- Joined
- Aug 6, 2007
- Messages
- 5,396
- State - Country
- GA - USA
- Vehicle Year
- 1999
- Vehicle
- Ford Ranger
- Engine
- 5.0
- Transmission
- Automatic
- Total Drop
- few inches
- Tire Size
- ~30"
Not really sure how to title this so bear with me. As mentioned a few times around the forum, I'm highly considering changing directions on the build of my 99 Ranger. No need to get into the backstory, it's all out there somewhere. Simply put it is currently V8 swapped with 4R70W and AWD transfer case, and mildly lowered. Needs change and I'm not conpletely satisfied with the AWD streeet performance (likely combination of worn trans, suspension, and gearing). Due in large part to the "needs change" portion, I'm considering going back up and reinstalling a 4x4 transfer case. If I'm going back up I don't want to stop at a simple torsion twist, I will be installing a lift kit and bigger tires.
Anyhow trying to get a feel for what I want to put into the suspension. There are a few points that it will have or that I want to do, but not sure of the details on how to get there.
1) All suspension lift, no body lift. Don't like them and should be able to run all the tire I want/need on a suspension lift.
2) Ditch torsion bars, run coil overs.
3) Ditch lift blocks in favor of springs and longer shackles if necessary.
4) 33-35" tires. Not entirely sure what lift fits with what tires. Probably just 33" that might fit with a torsion twist, but want a better ride and clearence than what I'd get from that.
5) Swaybar disconnects. Definitely keeping them, but want to easily disconnect if necessary/desired.
6) 2004+ brakes in front, Explorer disc brake axle rear, hydroboost. (not really suspension, but will probably be tied in with the lifting)
7) Driveshafts likely needed considering other modifications, but will have to get parts installed to measure for custom.
I'm seeing that Rough Country and Superlift advertise lift kits for this generation Ranger, though have been told that the latter is discontinued. Are there any other options out there? I'm looking to go taller, but not notably wider. I don't see long travel kits and flared/bulged fenders being of any need or advantage for me.
Honestly my build will probably be 80% looks good (and driven to work), and 20% offroad, but I want it to be 100% capable. For me offroading will probably be more akin to what overlanders and the vegabond group will be doing, rather than the rock crawling and high difficulty trails in OHV parks. Not saying that I'm going to equip it for overlanding, I prefer having a stationary camp and exploring from, but that's the kind of terrain that I see myself hitting offroad. Maybe an overlanding type trailer to hook on when I want to adventure? No desert or dunes to get into in this part of the country, so not much in the way of high speed offroad running, and I don't care for the breakage that goes with extreme offroading.
The build is a ways off, but trying to develop a game plan and watch for deals on parts I plan to use. Before this happens, I need to get the transmission and transfer case sorted. At least the transmission rebuilt/replaced and the reansfer case on hand since it might require custom driveshafts to install (don't want to do that twice). Will be putting the F-100 in the shop for a complete rework before this happens and that is likely to take a year or few. Also possibly a move in there which will eat into time and budget, but it gets me closer to job and shop so means more time to work on stuff.
Anyhow trying to get a feel for what I want to put into the suspension. There are a few points that it will have or that I want to do, but not sure of the details on how to get there.
1) All suspension lift, no body lift. Don't like them and should be able to run all the tire I want/need on a suspension lift.
2) Ditch torsion bars, run coil overs.
3) Ditch lift blocks in favor of springs and longer shackles if necessary.
4) 33-35" tires. Not entirely sure what lift fits with what tires. Probably just 33" that might fit with a torsion twist, but want a better ride and clearence than what I'd get from that.
5) Swaybar disconnects. Definitely keeping them, but want to easily disconnect if necessary/desired.
6) 2004+ brakes in front, Explorer disc brake axle rear, hydroboost. (not really suspension, but will probably be tied in with the lifting)
7) Driveshafts likely needed considering other modifications, but will have to get parts installed to measure for custom.
I'm seeing that Rough Country and Superlift advertise lift kits for this generation Ranger, though have been told that the latter is discontinued. Are there any other options out there? I'm looking to go taller, but not notably wider. I don't see long travel kits and flared/bulged fenders being of any need or advantage for me.
Honestly my build will probably be 80% looks good (and driven to work), and 20% offroad, but I want it to be 100% capable. For me offroading will probably be more akin to what overlanders and the vegabond group will be doing, rather than the rock crawling and high difficulty trails in OHV parks. Not saying that I'm going to equip it for overlanding, I prefer having a stationary camp and exploring from, but that's the kind of terrain that I see myself hitting offroad. Maybe an overlanding type trailer to hook on when I want to adventure? No desert or dunes to get into in this part of the country, so not much in the way of high speed offroad running, and I don't care for the breakage that goes with extreme offroading.
The build is a ways off, but trying to develop a game plan and watch for deals on parts I plan to use. Before this happens, I need to get the transmission and transfer case sorted. At least the transmission rebuilt/replaced and the reansfer case on hand since it might require custom driveshafts to install (don't want to do that twice). Will be putting the F-100 in the shop for a complete rework before this happens and that is likely to take a year or few. Also possibly a move in there which will eat into time and budget, but it gets me closer to job and shop so means more time to work on stuff.