NEW TO ME 2001 Ranger XLT Suspension Questions

[liljoe0985]

Just got a KILLER deal on this 2001 Ranger XLT regular cab stepside with a 2.3 and 5spd. Looking to improve the ride quality some being it seems to bounce around a lil more than it should (not too bad but not ideal) also thinking about lowering it some. Its gonna be my DD for now as to keep me from driving my 2006 F150 Lariat 4x4 everyday back and forth to college. What are some options for my suspension needs? (Posted this is the 2wd forum but moved it here seeing as it was better suited for the minitruck forum)

 

[liljoe0985]

 

[stmitch]

I have the same basic truck for a daily. I'm very happy with it. I'd guess that a new set of shocks will help keep it from bouncing around. If you're going to lower it, I'd get that done first, and base the length of your new shocks on how low you go.

 

[liljoe0985]

stmitch...what kinda front bumper is that on yours? you have any more pics of it? I have GOT to replace this fugly bumper on mine!

 

[liljoe0985]

ahhhh dang nvm yours is a 2000...Gotta find me another bumper!

 

[stmitch]

The bumper on the truck in my avatar is just a cover made by Keystone. You'd have to remove the factory valance to use the cover, so I think it would work on your 01.

My daily driver that I mentioned is an 01 that's nearly identical to yours though.

 

[liljoe0985]

I gotcha

 

[liljoe0985]

Basically I'm new to the "lowering scene" and was looking at the DJM kits and seen the 2/3 and the 4/5, Does ride quality increase/decrease with either one of these setups? Any difference between the two? ...Ive seen plenty of pics of 2001+ Rangers with the 4/5, anybody have setups with the 2/3? I personally like the looks of the 4/5 (might like the 2/3 if I seen more of em) and to be honest, anything I do Ill probably be thrilled with bc this suspension needs some reviving! Found out today while driving it to school that it squeaks like HELL...this shit has GOT to be dealt with!!! lol

 

[liljoe0985]

And since receiving this 01, Ive started to miss the 2000 in my avatar lol I absolutely LOVE my lifted 06 F150 Lariat Supercrew that replaced it but that lil ole blue jacked up Ranger will always hold a special place in my heart!

 

[stmitch]

I've had both the 2/3 and 4/5 kits on my 2000, and I thought the ride of the 2/3 was a little harsher than stock, while the 4/5 is pretty close to stock.

The shocks you use, and the amount of tire sidewall you have will affect the ride quite a bit though.

Here are some pics of my truck at 2/3

And now at 4/5

 

[liljoe0985]

Damn, whats your tire and wheel specs at 4/5? That looks slick

 

[stmitch]

Thank you. I'd probably suggest a bit more sidewall in the front if you were thinking seriously about a similar setup.
Wheels/Tires:
-Front: 18X9 anthracite FR500's wrapped in 245/35/18 BFG KDW's
-Rear: 18X10 anthracite FR500's wrapped in 295/35/18 BFG KDW's

 

[liljoe0985]

And as far as the "squeaking" I'm getting, I can't pinpoint where EXACTLY its coming from...the whole damn truck! But I'm thinking I just need to replace ALL bushings...the truck needs some tlc underneath. Does anyone offer a "full bushings replacement kit" (if that's what its called) for 2001? Ive seen a few but there for older models...I want go ahead and do this because it's almost unbearable. Won't be dropping the truck anytime soon but this has to be fixed NOW.

 

[Earl43P]

I'd be willing to bet the lower ball joints are the squeekers.
If they have no zerks, they are likely original.

I got a lot nicer ride on my old 2000 2.5 2wd by replacing the shocks and going with a wider/shorter tire set. I went with 235/65-16 and ditched the 225/75-15s (I think). It really improved the handling too. I have no opinion on the "lowering", other than it looks cool.