General Maitenance

[Dep. Ranger]

I am not sure if this topic goes here, but if it needs moved just please let me know.

I drive a 99 Ranger 3.0 5sp. 2WD. It is my daily driver and only sees dirt roads. It has about 80,000 miles. I recently installed a 3in Body Lift. I am looking to do a complete tune up on it.

• New Battery
• New Spark Plugs
• New Plug Wires
• New Front and Rear Shocks

My Question to you all, is what types of brands should I use for these items? Another question is, do I need longer shocks for my 3 inch body lift(I am thinking no but not sure)? Your advice is much needed and appreciated! Thanks in advance.

 

[mud390]

For batteries, I usually go upper middle of the road parts house special or Walmart. Walmart and most parts houses (Napa, Advanced, etc) are national, so if you travel and have an issue, you can take care of it so long as you keep your receipt in the truck. For plugs and wires, can't really say since I haven't done mine yet. You won't need longer shocks with a body lift.

Kris

 

[BlackBII]

Parts? Autolite.

Shocks don't need to be longer, as with a body lift, your not changing the suspension at all. Stock replacement shocks will be fine, but 4wheelparts usually has some sort of deal going on performance shocks.

 

[Dep. Ranger]

thanks for the replies. please keep them coming...

 

[AgPete139]

I agree with Mud, on getting a decent middle-tiered battery with about a 24 month warranty. The more cranking amps (both for regular/cold starting) are of better quality, but no brand really sticks out above the rest (all the same). Expect to pay around $80 (+/- $10). Optima is excellent, but you don't need one for your application.

Spark plugs, I would go with Autolite since they are made for our trucks. Single node is fine, and at $1.50-ish they are well worth it. Bosch made my 4.0L OHV run a little different (not in a better way either).

I replaced my ignition wires at 95K miles with Motorcraft brand. Worked stock, and flawlessly ever since (190K miles now).

New shocks are not necessary. A body lift only makes the gap/space between the frame & body larger. The suspension (including shocks) remains stock between the axles and the frame. Stock shocks are all you need.


Good luck.

Pete

 

[AgPete139]

Dang, I'm ALWAYS the last to reply! That's pretty much all you need, buddy!

 

[Toms01PSD]

If you're looking to replace new shocks i'd recommend Bilsteins. They ride awesome.

 

[caveman_joey]

Well i recently did the plugs and wires on my 98 ranger with the 2.5L went with the new autolite xp104 plugs and duralast plug wires from AutoZone. Had them in now for about 1000 miles and been happy with them ..

 

[daniel3507]

i went with motorcraft plugs and autolite wires and it made a good difference. as for battery i have an interstate battery. 85 month pro rated warranty on it.

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

Can't go wrong with OEM....get Motorcraft plugs.

 

[MountainMike]

OEM for the plugs and wires is always good and I got a set of Rancho 5000's for my Ranger haven't installed them yet but I've heard nothing but good stuff about them

 

[AllanD]

Battery? Motorcraft, Group65 (the biggest that will fit the battery tray)

Plugs? My personal peference on Plugs for my Fords? Motorcraft.
Ditto for ALL filters. (Fuel, oil and air)

Spark wires? KEM Electric "Mag Plus" wires, these use inductive supression
they have a spirally wound stainless steel core which cannot break down
like a carbon core will. (BTW, they have a lifetime replacement warantee)

Shocks? I run Bilsteins, but the Bilsteins cost EACH what Monroe Sens-A-Trac
cost new, and twice what the Monroe Reflex cost, but I got a deal on them.

BTW, don't forget the accessory belt! (Gates, Dayco or Goodyear)