BDS 2” leveling kit installed

[Randy2400h]

Looks great!!

Aside from the 2" lift did you have to do anything to get the tires to fit?

No, the sidewalk of the tire is reasonably but not uncomfortably close to the spindle. I’ve had the tires off a couple times now and I haven’t seen any rubbing issues on the sidewall. Nor have I had any other rubbing issues of any sort. In a video by another lift kit provider, ReadyLift, they mention you can squeeze an extra half inch out of the front and rear crash-bars by doing a simple adjustment; I’ve looked at it and I believe there is probably more than that. I just haven’t gotten out my impact to break the bolts loose, they’re tight. I plan to do that in the future just for extra wiggle room. If you go up one size bigger you’ll need to adjust the crash-bars and add a modest (3/8”) spacer with the stock wheels to keep the sidewall off the spindle.

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[Randy2400h]

Here are the specs from my Hunter Alignment Machine. There are 3 options for Ranger 4x4, top one is generic, the bottom one is the same for both 255/70-16 and 265/60-18, so I just combined both on the bottom of the sheet. Ideally the Ranger wants .03 degrees camber, basically 0 degrees. As for caster, I would say stay above 2.5 and you'll be fine. I see no real 'alignment issues' just shops who are in a hurry and may not dial in the best camber/caster ratio. Personally I would dial in camber and make that as best I could without sacrificing caster so much to create bad driveability.

Randy2400h, what do your cams look like? Can you post pics of all 4 and note which is front, rear, left and right?

Let me get those pics for you tomorrow.

 

[skibuff]

Does your lane assist still work after the lift? A shop told me it would have to be adjusted

 

[Randy2400h]

Does your lane assist still work after the lift? A shop told me it would have to be adjusted

Yes, works perfectly. Everything else works normal too including Adaptive cruise, collision assist (got a chance to use it and it really helps you get slowed quickly).

Everyone else with a lift kit has said the same. You’ll need to adjust the headlights of course, mine were way too high, but that is a simple adjustment with an 8mm socket and ratchet.

 

[skibuff]

Awesome thank you. I have an appointment with Les Scwab to install a 2.5" kit next week. LS said they tested the Fab Tech 2.5" kit and guarantees that if they install it it will align correctly. I still haven't decided on tire size yet.I have the 17" sport wheels. I really like that factory wheel so I will probably go with a 265/70-17 or a 275/70-17 if it fits

Yes, works perfectly. Everything else works normal too including Adaptive cruise, collision assist (got a chance to use it and it really helps you get slowed quickly).

Everyone else with a lift kit has said the same. You’ll need to adjust the headlights of course, mine were way too high, but that is a simple adjustment with an 8mm socket and ratchet.

 

[Randy2400h]

Just to round out this write-up, I thought I’d better finish describing the fix for the positive camber issue. I had to order aftermarket upper control arms to remedy the issue; I tried a couple professional (and locally recommended) alignment shops but we were unable to get the positive camber adjusted back to Zero.

I ordered the ICON tubular Upper Control Arms and added on the ball joint dust covers with the ICON logo. They feature ICON’s patented Delta Joint (ball joint) that allows for a high degree angle, for extra suspension travel. The new arms themselves allowed for easy adjustment back into Zero Camber and desirable 4 degrees of positive Caster. I wish I had taken pictures, but with only one side complete you could see a considerable amount of extra travel allowed by the new UCA on one side (i.e. with the front end jacked up the Driver’s side wheel hung lower than the passenger side with the stock UCA). At first, I thought the vehicle was jacked up uneven; I had to jack the vehicle up further as I couldn’t re-install the driver’s side wheel/tire with the hub closer to the floor.

Here are some pics in order.
1) The alignment sheet after the BDS 2” leveling kit.
2) The alignment sheet after installing the ICON UCAs.
3&4) Pics of the ICON UCAs installed.

NOTE: The Alignment sheets show the caster as being borderline out of spec; this is because most alignment shops still don’t have specs for the ‘19 Rangers. This is a shop that does alignments on highly custom 4x4s that don’t have published specs; they know what they’re doing.

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