Looking for opinions, advice and suggestions please

[MarcosLopez77]

I have a 1991 ford ranger extended cab 4x4 manual transmission with the 4.0. I've owned this truck since 1992 and always wanted to lift it up and throw some bigger tires on it. Here's what my plans are, would appreciate any advice, comments or suggestions.


I'm wanting to put a 6" lift I'm looking at the skyjacker system with new leaf springs and extended radius arms. Don't really want to use blocks or drop down brackets. From what I understand this is the better option to lift but if I'm wrong id like to understand why. Also I haven't found many other companies that offer this type of lift in 6" anyways. I've never ben a fan of body lifts. From what I've read over the years a 6" suspension lift should be able to clear 33" tires. I'm planning to go with 33x12.5x15. I would like 35's but i believe i would need to do some fender trimming. Also gears will be changed to accommodate the larger wheels.

Again, any info is appreciated, If you have a similar setup on your ranger Id love to see some pics!

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Anything over 3 inches you have to use drop brackets...otherwise your camber gets way out of wack

 

[MarcosLopez77]

Anything over 3 inches you have to use drop brackets...otherwise your camber gets way out of wack

even with extended radius arms?

 

[rusty ol ranger]

even with extended radius arms?

I believe so. The issue is the beam angle. Extended radius arms just give you more flex

 

[tw205]

You will need drop brackets for the front axle beams. In addition you will need the skyjacker FA 600 drop pitman arm unless you are modifying the steering set up. You will most likely need to trim front fenders and bumper to run 33 x 12.5s with 6" sus and no body.

 

[scotts90ranger]

This is 6" suspension lift on my '90 with 35x12.50 BFG's (that measure about 34"). I did trim the fenders but just a little in all corners but folded the edges in so it's not near as noticeable at least when I did it..., I obviously have a custom front bumper so that doesn't interfere... I'm pretty sure it's mostly skyjacker, drop brackets are at least (they're pretty nice, look factoryish, not some truss system like SLA suspension lifts) and had to use blocks in the back because leaves weren't in the budget at the time (got everything used). I'm making longer radius arms now finally...

Your plan is good, should work out well.

 

[gaz]

@MarcosLopez77
The 1st GeN wheel cutouts were designed for a 26" tire; I have to suggest a 4" lift with cutout fender flares. It is a two step work around but it avoids many of the pitfalls of both too large of rubber/lift.

I really like the look of a Ranger/BII with a 6" suspension but I chose what I believe is the path with less headaches...a 4" with cutout fender flares with 33" rubber. Another nice thing about a 4" is that Explorer packs, once flipped on top of the axle with just one extra leaf from the Ranger's original pack should have your rig right about where it should be to compliment the front with the 4" lift.

Regardless of who's lift you do decide on, give James Duff a call and let them explain the advantages, that using two pairs of their 70/30 valved shocks in the front will deliver

Which axels is your 91 equipped with?

 

[MarcosLopez77]

This is 6" suspension lift on my '90 with 35x12.50 BFG's (that measure about 34"). I did trim the fenders but just a little in all corners but folded the edges in so it's not near as noticeable at least when I did it..., I obviously have a custom front bumper so that doesn't interfere... I'm pretty sure it's mostly skyjacker, drop brackets are at least (they're pretty nice, look factoryish, not some truss system like SLA suspension lifts) and had to use blocks in the back because leaves weren't in the budget at the time (got everything used). I'm making longer radius arms now finally...

Your plan is good, should work out well.

View attachment 111509

thats a nice looking truck! I like the Honda in the back also! appreciate the info

 

[MarcosLopez77]

@MarcosLopez77
The 1st GeN wheel cutouts were designed for a 26" tire; I have to suggest a 4" lift with cutout fender flares. It is a two step work around but it avoids many of the pitfalls of both too large of rubber/lift.

I really like the look of a Ranger/BII with a 6" suspension but I chose what I believe is the path with less headaches...a 4" with cutout fender flares with 33" rubber. Another nice thing about a 4" is that Explorer packs, once flipped on top of the axle with just one extra leaf from the Ranger's original pack should have your rig right about where it should be to compliment the front with the 4" lift.

Regardless of who's lift you do decide on, give James Duff a call and let them explain the advantages, that using two pairs of their 70/30 valved shocks in the front will deliver

Which axels is your 91 equipped with?

thank you for the info! would love to see some pics of your setup.

I have the 8.8 and Dana 35

 

[gaz]

@MarcosLopez77

NOTE
Ranger pics are with bed near fully loaded+can O pee

 

[MarcosLopez77]

The kit I’m looking at for includes the drop pitman arm it also includes brackets for the radius arms although I don’t believe they are drop brackets. Skyjacker does however offer a 6” with drop down brackets that believe.

curious about camber/caster kits. I know of a few places that sell them but wondering if they’re worth using?

don’t mind trimming the fenders if needed interested if there are better or other recommended lifts similar to this. Believe superlift offers a 5” and James duff 5-6 as well

 

[scotts90ranger]

I believe the skyjacker is the best for going that high, last I knew James Duff only went to like 3" or 4"...

The drop brackets for the radius arms just space the stock crossmember down like 3" which is fine, I ran that for years, puts the bushings in a bit of a bind so they wear out pretty good but they're easy to change once the stock rivets are cut out...

You might need the fully adjustable alignment bushings, I got them and used all of the adjustment but think most of my stuff was bent up pretty good before I started...

Even if the kit comes with a drop pitman arm they don't come with the one that you need, the FA600 is a $200 part on it's own (because it's the same part used on F350's, well it was $200 when I bought mine 10 years ago...) and is beefy as heck and helps a lot, it drops further than the one that comes in the kit but really helps with drivability from what I hear... I have zero bump steer...

 

[MarcosLopez77]

thank you for the info ill definitely look into the fa600 if i go this route

 

[4x4junkie]

All good advice here.

The Skyjacker kits have long had a good reputation for durability, the only shortcoming (headache, if you will) is, as said, the drop pitman arm they come with isn't correct. The FA600 arm will take care of that.
Having the bigger extended cab, you might also want to place some shims (washers) under the front coil spring seats to achieve the full 6" lift height (this due to its heavier weight).


See these pages for some pointers on this:

TRS Magazine - Optimizing the SkyJacker Suspension Kit

www.therangerstation.com

Custom steel washer coil spring spacer

www.therangerstation.com

 

[scotts90ranger]

Good call on the washers, when I got them I found out that 1 1/4" washers have the needed 1 3/8" holes in the center (it's like lumber math, don't ask...) which will fit better than a 1 3/8" washer that are vastly more expensive and have a 1 1/2" hole... I have 1" of washers under my coil springs and could use a touch more, going to measure and see if I have room for 2 more washers...