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Front End Rebuild (Suspension/Brakes/Knuckle/etc

Tristan2283

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Hello,

in the new year I am planning on doing a full overhaul on my 2019 ford Ranger XLT. Starting off with the front end Brakes, Suspension, and all over components in the area of Wheels/Suspension/etc.

I need to do a few replacements for my Caliper Guide pins, Calipers, and most likely new brakes come the spring time as well. Since I’ll have it all opened up, and working on it regardless, I want to replace every part in the general area, especially since coming later in the year, I am planning on moving across Canada, and want to make sure the truck can handle the very long drive, without any issues, so I’m putting a good chunk of money in to make it like new.

my question is, what upgrades would you suggest. Such as reliable, and nice upgrades for the front Struts, Brakes, and various other components. I would like a slightly lifted truck, not more than 2.0 if you have any suggestions. I was looking at the Fox aftermarket struts.

also to add to this thread, since I have to replace my rear leaf springs, what would you suggest for upgrades compared to factory Ford leaf springs.

I’ll update this thread with the projects and work I’ve been doing lately as well.

cheers lads.
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Tristan2283

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IMG_4168.webp
IMG_4169.webp

I’ve already temporarily replaced my rear shock absorbers due to my last ones breaking. Just got the OEM from ford as I have a mechanics ford discount, so it wasn’t too expensive overall, but planning on getting new shock absorbers when I replace my rear leaf springs and front struts, preferably upgraded aftermarket’s when I find a nice one.
 

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Fox 2.0 is a great upgrade of FX4 shocks/struts -- they were a more plush ride than my ICON stage 6. I still have my Fox 2.0s and might have them rebuilt or sell them.

If you do ANY off roading -- replace the stock stabilizer bar links with aftermarket fully steel ones

If you do lots of offroading -- may as well upgrade the UCAs in the front at the same time

Leaf spring upgrades -- Tremor take-offs, OME, or ICON

Do NOT touch/replace the rear bump stops

Brakes are easy, go with any ultra premium aftermarket pads and rotors and brake fluid flush with MC LV. I like to go with ceramic coated rotors, they age much more gracefully than the cheap non coated OE style.

Doing the front rebuild, my advice is to buy the correct balljoint separator (Ford needs a wider jaw spread than standard) and follow the service manual. The shortcuts are sketchy and/or don't work.
 

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Fox 2.0 is a great upgrade of FX4 shocks/struts -- they were a more plush ride than my ICON stage 6. I still have my Fox 2.0s and might have them rebuilt or sell them.

If you do ANY off roading -- replace the stock stabilizer bar links with aftermarket fully steel ones

If you do lots of offroading -- may as well upgrade the UCAs in the front at the same time

Leaf spring upgrades -- Tremor take-offs, OME, or ICON

Do NOT touch/replace the rear bump stops

Brakes are easy, go with any ultra premium aftermarket pads and rotors and brake fluid flush with MC LV. I like to go with ceramic coated rotors, they age much more gracefully than the cheap non coated OE style.

Doing the front rebuild, my advice is to buy the correct balljoint separator (Ford needs a wider jaw spread than standard) and follow the service manual. The shortcuts are sketchy and/or don't work.
Everything he said ☝
 


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Tristan2283

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How did you break your rear shocks?

Why do your calipers need to be replaced?


Have you rebuilt your transmission to handle 725hp yet?
last rear shock absorbers were worn down to begin with, then
How did you break your rear shocks?

Why do your calipers need to be replaced?


Have you rebuilt your transmission to handle 725hp yet?
How did you break your rear shocks?

Why do your calipers need to be replaced?


Have you rebuilt your transmission to handle 725hp yet?
For the rear shock absorber, they were worn down badly to begin with. Long story short, I lent my truck to a good friend of mine to move a few things. My buddy calls me, and the bottom half of the shock absorber casing was ripped off. Needless to say, he hasn’t driven it since 🤣 granted, they needed to be done anyways before hand just from wear and tear, and I already had the parts for it.

calipers are starting to seize. Especially with the uneven pads wear, don’t want to install new pads and rotors, Then have my pads end up dying off.

I wouldn’t be seeing this truck hit 725 horsepower 🤣 I was looking at a transmission fully rebuilt that can handle up to 725 ish, not like I’d ever hit anywhere close. But more or less, more intrigued about the quality parts and better CDF drum compared to now. Was going to order the pre build from a shop in Arizona, but with the way the boarders are these days, rather not have the headache plus shipping fees. Decided to just go to a great local Transmission shop, and got a date to overhaul the whole transmission, switching out notorious parts like the CDF drum for example, with better quality parts. Besides, this option is cheaper than the pre build which most of the capable horsepower I wouldn’t even reach with my 4 banger. I have everything planned for the middle of the summer.
 
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Tristan2283

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Fox 2.0 is a great upgrade of FX4 shocks/struts -- they were a more plush ride than my ICON stage 6. I still have my Fox 2.0s and might have them rebuilt or sell them.

If you do ANY off roading -- replace the stock stabilizer bar links with aftermarket fully steel ones

If you do lots of offroading -- may as well upgrade the UCAs in the front at the same time

Leaf spring upgrades -- Tremor take-offs, OME, or ICON

Do NOT touch/replace the rear bump stops

Brakes are easy, go with any ultra premium aftermarket pads and rotors and brake fluid flush with MC LV. I like to go with ceramic coated rotors, they age much more gracefully than the cheap non coated OE style.

Doing the front rebuild, my advice is to buy the correct balljoint separator (Ford needs a wider jaw spread than standard) and follow the service manual. The shortcuts are sketchy and/or don't work.
From what I heard the Fox 2.0’s seem to be the perfect choice. Not too hard as an old school pick up, yet, not as bouncy as the stock option either it seems. Currently my truck drives like it wants to dive

I’ll also check out the leaf spring options and everything else states above.. Thank you for the information!

cheers
 

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last rear shock absorbers were worn down to begin with, then



For the rear shock absorber, they were worn down badly to begin with. Long story short, I lent my truck to a good friend of mine to move a few things. My buddy calls me, and the bottom half of the shock absorber casing was ripped off. Needless to say, he hasn’t driven it since 🤣 granted, they needed to be done anyways before hand just from wear and tear, and I already had the parts for it.

calipers are starting to seize. Especially with the uneven pads wear, don’t want to install new pads and rotors, Then have my pads end up dying off.

I wouldn’t be seeing this truck hit 725 horsepower 🤣 I was looking at a transmission fully rebuilt that can handle up to 725 ish, not like I’d ever hit anywhere close. But more or less, more intrigued about the quality parts and better CDF drum compared to now. Was going to order the pre build from a shop in Arizona, but with the way the boarders are these days, rather not have the headache plus shipping fees. Decided to just go to a great local Transmission shop, and got a date to overhaul the whole transmission, switching out notorious parts like the CDF drum for example, with better quality parts. Besides, this option is cheaper than the pre build which most of the capable horsepower I wouldn’t even reach with my 4 banger. I have everything planned for the middle of the summer.
Preemptive Tranny Work... smart.

I have a shopping cart full of transmission parts (just a little under $1900) that I need to buy for a future job like yours. I like to source my own parts and just pay the installers to slam it all together.

https://ebay.us/m/SDmEb1

https://ebay.us/m/TJxzR1
 
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hookem57

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Hello,

in the new year I am planning on doing a full overhaul on my 2019 ford Ranger XLT. Starting off with the front end Brakes, Suspension, and all over components in the area of Wheels/Suspension/etc.

I need to do a few replacements for my Caliper Guide pins, Calipers, and most likely new brakes come the spring time as well. Since I’ll have it all opened up, and working on it regardless, I want to replace every part in the general area, especially since coming later in the year, I am planning on moving across Canada, and want to make sure the truck can handle the very long drive, without any issues, so I’m putting a good chunk of money in to make it like new.

my question is, what upgrades would you suggest. Such as reliable, and nice upgrades for the front Struts, Brakes, and various other components. I would like a slightly lifted truck, not more than 2.0 if you have any suggestions. I was looking at the Fox aftermarket struts.

also to add to this thread, since I have to replace my rear leaf springs, what would you suggest for upgrades compared to factory Ford leaf springs.

I’ll update this thread with the projects and work I’ve been doing lately as well.

cheers lads.
So I had a FX4. Got a Tremor. Shocks wore out at 40k. I went with the Eibach Pro2 all the way around. They are adjustable. The Eibachs are between the Fox and the Bilsteins as far as stiffness goes. I could not be happier. I changed my rotors for vented ones and upgraded the brake pads. I stayed with the stock calipers. They work fine.
 

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Fox 2.0 is a great upgrade of FX4 shocks/struts -- they were a more plush ride than my ICON stage 6. I still have my Fox 2.0s and might have them rebuilt or sell them.

If you do ANY off roading -- replace the stock stabilizer bar links with aftermarket fully steel ones

If you do lots of offroading -- may as well upgrade the UCAs in the front at the same time

Leaf spring upgrades -- Tremor take-offs, OME, or ICON

Do NOT touch/replace the rear bump stops

Brakes are easy, go with any ultra premium aftermarket pads and rotors and brake fluid flush with MC LV. I like to go with ceramic coated rotors, they age much more gracefully than the cheap non coated OE style.

Doing the front rebuild, my advice is to buy the correct balljoint separator (Ford needs a wider jaw spread than standard) and follow the service manual. The shortcuts are sketchy and/or don't work.
Curious about not touching the bump stops, is it because of the notorious issue with the bolt breaking on removal?
 

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From what I heard the Fox 2.0’s seem to be the perfect choice. Not too hard as an old school pick up, yet, not as bouncy as the stock option either it seems. Currently my truck drives like it wants to dive

I’ll also check out the leaf spring options and everything else states above.. Thank you for the information!

cheers
Just know the fox shocks will need to be rebuilt. Mine lasted about 40k before they were worn out. replaced everything with Eibach and couldn’t be happier.
 

fusseli

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Realtruck

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From what I heard the Fox 2.0’s seem to be the perfect choice. Not too hard as an old school pick up, yet, not as bouncy as the stock option either it seems. Currently my truck drives like it wants to dive

I’ll also check out the leaf spring options and everything else states above.. Thank you for the information!

cheers
The Fox are definitely a bit softer than the other options listed here. The Eibach are the happy medium between Fox and Bilstein like others were saying so just depends really on how soft you want the ride and how you drive it. PM me if you need help with either, happy to assist.
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