are you willing to go.

Then, you can decide the size of suspension and tire you are wanting.

IMO, a good tire and traction devise(s) can get you places a stock truck can't get too.

 

[MrTap]

Welcome to the site.

First off, get the idea of cheapest way out of your mind. Your safety is more important than saving a few dollars.

Do you research and weigh the pros / cons of each kit for you. If the kit you want is more than another, then save for extra month or couple of months. It's better to get what you want than settle for what you didn't want.

Next, you need to decide what are you going to use the truck for, i.e. what types of terrain, conditions, etc. and how far are you willing to go.

Then, you can decide the size of suspension and tire you are wanting.

IMO, a good tire and traction devise(s) can get you places a stock truck can't get too.

Thank you and yeah I’m not sure exactly what terrain yet but as I’m from New England most everything here is woods and so I presume it’ll be mud, dirt and snow. I’ve started putting money aside as I’ve realized buying a kit once for more money will be better then buying something now and then a more expensive one later.

 

[dvdswan]

Thinking safety first gives you better paths to follow. Recovery should be the first. Its always a good idea to go wheeling with other vehicles but in the event that 1 or more vehicles get stuck, there is going to be a lot of digging going on. Winch/winch bumper and recovery gear should be (IMO) your first purchase/upgrade. Most of that stuff can be found in dad's shed. LOL

 

[MrTap]

Thinking safety first gives you better paths to follow. Recovery should be the first. Its always a good idea to go wheeling with other vehicles but in the event that 1 or more vehicles get stuck, there is going to be a lot of digging going on. Winch/winch bumper and recovery gear should be (IMO) your first purchase/upgrade. Most of that stuff can be found in dad's shed. LOL

Yeah lol I have recovery points on both corners of both bumpers so 4 in total in easy to reach locations with a tow strap that lives behind my seat in my truck. The trails that I do plan on doing are nothing crazy I’m sticking to easy stuff for now just to be safe and even still I have the recovery points and my dad has a wrangler with bigger tires in case something goes wrong. Although I haven’t found anyone to wheel with I do have a friend who I’m trying to convince to get a 4x4 and tbh I came here in hopes of finding a friend to go wheeling with in my area.

 

[Eddo Rogue]

You only have about 469 options. I would read through the lift kit tech section of this forum. It helped me decide to start off with levelling srings up front. I got the springs and shocks and happy with it. Later I will probably reference it again and upgrade to a full lift kit.

 

[MrTap]

You only have about 469 options. I would read through the lift kit tech section of this forum. It helped me decide to start off with levelling srings up front. I got the springs and shocks and happy with it. Later I will probably reference it again and upgrade to a full lift kit.

Thank you I’ll check it out! Can I ask what springs you got to start with and how well they worked?

 

[RustyShackleford94]

If your looking for a safe cost effective lift I would level it (not crank, just level) via the torsion keys, then add a 3" body lift. Those 2 should allow you to clear 33s and make you more capable offroad.

 

[MrTap]

If your looking for a safe cost effective lift I would level it (not crank, just level) via the torsion keys, then add a 3" body lift. Those 2 should allow you to clear 33s and make you more capable offroad.

That’s the conclusion I’ve come to after looking at other people’s builds prices and posts in the suspension section of this forum.

 

[JohnnyO]

If your looking for a safe cost effective lift I would level it (not crank, just level) via the torsion keys, then add a 3" body lift. Those 2 should allow you to clear 33s and make you more capable offroad.

Agree. There are no cheap lifts for 98+ Rangers. Superlift was the most complete but it is out of production and cost about $2000.
Problem is to do it right you need new knuckles which gets spendy.
Most cost-effective is a torsion twist in the front to level it and a body lift.
The body lift will require you to either lose the tow hooks or cut ugly notches in the valence. I have been told that swapping to Chevy S-10 tow hooks will not require cutting the valence.

 

[09fx4guy]

The superlift may still be available, at least when I looked recently it was still listed on their website.

At some point when my truck is no longer my DD, and I have some extra money, I will probably order the superlift kit for mine.

 

[truckfan]

+1 on Superlift suspension lift kit though I'm not sure if it is still available on truck parts shops. If you are lucky, you can find a used one that is in good condition.