LOWERING a 4WD Ranger?

**WATERWINGS** · 05-31-2007, 09:15 AM

Who would do such a thing?

ME

I will never go mudding with it, and the only reason I got a 4 x 4 is for the rare bad/wet boat ramp.

I lowered my last truck for looks, (2WD), but found out how nice it was to get in and out of.

I don't want to CLIMB UP to get in my truck.

I want the seat AT LEAST level with my butt.

This is nicer in and out, and it wont wear out the edge of the seat.

The Ranger has torsion bar front end, (not familer with) and regular leaf spring rear, (thats no problem.)

Anybody got any ideas?

Thanks,

John

**1BadAction** · 05-31-2007, 09:21 AM

you need torsion keys and an alignment.

**1BadAction** · 05-31-2007, 09:28 AM

also, there is a bolt for adjustment that you can probably get a 1" drop out of without the keys, but to get the drop you are looking for you'll probably need the keys. Might be worth it to find out what 2wd trucks used torsion bar suspension and start with the parts from them, THEN adjust the bolts to lower it a bit more.

**WATERWINGS** · 05-31-2007, 11:21 AM

So far I haven't been able to find any torsion bar keys for lowering a 4WD Ranger.

The idea of getting some torsion bars off of a 2WD Ranger might be a good one.

I will look into that.

The rear I have done before, so no problem there.

However, the rear has a 2"-3" "block" that is in the springs, that I can take out without having to buy shackles or hangers.

If I can't lower the whole thing, I would at least like to get it to sit level, and that should get my driver seat down a little.

**Ripper** · 05-31-2007, 11:31 AM

Please post a few picts when it gets done... We would like to see it finished... or a Before and after shot would be cool too...

Ripper

**wheeliejones** · 05-31-2007, 11:54 AM

The torsions are really easy. Just like the toyota. Follow the torsion back towards the firewall/cab area. It most likely about a 1 inch to 1 1/2 bolt. Grab your most powerful impact wrench and start loosening them. This will drop the truck as far as you want. You can take it to the ground if you really wanted too. The problem is now your camber and caster are way off. The only good way to do it and get miles out of your tires is a drop spindle. Should be able to pick them up for about $100 a side. You can lower it about 2 inches with out much camber issues.

**Riverman** · 05-31-2007, 12:01 PM

Drop spindle on a 4WD?

**wheeliejones** · 05-31-2007, 12:27 PM

I know it funny to say Riverman. Almost all 4 wheel drives have the same spindles as the 2wd trucks. The only thing missing is the axles going threw the middle of them.

**wheeliejones** · 05-31-2007, 12:29 PM

It might be a upper/lower A arm drop. I don't know the year of ranger you have.

**WATERWINGS** · 05-31-2007, 02:02 PM

So far, I haven't found a company that has any parts for lowering a 2001 Ranger 4 WD......the rear shouldn't care what kind of drive it is. ??

Are you saying that I can use 2WD lowering parts just the same as if it WAS a 2 WD?

I will try to get some pics of it the way it sits now.

I don't entend on SLAMMING it, just dropping it some.

**wheeliejones** · 05-31-2007, 02:22 PM

http://www.djmsuspension.com/Product...angerParts.htm

And yes the 4wd should be the same as the 2wd being your changing something that really has nothing to do with the 4wd. The only thing to make sure is the axles angles aren't over the % that ford wants. I really don't see it being a problem. I have lowered and raised 4wd 4runners. Not a issue at all.

**1BadAction** · 05-31-2007, 03:29 PM

Originally Posted by WATERWINGS

I don't entend on SLAMMING it, just dropping it some.

in that case take out the rear blocks and loosen the front adjustment bolts to where you want it to sit. drive it to the alignment shop and they will align camber and toe to where it needs to be and your set.