Help lowering 99 Ranger

[Rick98Z]

1st post guys and have done search, so please go easy...

I have a DD 99 Ranger 4cyl 2wd with 253,000 miles on it still with original clutch I have a lifted Chevrolet 3/4ton I drive on the weekends and just use the ranger to get back and forth intown for the better gas mileage. I would like to drop it a little bit. I am not looking to spend alot on it, so 4/5 DJM kits is out of the question! Looking for 2/3 inches of drop basically. What are my options and with that amount of lift + will I only need to change the alignment cams to keep things in spec? Thanks for any help and input...

 

[clvanhorn]

djm 2/3 drop

 

[doorgunner]

cheap 3/4.....cut approx 2 turns off the top of the coilsprings(1 & 1/4 turn approx for 2") & cut an inch off the rubber bump-stops/flip the rear spring hangers....then get it re-aligned by using new alignment bushings




(this post is for entertainment purposes only!)

 

[Rick98Z]

Thanks for the replies! Am I looking at a total horrible ride with cutting stock coils? It looks like the cheapest djm 2/3 I have found is about $300 and then another $100 or so for drop shocks...sound about right???

 

[doorgunner]

Thanks for the replies! Am I looking at a total horrible ride with cutting stock coils? It looks like the cheapest djm 2/3 I have found is about $300 and then another $100 or so for drop shocks...sound about right???

A TRS member is selling DJM beams in the "Parts for Sale" Forum!!!!!!!!!!

Cut coils don't ride smooth...but don't ride terrible either.....

 

[Rick98Z]

Yeah thanks doorgunner...I already contacted him and that kit has already sold

 

[stmitch]

Your truck cannot use beams. It has control arms. I'd agree with the DJM 2/3 kit. It would ride better than cutting you stock coils. I had it for a couple years before dropping my truck more to 4/5, and had no problems at all. Drop shocks are recommended for a 2/3 but you could probably get by for awhile without them.

 

[low~n~blue]

I agree with what is being said, I would advise you not to cut your coils. Its true that it will lower the truck but your ride will suck and as with coil lifts/drops they are subject to change with droop. I would just buy the kit and do it the right way, it will save you money in the long run haha

 

[Rick98Z]

I didn't even notice the beam add, the guy I contacted actually had the coil/flip kit I needed but had already sold it...Oh well, guess I will have to start savin my pennies! I am going to need to do the drop shocks anyway as with 253,000 on stock shocks, they got zero life left!

 

[Rick98Z]

So is Springtech 2/3" drop kit junk? It seems alot cheaper price than going DJM...anyone have experience with it?

 

[Polk]

I cut 7/8 of a turn off the coils on my 2009 and got about 2" of drop. I think the ride actually improved! Before, the difference in spring rate between the front and back was so great that it gave the truck a very unbalanced feeling (yes, I know I am driving a pickup and that comes with the territory). Cutting the coils stiffened up the front a little bit, but it is definitely not harsh. 2" lowered front springs are also stiffer than stock, so what is the difference?

I also flipped the rear shackles and ended up with a little less than 2" drop on the back.

Overall, not only did the ride and appearance improve, my gas mileage on the highway improved by over 10%, going from about 25.6mpg (averaged over ~10,000 miles) to over 28mpg.