2003 Ranger Edge 2WD HELP!

[XtrailratedJ]

I come from the Jeep world but I am currently working with a friend to lift his 03 Edge. We are looking to do this right the first time around. This is his DD and won't see much more than dirt and fireroads. Not going for a Cadillac ride, but a John Deere ride will not suffice.

We have looked at several lifts including the Fabtech and the Camburg (we will be doing a spindle lift). He is leaning towards the Fabtech spindle and has decided on Bilstein 5100s. He is looking to lift right around 3"s.

What else is needed up front? Control arms and ball joints have recently been replaced, so not looking to do anything with the CAs at this time, unless it is advised as neccessary for this application.

Camburg kit comes with limit straps and brakelines. Are these neccessary? Or is it that normally people purchasing Camburg kits will be airing out making these parts a neccesity?

The rear already sits high with the "stock lift", so we want to wait to see what we get in the front before moving to the rear. I know it has a block stock, and at least in the Jeep world, blocks are frowned upon. Lifting the front only 3", would we be good to go slapping a set of Bilsteins in the rear? Or are people swapping that block out for shackles, new leaf packs, or combination of both?

Tires will stay at 31", and I know the stock CAs will need to be trimmed slightly. Are there any steering upgrades required? Brakes?

Just looking to address all areas upfront.

Lastly, are there any vendors on here that can help simplify this process? I know on JeepForum I've made a couple contacts that can get me parts quick, cheap, and with awesome customer support.

 

[mdn14]

If you're putting 31's on an edge all you should need is a t-bar crank if you want more space between the wheel and the wheel wells. 31's will even fit without a torsion bar crank just fine on a stock edge (if it really is an edge). Here's a pic of my 2001 edge on 31's with a slight t-bar crank. (click on it for a larger image.)

Edit: I know I could probably fit 32's or maybe 33's with this stock lift. Then I'd need a regear though... IMO 31's with 3" lift spindles up front will look ridiculous.