First time Ranger

[hmalopez]

Hello everyone, my name's Henry! My ride is a 2008 FX4. So, this is not my first truck, but it is the first time I've considered modifying one. My original plan was to use this Ranger for a couple of years until I could afford to get a new/used Colorado ZR2/ZR2 Bison. I decided $3k-$5k to do some mods is a lot cheaper than spending $50k. So naturally after doing some research I have many questions. My first thought was just to go with a 4" Superlift and be done with it. After doing some more research, I decided on replacing torsion keys with pre 2008 keys and cranking them. Then, of course, I ran across the coil over conversion. I've read so many opinions that my head is now spinning! My plan is to put 33s, what is the best option?

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Welcome to TRS.
How do you use the truck?
How do you use the truck 90% of the time?
What do you want to use the truck for?

 

[hmalopez]

Mainly used as my DD. Not a lot of off roading yet but plan on getting out more. Possibly some overland use down the road.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I can't help you, my knowledge is with 97 and earlier.
However someone will be along to help you out.
The old rangers are surprisingly capable stock. I would bet yours is too. I'd be inclined to go with the cheapest option to fit 33's.

 

[hmalopez]

Sounds good, thanks always. Look forward to everyone's input

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Another thought;
Depending on present tire size, a gear change may be needed once you go to 33". There are calculators in the "tech section" at the top of every page.

 

[Uncle Gump]

Nice truck and welcome to TRS...

With the earlier torsion keys and rear block installed on your truck... you can get a 32 inch (265/75/16) tire on it with ease... and probably go 33 inch with a little tweaking. On my 06 at factory ride height I clear 32's without a problem and I feel they line up with the factory 4:10 gear nicely. I think If I were to go to 33's I would be looking to change gears to keep it in the sweet spot. Once I get my new bumpers on (they weigh twice what the factory bumpers weigh) and get my cap set up for camping I will evaluate the ride height again. It will probably require a little torsion tweak and I may put my old man emu add a leaf in the rear. My goal is to keep it a close to factory as I can... I don't plan to wheel it... just get me to and from my outdoor adventures.

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

Put.
A.
2.9.
In.
It.

 

[Oxxon]

Hello and welcome to TRS!

 

[hmalopez]

Nice truck and welcome to TRS...

With the earlier torsion keys and rear block installed on your truck... you can get a 32 inch (265/75/16) tire on it with ease... and probably go 33 inch with a little tweaking. On my 06 at factory ride height I clear 32's without a problem and I feel they line up with the factory 4:10 gear nicely. I think If I were to go to 33's I would be looking to change gears to keep it in the sweet spot. Once I get my new bumpers on (they weigh twice what the factory bumpers weigh) and get my cap set up for camping I will evaluate the ride height again. It will probably require a little torsion tweak and I may put my old man emu add a leaf in the rear. My goal is to keep it a close to factory as I can... I don't plan to wheel it... just get me to and from my outdoor adventures.

Uncle Gump, thanks for the info.

Nice truck and welcome to TRS...

With the earlier torsion keys and rear block installed on your truck... you can get a 32 inch (265/75/16) tire on it with ease... and probably go 33 inch with a little tweaking. On my 06 at factory ride height I clear 32's without a problem and I feel they line up with the factory 4:10 gear nicely. I think If I were to go to 33's I would be looking to change gears to keep it in the sweet spot. Once I get my new bumpers on (they weigh twice what the factory bumpers weigh) and get my cap set up for camping I will evaluate the ride height again. It will probably require a little torsion tweak and I may put my old man emu add a leaf in the rear. My goal is to keep it a close to factory as I can... I don't plan to wheel it... just get me to and from my outdoor adventures.

Uncle Gump, thanks for the info. If I'm reading the build guide from this site correctly, I have 4.56 gears so I should be good to go with 33', correct? I have been looking into the old torsion keys and bigger blocks. Wulf Suspension has a kit for around $300 that includes Wulf branded shocks. They also sell the same kit with Bilstein shocks for about $525. Should I go for the kit with the Billsteins?
Like your idea about getting to camping spots as my in-laws are retired and like to fish and camp and we are planning to join them some wekends.

 

[hmalopez]

Hello and welcome to TRS!

Thanks Oxx

 

[hmalopez]

Put.
A.
2.9.
In.
It.

You saying swap my 4.0 to a 2.9? Only had 98k on it when I bought it.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

You saying swap my 4.0 to a 2.9? Only had 98k on it when I bought it.

PJ is the local (xxx xxx) that thinks 2.9 are gods gift to ford. Its a running joke between members. Looks like you're in the "in" crowd. It also doesn't take much to get put on his "list". lol.

 

[hmalopez]

PJ is the local (xxx xxx) that thinks 2.9 are gods gift to ford. Its a running joke between members. Looks like you're in the "in" crowd. It also doesn't take much to get put on his "list". lol.

Haha, got it! Uh "glad" to be in?

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

@alwaysFlOoReD I'm voting for you for PM. To hell with Trudeau.