Flatbed ‘99 Ranger

[Charliek]

Hi ya’ll

I am planning on picking up a flatbed off marketplace for my 1999 Ranger. I had a couple of questions if anyone has put one on their rig before.
Mounting it won’t be an issue, the main concern is weight. It looks to be a steel frame and aluminum elsewhere, so it’s got to be fairly heavy (300-500#).

I plan on getting an airbag kit (if anyone has any suggestions on one I’d love to hear it) but wanted to make a post and see if there are any other suggestions or considerations to keep in mind when adding all this weight to the truck.

The reason for getting it is to build a camper on the back, and haul the occasion fish totes.

Thanks in advanced!

 

[scotts90ranger]

Adding airbags isn't a bad idea but it isn't common on these...

For carrying extra weight switching to heavier springs is the normal go to, there's like 4 different options and I think the highest is 1750 or something, the cheap way is to grab 4 door Explorer leaf springs (without air shocks) from the junkyard but at this point anything in the junkyard is going to be on the worn side... 20 years ago was a different story LOL

 

[bobbywalter]

hmmmm...

these tend to be lighter than you think if it is a common production model.


looks like you are running a 4.0 4x4 with a manual. thats a great rig.

all comes down to your build goal and end weight...

are you opposed to fullsize axles?

considering heavy work, a full float is my first ideal.


you can customize a full float regardless, but if a sas is on the wish list at some point ...now may be the time to at least incorporate a rear. a c&c 14 is 63.x wms....with a flattie it is livable.

if you wish to stay fairly stock in drivetrain and overall weight is reasonable...say 2200, then some overloads and sumos from a place like e trailer will probably be just fine...maybe even just air shocks...

past that then at least consider an explorer upgrade in spring and axle and the airlift system...that airlift setup is a good system...but in the 500 dollar range. worth it though for a decent camper.

the explorer axle is rated to 3200 pounds where the rangers are 2750.

this all ASS-U-MES your chassis is not from 27 detroit winters...and very solid.

maybe do the barnes truss on the explorer axle with the air lift and be fairly worry free to 3 k overall.