Suspension Lifts vs. Body Lifts - Which is better?

[Chuck "Classic Ford" JR.]

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

 

[Mr.P]

I personally like the functionality of the suspension lift. I feel it rides better and imo looks better. I don't like seeing the guts from a body lift. It's a personal opinion. Both serve their purposes. So I would go towards suspension lift. On all my trucks I have owned I did suspension route.

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[Chuck "Classic Ford" JR.]

I personally like the functionality of the suspension lift. I feel it rides better and imo looks better. I don't like seeing the guts from a body lift. It's a personal opinion. Both serve their purposes. So I would go towards suspension lift. On all my trucks I have owned I did suspension route.

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The only reason I'd even consider a body lift is because it's more noticeable and it allows for bigger tires. The only difficult/expensive part would probably be the steering column extension; the spacers can be made for less than they could probably be bought, and bolts are just a Home Depot trip away. Body lifts do require a lot of man power if you don't have a lift though.

 

[JoshT]

I think you've got it a little backwards there, but it all depends on what you want to do. If you are talking about production parts then suspension lifts looks better, but more costly. Body lifts are cheaper, but don't look as good. Both allow for bigger tires.

Lifting your 86 2wd is going to be quite a bit different than either of those 04s. Completely different suspension between those years. A proper suspension lift for your 86 2wd is much more affordable than it is for those trucks. Even if you choose to do some of the more budget DIY lifting mods suspension lifts will look better. Unlike on those newer trucks you first gen doesn't have any proper bracket kits available to bring the front bumper back into alignment with the bumper.

Check out the tech library, there's some articles in there about lifting on a budget that might be just what you are looking for. Given the lift you have in mind a coil spacer or washer lift come to mind for the front. For the rear probably "Chevy lowering" shackles (they lift a Ranger), or lift blocks and u-bolts from a 4x4. Small lift/leveling coils are available but probably more than you want to spend. With any of the front lifting options you may need camber eccentrics to align the suspension, should be available at a NAPA.

 

[JoshT]

The only reason I'd even consider a body lift is because it's more noticeable and it allows for bigger tires.

Body lift does allow for bigger tires, and so does a suspension lift. Depending on the suspension lift used it allows for a lot bigger tires. Realistically between a 3" body lift and 2" suspension lift you might be able to get a half inch larger tire to fit. Unfortunately due to shape of wheel wheels lift gain does not equal tire size gain.

You are right a body lift is more noticeable especially on a First gen. You know what I notice every time I see one? Eww they put on a cheap body lift rather than saving a little more for a suspension lift. That 3" gap between the front bumper and stone deflector (sheet metal under grill) looks like crap.

 

[Chuck "Classic Ford" JR.]

Check out the tech library, there's some articles in there about lifting on a budget that might be just what you are looking for. Given the lift you have in mind a coil spacer or washer lift come to mind for the front. For the rear probably "Chevy lowering" shackles (they lift a Ranger), or lift blocks and u-bolts from a 4x4. Small lift/leveling coils are available but probably more than you want to spend. With any of the front lifting options you may need camber eccentrics to align the suspension, should be available at a NAPA.

The "Lifting on a Budget" lift is EXACTLY what I wanted to do, with the coil spacers in front and the blocks and u-bolts from a 4x4 in the rear. I just thought about throwing a 1" body lift on top of that just for a little added effect. The only thing is, like you said, the issue with the bumper. I'm sure a fab shop could rig me something up, but at what cost. I just want the Ranger up higher than it is because it's so small and the stock suspension is so low to the ground I'm surprised I can still call it a truck. I mean hell look at it next to a STOCK F-150:

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[Mr.P]

I would say wait save for the suspension lift and do it nicely. Is there a reason to rush? Just curious. If it's worth doing its worth doing right. Otherwise you may regret it.

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[JoshT]

The only thing is, like you said, the issue with the bumper. I'm sure a fab shop could rig me something up, but at what cost.

No, they can't. Due to the way a first gen bumper mounts you can't just make a bracket. Once you install a body lift on a first gen there are two ways to close the gap over the front bumper. Build a custom bumper, or cut off the frame horns and raise the relative to the frame. (EDIT: I may be wrong about that, but I've never seen brackets to lift them.)

I just want the Ranger up higher than it is because it's so small and the stock suspension is so low to the ground I'm surprised I can still call it a truck.

Then go buy an F-150. Dude no matter what you do to that Ranger (on your "budget"), the F-150 it's sitting next to will still look like a fat bloated cow. Unless that F-150 is a 4wd (can't tell) that Ranger will go nearly anywhere that that F-150 will. If you really want to compare your truck to an F-150 go park it beside a stock 2wd 80s model, then think about the size difference.

Here's a slightly more practical comparison. Both of these trucks are mine. The one of the left is a stock '99 Ranger Extended Cab 4wd. On the right is a stock suspension (with 21 years of sagging) 1984 Ranger regular cab, long bed 2wd.

There was only a couple inches difference in ground clearance between the two trucks. That 84 2wd went nearly everywhere I took that 99 4wd, before the 99 did it. The only thing affecting ride height on the 84 was tire size. I was running a taller and wider tire than stock that fit the wheel well much better. The only changes that I ever made to suspension were sway bars on both ends and air shocks to level the truck for the few times I ever really carried a load. I can honestly telly you that that 84 carried heavier loads in its life than that 99 ever did. It also rode better and handled better than most other trucks I've ever driven. Unfortunately that made me cocky after I upgraded to 16" wheels, which resulted in the demise of the truck.

Honestly with the condition of your truck (pretty good for the age) and drive train, I wouldn't lift it or a lot larger tires. I'd start with doing what I did. Fill the wheel wells more. Put sway bars on it. If you need to carry a load invest in some air shocks. Save your money for a better lift and upgrades later on. One thing that no one talks about when installing those larger tires is the added wear and other supporting mods that come after adding that lift and larger tires. All those things cost money too.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Don't discount a '150, it may be a little bulkier but weight can help in a lot of situations. My stock 4x4 F-150 gets around better in snow and mud on 32" MT's (less than 1/2" taller than stock) than my 4x4 Ranger with all of its stuff on 31's (or even back when it was on 235's). The wider beam hurts manuverability but vasty improves the side to side motion on rough ground.

One nice thing about a Ranger though it is easier to find a bigger truck to pull you out and they seemingly weigh nothing. I have had both trucks high centered and the Ranger is far easier to drag out.

Yes you can just make a bracket. Don't hold me to its strength but the stock bumper really isn't anything to brag about for strength either. If anything I think it would be stronger with a hunk of angle iron of your choosing (mine is 3/8") tying the two frame rails together than the thick sheetmetal of the stock bumper. The bumper sits out a tad farther than stock and I cut about 3/4" notches in the bottom of it.

With a standard cab there isn't much of the frame to see, the frame is narrow so unless you also get a suspension lift it stays tucked under the cab fairly well.

Trim the airdam to fit around the angle iron to clean up the looks a little and I don't think it came out too bad... and you can gain the sorely need towpoints that Ford never graced a first gen with.

I did the semi-cheezy fix of aluminum diamond tread to fill in the gap at the rear, I have a chunk of 1/2" or better channel iron I am going to make a bumper out of someday. The rear would be fairly easy to make brackets for if you wanted to keep it.

The bodylift opens up the engine bay incredibly, much easier to get at everything. Same for pulling the trans. It also keeps the CG lower than a suspension lift.

I live in the midwest and for the most part stay in the midwest. So I really don't need crazy articulation or ultimate ground clearance (although with 31's the frame is still fairly high)

I have read that you don't need the steering extension for 2" or lower bodylifts.

 

[Mr.P]

I mean what is your purpose for bigger tires and lift? Just looks, functionality? You need to consider mileage and slight added strain on your system. Is it a daily driver or project truck?

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[Chuck "Classic Ford" JR.]

Then go buy an F-150. Dude no matter what you do to that Ranger (on your "budget"), the F-150 it's sitting next to will still look like a fat bloated cow. Unless that F-150 is a 4wd (can't tell) that Ranger will go nearly anywhere that that F-150 will. If you really want to compare your truck to an F-150 go park it beside a stock 2wd 80s model, then think about the size difference....

....a stock suspension (with 21 years of sagging) 1984 Ranger regular cab, long bed 2wd.

I know comparing my truck to an F-150 (which was a 2WD btw) probably wasn't realistic, but you have to admit my truck looks like a baby next to the other one. Lol. And the now 28 years of sagging is the reason I want it to sit up a little higher. I like the lifted look on the 1st Gens (especially 85_Ranger4x4's) and I just think it sits a little too low as it is.

Speaking of Mr. Restomod, did you fabricate that bumper lift bracket yourself or is there a company out there that manufactures it?

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I know comparing my truck to an F-150 (which was a 2WD btw) probably wasn't realistic, but you have to admit my truck looks like a baby next to the other one. Lol. And the now 28 years of sagging is the reason I want it to sit up a little higher. I like the lifted look on the 1st Gens (especially 85_Ranger4x4's) and I just think it sits a little too low as it is.

Speaking of Mr. Restomod, did you fabricate that bumper lift bracket yourself or is there a company out there that manufactures it?

I designed it, cut it out, clamped it together and had a guy at work weld it who does a lot more welding than I do.

The stock 2wds are pretty low, but the big perk of having a 2wd is fuel economy... a bigger taller truck will ruin that. Also catch more crosswind, handle worse... there is no such thing as a free lunch.

Personally unless you have offroad aspirations I would just leave it as is (maybe new stock springs) and enjoy the benefits it has.

 

[Chuck "Classic Ford" JR.]

The stock 2wds are pretty low, but the big perk of having a 2wd is fuel economy... a bigger taller truck will ruin that. Also catch more crosswind, handle worse... there is no such thing as a free lunch.

Personally unless you have offroad aspirations I would just leave it as is (maybe new stock springs) and enjoy the benefits it has.

Would a 2" suspension lift really kill it that much? Would a slight body lift do the same?

 

[Mr.P]

What kind of tires do you want? Aggressive tread? A/t?


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[85_Ranger4x4]

Would a 2" suspension lift really kill it that much? Would a slight body lift do the same?

A lift is a lift, you are driving a bigger vehicle with bigger tires through air.