Budget Lift for 2002 (Not using T-Bars)

[02RangerXLT]

What are my budget lifting options for my 2002, without having to crank the T-Bars?

I saw these:

These are Torsion Keys right? And from some of what I'm read, they aren't really recommended?

I'm wanting a small lift, and not a body lift. If the budget option lifts the front enough, I'll put Belltech 6400 Shackles in the rear.

What do you recommend? Or is my best option to just do the T-Bars?

 

[Bennybooster]

the t bars

 

[4x4junkie]

Those keys are like an extreme version of cranking the torsion bars (an open invitation to frontend problems). Just crank your t-bars for about 1.5" or so lift, you should be fine (and it's free).

 

[02RangerXLT]

10-4, thanks for the opinions... i wish I had a front end with coils, lol.

Free with an alignment, that is.

 

[legoms013]

Don't waste your money on torsion keys.

Your options are:
Body lift (cheap)
Crank your t-bars (equally as cheap)
4" superlift kit or discontinued and rare RCD kit (ass expensive)

Thats it unfortunately for torsion setup Rangers.

 

[JohnnyO]

Torsion keys are the same thing as cranking your torsion bars, except it's more work.
With just a 1.5" torsion crank to level you can fit 32's on the right rims and you don't need to lift the rear at all unless you just want to.

 

[Wyant]

repy

I put a 3 inch body lift on my 02 xlt. I also cranked the torsion bars to make it sit level. I am running 33's and it looks pretty good. But! at the end of the day and several front end problems later i wish i would have just saved the money for the 4 inch suspension lift from superlift. If i were to do it again thats what i would have done. If you do crank the t bars, immediatly have it aligned.

 

[98RedRanger]

What I was thinking of doing is cheap but im not sure if it will work. Get torsion keys, and still crank up the torsion bars and a 3 inch block to replace the 2 inch stock block in the rear. I just don't want a maxed out suspension because I tend to fly down dirt roads doing about 55 and losing control is not an option.

 

[JohnnyO]

I just don't want a maxed out suspension

New keys and cranking the torsion bars is going to do exactly that.

http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/showthread.php?t=42452

 

[strvger]

while a body lift doesn't appear to be something you want, it is the only lift that will keep your suspension completely stock. no alignment, no front end problems, no rear blocks, etc. room enough for the tires you want. just my $.02.

 

[98RedRanger]

New keys and cranking the torsion bars is going to do exactly that.

So basically new torsion keys just do the same thing as cranking the torsion bars 1.5 inches or does it keep the suspension stock but lift the front 1.5 inches to keep the stock ride quality? this is the big thing im not understanding here.

 

[railman]

So basically new torsion keys just do the same thing as cranking the torsion bars 1.5 inches or does it keep the suspension stock but lift the front 1.5 inches to keep the stock ride quality? this is the big thing im not understanding here.

aftermarket torsion keys are the same as cranking.....

you WILL need an alignment...and you WILL feel a difference in ride quality...

the best bet if you want no change in the ride is to do a bodylift.....as said before, it will give you the clearance you desire for the tires you want...

l8r, John

 

[JohnnyO]

So basically new torsion keys just do the same thing as cranking the torsion bars 1.5 inches

Yes.

or does it keep the suspension stock but lift the front 1.5 inches to keep the stock ride quality?

No. When I had my '02 Ranger Off-Road Package it didn't really affect the ride quality because the ORP shocks were so friggen' stiff that you wouldn't notice anyway. When I cranked the bars on my old '05 Sport Trac it was stiffer but I thought the ride and handling were actually better that way. Too soft stock.

Note:
The ONLY time keys will help is on the '08+ trucks because they were equipped with lower keys (and rear blocks) from the factory. Even then all you need are the stock '07-earlier keys and blocks.