1988 ranger 2wd ???

[6.2]

alright, so im getting a first gen ranger, 2wd, and i was wanting to know what would be best for me, first off, how much travel do they have stock approximately.

secondly, i want something that will be good for gravel roads with lots of bumps/potholes, and i wanna hit it at around 70MPH.

i want to run either 31's or 33's

what suspension setup/brand would you recommend for me?

its an extended cab if that makes a difference

 

[upnsmoke]

You want to do 70 on gravel roads? What you really need is some big cojones. I love my 88, it's a great truck. There are some other guys around here that can tell you more than I can about how much travel you have and how to get more. I have an Autofab bent beam lift on the front of my truck and will be running F-250 front shocks soon. I love my setup, but there is likely better available, especially if you spend some money. I will be getting some chevy leafs on my rear if I ever get around to it. There is a good write up on it in the tech library, and some others floating around the forums. What motor and trans do you have?

 

[6.2]

302+aod

I do 70 regularly in my brothers truck, but slowing down for the bumps. I dun wanna slow down

Haha. How much travel does your setup provide?

 

[upnsmoke]

Gravel roads, long travel, and 302? Sounds fun to me. I think I'd be as worried about turns as bumps though. My setup provides only as much travel in the front as stock currently. I had to extend my bump stops 3 inches, and gained in down travel only about as much as I lost in up travel with the Rancho shocks. With the F-250 front shocks, I can use normal bump stops, which will equate to significantly more up travel at the wheels, and should at least not reduce down travel. I haven't recorded any travel measurements, but I will when I do the F250 shocks. I'm still stock in the back. The prerunner guys might be the your best bet for some numbers on travel. I'm sure they could also offer you some solid advice on how to proceed with your suspension build. Just be sure to have a plan before you start buying parts or get too far into disassembly.

 

[6.2]

Haha around here there's no turns at all on our back roads. Just straight roads with crossroads every mile.

Not really needing "long" travel, just something that will soak up the bumps, without tearing anything up. I won't be jumping it or anything. But guaranteed a stock setup would not cut it.

I'm thinking what you did may actually work.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Can you take this opportunity to do some back to back testing? Let's see what exactly the stock setup will do before tearing into it. I'd like to see a vid and times over a set course that you pick and then redo the test with each upgrade. I really wish I had done this before I started into my truck, now I'm just guessing about what good the 'improvements' have actually done.
The only 'improvement' that I can testify to is the 63" chevy springs, my truck doesn't launch the ass end like it used to, and that may be shocks now that I think a little more about it.
Good luck,

Richard

 

[upnsmoke]

Can you take this opportunity to do some back to back testing? Let's see what exactly the stock setup will do before tearing into it.

That could be pretty educational, or at least entertaining. 6.2, if you're not jumping you could probably get away with stock ride height, or a lift within a range that allows you to keep your alignment with your stock beams. That's at least better that than drop brackets I think. A set of Bilstein shocks would be a big step in the right direction. One other thing is, when I go to F-250 shocks, I will be installing Jeep coil springs. They are softer and I will lose one inch of lift, both of which are desirable for my current setup. Ranger coils might be okay with a 302, but they are a little stiff my truck and my taste. You got iron or aluminum heads on your 302?

 

[6.2]

Hmm, for sure I suppose I could test it with each step I take.

Picking the truck up on Sunday, haven't seen I in person yet so u dunno much more about it yet.

 

[6.2]

I do want 31-33's though, how big can you fit stock on first gens?

 

[6.2]

would this be any good?

http://www.autofab.com/econo2wd.htm


If i do end up doing all this ill definately be taking video.
I have a Contour helmet cam, and a suction cup mount so i can mount it on the body right by the tire and angle it so it shows wheel travel over bumps etc.

 

[ronnie918655]

You are going to do alot of suspension work to that stock truck if you are going to run a 302. Not enough wheel base for that kind of power and weight balance is very poor . I had 86 2wd with 3 inch lift and cranked up 302, on gravel could not use the power or squirrely bad and launching into the air always nose down first even with extra 150 lbs lead in rear bumper. Build a v6 and that will be plenty for ranger and will have good handling characteristics

 

[6.2]

lol its already got the V8, why would i go down to a V6?

and im not jumping it.... i just want something to soak up the bumps a little better then stock, and allows me to run a larger size tire.

this aint a pre-runner ill be jumping or anything lol.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Hmm, for sure I suppose I could test it with each step I take.

Picking the truck up on Sunday, haven't seen I in person yet so u dunno much more about it yet.

So you haven't driven a ranger truck yet? I'd check the how stock works first, and it seems that's what you're going to do, good. A stiff spring in front will be good, which is what stock is. However, the rear is too stiff in my opinion, leading to skipping sideways on washboard. A little experimentation with removing leafs may get you where you want to be. All my experience is with 4x4, so I don't have direct knowledge of how swaps will work in your case.
I'm subscribing so I hope you do some tests and report back.
Good luck,

Richard

 

[6.2]

yeah nevermind. The guys sold it to someone else lol.
fannntastic

 

[upnsmoke]

yeah nevermind. The guys sold it to someone else lol.
fannntastic

It's no big deal, man. There are a great many of these trucks out there for sale. The one you were looking at was a great deal, but not by a long shot the only good deal. Don't sweat letting it go, just keep looking. Get a 4cyl or a v6, then do a v8 swap later on if you decide you want it. That way you can do it right and you will feel better driving it because you built it and you will know it is right. Just figure if nothing else, you have a head start on some research, and know more about what you want to end up with. Good luck.