'02 FX4 torsion keys and lift blocks

[RiggerWings]

I tried to search for what I'm looking for and couldn't find anything, but if there's already something similar out there then I apologize.

Here's my problem/question...

I have a 2002 Ranger FX4 that I just purchased some new wheels and tires for. (33x12.50 BFG ATs) I ran these on my old '02 FX4 with no problem, but I maxed out the torsion keys and had to trim the front bumper a little. Maxing the keys made the truck ride extremely hard to the point where I thought I'd chip a tooth on a speed bump!
So I have been looking at new keys that claim to not mess with the ride...they say I can get an extra 2" blah blah blah, there's also a rear lift that says it comes with 2" blocks.

Well, I already have 2" blocks stock...so this will do nothing for me correct? Will the torsion keys be the same as well, to where they do exactly what the stock keys do?

I can find plenty of "cheap" 2-3" lifts but they all sound like my stock suspension set up. What are my options for my FX4? I don't need to go huge nor do I want to, I just want a slight bit more to add to the good looks of the larger tires. Thanks in advance for the help guys!

 

[4x4junkie]

A new (reindexed) key raises the suspension just the same as cranking the bolts up would (by preloading your t-bar further). Unless your bolts are maxed out and you still have more room for lift (rare), new keys would do nothing for you.

The problem comes from a reduction in downtravel of the suspension. When you drive over a bump, the suspension compresses, but then on rebound, it "tops" out with a thump, basically jerking the truck back down.
Adding shock extensions can help a little bit with this, though this also brings some risk of overextending your front axle CV joints.

I say save your $$$ and just crank your t-bars a small amount. If you need more tire clearance than what's available by cranking (without destroying the ride), a short body lift (1-2") may be a better option. A full suspension lift (3-4") is also a good option, though is much more $$$.

 

[RiggerWings]

Thanks Junkie, I've looked into a lot of that. I cant seem to find the lifts for the FX4 anymore. RCD and Superlift used to make them but you can't buy them anymore. Like you said, they're a bit pricey anyway. I may look into a decent body lift.

 

[JoshT]

Superlift is still making kits for it. MSRP is about 1400.

Problem with 33x12.5 is the width. A 33x10.5 will fit fine with a crank, but those extra 2 inches cause an issue. Cheap fix is to install a small body lift as Junkie mentioned. If I could afford it and wanted to run 33 I'd get the lift and decrank the bars to a nice ride height. That is if the suspension didn't end up too soft.

 

[RiggerWings]

Yeah that's an option! Thanks Josh...looks like I need to recover from the wheel/tire/tuner purchase, then move on to the lift!