Cutting out......

[GrayRanger]

I got a 98 Ranger with DJM uppers and lower control arms with (for now) Roush Springs so I am about 5in drop front. The back I took out the 7.5 for the 8.8 and put that inside the springs,(hits frame) so Air shocks hold it up from hitting so about a 6 to 7 inch in the back.
I rub not too bad (like a 6 from 1 to 10, 10 being it stops the truck on a dime with its rub). The tires are 215/70/R15, I would love to put my 20's back on once I am done painting them with the 255/35(or30)/R20.

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My Question is how much do I have to cut away to make this work with out rubbing the top of the wheel well? And if the Heater blower needs to be modded does any one have any pics of one modded so a bigger wheel will fit your drop? Any help would be great!

 

[GrayRanger]

Any input at all???

 

[JoshT]

Can't speak for any one else, but I'm not exactly sure what it is that you are asking.

 

[GrayRanger]

sorry if I did not make it clear.....
I am wandering how much I need to cut out to stop the rubbing from the tires and good spots to move things like Washer Fluid Reservoir and other things like that....... I hope this clears things up

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I'm not into drops but I think if you're cutting, c-ing or z-ing the frame above the rear you will have to do that math with the tires you're going to use to prevent rubbing. the same with the front. I have seen on TRS where people heated the plastic of the blower to make room for v-8's, maybe that is something you can do for clearance in the front? In any case, take and post pics with whatever you decide and....
Good luck,

Edit; you replied while I was writing.... I think this is something that is specific to your vehicle and the mods you have done. this means there won't be any answers such as cut the part "y" such and such inches. this is something you'll have to measure and figure out on your own.
Again, good luck,

Richard

 

[GrayRanger]

people heated the plastic of the blower to make room for v-8's.... I never thought of that..
My truck does not have a notch yet in the rear, but will soon. I got the 8.8 axle on top of the rear leaf springs.... the Front have the DJM control arms (top and bottom) so thats a 2inch drop with Roush spring the 3 inch drop so over all 5 inch drop.

over all 5/7 drop
five drop in front
seven drop in rear

 

[JoshT]

Okay it sounds like you are more worried about the front. Have you tried fitting your other wheels and tires on since the drop?

Looking at tire calculators the 20 is only .1" taller and about 1.5" wider than your current tire. With that it's really going to depend on the wheel. As Richard said it's really going to depend on your vehicle. Time to get out a tape measure and do a little trial and error. I hate referring people to different forums, but check out the drop forums over on RPS, they are a lot more active with people doing this type of thing. You may get some ideas on how to handle from browsing the threads over there. I doubt that you will actually have to modify the heater box, but I could be wrong. I haven't looked that close at the clearance on 98+ Rangers, since my 99 is 4wd and my lowered (but not that low) project is an 86.

The rear sounds like something else is off. Most people get about a 5" drop from swapping to spring under (correct term for axle being "inside the springs") 8.8" axle. They only have a little bit of frame clearance but not resting on the frame. Have you done anything else to lower the rear suspension?

Technically it should be hitting on bump stops (rubber pads under frame and over axle) before the frame unless you removed them. If it's just hitting when driving try trimming the bump stops down. If you are really that close to the frame it may be about time for a mini-notch.

 

[JoshT]

7+ inches in the rear just from going spring over with the 8.8"? That sounds like a bit much. Did you do the shackle flip or anything else?

I think your only issue with the tire size will be in the front. The wheel offset is another issue. You will have to try them and see, if too much offset either way and it could hit on the bed side or wheel tub. Easiest way to tell is to try.

 

[GrayRanger]

sorry...there is shackel flip too. My bad....