Ranger for Bonneville

[BHR301]

I have been thinking about setting up a 1994 Ranger 2WD for racing at Bonneville. My question is: Can the factory type front suspension be lowered and set up for speeds of 150+ mph? I know how to set up the rear suspension but have questions and doubts about the design of the front...or should I just cut the frame off at the firewall and build a Mustang II style front end?

Bill

 

[straycat]

I have been thinking about setting up a 1994 Ranger 2WD for racing at Bonneville. My question is: Can the factory type front suspension be lowered and set up for speeds of 150+ mph? I know how to set up the rear suspension but have questions and doubts about the design of the front...or should I just cut the frame off at the firewall and build a Mustang II style front end?

Bill

Not very fast for the Bonneville, Bro. I saw S10's run over 200 mph there a few years back. My 99 Ranger has done right at 120 on the highway with no issues before I lifted it and added the 33's. 100mph is all I will let it get up to now and I have only done that a few times since the lift kit....lol

If the suspension is in great shape there should be not problem with going that slow. Stock performance cars can run that fast on the streets.

 

[06RangerXLT]

going that slow.... HAHAH.

good one.


you should be fine, just be sure its all in good shape. a blown wheel bearing at 150 mph on salt, means your on your roof. roll cage, first thing you should worry about.

 

[BHR301]

Hi there straycat...as far as not being very fast...I am looking at a 154.961 Record in F/BMMP (for those that don't understand, that is a Thunderbird TurboCoupe 4-cylinder engine in a mini pickup). Also, you driving 120 on the highway in your 99 Ranger is no help to me, you have IFS with upper & lower control arms, I have twin I-beams on my 94 and that is a totally different suspension and this is why I was asking if anyone knew how to make it handle at speed.

Bill

 

[rangerbum]

Twin I beam ranger will handle that speed no problem. It will be jarring every joint in suspension, and cooking your bearings, but I'm sure if you are serious about this that you already know that. Before running those speeds I recommend changing all body and suspension bushings, motor and tranny mounts, and new bearings with high speed bearing grease.

Poly bushings should probably be the only choice for your application. That is unless you want to replace them every other run.

so the jist of the story, yes, the ranger twin I beam is capable of 150 as long as its in decent shape. Heck, you wouldn't even need to lower it if it wasn't for the aerodynamics of the truck.

What are your plans for rear suspension?

And I imagine you've given aero a thought? Ive had my ranger with good suspension(stock height) at 100-115 and held that speed and it was doable, but not exactly stable. Lot of front end float. Rear end also hopped quite a bit. Whatever you decide for rear end, make sure its not to stiff or soft, spring rates will need some research before I would buy anything, that way you only have to buy them once

 

[BHR301]

Thanks rangerbum, thats the information I was looking for on the front end. Both front and rear of the truck will be as low as I can get and still allow it to roll. Front end height will be limited by the cross member as the pan for the dry sump oiling system is higher than it is. Would like to convert a set of dropped I beams to a coil-over shock system for adjustability. A quick change rear end will be mounted on ladder bars or a 4-link system with coil-overs to allow for adjustment in both height and spring rate. The only bushings (poly) in the truck will be in the suspension as I am intend to solid mount the cab, bed, engine and transmission. Chassis will be tied together with a 12 point roll cage mounted to the frame after it is boxed for strength. I plan on using bored & stroked Ford 2.3 engines in both NA and turbo charged form driving through a Richmond 5 speed to the quick change.

Bill

 

[Rose2300]

You could get some dream beams, which give you a few inches of drop. and maybe you could fab up a swap bar that limits travel more than the stock one