Torsion key Lift 08-up

[09fx4guy]

Good Afternoon,

I own a 2009 fx4 Ranger that is currently bone stock as far as suspension, it came from the factory with b rated torsion bars. Since ive owned the truck ive always wanted to lift/level the front of the truck to get rid of the factory rake. My ultimate goal is just to be somewhat level and perhaps fit either 265/75r16 or 265/70r16 (not sure yet). Not looking to go wild offroad, just the occasional dirt trail or beach. I have read up on the positives and negatives of aftermarket keys, as wells as the "pre key" mod. Here is what i was considering as far as suspension lift.

For the rear, getting a set of 2.5 inch blocks off an earlier ranger to replace my 1.5 inch factory blocks, and replacing stock shocks with rancho rs5000. It gives me a little more clearance at a decent price. This seems pretty cut and dry, no issues.

My main question is this, would there be a difference between putting on the readylift 66-2020 torsion keys vs. getting a set of factory keys from a 2007 and earlier ranger. (I also would add some extended length rancho rs5000 shocks, no spacers). I am probably only going to lift the front about 2-2.25 inches from the 2009 ride height, which is already lowered from 2007 and earlier rangers. Ive seen pictures of guys with crazy lower control arm angles, and my current ride height isnt even CLOSE to that.

I am curious for any thoughts, concerns, and observations, especially from someone who has done something similar. Thank you in advanced.

 

[rdm21740]

Go to the junk yard and get some keys from an older ranger. Just as good as buying new ones. Cheaper. And you'll be better off instead of getting the aftermarket keys. You may not need longer shocks on the front. Double check that. But I'm pretty sure you'll be fine with stock shocks. Also while your at the JY consider getting some stronger torsion bars. Ones with either a code A or code 1. They're a little stiffer but stronger and will last longer. Trust me. I had code B's and I hit a rut that I misjudged the size of and it over torqued them. They were no good


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[pjtoledo]

the stock front shocks run out of travel when lifted, the wheel won't be able to drop into a hole or whatever. results in little articulation and a lousy ride.
to determine what length you need, mark the shock when the truck's on the ground at ride height.
then jack it up so the wheel is at full droop, don't jack by the control arm!
final measurement is with wheels on the ground, remove the top nut and collapse the shock.
you can then select a length that works for you.
also check the bumpstop clearance.

 

[09fx4guy]

Thanks for the replies:

RDM- I was planning on going to a jy for the rear blocks and quite probably the keys as well. Where i live its not very easy to find a jy that has those parts, but they can usually get them. I was going to install the #1 bars at a later date. I was planning to buy the bars from ford. I know it will be a little expensive but I'd rather have bars that have zero miles on them than bars that have 100000 miles. Blocks and keys dont really wear like springs. Since my truck has only 33000 miles on it, the bars should still ok for the time being.

Pj- Thats pretty much what i was figuring on doing.

 

[07nhbpsi]

Here u go......I did keys from truxx and ordered a set of 3in blocks, then proceeded with a 3in body lift with 265-75-16 been running this setup for about 16k on standard length shocks no problems whatsoever..... btw when I installed the truxx torsion keys, I had adjusted them for roughly 2.5 in lift over stock, which is only .5in over the prelift from pre 08' this accompanied with a 3in block out back leveled out my trk....... I do not think it is necessary to use a longer shock as from my research the pre 08' rangers use the same shock, and they sit 2in higher...... btw, much to what a lot of people claim there was no difference in my ride....believe me I put a lot of time researching this from many points and spent lots of time debating all of this, in the end I choose to do it and am more than happy with my results!!! Just remember that the terrible bouncy ride people get from the front end is from over adjusting their torsion keys.... and do not I repeat do not buy the cheap ass eBay keys for $40 .... u get what u pay for...I actually was gonna use the pre 08' keys from ford, but decided against them only because I found an awesome deal on keys made by Truxx on eBay..... actually we're cheaper than the Oem... and yes, I was gonna purchase 'new' rather than scurry a scrap yard to save $30....not worth my aggravation... I hope this had helped u make a decision!? If u need any more help u can message me....Jeff

 

[09fx4guy]

Thanks Jeff,

That's a nice looking truck. I was thinking about the truxx keys but i was slightly hesitant on the quality of them. I am probably going to go whatever way is the cheapest (except for the cheap ebay junk). I may be able to get a set of early ford keys for about 30 bucks or so, which would be ideal for me. Yes they are from a yard, but its from a guy i know who says they are in good shape. I had thought about a BL but with the towhooks and grill guard on the front of my truck, it may be more hassle than its worth, especially since i dont want to go that high. As far as shocks that will be something i have to measure, but from what i read on rancho's website, the difference is mostly in the extended length of the shock, not the compressed length. I think the problem people have with the ride is when they are lifting a 2007 and earlier ranger more than 2 inches, not lifting a 2008 and later ranger.