96 Ranger looking for some lift

[96Greenster]

Hey there guys, Im new to this whole forum deal... Im looking for sugestion or pros and cons on lifting my 1996 Ford Ranger 2.3L,single cab, short bed. I have my eyes on a 3'' P.A. Body Lift Kit I saw on Summit Racing Website for bout $228 Shipped and all. On a scale of 1 to 10, How difficult is the whole process? How about the finishing result? I currently have a 2'' leveling kit (supposely) but one of them split in half and shacles in the rear. So what Im wanting to do is buying the 3'' bodylift and then replacing the cheap rubber spacers with metal or maybe even washers at the last minute, but im havin hard time making up my mind. What do you guy think?

 

[MikeInIdaho]

Personally, I would go with the steel washers if you wanted to go the spacer route. I like the washers because you can add or remove them one at a time to really dial in the desired ride height. Once you get the right height, you can simply remove the washers and weld them together for added strength (although I don't really think it's necessary).

If you're looking to get the most performance out of your front end, I would ditch the stock coils altogether and get some skyjacker leveling coils that are good for about 1.5/2" of lift. If the truck still isn't level, you could always add a couple washers underneath the coils to get it just right.

If you do decide to go with the steel washers, remember that due to the nature of the TTB/TIB suspension, spacers add lift at a ratio of .75=1, meaning that to gain 2" of lift, you only need to add a 1.5" spacer under the coil. Good luck with whatever you choose!

 

[Lee_533]

I have rubber spacers on my ranger and they have never given me any trouble...

The body lift is a perfect way to get tire clearance and keep a comfortable suspension...(if yours is comfortable). I have a 2" body lift on mine and it gets the job done....the only thing that I don't like is the fact that it leaves a gap at the bumpers. An easy fix...just one that I haven't gotten to.

 

[96Greenster]

Thanx guys. Im sure ill go with the 2'' of steel washers for the coil spacers, just because the cheaper the better. And for the bodylift ima buy the P/A 3'' complete kit, that will put me at 5'' total lift according to calculations... High enough? Anybody have any pics of this setup or similar?

 

[dave@threat]

If your willing to spend a little bit more money I would consider a bent beam kit from auto fab. It will give you decent lift, some real wheel travel, and real performance and you wont have to look at an eye soar of a frame like you would a bodylift.

 

[timpat92855]

I made coil spacers at school. Washers will do the same. I just machined 2 chromoly pieces 1 inch high and drilled a hole threw them. Leveled out nicely.

 

[96Greenster]

For those of you that are not sure if using washers has a good result or not... At the bottom of my cardomain page is my washers setup/result... Great lift for under $30. http://www.cardomain.com/ride/3012692