Tremor 2” level from ford ranger lifts.

[awd.nv]

@LowKeyTremor that was an amazing write up!!

I'm thinking I'm gonna play it safe and get the ReadyLift crash bars installed and the 2" lift installed and then take some measurements with a micrometer to really get an accurate gauge of whether they'd work at the 285/70/R17. I might even bribe my guys down at Discount Tire with a couple $20's to have them throw one on each front wheel and take pics and see what works best!

@awd.nv, how have spacers been off road and for your wheel bearings, I've read mixed things regarding premature wheel bearing degradation due to the geometry being changed but also mitigated with using hub centric rings / spacers.

Zero issues with the spacers. I did not go excessive though, my goal was to make the Ranger Tremor look the way Ford should have, like a Chip Foose approach where someone has to double take to see what was done.

I have had the 1" spacers on for roughly 45k miles. Honestly, maybe only 100-200 miles off-road but some of that has been at 45-55mph on trails with slight bumps, 10-25mph over wash board trails (HATE washboard), some rock gardens and a couple thousand miles of towing.

To my knowledge I have no bearing issues. No whine/howling and tires are wearing normally. The truck was aligned at roughly 10k, 45k and 50k miles with the alignment tech not reporting any issues there either which is often something they check in the front end especially.

Spacers get a bad reputation from cheap ones. The Factionfab ones were well made, I did not even need any centric spacers as they made for the stock hub diameters. Really it is no different from a wheel with the same backspacing/offset, as long as the spacer is solid. Not sure if you can still get them from FactionFab directly but here is the Stage3 link.

https://www.stage3motorsports.com/f...WZma06pkP-oy6nrdcfvPTberVxoiPmlNjpUhZC2dCtweC

Sponsored

 

[999BS]

Zero issues with the spacers. I did not go excessive though, my goal was to make the Ranger Tremor look the way Ford should have, like a Chip Foose approach where someone has to double take to see what was done.

I have had the 1" spacers on for roughly 45k miles. Honestly, maybe only 100-200 miles off-road but some of that has been at 45-55mph on trails with slight bumps, 10-25mph over wash board trails (HATE washboard), some rock gardens and a couple thousand miles of towing.

To my knowledge I have no bearing issues. No whine/howling and tires are wearing normally. The truck was aligned at roughly 10k, 45k and 50k miles with the alignment tech not reporting any issues there either which is often something they check in the front end especially.

Spacers get a bad reputation from cheap ones. The Factionfab ones were well made, I did not even need any centric spacers as they made for the stock hub diameters. Really it is no different from a wheel with the same backspacing/offset, as long as the spacer is solid. Not sure if you can still get them from FactionFab directly but here is the Stage3 link.

https://www.stage3motorsports.com/f...WZma06pkP-oy6nrdcfvPTberVxoiPmlNjpUhZC2dCtweC

I always found it funny that in the FordPass app that our Tremors look like the tires and rims are flush to the body of the truck and then in actuality they tuck a little bit. I think I'll hold off on spacers and get new wheels in the future when things settle down on the family side.

You for sure achieved the double take look with your truck, I'm glad you didn't have any issues with your spacers and got good ones that do their job without being a detriment to the maintenance of the truck.

 

[awd.nv]

I always found it funny that in the FordPass app that our Tremors look like the tires and rims are flush to the body of the truck and then in actuality they tuck a little bit. I think I'll hold off on spacers and get new wheels in the future when things settle down on the family side.

You for sure achieved the double take look with your truck, I'm glad you didn't have any issues with your spacers and got good ones that do their job without being a detriment to the maintenance of the truck.

Thanks, yeah to sum it up, I tried making my Tremor look like it does in the app lol

My years as a mechanic, I have seen bad spacers which is why I didn't cheap out on them. Bearing loads and such would be no different with wheels if spaced the same but at least less component failure points with the wheels with the look you want.

I sometimes play with the idea of some Methods, always wanted them and now my wife even has them on her Pilot and my truck is still on the stock Tremor wheels, but what can I say, I actually like the sleeper look.

 

[LowKeyTremor]

@LowKeyTremor that was an amazing write up!!

I'm thinking I'm gonna play it safe and get the ReadyLift crash bars installed and the 2" lift installed and then take some measurements with a micrometer to really get an accurate gauge of whether they'd work at the 285/70/R17. I might even bribe my guys down at Discount Tire with a couple $20's to have them throw one on each front wheel and take pics and see what works best!

@awd.nv, how have spacers been off road and for your wheel bearings, I've read mixed things regarding premature wheel bearing degradation due to the geometry being changed but also mitigated with using hub centric rings / spacers.

Hey 999BS!

Thanks for the kind words! I just tried my best to explain all factors I could think of at the time, and then make a pretty rudimentary drawing with the wonderful markup tools for the photos on iPhones ?!

IMO, what you mentioned, I truly think that’s the way to go! Hell, worst case is that you might even be able to eventually put on bigger tires if you’d like (or tires that have a pretty aggressive pattern that continues down along the side walls, and if you’re just getting by on the fitment side with a side wall that isn’t overly aggressive, any little change, specifically on the side walls, where they are more aggressive… Thatcould make all the difference)! Hell, with a similar combination, people are fitting 35s. That being said, I don’t know what is being trimmed, which tires are used, and what the offset is… I just know that it can fit.

I went with the mindset that it’s better to be safe than sorry

(or annoyed… Which would be in the case of a slight rub, when the exact conditions are meant… Say dropping off a rounded driveway curb at more than just a crawl, causing the springs to compress, while at full wheel lock, in reverse… Or something bizarre like that ?). ​

I did not want to deal with any kind of rubbing issue whatsoever, so it was a no-brainer to go with the high clearance crash bars w/ the 2” coil spacers. The aftermarket crash bars look better, and it’s very clear, especially if you really zoom up, that they are much stronger than the stock set up.

And then lastly, I want the ability to run almost any tire that happens to fit my strategy, if it ever changes.

The 2 inches of lift was about the best I could do since it is a Tremor. Otherwise, there would be quite a few components that would need to be changed, if I wanted a taller lift

Even before adding the 33s, this truck already is taller than most 1/4 ton trucks, AND my favorite one to Tower over; the Tacoma, followed by Chevy Colorado/GMC equivalent. After driving next to a newer Ford F150 with 33s, I’m pretty certain it will ultimately be taller than that as well - once I’m running the 33s.

I feel like our truck segment is poised to potentially take over that of the F150. Plenty of room and power along with capability, yet the perfect footprint when it comes to navigating smaller areas, but still feels big and imposing, especially when driving around maniacs on the highway. That’s why I definitely like a bit of a lift and some aggressive tires, sticking out. when merging onto the highway or changing lanes, people just happen to be much more courteous when they are looking up at you, and looking over, to notice that the first thing to make contact will be some large tires that stick out a bit. It gives a healthy respect!

so once again, when it comes to ride height, and overall aggressive appearance, here’s my strategy:

• Plenty of ground clearance and excellent entrance and departure angles, which are actually pretty great right from the get-go
• A taller truck compared to the majority of the midsize guys, even the Tacoma… Actually especially the Tacoma, along with the Colorado and some of the others, even if they are riding on slightly larger tires
• Taller truck than the F150 or any of the quarter tons, certainly in stock form, and also if they have just put on slightly larger tires. I don’t expect to be taller if they have also lifted it.
• An aggressive and stout stance. Sort of like the raptor, where it has a wider track. Proportionately, these tires are wider when compared to the width of a truck. And then I also want the fender flares, as it will give the actual truck body a wider appearance, and control the amount of the tire that is sticking out.
• And then I have a lot of other ideas in terms of a low profile aerodynamic roof rack with the ability to seamlessly add a light bar, flush mounted cube lights in the rear bumper, and quite a few more things!
  Oh and when it comes to performance, I plan on doing the necessary mods that pretty much have it neck and neck with a stock Mustang GT/Camaro SS on a 0 to 60 basis. It’s actually very doable, but just need a very thoughtful combo, which includes
  • Upgraded inner cooler and charge pipes
  • High flow cats on a downpipe… Thinking CVF
  • Already have the great cat back, high flow CAI, and BOV, which does more than just sound nice. It feels better and allows for quicker spool, especially when combined with all the other supporting parts
  • A pretty high performance tune from Livernois
  • A pretty aggressive shift strategy
  • And with the 33s, if I really do want to basically go head to head with a stock GT, 4.10 gears are fairly important and the combination of shorter years and a taller tire will pretty much even it out
    • but still, absolutely adjust for both in order to correct the speedometer!

To those of you that’s gone with the 2” level kit, do the stock Grabbers now look too small? Like, do you get that annoying voice in your head that says “yep now I freaking have to size up cuz these don’t look right” Any of that going on with you fellas? I’ve always done a level kit to my Chevys when I drove a full size and that made them look so much better but I always just dropped it off at a shop and said please make my truck level and i never cared enough to ask any details on how many inches itit had to come up.

So they don’t look stupid or ridiculous but they definitely are on the smaller side. I think my 1.5 inch spacers keep them from being too terrible.

But also, keep in mind that I lifted all four corners by 2 inches. It certainly looks very roomy in those back wheel wells lol

But this was already part of my overall strategy. I’ve got 33 x 12.50 on some RTX 20 x 9 wheels w/ 0.00 offset. Now that will have the tires sticking out pretty far, so in addition, fender flares will be added at the same time. Something similar to what you see on the raptor F150 as far as style. In fact, that overall stout look as what I’m going for.

I’m pretty happy because I really like the grabbers that came with the truck, so I will stick with them because they come in 33x 12.50R 20.

And I’m sure many people are wondering why I would do a 20 inch wheel. It’s basically because I love the look, and with 33s, I think that is big enough to give plenty of sidewall. Anything shorter and I would go with 18” wheels.

By the way, the truck below is sort of my example. I think to perfect it, it just needs some wider fender flares… I want the tires to stick out past the fender flares by .75-1”… 2.50 is a little much, and would have the truck potentially looking very narrow with these wide tires.

I’m really big into proportionate additions and an overall proportionate look. I’m pretty sure this will achieve that, but I won’t know until I get it done. Should be within two months, and then it’s on to all performance parts, which I have put a plan together that theoretically and realistically will keep up with a stock Mustang GT/Camaro SS… And we’re talking about the new ones.

If I include 4.10 gears, with everything, it should be doing a low to mid 12/ second quarter mile and 0 to 60 in just over four seconds. I don’t think it will get into the threes… Not even 3.9999. But even 4.5 would have me ecstatic

And yeah, I’m aiming for the stars… But why not?!

As long as I don’t truly blow anything up, then it will be always worth it.

The truck below has 33 x 12.50 tires. Looks like a 0.0 0MM offset but not positive. I just look at it and think it looks very aggressive, but just needs those fender flares that I talked about. Then you’ve got a truck that looks physically wider, and still allows the tires to stick out just a bit. I think that’s my ideal look

 

[awd.nv]

Hey 999BS!

Thanks for the kind words! I just tried my best to explain all factors I could think of at the time, and then make a pretty rudimentary drawing with the wonderful markup tools for the photos on iPhones ?!

IMO, what you mentioned, I truly think that’s the way to go! Hell, worst case is that you might even be able to eventually put on bigger tires if you’d like (or tires that have a pretty aggressive pattern that continues down along the side walls, and if you’re just getting by on the fitment side with a side wall that isn’t overly aggressive, any little change, specifically on the side walls, where they are more aggressive… Thatcould make all the difference)! Hell, with a similar combination, people are fitting 35s. That being said, I don’t know what is being trimmed, which tires are used, and what the offset is… I just know that it can fit.

I went with the mindset that it’s better to be safe than sorry

(or annoyed… Which would be in the case of a slight rub, when the exact conditions are meant… Say dropping off a rounded driveway curb at more than just a crawl, causing the springs to compress, while at full wheel lock, in reverse… Or something bizarre like that ?). ​

I did not want to deal with any kind of rubbing issue whatsoever, so it was a no-brainer to go with the high clearance crash bars w/ the 2” coil spacers. The aftermarket crash bars look better, and it’s very clear, especially if you really zoom up, that they are much stronger than the stock set up.

And then lastly, I want the ability to run almost any tire that happens to fit my strategy, if it ever changes.

The 2 inches of lift was about the best I could do since it is a Tremor. Otherwise, there would be quite a few components that would need to be changed, if I wanted a taller lift

Even before adding the 33s, this truck already is taller than most 1/4 ton trucks, AND my favorite one to Tower over; the Tacoma, followed by Chevy Colorado/GMC equivalent. After driving next to a newer Ford F150 with 33s, I’m pretty certain it will ultimately be taller than that as well - once I’m running the 33s.

I feel like our truck segment is poised to potentially take over that of the F150. Plenty of room and power along with capability, yet the perfect footprint when it comes to navigating smaller areas, but still feels big and imposing, especially when driving around maniacs on the highway. That’s why I definitely like a bit of a lift and some aggressive tires, sticking out. when merging onto the highway or changing lanes, people just happen to be much more courteous when they are looking up at you, and looking over, to notice that the first thing to make contact will be some large tires that stick out a bit. It gives a healthy respect!

so once again, when it comes to ride height, and overall aggressive appearance, here’s my strategy:

• Plenty of ground clearance and excellent entrance and departure angles, which are actually pretty great right from the get-go
• A taller truck compared to the majority of the midsize guys, even the Tacoma… Actually especially the Tacoma, along with the Colorado and some of the others, even if they are riding on slightly larger tires
• Taller truck than the F150 or any of the quarter tons, certainly in stock form, and also if they have just put on slightly larger tires. I don’t expect to be taller if they have also lifted it.
• An aggressive and stout stance. Sort of like the raptor, where it has a wider track. Proportionately, these tires are wider when compared to the width of a truck. And then I also want the fender flares, as it will give the actual truck body a wider appearance, and control the amount of the tire that is sticking out.
• And then I have a lot of other ideas in terms of a low profile aerodynamic roof rack with the ability to seamlessly add a light bar, flush mounted cube lights in the rear bumper, and quite a few more things!
  Oh and when it comes to performance, I plan on doing the necessary mods that pretty much have it neck and neck with a stock Mustang GT/Camaro SS on a 0 to 60 basis. It’s actually very doable, but just need a very thoughtful combo, which includes
  • Upgraded inner cooler and charge pipes
  • High flow cats on a downpipe… Thinking CVF
  • Already have the great cat back, high flow CAI, and BOV, which does more than just sound nice. It feels better and allows for quicker spool, especially when combined with all the other supporting parts
  • A pretty high performance tune from Livernois
  • A pretty aggressive shift strategy
  • And with the 33s, if I really do want to basically go head to head with a stock GT, 4.10 gears are fairly important and the combination of shorter years and a taller tire will pretty much even it out
    • but still, absolutely adjust for both in order to correct the speedometer!

So they don’t look stupid or ridiculous but they definitely are on the smaller side. I think my 1.5 inch spacers keep them from being too terrible.

But also, keep in mind that I lifted all four corners by 2 inches. It certainly looks very roomy in those back wheel wells lol

But this was already part of my overall strategy. I’ve got 33 x 12.50 on some RTX 20 x 9 wheels w/ 0.00 offset. Now that will have the tires sticking out pretty far, so in addition, fender flares will be added at the same time. Something similar to what you see on the raptor F150 as far as style. In fact, that overall stout look as what I’m going for.

I’m pretty happy because I really like the grabbers that came with the truck, so I will stick with them because they come in 33x 12.50R 20.

And I’m sure many people are wondering why I would do a 20 inch wheel. It’s basically because I love the look, and with 33s, I think that is big enough to give plenty of sidewall. Anything shorter and I would go with 18” wheels.

By the way, the truck below is sort of my example. I think to perfect it, it just needs some wider fender flares… I want the tires to stick out past the fender flares by .75-1”… 2.50 is a little much, and would have the truck potentially looking very narrow with these wide tires.

I’m really big into proportionate additions and an overall proportionate look. I’m pretty sure this will achieve that, but I won’t know until I get it done. Should be within two months, and then it’s on to all performance parts, which I have put a plan together that theoretically and realistically will keep up with a stock Mustang GT/Camaro SS… And we’re talking about the new ones.

If I include 4.10 gears, with everything, it should be doing a low to mid 12/ second quarter mile and 0 to 60 in just over four seconds. I don’t think it will get into the threes… Not even 3.9999. But even 4.5 would have me ecstatic

And yeah, I’m aiming for the stars… But why not?!

As long as I don’t truly blow anything up, then it will be always worth it.

The truck below has 33 x 12.50 tires. Looks like a 0.0 0MM offset but not positive. I just look at it and think it looks very aggressive, but just needs those fender flares that I talked about. Then you’ve got a truck that looks physically wider, and still allows the tires to stick out just a bit. I think that’s my ideal look

That truck looks THICC, just needs some kind of a lip. I hope BFG makes a K03 in 295/70/17 that isn't E-rated by the time I need a new set. Was thinking that would be a nice enough subtle increase from my 285/70/17 to add a little chunkiness

 

[LowKeyTremor]

That truck looks THICC, just needs some kind of a lip. I hope BFG makes a K03 in 295/70/17 that isn't E-rated by the time I need a new set. Was thinking that would be a nice enough subtle increase from my 285/70/17 to add a little chunkiness

I fully agree! Oh yes and those KO3s, they will definitely add a little chunkiness. I wish I had a picture of my F250, certainly before and after, because it was KO2 and then KO3. With that truck of course it’s so big that it’s not a big deal. But I can tell you that there’s an absolute beefier look with the KO3s and I think it looks great! (as long as in proportion)

I just think (in the blue truck example case) it needs different fender flares, essentially more coverage to make it proportionate with the tires that are sticking out so far. But with that said, I think there’s more going on because those tires almost could be 13.50? Or is it just that they are kicked out so damn much, it gives that illusion?

So I want 33 x 12.50 and 0.00 MM offset, and I’ve seen it on some vehicles before and it certainly doesn’t stick it out that far. But even what I’ve seen, if you wanted to look right, you need to put some fender flares that offer more coverage! I can only imagine just how much shit it kicks up on the side!

So I think mine is a bit taller, so it won’t quite have that drastic of a look, but in addition, it’s exactly why I’m going to make sure that the majority of the wheel is covered by really solid fender flares that go well with the truck!

I like the idea of an illusion that the actual truck itself is a bit wider, as it will go well with the height, but there’s a fine line between having the tire stick out way too far, and really nailing it. My set up cannot be nailed IMO, without some aggressive fender flares.

I definitely need a test fit!
So hopefully I can just give a shop 20 bucks to throw on a 33 x 12.50 on any wheel that has a 0.00 MM offset. That will give me peace of mind.

I’m not the type who likes to learn the hard way! No no no not at all

Do you get what I’m saying? Does it make sense? (it’s getting late and my communication skills are deteriorating???

 

[awd.nv]

I fully agree! Oh yes and those KO3s, they will definitely add a little chunkiness. I wish I had a picture of my F250, certainly before and after, because it was KO2 and then KO3. With that truck of course it’s so big that it’s not a big deal. But I can tell you that there’s an absolute beefier look with the KO3s and I think it looks great! (as long as in proportion)

I just think (in the blue truck example case) it needs different fender flares, essentially more coverage to make it proportionate with the tires that are sticking out so far. But with that said, I think there’s more going on because those tires almost could be 13.50? Or is it just that they are kicked out so damn much, it gives that illusion?

So I want 33 x 12.50 and 0.00 MM offset, and I’ve seen it on some vehicles before and it certainly doesn’t stick it out that far. But even what I’ve seen, if you wanted to look right, you need to put some fender flares that offer more coverage! I can only imagine just how much shit it kicks up on the side!

So I think mine is a bit taller, so it won’t quite have that drastic of a look, but in addition, it’s exactly why I’m going to make sure that the majority of the wheel is covered by really solid fender flares that go well with the truck!

I like the idea of an illusion that the actual truck itself is a bit wider, as it will go well with the height, but there’s a fine line between having the tire stick out way too far, and really nailing it. My set up cannot be nailed IMO, without some aggressive fender flares.

I definitely need a test fit!
So hopefully I can just give a shop 20 bucks to throw on a 33 x 12.50 on any wheel that has a 0.00 MM offset. That will give me peace of mind.

I’m not the type who likes to learn the hard way! No no no not at all

Do you get what I’m saying? Does it make sense? (it’s getting late and my communication skills are deteriorating???

I am the same way, I like the wider stance the wheel/tire combo gives but it needs a fender flare to look right. I like flush or just a pinch of tire poking out, more than that and flares help make it look clean. That is why I am thinking for me, stock tremor wheels with 1" spacers, 295/70/17 would be perfect. The 285/70/17 I have now look great but I think I want a wider tire the next time. We'll see. MPG already sucks. If we had a 20-24 gallon tank I would care less about MPG.

 

[LowKeyTremor]

I am the same way, I like the wider stance the wheel/tire combo gives but it needs a fender flare to look right. I like flush or just a pinch of tire poking out, more than that and flares help make it look clean. That is why I am thinking for me, stock tremor wheels with 1" spacers, 295/70/17 would be perfect. The 285/70/17 I have now look great but I think I want a wider tire the next time. We'll see. MPG already sucks. If we had a 20-24 gallon tank I would care less about MPG.

I couldn’t agree more about the fuel tank size! It would be perfect!

And just by going off the raptor F150 or bronco - actually even better, the raptor Ranger - how they all look extremely nice with the larger fender flares being used to hide some nice meaty tires, it just feels like a perfect way to make the truck more aggressive, capable, and at the same time, your protecting the sides from the tires throwing up rocks, but also really creating a cohesive design! Ideally, if I’m lifting my midsize truck, then I’m also increasing the width, because if your tires are tucked under, it’s gonna look very tall and narrow!

There’s actually a certain group of people in my area who do that. But they also run 24s, and it’s wild because 35s end up looking like low-pros (I saw this last night and I asked the guy what he was running and I was pretty certain had to be 33… No, they were 35s!)

I definitely like to see a little bit of tire sticking out, and would even be just fine if it was flush with the most outer part of the fender/any part of the truck… broadly speaking, there’s something about any wheel tire set up being tucked in that just doesn’t work for me (I felt the same way about basically every vehicle I have ever owned; 4x4, muscle car, or fairly luxurious sports sedan… with an emphasis on ‘sport’!

The stock Tremor wheel and tire combo, with 1.5” spacers, gives it a sufficient overall look (1” would be just fine… Maybe even .75”)

That said, larger tires are a must for on mine; specifically with the additional 2 inches of lift that I added. It doesn’t look silly (to me, it’s very close), and it certainly looks roomy in terms of space between the wheel wells and tires!

I did do the unusual, and gave the rear suspension a complete 2” of additional lift, essentially keeping the exact rake, but raising the entire vehicle up by 2”, there is certainly a lot of room in the rear wheel wells, and clearly full-on 33s should be in there!!

I say unusual, because the closest I’ve heard is those who have either gone with the Eibach kit, bringing the front up by 2” the rear by 1”.

On a semi related note:
The Aeroskin LightShield Hood Protector Pro really stood out as a solid addition to my exact set up, specifically as it relates to the rake that was maintained:

I never planned on adding a bug shield/hood protector or anything of that sort, but when I saw this particular one, I immediately liked that it created an extra height to the hood itself, where the lights are and they look really sleek to me!! I think they can give an overall look that goes well with the rake. (certainly not anything to do with ground clearance).

For some reason I get pretty detailed into even the most minor changes, whether they be good or bad. i’m talking about even sort of the subconscious level; an effect, look, or overall feel that is so subtle, you just know that it’s different but don’t exactly know why? (this goes for people who are certainly not members of a 5G forum!)

I’m curious if you see what I’m talking about… Just knowing that something is different, but not sure exactly why it feels that way. Do you or anyone else kind of see what I’m getting at?

And now I digress!!!?

 

[jdamtb918]

I couldn’t agree more about the fuel tank size! It would be perfect!

And just by going off the raptor F150 or bronco - actually even better, the raptor Ranger - how they all look extremely nice with the larger fender flares being used to hide some nice meaty tires, it just feels like a perfect way to make the truck more aggressive, capable, and at the same time, your protecting the sides from the tires throwing up rocks, but also really creating a cohesive design! Ideally, if I’m lifting my midsize truck, then I’m also increasing the width, because if your tires are tucked under, it’s gonna look very tall and narrow!

There’s actually a certain group of people in my area who do that. But they also run 24s, and it’s wild because 35s end up looking like low-pros (I saw this last night and I asked the guy what he was running and I was pretty certain had to be 33… No, they were 35s!)

I definitely like to see a little bit of tire sticking out, and would even be just fine if it was flush with the most outer part of the fender/any part of the truck… broadly speaking, there’s something about any wheel tire set up being tucked in that just doesn’t work for me (I felt the same way about basically every vehicle I have ever owned; 4x4, muscle car, or fairly luxurious sports sedan… with an emphasis on ‘sport’!

The stock Tremor wheel and tire combo, with 1.5” spacers, gives it a sufficient overall look (1” would be just fine… Maybe even .75”)

That said, larger tires are a must for on mine; specifically with the additional 2 inches of lift that I added. It doesn’t look silly (to me, it’s very close), and it certainly looks roomy in terms of space between the wheel wells and tires!

I did do the unusual, and gave the rear suspension a complete 2” of additional lift, essentially keeping the exact rake, but raising the entire vehicle up by 2”, there is certainly a lot of room in the rear wheel wells, and clearly full-on 33s should be in there!!

I say unusual, because the closest I’ve heard is those who have either gone with the Eibach kit, bringing the front up by 2” the rear by 1”.

On a semi related note:
The Aeroskin LightShield Hood Protector Pro really stood out as a solid addition to my exact set up, specifically as it relates to the rake that was maintained:

I never planned on adding a bug shield/hood protector or anything of that sort, but when I saw this particular one, I immediately liked that it created an extra height to the hood itself, where the lights are and they look really sleek to me!! I think they can give an overall look that goes well with the rake. (certainly not anything to do with ground clearance).

For some reason I get pretty detailed into even the most minor changes, whether they be good or bad. i’m talking about even sort of the subconscious level; an effect, look, or overall feel that is so subtle, you just know that it’s different but don’t exactly know why? (this goes for people who are certainly not members of a 5G forum!)

I’m curious if you see what I’m talking about… Just knowing that something is different, but not sure exactly why it feels that way. Do you or anyone else kind of see what I’m getting at?

And now I digress!!!?

i went with basically the same bug shield just without the lights

 

[LowKeyTremor]

i went with basically the same bug shield just without the lights

I love it!! Thank you for showing those pictures! I knew it would look good but wow!

I didn’t know what I should do next, and technically I probably should wait but I do have the funds… Now that I’ve seen it, it’s without a doubt my next mod and I might go ahead and buy it tonight.

Even better, I already wanted the red tow hooks. I have matching vinyl lettering for the Ranger hood sign that is already in there, and actually I painted my bash plate that same color red. So it’s just gonna complete that theme!

I feel like I should just go ahead and snag both of those parts together…
1.) bug shield
2.) red tow hooks

thanks for the inspiration that is just gonna make me go ahead and do it because I can’t wait any longer… This hobby/quasi-addiction has not been fed recently and needs to fix.
And I have no desire or plan on fighting this awesome addiction. In my mind, it’s the same thing as being addicted to working out and eating healthy, but doing it the right way!

I swear I get a similar endorphin rush when it’s done!

 

[LowKeyTremor]

So I wanted to just post a couple pictures of the Ford Ranger lifts 2” spacer on the front, with 2” blocks on the rear. Basically the same stands that most complain about, but the whole thing is 2 inches taller.?.

2 inches of extra lift all the way around on this one! I believe that is roughly 3 inches of extra height versus all the other models. And please correct me if I’m wrong

• The main reason is because I put a 2 inch block on the back. I wanted to keep the rake, because I will be towing a pretty long aluminum covered trailer; either 20’ x 82” or potentially 24’x82”, so I can fit a Polaris RZR four seater and my OG, absolute reliable ‘07 Polaris Ranger (that thing is so GD reliable… Starts on the first turn immediately 100% of the time)
• So a lot of parking lots also we have a slope upward so it looks flat. It just never looks like it’s sagging in the back and I really like that part. And you’ll see that I have a part that will sort of trick the rake look away. But the rear tires will always have more space in the wheel well. However I’ve seen some big tires that end up looking kind of tight in the back but just right in the front. Who knows what will happen in the end
• I have the high clearance crash bars which I love the look of, and the idea is for that 20 x 9 with a 0 mm offset, with 33 x 12.50 grabbers, sticking out over 2 inches but paired back a bit with fender flares. I think the perfect application
• But here it is with the original tremor wheels and tires

First picture
The parking lot has a little slope, so the truck sits pretty level, but if you look in the wheel wells you can see the spacing difference between the tires and the middle.

so this one doesn’t hide the rake. This is in the driveway which is pretty darn level but might have a little slope that exaggerates the rake… But not really so much

This one, just shows the blocks in the rear and one of my favorite parts; the Bilstein shocks, which have an awesome brushed steel color, and came with a great looking clamp for sort of a piggyback mount. I love the black, and on the side it says Bilstein. The front didn’t need it obviously, but with the blocks, it did increase travel so I picked up an extra 2 inches of travel with these particular shocks. It makes the ride quite amazing, and if I could put the equivalent on the front, I would probably do so in a heartbeat… There’s just a budget thing and trying to figure out what to do first.


But going off of a rounded curb one tire at a time to get maximum roughness, the factory tremor tuned fox shocks are great, but when you compare them to the rears, you definitely notice the difference.

Lastly, I have these decals waiting to go on the back. With the glossy black with red accents on the wheels, it’s all gonna have a similar theme. It will basically match the grill and the painted bash plate

if you had all doubt the decal, I pretty much had the same one minus the off-road part. I really liked it as it stood out with much more contrast versus the factory one. The problem is that with carbonized gray, there’s not very much contrast with the OEM decal

I’m seriously being tortured having to wait for some of these parts. But the wheels and tires are definitely quite pricey

Add the AVS bug deflector with the light bar, and even when the rake is showing to the max, it will make an illusion of the front and being a bit taller and I really think it’s going to hit a sweet spot

I’m virtually positive those tires will have no problem and even if they don’t rub I think I will take off the front air Dame in front of the wheels, and then either unbolt or cut the support piece. Other than that I don’t believe there should be any rubbing

 

[awd.nv]

Ah so the Bilstein felt nicer? I am assuming I will need to replace my Fox OEM Tremor ones soon and was split between stock replacement fox or Bilstein. Their Front shocks look really good too.

We have a towing trip planned across two states so I bit the bullet and got a Mishi Rad and Intercooler. I don't PLAN on tuning the truck but when temps are over 100F and towing up hill, I am thinking I will appreciate the extra cooling. This weekend coming back from towing in 114F (truck stated 118F, probably black road temp) I was going uphill and the truck touched 230F at 60mph so I backed to 55mph to keep it around 227-229F. The truck could have easily climbed at 65mph if the cooling was there.

Can't wait to get these parts installed.

 

[LowKeyTremor]

Ah so the Bilstein felt nicer? I am assuming I will need to replace my Fox OEM Tremor ones soon and was split between stock replacement fox or Bilstein. Their Front shocks look really good too.

We have a towing trip planned across two states so I bit the bullet and got a Mishi Rad and Intercooler. I don't PLAN on tuning the truck but when temps are over 100F and towing up hill, I am thinking I will appreciate the extra cooling. This weekend coming back from towing in 114F (truck stated 118F, probably black road temp) I was going uphill and the truck touched 230F at 60mph so I backed to 55mph to keep it around 227-229F. The truck could have easily climbed at 65mph if the cooling was there.

Can't wait to get these parts installed.

Your combo sounds perfect! Definitely interested in hearing what results you notice from the radiator! I love the idea of getting the cooling on point! I really cannot wait for the intercooler, along with the hot and cold charge pipes upgraded. All of these intercoolers give over 40% more volume.

There are a few brands, and you’ve listed one of them, that I just feel our top notch and will be going with. I think CVF, just because they have a nice matching charge pipe combo and the downpipe is on my list. Also as I’ve checked into everything and read reviews, it really looks like their craftsmanship/ fabrication work is top-notch and same with the materials used. Otherwise, I think I was probably going with the same intercooler set up as you! That part is still for debate though.

RE: Bilsteins— for starters, knowing that the Fox shocks are pretty decent and definitely an upgrade, it’s pretty wild because it’s day and night when compared to the Bilsteins!! Somehow they struck the perfect balance of absorbing everything, and controlling the rebound, so it doesn’t feel like it just pulls you back, but it doesn’t end up compressing the springs again for a back-and-forth feeling. I don’t know how to explain it but you will not be disappointed!

Do you have a model number for Bilsteins that will work for the Tremor? I just know that one way or another, I need to match those fronts with the rears! It’s that good!!!

I probably overthink things, but if you’re interested, here’s how I look at everything when it comes to the truck:

The Incoming Air:
For heat management, and then just pretty much letting the truck inhale and exhale however it desires, I think the below parts are just perfect to let it do its thing, and in addition to the efficiency, it’s just easier on the engine!

• CAI - larger conical filter and I definitely have got to the point where I would rather not go with K&N or anything that uses oil…** (see bottom)
• Intercooler - pretty much all these guys are over 40% more volume.
• Hot & cold charge pipes upgraded
• Blow off valve - all that extra air coming in all nicely… it seals better and if you’re building boost and all of a sudden don’t need it, it gets rid of the extra pressure in a quick ‘whoosh’ ? (not overbearing)

Then on the exit side:
(funny, it actually helps with the incoming air, letting that turbine spool up quicker)

• Exhaust (cat back) - I’ve heard there’s some pretty big restrictions but I can’t confirm that. Clearly it flows much better and the sound is just… It’s beautiful Thank you, Borla!!
• Downpipe - just by looking at the difference between aftermarket high flow and that stock unit… Jesus the stock unit is huge, but certainly doesn’t look especially efficient! Not to mention we already know it’s a fact because the aftermarket just flows way better

1.) Each of these parts are great on their own, but it’s the combination… It’s like a superpower when they all combine!
2.) Even more obvious, your truck is then fully ready for a tune, and then you can really take advantage! So for me, all of these parts add up to allowing a tune optimize these parts, and these parts to optimize the tune! In other words, get the most out of it! I’m going with Livernois , and I also cannot wait for that transmission shifting strategy to be changed!

I guess lastly, I love that all that extra power allows for the really fun stuff that’s also for aesthetics… Larger tires. With those parts added, they certainly won’t be bogging the truck down! It will be very interesting to see what happens to MPG‘s… On the highway up to 70 mph, I’m getting 25 mpg‘s. On a percentage basis, it’s truly just crushing the 19 mpg ratings.

I’m gonna go ahead and go with larger wheels as well, and then of course gotta make the truck look wider with the fender flares. It’s gonna just be mean!

Off Topic
Big debate… I definitely love the matte black fender flares, and the price is usually right. Not to mention, there’s a lot of different options.

But now that I’ve seen the Roush fender flares, I wish I hadn’t because I think I have to go with those! It looks to me like they’re the same exact color as the Tremor fender flares, but just much larger and perfect for 33 x 12.50s!!
The matte Black ones will look very natural, but I’m feeling like with that color being on point, the Roush flares will actually make the truck look truly wider.

So now (including the increased height from Tremor pkg), the entire truck is 3 inches taller essentially. It will only be natural to make it a bit wider, and keeping that proportionality. Combine that with filling out the fenders with bigger tires, and getting those tires to stick out just a little bit (I sort of despise when they are tucked in… I would even be happy with basically the picture from the Ford Pass app! The tires fill the the wheel wells out nicely and they are all the way out to the very outmost edge of the fenders. Why didn’t they actually do that for us? Oh well)

The point of everything I’ve done on the truck is that I’m trying to make it look like it could have been an option/package from the factory because it all goes together so well.

It leaves people scratching their heads… They’re thinking: that truck looks different, but I don’t know how… But it is bad ass! That’s the idea!

** regarding the oiled air filters, I’m just trying to get rid of that whole aspect of letting oil run through the air system, and anywhere else that it could technically clog up sensors.

I do have an oil catcher as well. So with that, it would be inconsistent if I was using an oiled reusable high flow air filter!!

 

[awd.nv]

I agree, this more mature me is doing cooling before a tune lol The younger me would have put the tune on first.

I think also because I am in the desert and we are over 100F for a few weeks (over 110F many days) I appreciate cooling. Going from 110F Vegas to 70F Newport Beach, CA 2 weeks ago made the truck feel like it had a tune anyway. I may do a tune now that the cooling is in place to support it in the summer but not in a rush. Would rather do big brakes before a tune TBH.

Big brakes only in part for the real performance (while towing and such if trailer brakes fail) but I have always wanted a sedan/coupe with Brembo brakes like the AMG Benz I used to work on, I need a truck but doesn't mean I can't have nice brakes lol Maybe Wilwood this time around. Some of the other brands are nicer perhaps but I worry about getting rotors in 3yrs from some of these foreign brands.

 

[LowKeyTremor]

I think we have a very similar strategy!

lol without a question the younger me would have already put on the tune, and then just upgraded with the parts. It wouldn’t make sense but neither do decisions a teenager/even through potentially mid 20s makes!

At the time it feels fine but I’d say there’s a common theme of putting the cart before the horse! I’m really doing my best to avoid those decisions in particular! Supporting mods first, then tuner! Just get it done, because they’re great for the motor as it is, and the tuner can extract a bit more power!

I’m looking at these larger brakes, I’m thinking depending on the wheel size they work with, and I believe some are 18 inch, but perhaps 17 inch. It will either be immediately before wheels and tires, just because it’s more rolling mass to stop
OR
Immediately after, with the larger wheels allowing for larger brakes. And I won’t lie, a large brake setup poking through the wheels is a very very cool look! (I had 2 BMW 440i Gran Coupés, and each time I went with the track package, meaning some pretty large 14” rotors - I think - in calipers in a beautiful blue!)

They weren’t quite Brembo, but they gave that feeling, and for my driving, even spirited, was more than I actually needed. I would have needed to upgrade to essentially the M series brakes, and since I didn’t hit the actual track, these big boys were enough! But I definitely know what you’re talking about, specifically regarding Brembo‘s on the Mercedes!

Add the fact that with a quite long covered car hauler, 20 or 24 feet, loaded with two side-by-side, we’re talking 7100 pounds, and then let’s go ahead and add a couple hundred pounds for any extra and fuel in the tank etc. .

All of a sudden it starts feeling like a very very good idea! darn near the max, and even though I already put on the electric brake controller, I would like that piece of mind!

The other part being that the majority of the towing will be in the mountains, up and down to Truckee and the northern Valley in California.

now I’m really really counting on those electric brakes to work perfectly. Well I don’t wanna put that much reliance, so break upgrade is sensible and mandatory! It’s not even one bit outlandish or excessive.

It will already pull everything up the hill, I have no doubt. But I would doubt the braking, on some of these pretty steep areas with some sharp turns, which actually are worse in the foothill areas!

and as we mature I think we start looking at the big picture. In this case, the big picture is that this truck will ultimately rip a trailer up a hill, and while going down, have the ability to stop it right in its tracks… If it’s done right! That means definite brake upgrade!

and all the cooling and everything else goes without saying!

In the end, I just shake my head at how amazing a little 2.3 L inline-4 is able to essentially put out 1990s, if not early 2000s level of V8 power. Of course there’s a little turbo but it really is on the smaller side.

Not sure if you still kind of have that feeling of amazement. I go ahead and put in 91 octane (screw California by the way - no 93, this is completely ridiculous ‘ summer blend’, and essentially two dollars in taxes. Bunch of idiots we are, if you categorize us together!!)
but let’s be very clear, people from Sacramento and north, we think a lot more like maybe Idaho, or even anywhere else that’s sensible. Lotta farming, hunting, and just common sense! San Fran and LA sure love our water.

I’m gonna stop right there… It’s too annoying for me and for probably everybody else

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