Ford Ranger Project...

[06RangerSTX]

I have been a member here for quite some time now... but have never really thought about posting too much here, because the only vehicle I have has never been worthy of this site...

I own a 2006 Ford Ranger STX 2wd, 3.0L, 5-speed that is my daily driver, I am trying to get some ideas on how to make it more exciting to drive around the corners and in a straight line...

the truck is fully stock as of now except for the cosmetic mod that I have done, and I run a 255/60/15 tire on the stock 15"x7" rims that makes a huge difference in how the truck drives...

I am thinking about a 2" front drop and a 4" rear drop, I am currently trying to find coil springs that have higher spring rates than compared to what is available aftermarket wise... I have been looking at hypercoil springs, but have only been able to find circle track springs; never really been sure if the spring would work on the truck...
For the rear of the truck I am planning on a flip kit to position the axle on top of the leaf springs instead of the current axle under leaf spring setup, Now I did wonder on how hard it would be to convert to an old late 60's early 70's Mustang rear shock setup??? I did find QA1s for a Ford Lightning that I think could possibly work with the truck, How hard would it be to setup a Watts link for the rear of the truck retaining the leafsprings?



I am also planning on running a full Energy suspension kit for the truck, I want to run a Belltech 1 1/4" front swaybar and a Bronco II 1" rear sway bar...

Sorry for the long post, I am just trying to get an idea on how to set up the truck...

Any help would be greatly appreciated!!

[cheapthrillz]

You can get springs made to your exact need through Eaton I believe.

Hotchkis can build any shock you want also....

I drive a 2005 Ranger Edge and I always thought it would look good lowered with 17's, but I don't think the torsion bar front suspension would be ideal for autocross. You could put some of the Edge fender flares on your truck and it would make it look more "muscular".

(not my truck)

[06RangerSTX]

Thanks for the info, I will look into that...

I was thinking about running 17x8 front and 17x10.5 rear FR500 rims from a mustang for the summers...

in the early 90's The Crown Vics had some 16" Mesh rims that for some odd reason I love

[JJEH]

A blower, nice exhaust, air ride and 18" or 20" wheels...

That's all what a Truck need LOL

[06RangerSTX]

I have heard good things about the air ride setup, but I think it would be difficult set it up with retaining full use of the bed...



I have thought about using these wheels due to a 17x9 available size...



Has anyone used these? they are for leaf springs not binding under load....

[DynoDon]

Years ago, when the Ford Splash (stepside) first came out (93 maybe?) I was working for Suspension Techniques and I bought one and we made a SEMA vehicles out of it. Dropped I Beams, axle flip in the rear. BIG Suspension Techniques sway bars. Billet Specialties wheels (wait maybe it was Centerlines, long time ago) with 235's and 275's. A&A Specialties fiberglass hood with cowl induction scoop and urethane front air dam - Black with Dark Blue/Purple scallops by Santini. Vortech Blower on the 4.0 liter 5 speed. With a 3.73 posi, that thing hauled - surprised many 5.0 cars! I'll have to look for a picture

[06RangerSTX]

I have thought about calling the project "Interceptor Ranger" not too original, but still keeping in the Ford Brand though with the Mad Max car being a Ford Falcon XB GT...

Whipple used to have a supercharger for the 3.0L version of the truck, I am thinking about building a custom setup utilizing a Eaton M90 from a Ford Thunderbird Supercoupe...

[bonecrrusher]

Swap in a mod motor....

[MonzaRacer]

SWell actually you would not have to loose the bed if you do the air ride right.
I made a parallel 4 link from ridetech work on my 78 C10 with no notch.
I dont remember, are the frames boxed inside on those? if sot box it with 3/16 or 1/4 in plate for about 18 inches, center up a parallel 4 link, get some part from Fays2 for a Watts link setup and Ridetech has different length shocks so no problem there.
Honestly I when I had my 86 Rangers I entertained an IRS based off of a 89 up Tbird but never got it done.
As for engine if your not picky, stash engine trans and look around for old super coupe 3.8 , factory Eaton blower can be up dated, some of the newer 3.8/4.2 came forged pistons in late 90s early 2000s in Mustangs and can handle a Vortech and the one I saw made 750hp with few mods.
As for watts link with leafs you really dont need it just remember that shorter shackles live longer but ride like crap.
I would plan on future dump of the leafs for either a parallel 4 link/watts, triangulated 4 link, or IRS.
Remember proper bracing and reinforcement doesn't mean you have to cut the bed. BUT if you need clearance think of sourcing a different bed, then simply re install the bed floor higher to accommodate, wouldn't be hard and Rhino liner or one of the brush/roll in liners would cover any welds and I see a lot of people use it as under coating now.
Just a thought or two.
I can see many hours of fun wrenching on one of these but reall have an affinity for older square ones too!

[06RangerSTX]

That is some Great information!! I am not sure that I would want to go as far as to run a 4-link or the air ride setup on this truck since this is my daily, just wanting to be able to bolt on for now... I am thinking of keeping it basic... I wonder how kind a Ohio Winter would be on the air ride setup...

I also have a Turbo Ford Ranger Project that I am considering a IRS from a Thunderbird, some people also had great luck with the Mazda RX7 rear end... This truck will atleast run a triangulated 4-link, My friend built a Road Race Ford Ranger that is running a 3-link with QA1s and has great success with it...