Late Model Leveling

[denfelcj]

Bought an '07 Ranger 4x4 v6 4.0L couple of months ago and i've been putting alot of research into a leveling kit. I don't like the idea of cranking my torsion bars because of axle roll, shackle lifts look sketchy, blocks for the front end are out of the question, and a body lift isn't what I want. I am probably going to wind up getting the superlift or the rcd lift but I wanted to know is there any way I can do a custom suspension lift on just the front end? Could I maybe just put skyjacker coils on her? My first offroad vehicle so I'm fairly ignorant, thanks for the help in advance.

 

[railman]

with an 07, as you know you have torsion bars...so lift coils are out of the question..

there really isn't anything wrong with cranking your torsion bars for 1 1/2" - 2"
of lift...since all you want is a "level" look...

it is when you go more than 2" that you run into ball-joint / CV joint issues...

shackle lifts are fine for the rear, nothin' sketchy about them....as long as you stay in the 1 1/2" - 2" lift range and use quality aftermarket shackles as well....

you should only go for the Superlift or RCD if you look to raise both ends at least 4"

l8r, John

 

[kennykenny]

^ Exactly what I would have said, but you beat me to it.

 

[loneranger48]

i hope you know that an 07 doesnt have an "axle" so cranking the torsion bars wont give it axle wrap like on a straight axle..and you cant use blocks in the front because its not a straight axle..so your main option is to crank the torsions and get either a shackle,different leafs,or a small block.

 

[Jay FX4]

Everyone cranks their t-bars. It's cool, man.

 

[denfelcj]

Thanks for all your help guys, i am going to crank my torsion bars like an 1 1/2" it makes me feel better about it knowing that i can't get axle wrap. I'm still going to save up for the superlift or rcd, will post pics.

 

[JohnnyO]

Also know that Rangers from '06-up have lower torsion keys and shorter rear blocks from the factory than pre-'06 models.

 

[denfelcj]

Also know that Rangers from '06-up have lower torsion keys and shorter rear blocks from the factory than pre-'06 models.

What does that mean? Should I buy new torsion keys?

 

[danger_ranger05]

negative on the new keys. In my opinion its just a waste of money and those aftermarket keys tend to max out your bars which is hell for your CV joints. Since you want the level look your stock keys will do just fine. If you want bigger tires, a BL is your cheapest option.

Ive also read some reviews on superlift for 98+ rangers. The lift is not very durable for offroad applications because all the lift does is lower your torsion bar system. This means that it is gonna be closer to the ground so the chance of something hitting and bending or breaking something increases.

I don't thing the RCD lift is made anymore, but Dixon Brothers make a system that replaces your torsion system with coil springs, $4000.

Another alternative you have is a SAS (Solid Axle Swap)

 

[denfelcj]

negative on the new keys. In my opinion its just a waste of money and those aftermarket keys tend to max out your bars which is hell for your CV joints. Since you want the level look your stock keys will do just fine. If you want bigger tires, a BL is your cheapest option.

Ive also read some reviews on superlift for 98+ rangers. The lift is not very durable for offroad applications because all the lift does is lower your torsion bar system. This means that it is gonna be closer to the ground so the chance of something hitting and bending or breaking something increases.

I don't thing the RCD lift is made anymore, but Dixon Brothers make a system that replaces your torsion system with coil springs, $4000.

Another alternative you have is a SAS (Solid Axle Swap)

I will look into the RCD lift some more to see if i can't find it. I will stick to my stock keys for the time being. I only want to fit 32 or 33's and I should have enough clearance after cranking the bars. Thanks for all the responses you guys are great!

 

[denfelcj]

I just recieved feedback from RCD.

Our 5” suspension system for the 98-02 Ford Ranger 4wd models has been discontinued and is no longer available. We will not be developing any new products for these applications, or reproducing any past products in the future. If you have any questions or need any further information please feel free to e-mail me back, or you can also give us a call toll free at (866) 469-7257.

Thank you for the inquiry.

Matt Yoder
RCD Suspension
1900 Weld Blvd., Ste. #100
El Cajon, CA 92020
PH # (619) 588-4723
info@racecardynamics.com
www.racecardynamics.com


So there ya go, rcd isn't making the lift anymore, but it looks like you can find it online from some 4x4 part dealers.

 

[danger_ranger05]

I don't believe 33s will fit with just a tbar crank, but you should be able to fit 32s

 

[Jay FX4]

The only way to score an RCD kit is to try and find a used one.

Instead of aftermarket torsions keys, you can get the torsion keys from earlier Rangers up to '06. Those will give you the height of the earlier models, allow you to get some front end lift without cranking them to the extreme, and eliminate any notion you may have about getting the aftermarket torsion keys - which you do NOT want.

I wasn't sure when the Ranger got lower, so I'm basing that on JohnnyO's comment that '06 is when they were lowered.

Also, some people have been known to run a narrow 33" tire without a lift, such as the 33x10.5 BFG AT.

 

[BCCrawlerZ]

Everything I have read says that I can fit a 33 10.5 on my 06 FX4 Level 2 after just cranking the torsion bars without and tire rub... Which is what I plan on doing hopefully very soon... Eventually going to add a body lift as well..

I also have heard bad things about the superlift and if I had the money I would definately be getting the Dixon kit.. But until I win the lottery that wont happen!