1992 4x4 daily driver low budget build

[IdigAUinNV]

I'm considering a 1 inch body lift myself. While it use to be available as a kit... no longer true. There are shops out there... even ebay that sell 1 inch aluminum pucks. I've read that 1 inch requires no other alterations. Slip the pucks in... tighten them down... done. No radiator/hose/shroud issues... no filler hose... steering shaft... wire harness... and the bumpers stay where they were meant to be. It does end up with a bigger gap at the bumper... but livable.

Rangers come with 9 or 10 inch brakes. Typically 9 inch on the 7.5 rear end... 10 inch on the 8.8 rear end. You will have to check the door tag... and look in the Tech Library for your axle code.

Door tag indicates an 8.8” rear with 3.73 limited slip. I was happy to see that as it save me from a gear change or other updates to diffs, and brakes should be good to go. Just inspect and repair if needed.
That should leave some room in budget for Bilstien shocks all around!

 

[bobbywalter]

nice truck to work with...

 

[IdigAUinNV]

The auto hubs are cam actuated so nothing external like a vacuum line, they rely on friction between the plastic cam and the wheel bearing nut to actuate... they rely on the axle shafts spinning and both tires being fairly attached to the road to work so with an open diff and one tire stopped like if you're stuck it won't engage... and they break because changing directions I believe they disengage then reengage so if you're rocking it there's momentum...

They should fit on the stock wheels, some tire shops get cranky mounting wide tires to narrow wheels but a '92 should have wide enough wheels...

Shows my lack of knowledge as far asRangers goes!

Most if not all of our Super Duties I worked on used vacuum to operate the front hub locks.
Thanks for clearing that up.

 

[IdigAUinNV]

They should fit on the stock wheels, some tire shops get cranky mounting wide tires to narrow wheels but a '92 should have wide enough wheels...

I order my tires online and mount/balance myself. Got real tired of paying $50/tire locally for that. Small rural town with limited options and a take it or leave it attitude of many local businesses forces me to do everything I can my self.

 

[IdigAUinNV]

I'm thinkin fresh HD springs all around... a 1 inch body lift on 31's would be a pretty sweet spot and keep your budget from creeping.

Cool project... have fun with it.

Concerning HD springs, any recommendations for a source and/or part numbers?

And would I need a separate leveling kit to make it look right?

 

[Uncle Gump]

I just bought a set of 1750lb rear springs for my truck. I ended up buying them from a local spring shop. They were about the same price as buying on the internet and shipping. I like to spend local when it's possible.

Moog has always been my choice for suspension parts... but these days all parts are really a buyer beware thing.

I think a little rake is good in a truck. It levels out with a load exactly like intended.

 

[Uncle Gump]

There is what's called a "washer" lift for the front.

And it seems I just saw someplace that was making a "puck" that accomplishes the sane thing... but I can't find it now.

Look in the Tech Library for the washer lift article.

If I find the lift pucks I will post a link.

 

[Uncle Gump]

2 inch Front Coil Spring Spacers, Black - Broncograveyard.com

Ford 2 Front Coil Spring Spacers with 3/4 Stud Extender This Daystar KF09101BK Comfort Ride Leveling Kit will lift your Ford Ranger's front end 2 inches to sit the vehicle level with the rear. This eliminates the nose-down look and can allow for slightly larger tires. Daystar Products has...

shop.broncograveyard.com

Save the Bronco Graveyard site... they have some stuff you may need in the future.

 

[Uncle Gump]

Then remember... any lift will require different length shocks.

You said Bilstien... mighty fine shocks. They're not cheap though.

I've been eyeballing Skyjackers new offering. The BlackMax. Check them out on the Skyjacker site... cone in different lengths. They had a rebate the other day... with that... would probably be half of a set of Bilstiens.

 

[IdigAUinNV]

There is what's called a "washer" lift for the front.

And it seems I just saw someplace that was making a "puck" that accomplishes the sane thing... but I can't find it now.

Look in the Tech Library for the washer lift article.

If I find the lift pucks I will post a link.

I did find a place that sells UHMW-PE pucks in almost any size you may need. I submitted an inquiry asking for more info. Mikellis Body Lifts is the name. They sell on eBay also.
I would have posted link, but not sure if allowed.

 

[IdigAUinNV]

I just bought a set of 1750lb rear springs for my truck. I ended up buying them from a local spring shop. They were about the same price as buying on the internet and shipping. I like to spend local when it's possible.

Moog has always been my choice for suspension parts... but these days all parts are really a buyer beware thing.

I think a little rake is good in a truck. It levels out with a load exactly like intended.

Nobody local for the springs, 3.5 hours minimum travel. So likely be buying online.

I agree with the Moog comment. Always my choice in past, but like most other companies, they have sold out their values to make a few extra $$, their name means little anymore.

Did you need to change the shocks for the HD spring install?

 

[Uncle Gump]

Stock length shocks are fine until you lift it... front or rear.

 

[IdigAUinNV]

Then remember... any lift will require different length shocks.

You said Bilstien... mighty fine shocks. They're not cheap though.

I've been eyeballing Skyjackers new offering. The BlackMax. Check them out on the Skyjacker site... cone in different lengths. They had a rebate the other day... with that... would probably be half of a set of Bilsteins.

Bilstiens mighty proud of their shocks, but it only hurt once! Been very happy with installs on my personal vehicles.

I will check out the BlackMax shocks, but I’m likely to go with Bilsteins.

 

[Uncle Gump]

Bilstiens mighty proud of their shocks, but it only hurt once! Been very happy with installs on my personal vehicles.

I will check out the BlackMax shocks, but I’m likely to go with Bilsteins.

Just doing my part to keep you on budget!!

 

[Uncle Gump]

I run a set of these on my pickup. I'm pretty happy with. Noisy when time to rotate... but they all are. I see Mickey Thomson has a $100 rebate on them right now. I bought mine from 4wp and they ship free. Sometimes you can get their promotion discount on top of the rebate. I got a smoking deal when I bought mine. Might be worth checking it out...

https://www.4wheelparts.com/p/mickey-thompson-baja-legend-exp-tires/prod9100001?Rim+Diameter_PQ=15+Inches&Tire+Height_PQ=31&Tire+Width_PQ=10.5