2002 Ranger Stepside lowering parts

[Sandog]

Hello,
I'm looking at lowering my 02 step-side and was looking for help on what are the best kits and shocks to use... I see DJM sells a 4/5 kit would I need any other parts besides the kit? do I need to also buy some shackles for rear adjustability? I see Belltech makes a kit but it only says its a 2/3 kit and was hoping to go a little lower so that's why I'm looking at the DJM kit over the Belltech.. what is a good shock combo for the front and rear on a step-side that gives the best ride? Will there be any issues with good wheel alignment after lowering? any help would be appreciated!!!

 

[stmitch]

There were two different front suspensions used on 98+ Rangers:

1) Short/Long Arm (aka coil spring)- used on most 2wd trucks
2) Torsion bar- used on 4WD trucks and "Edge" or "Sport" trim levels of 2wd trucks

Nearly all of the "lowering kits" that you'll find are designed for trucks with coil spring front suspensions. You can find stepside beds on any of the trucks, so that's not going to help determine what parts you can or cannot use.

 

[cbxer55]

Unlike the F-150, where you can use longer shackles to lower the rear, you cannot do so on the Ranger. They're backwards. The springs are on top on the F-150, but o nthe bottom on the Ranger. And they are very short shackles.

You will need to get it re-aligned after lowering it. Guaranteed. Wait For It!

 

[Sandog]

There were two different front suspensions used on 98+ Rangers:

1) Short/Long Arm (aka coil spring)- used on most 2wd trucks
2) Torsion bar- used on 4WD trucks and "Edge" or "Sport" trim levels of 2wd trucks

Nearly all of the "lowering kits" that you'll find are designed for trucks with coil spring front suspensions. You can find stepside beds on any of the trucks, so that's not going to help determine what parts you can or cannot use.

I have a extended Cab XLT 2WD

 

[cbxer55]

The two wheel drive XLT has coil spring front suspension. I think the torsion bar front end is for 4 wheel drive only. Could be wrong.

My 98 is a two wheel drive XLT. It has coil springs on the front. It's as obvious as a bump on the head with a hammer. Turn the wheels one way or the other and look behind them. If you see springs, they're coils.

 

[don4331]

XLT was next level up trim package from the Edge. The 4x2 Edge trim package has torsion bar front suspension. So, while an XLT with torsion bars would be rare, it's not impossible - so best to look (if OP has round bar going forward from approximately front of door under frame, he has torsion bars).

@Sandog: The easiest answer for the shock is to get the DJM ones. Stock shocks will work as you hit bump stops before the shocks run out of travel.

 

[sgtsandman]

The two wheel drive XLT has coil spring front suspension. I think the torsion bar front end is for 4 wheel drive only. Could be wrong.

My 98 is a two wheel drive XLT. It has coil springs on the front. It's as obvious as a bump on the head with a hammer. Turn the wheels one way or the other and look behind them. If you see springs, they're coils.

In general, you are correct. The exception that I can think of is the Edge model. That one has torsion bars.

 

[Sandog]

In general, you are correct. The exception that I can think of is the Edge model. That one has torsion bars.

SgtSandman was my nickname in the Army, that’s some funny shit!!

 

[sgtsandman]

SgtSandman was my nickname in the Army, that’s some funny shit!!

It was originally sandman after I got back from Desert Storm but a lot of sites don't have that name available since someone already took it. So, sgtsandman man it was/is.

 

[superj]

My 2wd edge has torsion bars. I wish itbhad coils as it would be easier to lower