What's the difference?

[thomasakehoe]

Hi everyone newbie here with a question. My 1992 Ranger is an extended cab with the STX option package. Basically I'm trying to find out what the difference is between the STX and non-STX trucks. I have seen on various websites selling different lifts that is says things like "will not fit STX models" etc... I'm starting to formulate a plan for suspension and body lift as well as flared bedsides and front fenders just trying to make sure I don't buy parts that I cannot use. I'm pretty much sure I want to go with the Skyjacker class 2 6" System with a Superlift Suprrunner steering conversion and a 2" body lift with 4" bulged and 3.5" rise fenders and bedsides. Any info on this topic will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Mutant Pony]

Some STXs had a factory 2" suspension lift (hi rider option). The lift Kits fit, You just have to remove the factory lift first.
I've also seen advertisements that recommend not lifting the supercab (Extended cab). I have a 6" suspension lift in my '87 supercab. I use it as a D.D. in the winter. It works fine.
Personally, I wouldn't use the superrunner system. It is really expensive and doesn't do that much.
What do you plan on using the truck for?

 

[4x4junkie]

Personally, I wouldn't use the superrunner system. It is really expensive and doesn't do that much.

This is true on a 6" lift, although the kit isn't overly difficult to modify if you have a 220V welder.
With the kit modded, it's a world of difference between it and the POS stock steering.

The STX Highrider I think was pretty much dead after about '90 or so, so it's mostly limited to things like heavier-duty shocks, and trim items like bucket seats with lumbar, leather-wrapped steering wheel, STX tape striping, etc. on your '92.

Best way to identify the Highrider suspension is to look for RIVETED-in spacers on the factory radius arm crossmember. If the member is simply riveted straight onto the frame, it's the standard suspension.

Hope that helps

 

[thomasakehoe]

Thanks for the information guys. I will crawl under the truck tomorrow and take a look at the radius arm cross member. I wasn't really sure about it when I got the truck it had 31" tires on it and they seemed to fit OK until I made a couple of turns at full lock and they rub just a bit in the front. My plans for the truck are "total toy" I want to be able to drive it to and from the trails in my area. The furthest being around 30 miles away. And I want a truck that has a good amount of ground clearance and flexes really ell as that is what is needed for the trails that I normally go on. We have some rather deep mud holes with areas of broken slate making kind of steps that sort of thing. Most guys that I've seen get suck around here is due to having a wheel or sometimes 2 up in the air doing all the turning. And yes I know a locker is a good ida. But I just did a front locker in my 93 Isuzu Trooper and that was a nightmare mainly due to the design of the front axle and having to pull the entire front end out including the large brackets that mount the housing just to get out the third member. I just don't feel like pulling another axle apart at least not until Spring. No garage at my place. And the fnders and bedsides are just for more tire clearance as well as a way to repair the rear bedsides that someone went to town on with filler.

 

[thomasakehoe]

OK so I took the Ranger up and pressure washed a ton of mud out from under it as the previous owner didn't seem to care that his truck was holding a football field worth of turf under the frame and bed. Found a really bad section in the drivers side floor right where you'd put you feet. So I ordered a complete new floor pan from Ford (Ouchy) and while under there I looked at the radius arm connections and where it goes back to the cross member it doesn't have a separate bracket riveted to the cross member rather the large bolt and bushing just slide into the front face of the cross member through a hole. Was also just wondering if Ford ever used a factory body lift on an y trucks as my body mounts seem kind of thick like maybe 2 inches or more with the weight of the truck on them and they aren't like the hockey puck type plastic spacers I've seen from Performance Accessories these are soft rubber. Oh and another note I'm thinking of running TrXus MT size 255/85R16 for tires as I have them on my trooper and love em even on the ice the grip really well.

 

[Ranger44]

Those sound like regular body mounts to me, don't think Ford a "factory body Lift". On a stock truck you can run up to a 31" tire. I run 30" tires on mine stock. As for tires, I've always heard really good things about BfGoodrich's AT's and MT's. Heard they wear good, and perform well in snow and on the trail. For Lift kits that are SAFE and give lots of clearance there are James Duff's 5.5 kit or Skyjackers 6 inch kit. Both will give you lots of flex. Now if you weren't wanting to go so tall the james duff 3" works good and offers plenty of flex with longer radius arms. You want to get a good quality kit for reliability and safety sake.

 

[thomasakehoe]

Yah actually while doing some research online after my last post I went back to James Duff and clicked on the "What's New" link and saw the 5.5" lift. It really seems like the best lift for my wants. may just start with the suspension lift get that in and then try fitting my spare TrXus on from my Trooper for fit. I think with the bedsides and flared front fenders I should have plenty of room to tuck them up even at full turn. I really the TrXus because of the tread design and the tall narrow profile, but with the 4" bulge fenders they might look a little funny will have to wait and see. My bedsides are on there way and Im getting the bed prepped this weekend for the install.

 

[AllanD]

The Highrider brackets space the ENTIRE radius arm crossmember down by about 1.5"

So the radius arm will attach EXACTLY the same way, the difference is the way the
BRACKET(aka "crossmember") is attached to the frame.

But anyway the point is Moot, as the factory didn't make any Supercabs
with the highrider suspension.

And the Higrider was introduced in 1987 and dropped at the end of
the 1989 model year.

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[Ranger44]

When I get a lift kit, I'll be getting either a 3" or 5.5" James Duff.