New to this forum, so first post related to Rangers.

Looking to get a Ranger 4x4 for my son and I to work on. One of the first modifications we want to do is put a 4" lift kit.

From research, we think the only one to consider for 4x4 is the Superlift kit. Which is fine as this still needs to be a pavement pounder as I will be driving it often.

My question is- how difficult is the install. Is it a DYI job or do you need special tools.

I've done a lift kit before- a 4" BDS lift kit 1987 Jeep YJ. We were able to do it in the garage as it required special tools, just some knuckle busting at times.

One think I loved about the Jeeps is the ability for someone with some mechanical skills and an OK tool box can do a lot of work. I hope the Ford Ranger is equally as user friendly.

Thanks. Any insight would be appreaciated.

I wouldn't. Lifts mess with steering geometry and make it unsafe to drive.

__________________
1998 ranger extended cab, 2wd, 4.0 ohv, 5 speed, sony xploid 52 4 way watt radio, 2 pair of pioneer 240 watt speakers, Cobra 29 LX LCD CB radio pushing 100 watts, k&n air filter, 15 inch exploder wheels, dual exhaust with 4 inch stainless tips, 2 12 inch subs with a 1000 watt amp just for the hell of it!

new project: dirt track modified racing at the local saturday night track.

wtf? Yes, obviously there are handling -changes- when modifying steering geometry. That's a far cry from the bold claim of being 'unsafe to drive'.

__________________
1999 5.0/4R70W/4406 Ext. Cab

You don't realize how easy it is to get bump steer and how dangerous that is.

__________________
1998 ranger extended cab, 2wd, 4.0 ohv, 5 speed, sony xploid 52 4 way watt radio, 2 pair of pioneer 240 watt speakers, Cobra 29 LX LCD CB radio pushing 100 watts, k&n air filter, 15 inch exploder wheels, dual exhaust with 4 inch stainless tips, 2 12 inch subs with a 1000 watt amp just for the hell of it!

new project: dirt track modified racing at the local saturday night track.

I'm aware of bump steer, but I don't live my life in fear of a problem that doesn't exist when the right parts are used the right way.

__________________
1999 5.0/4R70W/4406 Ext. Cab

I'm sure but are you aware how dangerous modified dirt track racing is?

__________________
Curent 2003 Ford Mustang Mach 1 owner - Build Thread for her: Logan's 2003 Mach 1

Former 2003 Ford Ranger owner - Build Thread for her: Project Budget Buster

To get back on topic. We did a BDS kit on a 87 Jeep YJ and had no issues nor needed any special tools. It was hard work, but not something out of our limited mechanical skillset.

Just wondering if there are any installation issues when doing this that make it very difficult DYI.

I also think Rough County makes a kit for Ranger 4x4

It is dangerous. Racing always will be. However I feel safer inside a full containment seat with a 5 point harness, HANS device, full face helmet, fire suit, and a steel cage around me. Plus ackerman angles, bump steer, ride heights, caster gains, etc have all been planned out while building the car.

Even a 1/4 inch change to the ride height would make the car handle like crap. That's why I preach how bad it is.

__________________
1998 ranger extended cab, 2wd, 4.0 ohv, 5 speed, sony xploid 52 4 way watt radio, 2 pair of pioneer 240 watt speakers, Cobra 29 LX LCD CB radio pushing 100 watts, k&n air filter, 15 inch exploder wheels, dual exhaust with 4 inch stainless tips, 2 12 inch subs with a 1000 watt amp just for the hell of it!

new project: dirt track modified racing at the local saturday night track.

It would help if you were to stick to preaching about things you comprehended.

__________________
1999 5.0/4R70W/4406 Ext. Cab

Just wondering if there are any installation issues when doing this that make it very difficult DYI.

[/QUOTE]
i don't think so... worst case download the instructions and read through them ahead of time

__________________
Curent 2003 Ford Mustang Mach 1 owner - Build Thread for her: Logan's 2003 Mach 1

Former 2003 Ford Ranger owner - Build Thread for her: Project Budget Buster

There's nothing unsafe about a lift done properly. If you have nothing worthwhile to contribute. Don't.

Looks like the Rough Country 4" Lift might be the way to go. Does not look overly difficult.

I have been wondering the same thing as Mc310. I just got a 4x4 and am looking for a 4” lift that will be decent on roadways. I have been poring through the forum and haven’t seen any solid recommendations for one lift or another. So thank you for asking the question Mc310. Staying posted and looking forward to some pics when you get it figured out.

As for crowdpleazer, thanks for the laugh!!

__________________
Lar Dog

2004 Ranger XLT 4x4 Super Cab
4” lift /superlift, 15x10 -44 Daytona Simulated beadlock wheels, 33 x 12.5 Yokohama goelander, pioneer double din deck, pioneer 6x8 x4, cover king seat covers, ceramic coated window tint all around, spyder auto led head and tail lights.

I am dead serious. I have seen trucks on the road that you could see the bump steer when they hit a pot hole.

__________________
1998 ranger extended cab, 2wd, 4.0 ohv, 5 speed, sony xploid 52 4 way watt radio, 2 pair of pioneer 240 watt speakers, Cobra 29 LX LCD CB radio pushing 100 watts, k&n air filter, 15 inch exploder wheels, dual exhaust with 4 inch stainless tips, 2 12 inch subs with a 1000 watt amp just for the hell of it!

new project: dirt track modified racing at the local saturday night track.

There -are- badly engineered/installed lift kits on the road. There is a massive logic disconnect to get from seeing examples of that to claiming that lifts "make it unsafe to drive".

__________________
1999 5.0/4R70W/4406 Ext. Cab