Starting my first lift.

[TType]

First off, thanks to everybody. I have already learned a lot from looking around on the site. My name is John and I live in Colorado. I'm 27 years old. I am a fleet mechanic. I was a Ford Master Technician, but that has since expired. I am not new to turning wrenches, but I have never lifted or built a rig.

I have a 1991 Ranger STX Supercab, 4x4, 4.0L, Manual Trans, Manual T-Case, Manual Hubs, D35-Front, 8.8"-Rear.

I love this truck, and it is bone stock now. It has been my daily driver for about 7 years. I'm not looking to do any crawling with it or anything like that, but would like a bit more ground clearance for taking it on fishing trips in the high country.

I certainly don't want to scab this project together, but I would like to keep it on a reasonable budget.

I'm sure you guys can help me out with my options. Thanks again, John

 

[GreatWhite]

wish I could help you ?
good luck and welcome

 

[turboranger91]

for very mild wheelin like you're talking about, i'd suggest the rough country 4". it's reasonably priced and will have everything you need.

 

[Hardwareman]

Sounds like a nice Ranger to me.

A lot of people here will probably recommend a "SkyJacker" lift but from what you are describing it sounds like a "Rough Country" will suit you just fine and it costs a lot less as well. I think there's an issue with one of the brackets punching the diff cover but I also think I heard it's been addressed. Not sure what kind of money you're looking to spend.





Allen

 

[TType]

Thanks guys. I was thinking about the 4" Tuff Country for the front. What do you guys think of that kit. Don't think I'll get the extended radius arms since I don't plan on flexing it too hard. Does that make sense?

Also, my Ranger has factory 2" blocks in the rear. I obviously don't want to stack blocks or have one 6" block either. I was thinking about doing the Explorer leaf swap and add the Belltech 6400 shakles while keeping the factory block. Do you guys think that would be a good option?

 

[KELLY88]

Sounds like a nice Ranger to me.

A lot of people here will probably recommend a "SkyJacker" lift but from what you are describing it sounds like a "Rough Country" will suit you just fine and it costs a lot less as well. I think there's an issue with one of the brackets punching the diff cover but I also think I heard it's been addressed. Not sure what kind of money you're looking to spend.





Allen

Not sure if Rough Country had that issue as well but I know Superlift did. And yes it has been addressed.

Thanks guys. I was thinking about the 4" Tuff Country for the front. What do you guys think of that kit. Don't think I'll get the extended radius arms since I don't plan on flexing it too hard. Does that make sense?

Also, my Ranger has factory 2" blocks in the rear. I obviously don't want to stack blocks or have one 6" block either. I was thinking about doing the Explorer leaf swap and add the Belltech 6400 shakles while keeping the factory block. Do you guys think that would be a good option?

John, welcome to the site. There's quite a few options for what you're looking for. If this truck won't be used for anything too drastic then a 3" body lift and a nice set of 31" tires would work well. If you're looking for suspension lift on a budget a popular thing to do out back is the 63" Chevy leaf spring swap. There's an article in the tech library about it. In fact the Tech Library is full of cheap lift ideas. Browse through there and see if anything catches your fancy.