6 inch lift

[carhartt1]

So I have decided to buy a newer Ranger at the end of next summer, when I have money. I'm thinking like a 2001 or so, but I know that I am going to want to be able to run 33's on it asap and 35's someday. How much lift will I need for the smaller of the two sizes? Is there anything that might come back to haunt me if I am not aware of it, as far as this year of truck or those numbers are concerned. I just don't want to get several thousand dollars into this and realize that I screwed myself over. Any advice is awesome.

 

[Sunk]

For 33s you can crank the torsion bars, and get Belltech 6400 shackles for the rear... I think that'll clear them. Add a 3" body lift and you should clear 35s.

And you'll want to re-gear.

 

[GB4000]

Or just get the superlift and eventually a BL and clear 35s no problem

 

[4x4junkie]

33s will fit with 4" lift, 35s will need 6" of lift unless you trim the fenders a bit.

Are you looking to build this for offroad use? If so, you might think about going a little older on the truck (1997-down)... the lifts are cheaper, the suspensions are more durable and have more flex, the front axle, stronger (plus you can get an actual 6" lift for it if you want, after 1998, you're limited to 4" only on the suspension).

 

[carhartt1]

Yeah, I want to be able to wheel it a bit, but no major rock crawling or super deep ruts, just what easier trails throw at me for now. I don't plan on jumping it or anything but I want it to be capable from dirt and mud to snow and sand. Custom bumpers and a winch will hopefully help keep it safe all the way around...

I am planning on running 33X1150X16 BFG KM2s once I get the lift squared away, and I was planning on using a 6 inch lift, but it sounds like I need to have an older truck to be able to have that, is this true? (second opinions?) And any ideas which brand of lift is best, as far as different hardware and setup is concerned, I know some lifts aren't nearly as bulletproof as others...

Trimming the fenders is an option, but I'm also considering running baja fenders someday, when I can afford it.

And finally re-gearing, what should I run? I've heard about switching to 31 spline axles, any thoughts on this idea?

 

[Smurphey]

i have 285/75/16 (same as 33x11.50r16)bfg mt on my '99.... to run 33's it's best to get a 3" bodylift, it's the best bang for your buck because of the crappy torsion bar ifs on the 98+ rangers.... but as far as suspension lifts go there is a 4" superlift which is $1400 and a 5" rcd $2300.... but combining the 3" bl and one of the two suspension lifts will give you optimal clearance for 35's or you could stick with one of the two suspension lifts no body lift and cut the fenders

 

[Sunk]

You'll want 90-97 truck with a 4.0 to get the best engine and axles. You'll probably want 4.56s (at least 4.10s) with 33s and while re-gearing it's not a bad idea to think about traction aids such as lockers.

You can swap in an 8.8 from an Explorer and that will have 31 splines, but it's not really necessary since you don't seem to be planning an extreme wheeler.

 

[bigfla74]

i have a 01 4x4 and if i had the chance i would have bought i older ranger, i had a 93 bII on 33's and i loved that more than my new ranger, the price of a lift for it is to rich for my blood so if i personlly do any thing its just a BL and a t-crank

 

[carhartt1]

lift kit

Thinking I might step up and get the camburg 5 inch lift and maybe do some trimming. Any ideas how well this would work if I swapped in the 8.8 rear end from an Explorer? I would be willing to use a skyjacker if it would work better.


Thanks

 

[GB4000]

Heads up on that double check it for 4x4s

 

[carhartt1]

I checked, it is for 4x4's

 

[Dany77]

I went with a 6" BDS Suspension Lift Kit for my 95' XLT 4.0L. Have had no issues yet. I'm running 33\10.50\R15 BFG M/T KMS. I have no problem with rubbing.
Stock

With 6" BDS Suspension Kit & 33" BFGs

 

[carhartt1]

Damn dude I love that. That looks really nice. How does it feel going down the road, does it handle well? I'm thinking about going with a wider tire by maybe an inch or two, but I'm not sure. Thanks for the pictures too, its nice to see how things look.