I've dropped my 2002 ext cab Ranger 4-5" using a DJM kit. Including the C-notch in back. Love the way it looks, but, with my 235/50X18 tires (exact same size as original 225/70X15's) the rubbing in front is making me crazy. Back seems to be fine. If the road isn't pool table smooth the tires rub almost constantly. I'd say I have only about 1" or so clearance, maybe less. I called DJM tech support and he advised the following. In order of my preference.

1: Remove the inner fenders. Seems some Rangers sit a bit lower than others, and I have one."

2: Put in a spacer. Not really sure how that works, the tech said it would add about 1" clearance.

3: Replace the 2" lower springs with stock springs.
Would give me the clearance I need but, the ball joints wold ware out a bit faster.

4: Go to smaller 35 or 40 profile tires. Least desirable as the tires would make the ride much harsher. Something I'm trying to avoid.

5: Go back to the stock set up. My idea, not the tech reps, and something I really don't want to do.

So have any of you guys run into this problem? If so how did you solve it?
Kind of leaning toward removing the inner fenders. If I go this route, is there anything I should watch out for. Will this cause problems in the engine bay?

Thanks in advance for any help.

 

Is there one location where they rub, maybe you could just cut that away.

 

Haven't had a chance to look. Think it's the driver side inner fender. As I said there's not a great deal of clearance on that side. If I put my fingers in there I have just enough clearance between the tire and inner fender to wiggle them around.

 

try jacking up your truck by the frame to float out the suspension, make sure you have it jacked up by the frame! then put a jackstand under it for safety, and this should give you enough room to examine your inner fender well. what engine do you have in your ranger? i'm guessing with the extended cab it is probably a little heavier on your front springs.

 

My truck is a 2002 XLT Ext Cab 3.0l Automatic. The entire suspension was swapped out. New upper and lower control arms, new 2" dropped coil springs, new shocks. Originally had 255/55X18 tires (29.1" tall) which were muck to big and I had no clearance at all. Went to 235/50X18's (27.3" tall) and ended up with the stated problems. The shop that did the work is suggesting I go to either 205/35X18 (23.6" tall) or maybe 215/45X18 (25.6" tall) on the front only. I would keep the 235/50's on the back. I really don't want to go that small as I feel the tire will give a very harsh ride which will defeat the purpose of going to the DJM set up in the first place. A smoother ride.

 

Yeah, and are the DJM kits engine/body stlye specific? Like is it the same kit for a 4 banger regular cab as it is for a 3.0 ext cab? If so, then that would explain why some of the lighter (4 banger regular cab) rangers dont have the rubbing problem. I would do what ken suggested and jack up your truck and float out the suspension so you can see where its rubbing, then cut out pieces from the inner fender well. I agree, theres no need to spend more money on smaller tires for a choppier ride.