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Idahome
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Okay so to me after dealing with this exact topic for many years. Lift is a form of function, meaning we only "Lift" a vehicle to fit larger tires.
Larger tires are the only way to increase ground clearance (between the differentials and the ground) and improve traction (larger tire = larger contact patch). Keeping the tires on the ground is how you keep moving forward.
So a suspension lift is done in order to increase the size of the tire we can stuff at full compression and if done properly the suspension travel is increased so we can keep that tire on the ground longer during droop.
So for a Ranger the magic number is about 4-5" of suspension lift. This allows the use of a 35" tire on most of these trucks
Suspension lift is the BEST way to stuff larger tires.
A body lift simply moves the body up higher off the frame at the cost of higher center of gravity, but the function is the same, to clear larger tires.
A leveling kit or spacer lift, simply changes the ride height the suspension is set at in order to clear larger tires, at the cost of droop travel.
A proper suspension lift will increase the amount of stuff and droop travel, often to the maximum possible which moving the axles further from the frame so you can fit larger tires.
I am a big fan of increased travel and clearancing body panels to fit the larger tires. fender flares, sawzall, fiberglass can help clear big tires. High clearance U joints, CV axles, extended control arms, radius arms, springs, etc all are good help at making more "usable" wheel travel.
I am not a fan of leveling kits or body lifts, although I will use both of these in order to fit the largest tire possible.
My 1988 Bronco II stuffs 35" tires with a 1/2" body DROP
and a 5" suspension "lift"
The suspension has been modified to allow as much travel as possible, extended radius arms, clearanced U joints, modified beams, custom steering, and soft springs allow me to have 14-15" of usable wheel travel at the hub, about 6" of down or "droop" and about 8-9" of up or "stuff" travel. I use fiberglass fenders to clear the 35" tires trimming sheet metal here and there to make it all work together.
So lift is a form of function, for me.
Last edited on Tue Oct 1st, 2019 09:20 am by 410customs
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I build custom RBV, specializing in drivetrain conversions, wiring, suspension and complete custom trucks