i have a 2002 ranger edge and i want to lift my truck and was wondering if anyone knew what is the best and cheapest way to lift it six inches thanks everyone.

 

The cheapest isn't always the best, YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR. just look around n pick what you want to buy.

 

I had been looking at lifts myself - For a 6 inch lift, 'easy and cheap' are relative terms.

Are you looking for a body lift or suspension lift? Adding six inches of lift probably means messing with driveshafts, wiring harness, steering, and I don't know what else.

I was only looking for about 2 - 3 inches of lift on my 2WD, but it appears it's not as simple as I thought. Apparently it can also cause wheel alignment issues?

This site has a lot of sponsors that sell kits - I also have been doing some research myself. Maybe someone knowledgeable here will educate us (or at least me)!

 

a 3" body-lift is about $140 bucks. some suspension lifts can cost between $500-$2000 bucks depending. no one ever lifts it more than 3" with a body-lift, you wouldn't want to even though i think there is a 4" out there. if you do it yourself it will save you alot but have it done and good luck!

 

What is required with a body lift? The issues I have read about include needing brackets to raise the bumpers (earlier model trucks I think were the problem), potential wiring harness issues, steering column length, and I think there was some issue with rear cab mounts or brackets or some such...

Is there enough slack in the hydraulic line to the clutch slave for a three inch lift? How about the parking brake?

Anyone have pix in their gallery of a body lifted truck vs a suspension lift?

 

if i were to do it over i'd go with a suspension over body. all the issues you mentioned i have in other topics. mine came out fine and have had it for three years now and haven't had any problems but its more hassle than a suspension i believe. i guess thats why they're not that awfully expensive. i have no pics yet but maybe when it gets a little nicer, i'll get some of both my rangers.

 

Here are my thoughts ALIENBOY buy a 3'' body lift 140 bucks probably and put 3" blocks in the rear springs.. Now for the front. THIS may not work I havent tried it but I have thought about it, go to a junk yard and get the front coil springs out on a f-150, or for more lift you can buy heavy duty coils for probably 100 bucks new and replace those with your ols ranger coils.. You may have to fabricate a few things Im not really sure but your total cost would be around 300 bucks at most;./

 

i have torsion bars so i couldnt use coils in the front but i most liekly will use a 3inch body lift then do blocks in the back or adda leafs and then most likely spindles in the front to raise it another 3 inches. Torsion really bites its either crank them up or spend some money on spindles and ill likely do that if anyone knows where to get a decent priced pair of spindles please reply and let me know. thanks.

 

Just remember, you're going to be riding on this, so do it safely. I'd just do a 3" body lift and then crank the torsion bars to even. That'd level the truck out and give you a better look and you can have a 3" body lift.

 

if you can do it with suspension, do it. You'll like the ride and whatnot a lot better. The 3" of body lift is a lot, and like the others have said it's a bunch of headaches that you wouldn't regularly think of.

 

Aside from the headaches of trying to get hoses (radiator, gas filler, etc), cables and wiring to stretch to a 3" body lift, you have the real problem: You've now lifted your center of gravity without altering the suspension to handle it. If this is going to be a chromed-out show queen, go for the body lift. If you want to lift the truck because you actually want to increase it's off-road capability then go all-suspension. It will cost significantly more, but how much will it cost if you roll your truck 50 miles from town?

I have used a body lift in the past, and they have their place. The only benefits are low price and larger tire fitment though. With a suspension lift though, you get stronger than stock components, better (off-road) handling, greater suspension travel & articulation, improved traction and you can fit bigger tires. Sometimes, as I found, you also get better on-road handling as well. More progressive spring rates, better shocks and better wheel travel all improve your hardtop handling. When you add larger tires, that heavy-duty hardware also helps control your now-higher unsprung weight (tires, wheels, & axles).

As for which kit is best, I'm not familiar with the newer model off-road kits, so I can't help you there. I used to subscribe to all of the off road & 4wheel drive mags, and I'd suggest checking their reviews and tests. I'd also try to stick with the larger, more established litf kit manufacturers. I've seen some kits with parts that looked like they were hammered out in somebody's basement on the weekends. This doesn't mean that the most expensive is the best, just approach the super-discounted brands with a cautious eye and compare the features and included parts among the kits.