03 Ranger- Want to lower and soften ride

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Apr 10, 2006 | 08:08 AM

mitch_c

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From: NE Indiana

03 Ranger- Want to lower and soften ride

I've got an '03 Flex Fuel Ranger that I'm grafting a 40 Ford cab and front sheetmetal on to for a long distance cruiser. (I have pix on the 47 and older Gallery if interested).

I'd like to lower the front of the truck 2+ inches and soften the ride... I plan on flipping the rear axle with the DJM flip kit and pulling one of the leafs to soften there.

Does anyone have any experience lowering along with softening up the ride? Any spring recommendations (I know DJM makes a 2" lower coil, but am told that it's not softer)? I have little desire to mod the a-arms, if possible..

Mitch_c

Apr 10, 2006 | 08:42 AM

RangerRaider

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From: Whitby, Ontario, CAN

Springs or A-arms are really your only option. Other than cutting the stock springs, but it will be the same effect as buying lowering springs. Usually the lower you go, the less soft your ride will be.

Apr 10, 2006 | 09:54 AM

fordboy_52

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From: Abilene Kansas

if u want a smooth ride, dont cut the springs, buy new ones.

Matt

Apr 10, 2006 | 10:08 AM

Tiggie

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From: Moneta, VA

A properly set up air bag suspension could achieve the results you are looking for, but the key word there is properly. Air Bags are not the easiest things to install on a Ranger, which you probably could tell by looking.

Using the flip kit and removing a leaf is going to slam the rear of your Ranger if you decide to go that route. There would be no room for and bumps in the road, especially loaded with stuff for a long haul trip.

I think your best bet is a custom professional air bag setup.

Apr 10, 2006 | 11:18 AM

dono

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Quote:

Originally Posted by fordboy_52

if u want a smooth ride, dont cut the springs, buy new ones.

Matt

Matt is right on .... do NOT cut the springs. Lowering springs with the right spring rates are not expensive, but your ride will suffer somewhat even with good shocks. A bagged system will bring it down with a good ride but you will have to put up with bags, compressors, tanks, switches, valves, ect. ..... something many don't want to do. I would flip the rear and use A-arms on the front. Good luck.
Dono

Apr 10, 2006 | 01:32 PM

fordboy_52

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From: Abilene Kansas

thanks dono.... people usually argue me on this

Matt

Apr 17, 2006 | 08:48 AM

mitch_c

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From: NE Indiana

Lowering a 2003 Ranger with coil suspension

Thanks for the feedback... Doesn't look like there are any options as to A-Arm or spring manufacturers for lowering.... I find DJM.. Does anyone else know of a different manufacturer? I'm looking for a 2" drop..