2000 Ranger upgrade to Ranger Edge Suspension?

[Kruegon]

Ok suspension Gurus, I kneel at the altar of your knowledge.

I have a 2000 Ranger XLT 2WD. This is a standard height Ranger. I have been looking to raise her just a little bit. Not much. A couple of inches or so.

I have been looking at a 3"/2" leveling kit. Inexpensive and easy to install. But kind of a cheat in some ways. The later Ranger Edge came in a 2WD Pre-Runner style where a 2WD sat at the same height as the 4WD. I have considered trying a suspension swap.

I'm not sure this is even possible. Those who know more about the suspension, can you chime in and educate me? I would sure appreciate it.

 

[ummduh]

Assuming you have a coil spring 2wd now, the Edge suspension is completely different. It uses torsion bars like the 4wd Rangers. They're not swappable, easily. A frame swap would probably be the easiest for that.

 

[Kruegon]

Not what I was hoping to hear. But at least I now know what I'm looking at. I wish I knew someone who has an Edge so I could compare them side by side. Thanks for the info.

 

[pjtoledo]

a quick search gets this. be certain you get COIL spindles system. (you have coils, right?)



ford ranger spindle lift for sale | eBay

 

[Roert42]

I believe the whole front section of the frame is different from the 4wd/Edge platform and the 2wd platform.

I believe the edge is just a 4wd frame and suspension without the transferase, axel, ect

 

[00t444e]

Keep it as is and save that money to put towards a 4x4.

 

[Kruegon]

Why not customize it, drive it for a few years, then add a 4WD to the family? Plus one of my kids may need it one day. Just make it badass and keep it in the family. The 4WD wont happen for probably 4 years. 4WD Ranger then a few years later, 4WD F-150! I have even considered a 4WD Sport Trac.

If I'm going to just use a lift irbleveling kit, I'll get with a co-worker for help. He used to work for the top off road company in mybarea before he came to work for us. Either way, I still want to raise my current Ranger a few inches. She has been with me for 18 years and is turning 25 this spring. She deserves to be pampered.

 

[Lefty]

I have an Edge. That off road look is just great, but without 4wd I felt it was all show and no go

It was also a little too high for my wife. I've driven standard Rangers and thought that some handling was sacrificed with the lifted Edge.

So, I went halfway on modifications. I lowered it one inch in back and and cranked down the torsion bars 3/4" in front which was about as far as the torsion bars would go without buying new keys. There was some improvement in handling. A lower center of gravity and oversize tires gave it a sure footed feeling. It can still go off road and hop a curb easily. It does just fine at my son's farm on dry ground that's more or less level. Future plans include getting a limited slip differential or a locker.

I've still got those old two inch lift blocks if you want them for the rear axel. Just pay the shipping or get the lift kit. You may want to think about limited slip too.

I learned that I didn't really need new shocks when I lowered the Edge by 1". If you choose to raise yours just 1" and not 2, you probably won't need them either.