Feedback on Fabtech 2.5" Performance Lift Kits?

[Zapp]

Folks
I'm having a more difficult time than I imagined finding straight info on the right way to achieve a modest 2.5" or thereabouts suspension lift.
I'm not racing or "offroading" my 2002 2.3L 2WD stretch truck, but I need it for landscaping, which does take it off pavement a bit, and with 1000 lbs of pea gravel or dirt in the rear [it really sags right now].

So, I didn't really see any good threads on a lift of this type so went to the tech library and saw all the vendor ads [odd for a tech library...]

Can someone tell me if the Fabtech 98-05 Ford Ranger 2.5” Performance System Coil Front Suspension with rear leaf springs is the right way to go?
What about shocks? which shocks would you reco with a modest lift like this?

all realworld proven recos GREATLY appreciated!!

thx

 

[RangerRyan88]

I'll start off saying I don't know much about Fabtech, aside from that they're very popular on the newer (A-armed) Rangers.. But if you're just looking to get the front end a little further off the ground and making the rear handle heavier loads, I would look into a spindle lift for the front (I think they can achieve up to 3") and Explorer leafs for the rear. The spindle lift should come with new shocks if necessary. The Explorer leafs are taller since Explorers are spring-under instead of spring-over, and are a little stronger for the heavier SUV rear-end. Also there's a good page in the tech section with a lot of different manufacturers of lifts for all the years/drivetrains of our trucks. Hope this helps!