95 ranger front air ride

[cory_ocnnr]

Been wanting at bagging my ranger for a long time now. The problem I'm having is the set up on the front. I don't care for the I-beams. Been looking for years for a good set up but nothing I like. I blow up the 302 engine in it working on a 351 to put in it. So I will need something to handle the engine. Ideas and pix would be great!

 

[stmitch]

A Mustang II, or 98+ Coil spring Ranger suspension would work for you. Both are control arm suspensions and would have better geometry for laying out than i-beams. If you're replacing the entire front clip, then the v8 would basically bolt in to either clip too.

 

[cory_ocnnr]

Thanks for the reply. I have all ready change the tranny and radius arm crossmembers so they are above the frame. I'm will be running the truck with 18' rims. After all the reading I have done it seem to be how big of wheels your putting on there for the i-beams to hit the frame? Correct me if I'm wrong. Or would the 2001 ranger frame I found be the best route to go?

 

[stmitch]

It really just depends what your final goal is. How low do you want to go? If you want to lay the frame on the ground, then you'll need to do some notching or a "z" in the frame regardless of which suspension you have.
You can keep the beams and get pretty low. The problem with going really low with beams, is that the geometry and the travel kind of sucks. That's why trucks with ibeams have tons of negative camber when they're lowered or aired out. Switching to control arms (Mustang II, newer ranger, or yota clip) gives the suspension better geometry as is moves, reduces camber problems, and may even ride better. But, it's more work, and costs more $$$. It's all about your priorities.
As far as wheels go, you have to think about more than just diameter. The bigger you go, the more work it's going to take to get the truck low. You also have to consider wheel width, offset, and tire sizes too. Again, it's all about your priorities, how much you can spend, and what you want the final result to be.

 

[cory_ocnnr]

So I think I figured out my build. Thank for pointing me in the right direction. I'm going to go with the yota front clip and lay some frame and just have some fun with it! Been trying to find a build up with a yota suspension. Anyone have some links or pix? Where is a good place to get a 4 link set up?

 

[slammedxonair]

Mustang II and 84-94 Toyota pickups have the best suspension geometry. I am a site sponsor that specializes in air ride for rangers. Email me brian@illusivefabrications.com if I can help you with parts, I offer weld on and bolt on 4 links for rangers.