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  #1  
Old 08-16-2018, 07:31 PM
memsie memsie is offline
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Default Are either of these lift kits worth it for my 2000 2wd? New to the lift game.

Wanting to level out my Ranger and bring up the front.

Spacers: easy way to level, but sounds like I might need new UCAs? https://www.ebay.com/itm/RANGER-1998...item2cab81846d

Spindles- more expensive but also an easy install and eliminates the need to replace UCAs so I hear. https://www.ebay.com/itm/FORD-RANGER...item2f0f5c6847

I need new shocks anyway, and both of these kits come with. As far as the rear blocks, I am on the fence about even installing them. I'll see how it looks when the front is leveled. If I do install, though, I'd rather go blocks in the rear than shackles.

That all being said, I've never put a lift on before and want to know the best way to do a slight lift/level without breaking bank. It's mostly for aesthetic- I don't do much off roading. Just wanna level it out and maybe throw some bigger tires on.

What would you do, or what do you have?
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Old 08-16-2018, 09:54 PM
rangergambler rangergambler is offline
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Maxtrac 2" lift coils 4 cyl version if u have an i-4 engine or the V6 version for v6 COIL rangers.

Bilstein 5100 front shocks and for rear bilstein yellow shocks. Do not lift the rear.

REPLACE LOWER BALL JOINTS WHILE YOURE THERE. AND NEW UPPER OEM ARMS ONLY IF YOU NEED EM. MY STOCK UPPER ARMS lasted 243 thousand miles on my 2010 2.3 ranger



YOU WILL LOVE THE RIDE !!! I drive my ranger hard on rough bouncy streets and it has drastically improved the stability. NO MORE GOING SIDEWAYS WHEN GOING THROUGH TRAIN TRACKS AND THE COILS HAVE NOT SAGGED A BIT. BEEFY MAXTRAC COILS.

Also my upper arms have the stock OEM alignment square plates and it has just a little bit inner tire wear. No need for a arm cams. If you want it perfect camber yes then get the upper a arm cams. Each truck is different but my ranger has a hair of negative camber i mean a hair and it is fine for me. You cannot tell by looking at it. And it drives straight as an arrow when going 80 MPH and it is a nice controlled smooth stiffer than stock ride.

Spacers are for wussies.

----------

Also my 2.3 ranger has 30s tires on stock steelie wheels and no rubbing whatsoever with the 2 inch maxtrac coils.

But i will go to 235 75 15 ATs on next tire change to get more towing power to tow my 2018 YFZ450R SE Quad on the 5x10 trailer i have. This thing is a beast and a blast to ride on...

Any pics of reg cab 2wd 2.3 rangers with 2 inch front lift and 235s?
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Last edited by rangergambler; 08-16-2018 at 09:51 PM.
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  #3  
Old 08-17-2018, 05:43 AM
memsie memsie is offline
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Default Re: Are either of these lift kits worth it for my 2000 2wd? New to the lift game.

Good info, thanks. I'm just having a hard time finding ANY lift coils for a 2000 2wd ranger- even the ones you listed are for GMC it looks like. Have you noticed any loss of lift as the coils wear?

**edit deciding to go spindle and rear block- but can't figure out if I'd need to change rear shocks or if I can ride stock.
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Last edited by memsie; 08-17-2018 at 07:19 AM.
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  #4  
Old 08-17-2018, 10:24 AM
Undrstm8ed Undrstm8ed is offline
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Default Re: Are either of these lift kits worth it for my 2000 2wd? New to the lift game.

Quote:
Originally Posted by memsie View Post
Good info, thanks. I'm just having a hard time finding ANY lift coils for a 2000 2wd ranger- even the ones you listed are for GMC it looks like. Have you noticed any loss of lift as the coils wear?

**edit deciding to go spindle and rear block- but can't figure out if I'd need to change rear shocks or if I can ride stock.
Do you have coils or torsion bars on your truck?

And for what its worth.. OEM shocks are generally good for less than 28-30k at best. While you're in there you should take into consideration unknown age of current suspension and mileage. No sense doing it half ass just to save a couple hundred dollars. If that's the case, exhibit some will power and discipline, gather all your parts for a proper lift and when you have it all then do it rather than halfway only to cause other issues or to never finish it right to begin with. Falls right in line with the measure twice, cut once theory.

If you just want "the look" but want to maintain and operate like factory. Do the spacers, you may need new concentrics and an alignment worse case. The above mentioned option of Bilstiens all around will smooth out the ride. As you go up suspension will stiffen some and the OEM shocks are too stiff. You'll need a shock thats a bit softer to counter it.
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  #5  
Old 08-18-2018, 06:07 AM
memsie memsie is offline
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Default Re: Are either of these lift kits worth it for my 2000 2wd? New to the lift game.

Coils, not torsion.

Sorry, when I was mentioning stock shocks I meant just the stock size. Definitely doing an upgrade while I'm in there- need new ball joints too.

I'm leaning away from spacers because I don't want to have to do new UCAs and alignment etc. But would it be the same for lift coils? You say you're fine without those adjustments... some people saying that only becomes necessary when going higher than 2", some say coils/spacers= new UCA no matter what.

TOO MUCH INFO MAKES THINGS HARD
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Last edited by memsie; 08-18-2018 at 06:14 AM.
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  #6  
Old 08-18-2018, 08:44 AM
VelociRanger VelociRanger is offline
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Default Re: Are either of these lift kits worth it for my 2000 2wd? New to the lift game.

Easiest way up front would be lift spindles. Retains factory shock size, coil size, upper control arms, everything..literally the only thing a spindle replaces is the spindle itself. Yes, after any suspension work an alignment is recommended, as well as replacing parts that need replacing from normal (or extreme) wear. Undrstm8ed is right, do it right by getting things like shocks, ball joints, and inner and outer bearings (bigger tires/different angles/more strain on bearing. And, while installing spindles, you'll already have the bearings and seals off anyways and they cost like $10). If you can't get everything at once, get parts here and there but wait to put them on until you've gathered everything. You, and your truck, will thank you in the long run. As for blocks in the back....I personally won't run them or recommend running them. Heard/seen them go bad many times. Cheap? Yes. Reliable? Ehhh...try to find leaf spring pack/shackle kit...maybe an off-road guy can help here (cough Undrstm8ed cough cough)

Edit: eBay sucks...go here

http://www.maxtracsuspension.com/01-...-lift-kit.html
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Last edited by VelociRanger; 08-18-2018 at 09:00 AM.
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  #7  
Old 08-19-2018, 02:11 AM
Undrstm8ed Undrstm8ed is offline
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Default Re: Are either of these lift kits worth it for my 2000 2wd? New to the lift game.

Quote:
Originally Posted by VelociRanger View Post
Easiest way up front would be lift spindles. Retains factory shock size, coil size, upper control arms, everything..literally the only thing a spindle replaces is the spindle itself. Yes, after any suspension work an alignment is recommended, as well as replacing parts that need replacing from normal (or extreme) wear. Undrstm8ed is right, do it right by getting things like shocks, ball joints, and inner and outer bearings (bigger tires/different angles/more strain on bearing. And, while installing spindles, you'll already have the bearings and seals off anyways and they cost like $10). If you can't get everything at once, get parts here and there but wait to put them on until you've gathered everything. You, and your truck, will thank you in the long run. As for blocks in the back....I personally won't run them or recommend running them. Heard/seen them go bad many times. Cheap? Yes. Reliable? Ehhh...try to find leaf spring pack/shackle kit...maybe an off-road guy can help here (cough Undrstm8ed cough cough)

Edit: eBay sucks...go here

http://www.maxtracsuspension.com/01-...-lift-kit.html
Even Ford used 1" and 2" blocks factory.. Whats bad about blocks is when retards looking for shortcuts (because they seem to be important to retards) stack said blocks in combination of and then go do further retarded things.., well. If you were doing said stupid thing for a static display.. mmmmmK.. But to drive around and offroad in such a situation, you're asking for an accident to happen or some broken parts.

Outside of that.. blocks done right are okay. Is there better? absofuckinlutely.., but then quality parts cost quality dollars and not everyone's looking to drop $600-850 on a set of Deaver springs or comparable brands if you will. Some of us are, but..
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  #8  
Old 08-19-2018, 06:08 PM
VelociRanger VelociRanger is offline
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Default Re: Are either of these lift kits worth it for my 2000 2wd? New to the lift game.

I completely agree with you, I just personally don't like blocks. I actually didn't know Ford used them even, so if they do it's probably pretty safe. I guess the ones I've seen are mainly like 6"lift blocks.
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  #9  
Old 08-19-2018, 07:52 PM
Undrstm8ed Undrstm8ed is offline
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Default Re: Are either of these lift kits worth it for my 2000 2wd? New to the lift game.

Quote:
Originally Posted by VelociRanger View Post
I completely agree with you, I just personally don't like blocks. I actually didn't know Ford used them even, so if they do it's probably pretty safe. I guess the ones I've seen are mainly like 6"lift blocks.
There are safer ways to get 6" of lift and payload if thats important. But most people are seeking to appease their ego's and emotions and on the least amount of dimes possible.. Most people are cheap dates and settle easily. So functionality isn't a concern, its the aesthetics and the "attention" they're generally after.

Every car/truck scene has them...
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  #10  
Old 08-20-2018, 05:37 PM
rangergambler rangergambler is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by memsie View Post
Good info, thanks. I'm just having a hard time finding ANY lift coils for a 2000 2wd ranger- even the ones you listed are for GMC it looks like. Have you noticed any loss of lift as the coils wear?

**edit deciding to go spindle and rear block- but can't figure out if I'd need to change rear shocks or if I can ride stock.
Maxtrac suspension!! Reread my post.

And do lower balljoint while youre there. It is easy with the 23 piece loaner from advance.
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  #11  
Old 08-21-2018, 01:24 AM
Undrstm8ed Undrstm8ed is offline
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Default Re: Are either of these lift kits worth it for my 2000 2wd? New to the lift game.

Quote:
Originally Posted by memsie View Post
Good info, thanks. I'm just having a hard time finding ANY lift coils for a 2000 2wd ranger- even the ones you listed are for GMC it looks like. Have you noticed any loss of lift as the coils wear?
The loss is so progressive that you wouldn't notice it anyway. Shocks go bad more so than springs. Springs go bad when shocks have been bad for way to long and or if you're unfortunate to live in the rust-belt.. you may have a couple additional woes to field or be on the look out for but not as often as one would think.
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  #12  
Old 08-21-2018, 09:23 PM
memsie memsie is offline
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Default Re: Are either of these lift kits worth it for my 2000 2wd? New to the lift game.

Settled on 4" front spindle and 2" rear blocks. Also ordered new shocks, ball joints, control arms (stock size- I know spindle maintains stock geometry), tie rod ends. Just did wheel bearings when I redid the brakes a month ago.

For the rear I got shocks for a 4wd ranger- have a 2" longer extended length which should make up for the 2" block lift.

Also bought some AT 31s and some pretty new wheels.

Maybe someday I'll go with shackle or something more sturdy but since this is mostly for taking back bumpy roads to trailheads, and not serious off roading, I think it'll be ok.
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  #13  
Old 08-21-2018, 09:27 PM
VelociRanger VelociRanger is offline
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Default Re: Are either of these lift kits worth it for my 2000 2wd? New to the lift game.

Good choice sir. Before/after pics would be appreciated!
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  #14  
Old 08-22-2018, 07:33 AM
memsie memsie is offline
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Default Re: Are either of these lift kits worth it for my 2000 2wd? New to the lift game.

Will do. Trying desperately to find before/after pics of grinding the UCA which I know I'll have to do- would love to have reference instead of winging it.
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  #15  
Old 08-22-2018, 03:19 PM
02BLUEdge 02BLUEdge is offline
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Default Re: Are either of these lift kits worth it for my 2000 2wd? New to the lift game.

What year spindles did you order? 01+ spindles may require you to replace your 00 brake rotors with the slightly larger 01+ ones.

As for grinding the LCA, on my 02 I has to cut off the steering stop and grind maybe a 1/4" more.
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Last edited by 02BLUEdge; 08-22-2018 at 03:26 PM.
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