Newly Lifted Branger Questions

[tajvelocity]

Finally got it done: 99 B2500 with 3" Fabtech (Fagtech?) spindles and shackles in the back. 15x8 inch V-5's with 31x10.5 tires. It looks way bad*sser than it did before, but I have a couple of questions as I've been driving it today:

1. Steering feels a bit more vague. I didn't look at the alignment specs, but it pretty much goes straight (it is windy today too). Also, when I hit a bump it definitely vibrates and jiggles a bit on that front wheel. Would a steering stabilizer help? Is that an option? I'll do a little more searching about them because I'm not real sure what they do.

2. Speaking of steering, my power steering, which was already kind of whiny (not the belt but the pump I think) anyway is way louder at full lock. It sounds super stressed about something. I don't think the tires rub anywhere. Is this just to be expected with bigger tires? I knew I'd lose a little turning radius, but I'm worried about the pump. Fluid seems level and full.

The truck's got some other issues, but I just thought I throw out some questions because I've never had a lifted truck before. Now I'm going to

 

[3.0ranger1227]

Steering stabilizer is not really an option because IIRC no one makes a kit to do it. If you have T-bars it is almost impossible, if you have coils its slightly easier.

More than likely your camber is way off and the steering feels vague because there is less tire contacting the ground. The power steering whining is normal... just wait till you spend some time off road and it really starts whining.

PICS!

 

[tajvelocity]

I have coils. Pics soon! It's running like crap too, but I will address that in the appropriate section. I'll check the alignment specs but it looks legit. It was vague when it was lowered too so I'm not sure what's up. Steering whine isn't that bad until full lock, and I have fit into some tight spaces in the hood so I wanted to make sure it's not going to blow up on me.

 

[Ranger Sport Honduras]

the whining is due to the heavier tires, also the steering rods are working on an angle now, so that stresses it too. dont worry, mine whines and it works fine.

as for the vague steering, well bigger tires will give u that. alignment is not the only thing to check. look out if the ball joints arent shot or the steering tie rods

 

[tajvelocity]

Ball joints are brand new as well as one of the tie rods. The other tie rod seems fine. It's not that bad but I haven't been able to drive it much because it's running like poop. Had to park it until I figure it out.

 

[ES894x4]

i havent been in a ranger that doesnt scream for dear life(new) or just die(old) when the steering goes close to full lock

 

[tajvelocity]

Ha! Good to know. I haven't been in another Ranger before. Why do they do that though? Just by design? It's not like the pump is weak or anything is it?

 

[3.0ranger1227]

poor reservoir design in the pump. best thing you can do is throw a bigger cooler in the loop

 

[straycat]

Finally got it done: 99 B2500 with 3" Fabtech (Fagtech?) spindles and shackles in the back. 15x8 inch V-5's with 31x10.5 tires. It looks way bad*sser than it did before, but I have a couple of questions as I've been driving it today:

1. Steering feels a bit more vague. I didn't look at the alignment specs, but it pretty much goes straight (it is windy today too). Also, when I hit a bump it definitely vibrates and jiggles a bit on that front wheel. Would a steering stabilizer help? Is that an option? I'll do a little more searching about them because I'm not real sure what they do.

2. Speaking of steering, my power steering, which was already kind of whiny (not the belt but the pump I think) anyway is way louder at full lock. It sounds super stressed about something. I don't think the tires rub anywhere. Is this just to be expected with bigger tires? I knew I'd lose a little turning radius, but I'm worried about the pump. Fluid seems level and full.

The truck's got some other issues, but I just thought I throw out some questions because I've never had a lifted truck before. Now I'm going to

Here is my 99 Ranger with the Fabtech 3 inch spindle lift and rear add-add-a leafs and 33x112.5 KO tires. I had no rub issues at all.

I then added the bl and 2 inch taller coils the next year and this what it still looks like today. I am on my second set of KO tires and I really love them!!!

 

[tajvelocity]

Yeah your truck looks great. As far as I can tell, I'm not rubbing at all. I kind of cheaped out on tires on the advice of my dude at Tire "Discounters" and got Nexen Rodians. Pics this weekend. Hopefully it's not too cold to do some bootleg engine diagnosis.