Hola.

[Deftone]

My humble 2003 Ranger XL. Former PG&E truck. 4.0L 4WD AT Long Bed. Yes, it's 4WD and it works great.

Just rolled 190K

Looking to lift it 2-3" and 32" AT's. Likely a torsion bar/lift block kit. Recommendations & tips greatly appreciated.

Thinking budget overland build. Front bumper, roof rack, winch...

 

[ericbphoto]

Welcome to TRS! Nice truck.

 

[Jim Oaks]

Welcome back to 2021.

 

[Uncle Gump]

My 06 clears 32 inch tires on stock non modified suspension. I'm not a fan of the torsion key lifts personally... many folks use them... but they eat up all the down travel in the SLA torsion bar suspension. Here is a picture of mine at factory settings... the torsion bars aren't even turned up.

Picture of the rear... again on factory springs...

My guess is yours being a work truck... the suspension might just be a bit tired. I feel a better route would be to put in a set of new torsion bars and tweak them a bit with the factory keys and do a set of new rear HD springs to help carry the overlanding load and see where you end up. If you don't like the results... and a 1 inch body lift.

I know there are differing opinions on this so consider all your options and do what makes you happy.

Pretty cool truck with standard cab long box... you just don't see that many of them.

Welcome to TRS...

 

[Deftone]

My 06 clears 32 inch tires on stock non modified suspension. I'm not a fan of the torsion key lifts personally... many folks use them... but they eat up all the down travel in the SLA torsion bar suspension.

My guess is yours being a work truck... the suspension might just be a bit tired. I feel a better route would be to put in a set of new torsion bars and tweak them a bit with the factory keys and do a set of new rear HD springs to help carry the overlanding load and see where you end up. If you don't like the results... and a 1 inch body lift.

I know there are differing opinions on this so consider all your options and do what makes you happy.

Pretty cool truck with standard cab long box... you just don't see that many of them.

Welcome to TRS...

Thank you, glad to be here. Nice truck, BTW.

Good advice I had not considered. Thank you for that as well.

I think most of the PG&E Rangers were used for Meter Readers, this one ordered with 4WD to reach remote locations. Not sure why they would need a long bed though. The tailgate was off another (grey) truck. I recall PG&E Rangers using the cargo net style tail gate for many years.

I added the Camper shell and the black steel wheels. It came with a steel Weatherguard tool box in back, too big for my needs so I removed it.

 

[Deftone]

Put the Ranger to work today.

Later on I took a load of cardboard to the recycle station.

 

[Deftone]

BTW, this is my 2nd Ranger. 1st was a '97 XLT 3.0L Extra Cab AT 2WD in Metallic green. Great truck.

 

[Deftone]

New shoes. 30x9.5x15 BFG AT's on 15x8's

 

[Eddo Rogue]

Rear is easy. New leaf springs. Done. Front is a bit more complicated, but you have options. I would spend on something a little better than just cranking the torsion bars. Do some research, check classifieds. I think you can get 2" of better suspension for under $500. It will make a big difference when loaded down over rough terrain

 

[DrWho42]

hi there! welcome to the community!