Chuck "Classic Ford" JR.
Well-Known Member
I'm considering two possibilities for my 86 2WD: Either a 2" suspension lift and a 1" body lift (this way I can do the "Lifting on a Budget" mod with the spacers from a 4x4 Ranger and F-150), or a straight 3" body lift. My friend did a 2" susp. lift on his 04 FX4 Ranger and I helped him put a 1" body lift on top of that, so it wasn't that labor intensive. On the flip side, my other friend has an 04 step-side Ranger with a 3" body lift and (I believe) 33" mud tires, it's only a 2WD but it looks bad ass. Both setups look great, but I'm trying to weigh the pros and cons as to which one would be the best for my 86.
Here's what I know:
Suspension Lift:
-Steering column and body/frame grounds don't have to be extended
-"Budget" method gives me a 2" lift for $80 max, minus maybe having to buy new shocks
-Lifts the truck while still maintaining that stock appearance, which I like (at only 2" of course)
Body Lift:
-Allows for larger tires
-Spacers can be just about anything (John and I used regulation NHL hockey pucks on his FX4 with holes drilled in the center)
-3" body lift is much more noticeable than a 3" suspension lift
-Personally I like the way the body lift looks a little better than a suspension lift.
Basically, I know that while the body lift often times looks better and allows for bigger tires, it can get pretty costly. Perhaps some of you guys can give me some advice; I'm no lifting expert, I just know what they look like at the end and some of the more well known issues with each. I'm sure that the vote is probably split right down the middle on the issue, but I'm undecided. Any helpful info is much appreciated









Here's what I know:
Suspension Lift:
-Steering column and body/frame grounds don't have to be extended
-"Budget" method gives me a 2" lift for $80 max, minus maybe having to buy new shocks
-Lifts the truck while still maintaining that stock appearance, which I like (at only 2" of course)
Body Lift:
-Allows for larger tires
-Spacers can be just about anything (John and I used regulation NHL hockey pucks on his FX4 with holes drilled in the center)
-3" body lift is much more noticeable than a 3" suspension lift
-Personally I like the way the body lift looks a little better than a suspension lift.
Basically, I know that while the body lift often times looks better and allows for bigger tires, it can get pretty costly. Perhaps some of you guys can give me some advice; I'm no lifting expert, I just know what they look like at the end and some of the more well known issues with each. I'm sure that the vote is probably split right down the middle on the issue, but I'm undecided. Any helpful info is much appreciated









