83 Ranger lowering?

[RangerGT]

I'm looking to lower my 83 Ranger that has a 302 in. I was looking at either a 2/3 or 3/4 drop. I was wonder about any recommendations or advice? Also any idea on what size wheel & tire combo will work with not having any fender issues? Any information will be greatly appreciated

 

[Chevelle Kid]

Dream beams and an axle flip are the way to go. I have them in my '95 and it rides like stock, definitely the way to go. It'll provide a 3/4 drop on a stock truck so maybe a 4/4 for you.

Ben

 

[Insanejughead]

+1 on what Chevelle Kid said.


I did the DJM Dream beam thing to my ranger, and I loved it! I won't dare go any lower because of the condition of backroads and dirt roads around here...

 

[doorgunner]

what they said.......(I cut my coil springs until i got the look I wanted to save $$$$$$....drove it for 2 years like that...but the front end rode like a go-cart!)

I also flipped the rear shackles to level the truck out....

Finally i saved up enought for dream beams....took a day to install them taking my time....aligned the front end after a couple days of driving to let everything settle into place...rides much better now...no bottoming out on every other pothole!

 

[RangerGT]

What size wheel & tire combo you using?

 

[Endoverend47]

i would also use the djm dream beams for a 89-97, that way you have the newer balljoint style and you can use the knuckle off of a 1995-97 and have the bolt on twin piston calipers. thats what i did on my 84

 

[Chevelle Kid]

What size wheel & tire combo you using?

I'm running 16s. 205/50/16.

And I do like the idea of using the newer beams, twin pistons are nice.

 

[JoshT]

Definitely the best time to do it if you were even thinking about upgrading the brakes, this will be the best time to do it. Otherwise you'll have to buy a different set of drop beams in the future. The 89-97 beams are also more common to find used if you are interested in that.

 

[RangerGT]

So 89-97 I beams will work for my 83?

 

[JoshT]

They will as long as you also get the spindles and brake components from the same year range (recommend 95-97). You can't use the newer beams and your older spindles. In the 83-88 the ball joints are in the beam, in 89-97 the ball joints are in the spindle.

You existing springs, radius arms, shocks, etc will still work. I'd also recommend grabbing the sway bar and mounting brackets from the spindle/brake donor if you don't already have one installed on your truck. If nothing else it's much easier to install the bracket while you have the front end torn apart, than taking it all back out later to do it.

 

[slammedxonair]

DJM Beams and a flip kit is the best way to get started then you can always go lower if you want later. illusivefabrications.com under DJM and static drops you will find everything you need.