This is getting VERY confusing

[TrexMex]

I have already lifted (leveled) my old 3.0 single cab with the Skyjacker STX (the ones specified for supercabs) coils with good success.. the end result was this:

I didn't use any lift whatsoever on the back and I got around 2.5" lift on the front...

Now, I just got a 94 4.0L supercab and was about to go ahead and order the same coils to level it out but after reading through most of the treads related to lifting/leveling I'm not so sure I'll get the same results, since now I have a heavier engine and cab than before... For a lack of better pic I'm attaching this one where you can see that the back doesn't look as lifted as my old truck, with the same stock lifting blocks in there...

So I'm confused.... I read that the 4" coils should give you around 2.5" lift... does this mean I still need the drop brackets and pitman arm? would this and the add-a-leaf for the rear would do the trick? this is my DD and I do go trailing on the weekends, but no rockcrawling or anything like it... If anyone could shed some light on what would be the best approach it would be really appreciated... NOTE: both trucks have 31X10.5 R15 tires, BFG A/T on the first one and Cooper M/T on the supercab....

Thanks again.

EDIT: The 2" STX "special" coils and the 4" coils cost exactly the same.... just thought it would be good to point it out... weird....

 

[tanbuddy]

If the front leveling coils dont level your new truck, jsut stick some washers under them. I think 2 inches is the most u can go with out brakets and pitman arm, so i wouldnt do the 4 inch lift unless u want to deal with all that.

 

[4x4junkie]

Yeah, I wouldn't chance it not aligning with 2.5" additional lift (using 4" coils).

Like tanbuddy mentions... Get some washers or a spacer to go under the front coil seats and use the same coils you already have. This will boost it up whatever amount of height is lost due to the truck's heavier weight.
BellTech 6400 extended shackles will work well for some addl. lift on the rear.

 

[TrexMex]

OK, I went ahead and ordered the leveling coils. I'll post pics of the end results....

Thanks for the help!!!

 

[sf3pox1]

OK, I went ahead and ordered the leveling coils. I'll post pics of the end results....

Please do; Looking forward to seeing that.

 

[TrexMex]

Please do; Looking forward to seeing that.

Coils are here! along with new shocks They seem to have a different part number for supercabs so I'm wondering if these coils have different stiffness, guess I'll find out soon enough....

Not being able to work on the truck this weekend, but I promise to take pics as soon as I put them in!!

 

[TrexMex]

Results from my mods so far:

Skyjacker coils and Nitro Shocks in the front...

'03 Leafs in the rear, they have 4 leafs instead of 3 like the old ones, It did make a difference.. as well as Skyjacker Nitros in the rear as well. I also changed all the bushings to polymer, including sway bar bushings and cab mounts. Truck handles inmensely better on the road and offroad, not to mention clearance from where it used to seat.. I also added a steering stabilizer which made a ton of difference as well, I just need to adjust the steering box a notch to make it a little stiffer. Here's a pic:

I used rancho stabilizer brackets since they are much beefier than the skykjackers and cost 2 bucks more (no kiddin'). Now, there's still a little bit of rake in there I want to get rid of, specially because springs will settle a bit so a buddy of mine made a steel "super washer", -1.5" high- on the lathe that I will be putting in in the short future to see if that fixes things. So far so good. Next mod will be towing hooks; the above picture shows a welded crossmember in the front... PO seems to have installed a front hitch that got the receiver cut to accomodate the current valance (why on earth would you do that???) so I'm thinking on adding a pair of OEM towing rings from a newer Ranger. OR, maybe just fixing the current receiver with a new hitch bar.... will see..

Comments/suggestions are welcome!!

 

[dangerranger83]

The pics. didnt show up.

 

[Beef52751]

the pics didnt work for me either and i really want to see how it looks.

 

[TrexMex]

there.... hope it works this time

 

[Beef52751]

they worked this time and it looks good. 3 questions though, First how much did those Coils and Shocks cost you if you dont mind me asking? Where did you get them? and what is the 4th gen sitting next to yours in the top pic?

 

[Will]

Adjust the steering box to make it stiffer?

 

[TrexMex]

Adjust the steering box to make it stiffer?

sorry I wasn't very clear with that comment... I meant turning the adjusting screw on the steering box to eliminate a fair amount of play that I have on the steering wheel so I have more control over the steering... I've read you need to go 1/4 of a turn until you get the desired steering response?

man I mentioned the word "steering" too many times......

 

[dangerranger83]

Is it okay that the coil is bowed out like that?

 

[4x4junkie]

Coil bow is common with leveling lifts. Not really an issue.

Be careful with that steering box though, you make it even slightly too tight and it will bind up on center (possibly damaging the box).
Best way to adjust that is to disconnect the linkage from the pitman arm and adjust it as tight as possible without having it bind while you rotate the wheel.

I'd lose that hitch crossmember thing too if you're not using it (repairing the receiver), it's just unneeded weight hanging over the front axle.

Truck looks good