Rear lift blocks and front shocks vs. Coil over conversion

[09RangerMike]

I really want to lift my lift but im just torn by all the different ways there are to go about doing so. Ive realized suspension lifts and LT suspension kits are out of the question bc they are out of budget. Recently my neighbor told me to throw blocks in the rear and get bigger shocks for the front. He said it would be fine but im not sure how it would ride. I understand when you buy cheap you get cheap. But a while back someone on this site told me about coil over conversion kits. I looked them up and they dont make them for 09 rangers anymore but there are custom kits so i hear but they require alot of welding from what i understand. Im new to the mechanic field so still learning. Basicly i want the truck lifted enough to fit 33s and be able to handle minor off roading and trail riding. Just asking for your best opinion on what i should do? Thanks for the help everyone.

 

[RangerSVT]

Body lift is an affordable lift, keeps your center of gravity lower than traditional suspension lift kits. Another idea is cutout flares. Lift blocks ars ok, just don't stack blocks...

SVT

 

[4x4junkie]

Some ideas here:
http://www.therangerstation.com/Magazine/Summer2003/LiftingOnABudget.htm

Agreed, a body lift is also a good way to go on the '98+ trucks that doesn't break the bank. As you found, getting significantly increased performance from the A-arm IFS means spending some significant coin (more than normally needed for earlier TTB trucks).

 

[09RangerMike]

Alright so blocks are ok but do they make 4-6in blocks for my ranger? And how would i go about lifting the front to level it after putting in the blocks?

 

[scotts90ranger]

Go with a 3" body lift or 2" body lift and cranking the torsion bars and you will probably fit 33's I think...

 

[09RangerMike]

If i lift the rear with blocks can i level the front with upgraded struts and springs?

 

[scotts90ranger]

you don't have struts, they're shocks in front, and you have torsion bars which you can crank the adjusting bolt (with the wheel you are working on off the ground to relieve stress on that bolt) on and probably get about 2" of height without spending anything... and if you get a block for the back, get a 3" block and U bolts and remove the stock blocks, and/or get some "chevy lowering shackles" that will lift the back end about an inch

 

[09RangerMike]

Can i have 3" blocks and the chevy shackles to have a total of 4" of lift in the rear? And is cranking the torsion bars the only inexpensive way to lift just the front other than getting s body lift?

 

[scotts90ranger]

If you replaced the 2" block with a 3" block and added shackles you'd have about 2" of lift in the back maybe 3", but you would have less axle wrap than if you went with taller blocks...

Yes, cranking the torsion bars is the only cheap way to lift the front, the next option is torsion keys which would give you another inch I think, other than that you have body lift or full on suspension lift...

 

[09RangerMike]

Would lifting the rear with blocks and just cranking the torsion bars to lift the front cause major problems in the future? Im just asking bc usually taking the cheap way out would cause some issues.

 

[RangerSVT]

Cranking the T bars usually results in a stiffer ride, and an alignment is highly recommended...

SVT