Lift Recommendations 2001 Ranger FX4

[ivan_t]

I have a 2001 Ford Ranger FX4 currently fitted with P265 75R16 tires which are nearing the end of their useful life. When I switched from the stock tires to the taller sidewall, my mechanic adjusted the front torsion bars to provide the extra clearance for the P265s (IIRC the stock tire was a P235).

If I end up keeping the truck, I want jazz it up with a bolder look (larger tires, aftermarket rims with positive offset, etc), but that would require some sort of body or suspension lift to get the necessary clearance for the bigger tires.

I don't have the time or facilities to do the work myself, so I am looking for a shop in the Los Angeles, CA area (preferably in the Burbank / Sun Valley area) who could do the work.

I am also looking for recommendations on whether I should do a body lift, suspension lift, or some combination of the two. The P265 75R16 tires that are on the truck now are about 31.5" tall. I am thinking that I would want to go with something 34" to 36" tall.

Thanks,

ivan_t

 

[gw33gp]

Ford did not come out with the FX4 until the 2002 model year. It really doesn't make any difference though as to what you need to do to fit 34" or 36" tires because the FX4 height and suspension is the same as the XLT 4WD Ranger. I have not considered tires that tall but I think you are going to need more than a body or suspension lift to fit those large tires. They are also going to be wide and will probably interfere with the fenders. Some of that will be due to having to use wheels with more back spacing so the tires will clear the frame when turning sharp. I am sure someone will chime in that has done this to give you more specific advice.

 

[ivan_t]

Question Lift Recommendations 2001 Ranger FX4

Yes, my bed side decal says "4x4 off road", not "FX4 off road", so what you say makes sense. I am embarrassed to say that I actually had to go downstairs and look at the truck to be sure. My brain has this strange way of tuning things out that I see every day

Yes, if I go with the wider tires, I expect I'll need some offset in the rims to move the center line of the tires outward. Things are already tight with the 31.5" x 10.4" (i.e. P265 75R16), especially in the front.

Thanks for your reply,

ivan_t

 

[bobbywalter]

josh knows a shop near there. i think...they did his original sas.


33 in tires are pretty good for what you want to do. 36 will require some gears...the money from there is non stop.

 

[pjtoledo]

I am embarrassed to say that I actually had to go downstairs and look at the truck to be sure. My brain has this strange way of tuning things out that I see every day

congratulations, you're normal.