Ranger Suspension, Lift Kits, Leveling Kits

[Stic-o]

As soon as I get mine, I have access to a old FJ40 with 33's on it. I think it's the same bolt pattern, just probably different backspacing. I could at least get a idea where everything sits.

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[rangerdanger]

 

[j0shm1lls]

huh... just starting R&D today eh?

 

[rangerdanger]

huh... just starting R&D today eh?

I'm assuming the SEMA build wasn't anywhere close to being ready for production.

 

[rduvall]

huh... just starting R&D today eh?

I'm assuming the SEMA build wasn't anywhere close to being ready for production.

Even though BDS had their hands on them early, full kits take time to develop and that means time with an actual production vehicle. Having that Project X vehicle, they should be pretty far along in the actual R&D from a CAD standpoint.

 

[j0shm1lls]

I'm assuming the SEMA build wasn't anywhere close to being ready for production.

Yeah, they probably mashed stuff together just to get it to sit at the right height. looks like the second video you linked is actually from a 'reposter' btw.

 

[rangerdanger]

Yeah, they probably mashed stuff together just to get it to sit at the right height. looks like the second video you linked is actually from a 'reposter' btw.

Fixed

 

[Desert_5G]

can someone put together a pro and cons list of the different types of lifts/leveling kits for those of us who know JS about lift kits?

 

[rduvall]

can someone put together a pro and cons list of the different types of lifts/leveling kits for those of us who know JS about lift kits?

Leveling Kits function by either raising the front or dropping the rear.
• Rear Drop Leveling - Often on older trucks you could just remove the rear block or replace it with another block to eliminate the rake of the vehicle and effectively level it. Doing this doesn't change any of the front end geometry and was the preferred method to level a small truck. Sometimes a "flip kit" is used to get the desired drop amount. This moves the rear leaf springs underneath the axle.
• Front Lift Leveling - This is much more standard now. This is accomplished one of two ways. The most cost-effective way is to use a front strut spacer. This spacer sits on top of the strut hat and allows whatever spacing is needed to raise the front of the truck to eliminate the rake. The other way is to replace the front strut and coil with a lifted coilover. Either of these methods changes the front geometry of the vehicle slightly. Sometimes, if the lift needed is enough, suspension companies will offer new upper control arms to help correct the geometry change.

Lift Kits function by raising both the front and rear while simultaneously leveling the vehicle.
• Depending on how the vehicle is constructed, a taller version of a front leveling kit with upper control arms paired with new rear blocks can be a viable option.
• More frequently a suspension system will have new components to either add to or replace existing suspension items. New lifted knuckles and crossmembers that provide dropped mounting points are common components seen. Some kits provide upper control arms, CV spacers to extend the front CV axles and even differential drop brackets/spacers to keep driveline components inline as much as possible.

This isn't a pro/con list but it should help.

 

[MrClortho]

can someone put together a pro and cons list of the different types of lifts/leveling kits for those of us who know JS about lift kits?

I have lifted over a dozen rigs, or better yet, every 4wd I have owned in 25 years got a lift kit. I have quite a bit of experience with different types of kits and manufactures over the years and there is no substitute for a good quality and well engineered kit from a solid brand. The key is to match the damping rates with the spring rates for an overall plush yet firm ride.

A leveling kit is just on the front and is typically done cheaply with a spacer, better with a lift type strut like from Bilstein or Rancho, or best by an aftermarket spring and damper. Many times, there are no other parts required because it is minimal lift. Spacers accomplish the task but not the way to go unless budget prevents other methods (they work though). The strut type is pretty nice, it really does not help overall travel much if at all, and may not be available yet. The full spring and damper combination is the way to go if you can swing the funds.

A lift kit is the same concept but usually more height and rear lift as well. At a certain height change, you need to factor in parts such as geometry correcting control arms, suspension brackets, brake line extensions and drive-line angles. A quality kit will be more expensive but a much better choice like Rancho, Old Man Emu, BDS, etc... Companies like Pro Comp, Superlift, Skyjacker, and Rough Country often spit out cheaper kits that reduce the ride and handling quality (not all the time). Skyjacker is crap...just don't.

Once manufactures start releasing kits, we will know more.

 

[rangerdrive]

I have lifted over a dozen rigs, or better yet, every 4wd I have owned in 25 years got a lift kit. I have quite a bit of experience with different types of kits and manufactures over the years and there is no substitute for a good quality and well engineered kit from a solid brand. The key is to match the damping rates with the spring rates for an overall plush yet firm ride.

A leveling kit is just on the front and is typically done cheaply with a spacer, better with a lift type strut like from Bilstein or Rancho, or best by an aftermarket spring and damper. Many times, there are no other parts required because it is minimal lift. Spacers accomplish the task but not the way to go unless budget prevents other methods (they work though). The strut type is pretty nice, it really does not help overall travel much if at all, and may not be available yet. The full spring and damper combination is the way to go if you can swing the funds.

A lift kit is the same concept but usually more height and rear lift as well. At a certain height change, you need to factor in parts such as geometry correcting control arms, suspension brackets, brake line extensions and drive-line angles. A quality kit will be more expensive but a much better choice like Rancho, Old Man Emu, BDS, etc... Companies like Pro Comp, Superlift, Skyjacker, and Rough Country often spit out cheaper kits that reduce the ride and handling quality (not all the time). Skyjacker is crap...just don't.

Once manufactures start releasing kits, we will know more.

Nice avi! Guns Up!

 

[rangerdanger]

 

[j0shm1lls]

They should just go ahead and put it up for sale on their site already. I'm ready to throw money at my monitor.

 

[rangerdanger]

https://www.procompusa.com/

 

[Pathung]

ARB's been making offroad products for this-generation Ranger since 2015, as has Old Man Emu, so if you'd rather go with proven systems/products, look for ARB/OME at your local 4x4 shop soon, I'd guess:

https://www.arb.com.au/ford-ranger-px-mkii-2015-2018/
https://www.arb.com.au/ford-ranger-px-mkii-2015-2018/old-man-emu-4x4-suspension/

I run an OME Medium-Duty suspension on my '05 Nissan Frontier, and the system (shocks and springs) is excellent for trail-running as well as moderate rock-crawling; furthermore, it provides for a 2.5" lift front and back, adequately supports a 120-lb. winch bumper+winch, as well as a 500-lb. payload increase - not bad for about $650, if I recall. I'm planning to buy an FX4-equipped Ranger, however, and I doubt that aftermarket suspension mods will be compatible with the system's electronics.

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