Anybody planning to lower their 2019 Ranger?

[Kevin Franklin]

I'm doing the 2/4

Well..... So far Belltech managed to send the wrong install instructions, and I'm missing the lower front shock hardware from both front struts. So, have to make a hardware store run before I can continue.

I just checked my struts that I received a couple of weeks ago and I did not receive hardware to mount the strut to the control arm either. Looks like I'll be taking care of that myself too.
Still waiting on the rear kit to arrive. Supposedly due tomorrow

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[BassRanger]

Front is done, will start on rear in the morning.

Notes from the front install:

From my measurement points the 2" drop measures 2 inches on the mark. My front air dam measurement was at 10" now sits at 8". I've got initial height measurements of the 4 corners, lowered tailgate, raised tailgate, bedside over the rear wheels, hitch receiver, front air dam, and driver door scuff plate. I'll wait until I do the rear to post all the before and after measurements.

• Wheel lug nuts 19mm 100 lb.ft
• LCA bolt head 21mm
• LCA nut 24mm(deep well socket) 195 lb.ft
• Lower strut bolts 18mm(deep well socket)
• (3) upper strut nuts 15mm(flex head ratcheting wrench and/or deep well socket) 41 lb.ft
• Strut mount nut 18mm (I used 2 offset box wrenches)
• Strut shaft bolt 8mm ('''')

*All references from 2020 XL 2wd supercab

 

[BassRanger]

Just finishing up the alignment about to go on a test drive to make sure everything is tracking straight and no noises. One note, you're going to need an alignment ASAP after the install. Keeping the LCA's the same puts you at 4* of negative camber, and the toe out was horrendous. It was so bad I didn't know if I'd have enough thread to pull the tie rods in far enough, but thankfully there was. I was able to get the camber within spec but both LCA bolts are fully inboard so caster is what it is. I'll see how it drives.

Just off jack stands my before and afters

Driver Front 28.5"-----------------------26.6"
Driver Rear 37.5"-----------------------33.5"
Pass Front 28.5"-----------------------26.75"
Pass Rear 37.75-----------------------34"

Tailgate lowered 35"----------------------30"
Tailgate closed 55.5"--------------------50.75"
Bedside over rear wheel 53"---------------48.5"
Hitch receiver bottom 17.5"-----------------13"
Driver door scuff plate 21"------------------19'
Front air dam 10.25"----------------------8.5"

 

[66F100]

Thank you Bass! You are putting in alot of work to keep us informed.

 

[BassRanger]

Couple of before and afters.

 

[Rinn69]

THAT'S DAMN SEXY !!!!! ^^^^

 

[19Bluecrew]

So good!

 

[importfighter01]

Congrats Bass! Quick question. Is it just the photo angle or is the rear wheel no longer centered in the wheel well as a result of the change in geometry?

Love the ride height, btw! Looks about where my 3G Ranger with larger tires sat in stock suspension form.

 

[Kevin Franklin]

Looks great! You say that you went with two inches in the front and four in the back. It sure looks lower than that, which is a good thing!

 

[dmurphey]

That looks awesome. My kit is supposed to be here next Tuesday and we’ll see what we can do.

 

[Deleted member 9836]

Nice work!

 

[Big Blue]

Congrats Bass! Quick question. Is it just the photo angle or is the rear wheel no longer centered in the wheel well as a result of the change in geometry?

Exactly the problem with using the stock springs and rotating the around the front mounts with longer shackles. Looks like they didn’t account for that with their axle saddles.

 

[cactuss4]

How is rear bump travel?

 

[66F100]

Couple of before and afters.

Looks great! I like that it isn't so low that you lose all utility and function. I am looking forward to hearing your driving impressions and any mpg gains.

 

[BassRanger]

Flip kit install notes.

-Shock bolts 15mm 52 lb. ft
-Rear brake lines 13mm
-Front brake lines Torx T40
-U bolt nuts 21mm(deep well)
-Front leaf bolt 18mm, nut 21mm 119 lb.ft
-Leaf shackle nuts 21mm
-Bump stop 13mm(deep well)
-Leaf center bolt 14mm
-New U bolt nuts 22mm(deep well)
-New rear shackle 22mm(deep well)
-New brake line bolts 6mm(hex/allen)
-CCB adapter 22mm
-OE CCB bolt 35 lb.ft
-New lower shock bolt 19mm

I did this install in my garage on jack stands all bolts where loosened by hand/breaker bar. Used the impact a few times just to spin some bolts free. If you were to need an impact wrench it would be on the Front LCA bolts. They require a substantial amount of torque, TBH most shops would probably just hit it with an impact. My driver bump stop bolt had rust welded itself to the frame.

You're going to have to wrestle with the rear axle a bit to get it back aligned to install the flip kit after removing the leaves. My suggestion would be to rotate the axle get one side installed with the axle saddle and U bolts tight enough to where it can't lift off the centering pin. Then use a ratchet strap to pull the other side into position.

Also this is just personal preference, but I swear by a drop of blue loctite on any non nylon or locking fasteners, just for added peace of mind.

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