Lowering a Ranger

[VendettaFXR]

Good morning everyone,


I am in the very slow process of building up my 2023 Ford Ranger Crew Cab RWD XLT into a Saleen version.

I wanted to lower the Ranger 2 inches in the front and 4 in the rear. I intend on using a Belltech lowering kit, using adjustable Coilovers in the front with SPC adjustable upper control arms to maintain the factory alignment in the front.

The rear is more straightforward.
However, my question is, if I lower the rear, what shim would you recommend I use, so that I maintain drive shaft angle alignment from factory?

Belltech offers anywhere from 1-6 degree.
Correct me if I am wrong, but our leaf spring would also be 2.5 inches wide?

This build was designed in mind with keeping a factory like appearance and quality if Saleen were to offer such a truck. As of right now, my Ranger drives smooth at all speeds even with a heavier, bigger wheel, and it is important to me I maintain that smoothness, especially at highway speeds at approximately 80 MPH (and more for private road use).

Regrettably, I will be having a shop, albeit a reputable one doing the work, but I digress.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

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[Doc]

Good morning everyone,


I am in the very slow process of building up my 2023 Ford Ranger Crew Cab RWD XLT into a Saleen version.

I wanted to lower the Ranger 2 inches in the front and 4 in the rear. I intend on using a Belltech lowering kit, using adjustable Coilovers in the front with SPC adjustable upper control arms to maintain the factory alignment in the front.

The rear is more straightforward.
However, my question is, if I lower the rear, what shim would you recommend I use, so that I maintain drive shaft angle alignment from factory?

Belltech offers anywhere from 1-6 degree.
Correct me if I am wrong, but our leaf spring would also be 2.5 inches wide?

This build was designed in mind with keeping a factory like appearance and quality if Saleen were to offer such a truck. As of right now, my Ranger drives smooth at all speeds even with a heavier, bigger wheel, and it is important to me I maintain that smoothness, especially at highway speeds at approximately 80 MPH (and more for private road use).

Regrettably, I will be having a shop, albeit a reputable one doing the work, but I digress.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Doc]

That’s my original Ranger with $7000..lowering kit and installation by a local mechanic. The kit came from Freak Ride…Lotta welding ! 3 link in the rear ..

 

[Loweredon33s]

You don’t really need any shims. I’ve been dropped from 4 down to 6” and never needed shimming.

 

[Doc]

You don’t really need any shims. I’ve been dropped from 4 down to 6” and never needed shimming.

Nice !

 

[VendettaFXR]

You don’t really need any shims. I’ve been dropped from 4 down to 6” and never needed shimming.

So you never had any vibrations, at any speed? That's remarkable if you didn't!
I was under the impression that any changes to suspension would affect angling and geometry. Perhaps it does and it's minimal, and not really noticeable.

 

[VendettaFXR]

That’s my original Ranger with $7000..lowering kit and installation by a local mechanic. The kit came from Freak Ride…Lotta welding ! 3 link in the rear ..

I remember reading about your build. Very impressive, and very rich for my blood.
But without a doubt, one of the best custom setups. If you remember me, both my mom and wife survived the treatments so far.
Both are recovering.
Starting to get back into the game slowly. Need to finish up some repairs before I can start building again. Long ways to go, but finally seeing the finish line.

 

[Loweredon33s]

So you never had any vibrations, at any speed? That's remarkable if you didn't!
I was under the impression that any changes to suspension would affect angling and geometry. Perhaps it does and it's minimal, and not really noticeable.

Nope, nothing to speak about. I’ve been to about 115mph with no problems. My carrier bearing is flipped and raised and I’m using the flip kit brackets from Belltech. At one point I had actually measured the pinion angle but I don’t remember the numbers. I’d bet the angles on a lowered truck is way better than the stock height.

 

[VendettaFXR]

Nope, nothing to speak about. I’ve been to about 115mph with no problems. My carrier bearing is flipped and raised and I’m using the flip kit brackets from Belltech. At one point I had actually measured the pinion angle but I don’t remember the numbers. I’d bet the angles on a lowered truck is way better than the stock height.

That.. Is exactly what I needed to hear. Thank you for putting my mind at ease. I'll go ahead and move forward with the drop as I had planned.

 

[Loweredon33s]

That.. Is exactly what I needed to hear. Thank you for putting my mind at ease. I'll go ahead and move forward with the drop as I had planned.

I’m making almost 400hp to the wheels and am slightly sideways or leaving red lights hard daily with no issues.

 

[Doc]

I remember reading about your build. Very impressive, and very rich for my blood.
But without a doubt, one of the best custom setups. If you remember me, both my mom and wife survived the treatments so far.
Both are recovering.
Starting to get back into the game slowly. Need to finish up some repairs before I can start building again. Long ways to go, but finally seeing the finish line.

Blessings to a Quick Recovery !

 

[Doc]

I’m making almost 400hp to the wheels and am slightly sideways or leaving red lights hard daily with no issues.

I forgot, do you have 4wd ?
You did a great job lowering that Truck !

 

[Loweredon33s]

I forgot, do you have 4wd ?

Yes, FX4 actually ?

 

[Doc]

Yes, FX4 actually ?

Have you launched it in 4wd ?

 

[Loweredon33s]

Have you launched it in 4wd ?

Yup, many times.

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