lazynorse
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Mar 16, 2022
- Threads
- 41
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- 315
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- Location
- Washington State
- Vehicle(s)
- Ford Ranger Crew Cab XLT FX4
- Occupation
- Public Health
- Thread starter
- #1
2022 Crew Cab FX4 XLT. The Eibach Stage 1 kit starts at 3” front lift and accommodates 1” rear lift, which I achieved with Icon leafs set at Option 2 (inch of lift with ~350 pounds). Purchased and installed by Khaotic 4x4 in Tacoma WA. Great customer experience.
No UCAs required, per email from Eibach for this 3” front lift, confirmed by Khaotic during install and alignment.
Prior upgrades were Firestone Destination XT C Load 255/75/17, a 32” tire. These tires are slightly lighter than competitors. I wanted increased size, toughness and tread with minimal hit to MPGs and handling. Pleased so far.
Tire and stock FX4 tested rigorously in eastern WA and OR deserts, high clearance, 4 hi and low trails.
I wanted a true suspension lift for clearance, approach, breakover, etc. I chose Eibach over Bilstein for a reported softer ride on and off road. After hours of research, the Eibach and Icon combo seemed great for cost and performance without going crazy high or low on budget.
More than pleased so far. Road manners are compliant and composed over smooth and bumpy surfaces. Cornering improved, as did breaking. No shimmies, vibrations or any worrisome behaviors.
Ride is more sophisticated than FX4, not harsh in the least. I was worried about increased stiffness, but there is none, only immediate rebound and recovery with much reduced drama. Haven’t taken offroad yet, but hit the parking lot bumps intentionally hard and fast, and highway ‘whoops’ I’m familiar with that nearly launch you.
I was not as put off by the FX4 handling as others were. That said, wallowing is much reduced, pretty much eliminated. There is no hit to road comfort as I'd braced myself for. It also looks great, I was a little worried about the lift amount with 32” tires under, but its handsome. After all 33" tires are only 1/2 inch taller in any direction from the hub. 33s also require mods to crash bars, possibly cutting, they're certainly heavier which reduced MPGs and, critically, range when you're out in the western hinterlands. So, I like my 32s and haven't found a reason to need them taller, yet.
Forgot to measure before heights.. damn. But after:
39” from ground to bottom of front wheel well trim, 40” in back wheel well. So, 1” of rake after 3” front and 1” back lift.
Drives straight and true after alignment. The numbers seem good and the shop was happy with them. They reported no trouble aligning with stock UCAs. Interested in feedback though, I’m not an expert
Alignment.
Before (before canopy, too). Same Firestone XTs before and after lift
After.
Icon Leaf
No UCAs required, per email from Eibach for this 3” front lift, confirmed by Khaotic during install and alignment.
Prior upgrades were Firestone Destination XT C Load 255/75/17, a 32” tire. These tires are slightly lighter than competitors. I wanted increased size, toughness and tread with minimal hit to MPGs and handling. Pleased so far.
Tire and stock FX4 tested rigorously in eastern WA and OR deserts, high clearance, 4 hi and low trails.
I wanted a true suspension lift for clearance, approach, breakover, etc. I chose Eibach over Bilstein for a reported softer ride on and off road. After hours of research, the Eibach and Icon combo seemed great for cost and performance without going crazy high or low on budget.
More than pleased so far. Road manners are compliant and composed over smooth and bumpy surfaces. Cornering improved, as did breaking. No shimmies, vibrations or any worrisome behaviors.
Ride is more sophisticated than FX4, not harsh in the least. I was worried about increased stiffness, but there is none, only immediate rebound and recovery with much reduced drama. Haven’t taken offroad yet, but hit the parking lot bumps intentionally hard and fast, and highway ‘whoops’ I’m familiar with that nearly launch you.
I was not as put off by the FX4 handling as others were. That said, wallowing is much reduced, pretty much eliminated. There is no hit to road comfort as I'd braced myself for. It also looks great, I was a little worried about the lift amount with 32” tires under, but its handsome. After all 33" tires are only 1/2 inch taller in any direction from the hub. 33s also require mods to crash bars, possibly cutting, they're certainly heavier which reduced MPGs and, critically, range when you're out in the western hinterlands. So, I like my 32s and haven't found a reason to need them taller, yet.
Forgot to measure before heights.. damn. But after:
39” from ground to bottom of front wheel well trim, 40” in back wheel well. So, 1” of rake after 3” front and 1” back lift.
Drives straight and true after alignment. The numbers seem good and the shop was happy with them. They reported no trouble aligning with stock UCAs. Interested in feedback though, I’m not an expert
Alignment.
Before (before canopy, too). Same Firestone XTs before and after lift
After.
Icon Leaf
Sponsored
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