suspension lifts on small trucks

[mfgenggear]

Ok guys try this again.
what is the caveats of suspension lifts on small trucks with aftermarket torsion bar keys.
what type of stress or distortion on the front ends. I know jack about nothing.

Thanks

 

[MikeHalloran]

Why are you considering a lift kit?


Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

 

[mfgenggear]

this particular truck is low in the middle. just trying to learn a little about front suspension. in case I want to build my own components.
it seems this particular truck is not very well supported.

 

[BrianPetersen]

As usual when dealing with a specific issue on a specific vehicle, it will sure help to know make, model, year, since then it's more likely for you to find someone who has dealt with the same issue.

The mention of torsion bars implies that whatever the vehicle is, most likely uses a double-A-arm front suspension of some sort.

Small changes in ride height will likely remain within the bounds of maintaining acceptable suspension geometry and constant-velocity joint angles. But small changes in ride height probably won't do much to address the ground clearance issue that you seem to have.

Large changes in ride height will require some sort of re-engineering of the suspension, steering, and drive line. I've seen subframes built that essentially move all of the suspension attachment points and the front diff down relative to the frame and change the angle or position of the diff to minimize the bad side-effects on the front drive shafts. There will be an unavoidable rise in the center of gravity of the vehicle (it'll be more prone to roll-over).

If it is a road vehicle, raising it up will raise the height of the bumpers (lethal to other vehicles in a collision - and don't forget that raised center of gravity that makes it more lethal to you, too), the height of the headlights (you'll be "that guy" blinding others at night), etc., and in some areas (including mine) it may make the vehicle uninsurable or illegal for road use. Of course, if this is an off-road vehicle, none of this matters.

 

[mfgenggear]

Brian

My original post before this one had all the information.
but for some reason eighter by complaint or I some how broke the rules.
it was therefore deleted.
this a ford ranger 2011. 4x4 looking at 3 " lift.

 

[BrianPetersen]

A quick search with Google suggests that lifts up to 2-ish inches can be done via springs and shocks etc., and as soon as you go much higher than that, you are into control arm and differential relocation brackets (and obviously a much higher price tag).

Given that this is a rather common vehicle that has been around for decades, it's pretty likely that what's out there on the market is reflective of what you can and cannot get away with.

 

[mfgenggear]

for whatever reason this year and later is is not supported. the previous years has a bunch of mods.
all what you say above is true. but hence why I am here to get the dope regardless of good or bad.
I looking at 3" max lift + taller tires. The lights are an easy adjustment. The bumper are pieces of crap.
I have been looking at aftermarket bumpers. I have 75 acres of desert with lots of rocks. hence thats why I need the lift.
it may be cheaper to buy street legal off road bikes.