Anybody planning to lower their 2019 Ranger?

[Ny2Az]

Something that must be considered in pinion angle is how much change in angle can be made without having to make changes to how and where the carrier bearing mounts. I'll give you an unscientific example. If you were to change the pinion angle by 5-10 degrees without changing the mounting height of the carrier bearing, you would put a considerable more amount of stress on the components involved with continuous driving. The bearings and U-joints are designed to move at various angles etc but not for extended periods at high RPM levels when they are pushed beyond their intended use. Having already installed the Belltech lowering kit, I can tell you that their engineers took the average of the 4 inch, 5 and six inch amount of lowering that the kit provides for and created a standoff spacer that lowers the carrier bearing. Considering that you are looking to lower your rear 2 inches, my guess would be that half of the amount that they figured would be sufficient. I can or one of the other members here can measure the amount that the carrier bearing is moved with the Belltech pieces and give you an idea of what you are looking for. Additionally you can look at several Ranger aftermarket suppliers and possibly find a few shackles that lower the rear 1-2 inches. It seems that I did see these listed.

appreciate the reply ... l have called all around to find they do not make a lowering shackle for the ranger yet ... so l guess investigating lowering blocks is next ...

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[Kevin Franklin]

appreciate the reply ... l have called all around to find they do not make a lowering shackle for the ranger yet ... so l guess investigating lowering blocks is next ...

I do not know how the Tremor axle to springs is situated. If it configured like the rest of the 5G Rangers, then the axle is mounted below the springs and lowering blocks alone will not work. I would suggest that you check out the Belltech page and look at the lowering kit. Download the instructions so you can see how the lowering is performed and you will see what I am talking about. If and I say if the Tremor which by the way is super freaking cool and would be my choice is I had gone 4x4 route is constructed like the regular Ranger, then you could use the lowering kit and then also use lowering blocks with other U-bolts. I hope all of that makes sense

 

[BassRanger]

Well... I think I may have to adjust my hitch a tad.

Fortunately I still have my old shorter shank.

 

[Kevin Franklin]

Well... I think I may have to adjust my hitch a tad.

Fortunately I still have my old shorter shank.

I need some photos of your truck so I can see how it looks

 

[Mark Sitter]

Greatly improved provided that you like less back end bounce, less body lean, better steering input and a more reactive driving and a smoother riding experience!
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I was looking at your pics and I noticed the steering arms have an acute upward angle. In the past when setting up rack and pinion steering arms the idea was to have the arms parallel to the lower control arms or at least the ground at ride height. The lack of this is known to create bump steer which I have personally experienced and it is not fun. Have you noticed any of this since lowering. My other concern is inability to correct the camber on certain trucks lowered more than 2". There is a lift parts manufacturer that makes longer adjustable upper control arms to correct the condition in lifted trucks and I wonder if those would work in a lowered one as well. By the way your Ranger looks great.

 

[Kevin Franklin]

I was looking at your pics and I noticed the steering arms have an acute upward angle. In the past when setting up rack and pinion steering arms the idea was to have the arms parallel to the lower control arms or at least the ground at ride height. The lack of this is known to create bump steer which I have personally experienced and it is not fun. Have you noticed any of this since lowering. My other concern is inability to correct the camber on certain trucks lowered more than 2". There is a lift parts manufacturer that makes longer adjustable upper control arms to correct the condition in lifted trucks and I wonder if those would work in a lowered one as well. By the way your Ranger looks great.

To preface, an upper control arm is coming from Belltech which will allow for 3" of lowering. Currently I am at 2 inches as that is the maximum that I feel is comfortably capable with only using the adjustable strut. The latest ETA is 2 months away.

I have not noticed any bump steer at all and have been on every type of surface imaginable. There is enough adjustment with the lower control arm and tie rods, to allow for proper adjustment. I did not say factory specs, but for a good handling non tire wearing setup. That's where having a working knowledge of suspensions comes in very handy.

I am currently running a total of 1/8" toe out with 1/16" per side. That's a feel that I like and I am at 2 degrees negative on my camber. Once again, a preference from previous track experience with rear drive vehicles. For a comparison, I run an 1/8" toe in on my Focus ST with 2 degrees positive camber. Something I have learned that works for my driving style.

 

[RangerDangerStranger]

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I don't think theres a way to lower the rear 2"

Get Just the rear Beltech kit, then either recurve the stock springs 2 " loaded, or have new rear springs made that are 2" higher loaded. thinking about it. It will move the wheel further forward, so new springs with the locator pins moved rearward from stock some amount would probably be the ideal solution.

 

[JCruz]

Just had Belltech kit installed.

 

[66F100]

T

Just had Belltech kit installed.

Looks great John! Please, let us know your driving impressions.

 

[Blue Power Ranger]

Just had Belltech kit installed.

Looking good! Was moving the tailpipes forward part of what they had to do for the install, or is that something you did on your own?

 

[JCruz]

T

Looks great John! Please, let us know your driving impressions.

Thanks I am very happy with how it looks…. but being naive and not thoroughly grasping the significance of shortening the suspension travel …my initial impression is a bit of shock ?at how harshly it rides. I frequently drive over a twisty mountain highway so I will update but remain hopeful and a bit anxious.

 

[JCruz]

Looking good! Was moving the tailpipes forward part of what they had to do for the install, or is that something you did on your own?

Looking good! Was moving the tailpipes forward part of what they had to do for the install, or is that something you did on your own?

I don’t think it was necessary. I just thought it might look good and be easier to install the lowering kit. Also never liked the factory look. Needed to carefully trim the end of the rail to get it to fit. https://www.stage3motorsports.com/4...3l-ecoboost-afe-rebel-muffler-delete-kit.html

 

[SOHK_Alumni]

Thanks I am very happy with how it looks…. but being naive and not thoroughly grasping the significance of shortening the suspension travel …my initial impression is a bit of shock ?at how harshly it rides. I frequently drive over a twisty mountain highway so I will update but remain hopeful and a bit anxious.

With OEM springs front and back, ride harshness should not have changed unless the new shocks are very firm.

I find the OEM ride harsh, part of my pursuit has been a more supple ride along with the drop.

Like others, I've wondered about the extended shackles with the kit, not a whole lot of room at the tailpipe.

 

[Rinn69]

Just had Belltech kit installed.

How low did you go ?

 

[JCruz]

How low did you go ?

Belltech 1044sp
2” front 4”rear

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