Newbie Lift questions

[KC-Ranger]

Hello, I have been recently given a 1998 Ranger 4.0 XLT 4x4 Offroad and i am wanting to put a 3" Body lift with 33x12.5 BFG A/T's on a set of 15x8's or 16x8's. Being im new to owning a 4x4 and have no experience or know how on lifts or rangers i have a few questions or clairifications that i would like some help with.

Is there any bumper or fender modifications needed for 12.5's to clear? And how bad will it effect my turning raidius?

Will the stock Shocks and gearing work without excessive wear or damage?

Do i have to mess with the T-bars?

Is there any issues with the stock brakes? I would prefer to run Disc on the back but other than a cobra conversion i havent really found much, any advice?

What Brand is the best to use on body lifts?

Is there any benifits on running 16" rims over 15" rims other than looks and im assuming a bit better handling due to less sidewall?

Is there anything i need to lookout for or tips on installing the kit Myself?

what power loss charcteristics and Fuel mileage changes will i be looking at?

sorry for all the questions i just want to make sure that its done well and right with the best equipment without realizing afterwards i should have done something diffrent. I am a Mechanic so ill be doing all the work myself so any pointers would be much appreciated.

Thankyou in advance

 

[BlackBII]

Hello, I have been recently given a 1998 Ranger 4.0 XLT 4x4 Offroad and i am wanting to put a 3" Body lift with 33x12.5 BFG A/T's on a set of 15x8's or 16x8's. Being im new to owning a 4x4 and have no experience or know how on lifts or rangers i have a few questions or clairifications that i would like some help with.

Is there any bumper or fender modifications needed for 12.5's to clear? And how bad will it effect my turning raidius?
Depends on the backspacing of the wheels that you get


Will the stock Shocks and gearing work without excessive wear or damage?
Shocks yes. Gearing...well I'd like to see at least 4.10's but preferably 4.56's with 33's. What do you have now?

Do i have to mess with the T-bars?
No. But you can crank them to raise the front end a little bit

Is there any issues with the stock brakes? I would prefer to run Disc on the back but other than a cobra conversion i havent really found much, any advice?
'95 and up Explorers came with rear disc brakes. Drums work just fine tho....

What Brand is the best to use on body lifts?
One that comes with all the hardware

Is there any benifits on running 16" rims over 15" rims other than looks and im assuming a bit better handling due to less sidewall?
Yes better handling due to less sidewall, but a it wont matter much on a 33' tire. Also, Most 33's come only in 15" rim sizes, 16" rims are normally Metric tire size. (285-75/16)

Is there anything i need to lookout for or tips on installing the kit Myself?
Its pretty simple, we have info in the tech library on installing them

what power loss charcteristics and Fuel mileage changes will i be looking at?
It'll most likely go down 2-5mpg, depending on your gearing of course

sorry for all the questions i just want to make sure that its done well and right with the best equipment without realizing afterwards i should have done something diffrent. I am a Mechanic so ill be doing all the work myself so any pointers would be much appreciated.

Thankyou in advance

 

[KC-Ranger]

Im Not sure what the gearing is now...im assuming there is a data tag on the rear-end?

What backspacing would i need to run? I think the rim style i like is called Pro comp they seem pretty popular which im assuming is becouse of the price..