| PM | Quote | Reply | Full Topic |
Seasoned...
Joined: Sat Oct 21st, 2017
Location: Near The Pointy End , USA
Posts: 1299
Status:
Offline
Reputation: 
Reputation Points: $user_rep
You'll be surprised how far you can get in a 2wd ranger. That being said, it would be wise to invest in some recovery gear lol
As for lifts, the best all around option (in my opinion) is a set of lift spindles. They retain the factory ride quality and suspension geometry, are available in 3 and 4" varieties, and wont break the bank (although they are the most expensive option).
Your other options are coil spacers/lift coils (good for ~2" or less, cheap and easy, will notice a rougher ride) or a body lift (also cheap, good for 3", a little more involved install, won't increase ground clearance between the tires)
Long/mid travel setups are also options for lift/performance, but those a whole nother can of worms.
Just to expand on this.. Lift is created by tires/wheel combinations NOT suspension lifts..
What lifts a vehicle; whether body or suspension, creates "room" for larger tires. The idea is ground clearance of the lowest portion of the vehicle, in our case its the Rear differential or "pig" as Jamman calls it and the Front differential. ;)
I run a 33" DynaPro MT's [285/70/17] with 17" wheel on a 2" Leveling kit and HD 5-leaf rear spring kit [1 5/8" lift (rear)] on a 2WD truck and have a mild 2" body lift with a 3.73 Open/Diff rear and I've yet to be left behind anyone with a 4x4 on any of my adventures yet.
I know what the limits of the truck are, loose silty sand seems to be a bit harder for me with the MT's and I think thats just with experience. I've found myself not airing down properly and trying power my way through and just digging in because someone in front of me seems to always get skittish and slow down or stop for whatever reason. Swampy mud, dirt trails, hills, and even some mild technical trails with some shelf work up/down hasn't slowed me too much. In fact, Not even 30" of water:
Two Videos of my rig on Mojave Trail (Cali) water crossing
I will say that there is a rougher ride with leveling spacers, and I think if i was to do just that much again I'd opt for a 2" lift spring instead and a performance shock like a Fox or even a King if my wallet would allow for it. The Spur roads [large-large rock roads], not like gravel at all. I'm talking rocks the size of 3x5 index cards and/or larger are what make the leveling coils wring my mind of why I didn't opt for the spring lift.
Also keep in mind, if you're on a 15" wheel now hypothetically. And you opt to stay same size tire but upgrade to a 16" or a 17" wheel you will gain a 0.50" to 1.00" in lift EVEN though the tire diameter doesn't change. Another way to get a little bit more out of the wheels and tires.
I do laugh being here in Vegas when I come across these guys in big 8"-14" suspension lifted Silverado's, F-series trucks, and Doge's alike. Park next to them and walk away looking at the rear ends (differentials) and I'm within that 0.50" or the same clearance as they are. I love pointing out and even showing if given an opportunity that I can follow and even lead those guys on any trail they hit. Unless your thinking of going 35" tires or bigger and re-gearing to do so, there are better ways to spend your money for fun on the trail then going for the EGO lift.. No offense
Function>Form
I have further plans to do a body/bed swap onto a 4x4 modified frame by summer of 2018 so if you're not already following build pages, mines at the bottom of my sig.
____________________
"Be never first, never last and never noticed." - Unknown
"The slave is held most securely when he is held by the chains of his own will and of his own fears, and when he is locked down by his own slavish desires for a comfortable life." - Michael Bunker
"Mundus vult decipi, ergo decipiatur" - ~ attributed to Petronius (Gaius Petronius Arbiter (ca. 27–66 AD))
Roman courtier during the reign of Nero.
"Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom, must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it." - Thomas Paine
~ Undrstm8ed Truckumentry Write Up Pg.
~ Undrstm8ed Trailermentry Write Up Pg.
.