Ranger Newbies, have some Q's

[mikebert]

Hi all, we just bought my dad a 97 Ranger, V6 automatic, regular cab with about 160k miles (anything I should know about for that age?). Like I said, I'm new to Rangers but I have a 1990 5.0 Mustang GT that I've taken down to the piston tops so I know my way around a Ford.

Anyways, I want to get it in top running order. Not that there are any problems but I'm pretty sure the alternator is dying - it makes quite the high pitched whine as RPM increases. A long term goal is modifying the truck for my dad, which I think entails lowering it a bit. Maybe just two inches, but nothing extreme. From what I've read, the back can be dropped two inches by switching the brackets on the leaf springs - how can I match that on the front end?

Also, the speedo seems quite a bit off. What should the stock tires and rear end be?

Thanks guys.

 

[ohiocowboy]

You are going to get a lot more than 2 inches of drop if you flip the rear axle, if you need to lower it you need to have the rear springs de-arched, I can't thin kof anything at that mileage that should be a major problem though, but you may want to look at the ball joints.

 

[mikebert]

Can you recommend how to drop a ranger approx 2" front and back?

 

[ohiocowboy]

I would do a shackle or hanger (shackles would probably cheaper and easier), and put a set of lowering coils in the front. You will also need new shocks as the old ones would most likely be too large. I will suggest going ahead and spending the extra 40-50 bucks (total) and invest in good nitro drop shocks. You should be able to get all of the parts you need from aim and probably won't be in it for more than a couple hundred bucks.

 

[mikebert]

Sorry, what's this "aim" that I should be able to get the parts from?

 

[ohiocowboy]

AIM Chassis Tech, here's the link

http://www.airbagit-store.com/product.asp?returnURL=default.asp&ID=101724

these should work for 2" at the back

http://www.airbagit-store.com/product.asp?returnURL=default.asp&ID=101720

one of these should give you 2" in the front

 

[mikebert]

Excellent! Thank you so much for your help. Hopefully this will take care of our problems.