What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a Ford Ranger? High performance? Authenticity? Affordability? How about all the above?
One reason the Ranger has lasted as long as it has is its ability to handle harsh terrain with ease. Though, its standard ground clearance isn’t as high as many Range owners would like.
To fix this problem, many of them went out and bought leveling kits. However, with so many on the market, how do you know which one to get?
This is where we come in. We rounded up several factors to think about when shopping for the best Ranger leveling kit for your truck.
Here’s a quick list of our top picks for the best Ford Ranger leveling kit:
What to Look for in the Best Ranger Leveling Kit
Ever since it first came out in 1982, the Ford Ranger was the highest-selling compact truck. That is until it was discontinued in 2012.
Then, after a six-year hiatus, Ford decided to bring back its Ranger in 2018 as a mid-size pickup truck. For a whole new generation of drivers, it was love at first sight.
Yet, there’s nothing wrong with adding a bit of swag to your truck, is there? Maybe you need to prevent sagging in the rear when carrying extra weight. Or are you looking for some extra ground clearance to enjoy a bit of off-road adventure?
Either way, with the help of a leveling kit, you can convert your Ford Ranger into a four-wheeled beast. You just have to know what to look for.
Keep reading to find out more.
Better Balance
The best Ranger leveling kit is the one that offers your truck the perfect lift. Not only will it give more clearances, but it’ll add poise and elegance to an already stylish vehicle.
Having those extra added inches keeps the truck frame from getting muddied up. Plus, it keeps out debris and rocks kicked up by the tires as you’re driving.
The important thing to remember is to look for a kit that matches your vehicle. Say you have a 2009 Ranger with a two-wheel-drive (2WD). This means the kit you need has to match these exact specifications or else it won’t fit.
Even worse, it may damage your fender or the car’s inner lining. Also, the wrong-sized kit can cause an imbalance in your truck’s center of gravity.
As a result, your truck may start to shake and become unstable, especially if you’re going to ride over 70 mph.
Increased Towing
One of the best features of a leveling kit is they allow you to add bigger tires. Bigger tires mean better traction. That definitely comes in handy when you’re plowing through rough terrain and snowy roads.
Even if you’re just looking for some lift on your Ranger, it’s nice to have options. Having the freedom to change tires whenever you feel like it is a big advantage. So, make sure you look for a leveling kit that offers this benefit.
Durability
Choosing the quality of a kit depends mainly on the material. Look for durable, long-lasting materials that provide the reliability you need to stay safe on the road.
These materials include one type of steel alloy and two types of aluminum. One is the long-lasting 6061-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum.
The other is the sturdy Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machined aircraft-grade billet aluminum. It’s known for its excellent strength-to-weight ratio for maximum safety on the road.
All of them are lightweight and resistant to corrosion. They’re also extremely durable at the same time. So, you should have no problem dealing with extra pressures of the road or carrying heavy loads.
Style and Flair
Anyone who owns a Ford Ranger knows just how fierce these trucks can be. They’re available as either two-wheel (2WD) or four-wheel drive. These mid-size trucks are considered a classic in the world of motorized vehicles.
Still, it’s nice to be able to add a little bit of finesse and class to an already classy monster of a truck. That’s what a good leveling kit can do to your car.
The best kit can raise the front of your truck to the perfect height and level it up to reduce factory rake. This gives your Ranger a smart, stylish look and makes it stand out from the competition.
Load Bearing Capacity
One of the first things you’ll notice about the Ranger is its standard ground clearance. They seem to prefer giving customers a choice: to lift or not to lift.
So, they leave the Rangers with a lower clearance than many owners like. This way, each customer can decide for themselves what they want to do with their vehicle. Maybe they wanted us to put in a bit of effort, we’ll never know.
The one thing we do know is that there’s an easy fix; a good old reliable leveling kit. It should be able to raise your vehicle to what it should’ve been from the start.
Another benefit is that adding lifts helps the vehicle cope with any extra loads and weights. This is why adding leaf springs on the rear part of your truck can boost its load-bearing capacity.
The more powerful the leveling kit, the more you’ll be able to use it for a wide range of uses. Not to mention all those exciting, off-road adventures. Plus, it’ll last longer than other models.
Easy Installation
If you’re the typical DIY mechanic, then you should look for a kit that comes with an easy-to-follow user manual. It should also include all the necessary hardware parts you need for a quick and simple setup.
Will you be taking it to a professional? Then, finding a leveling kit they can install in an hour or two saves them time and saves you money.
The Takeaway
Let’s say you just bought one of the best pickup trucks on the market. Then, you consider getting a high-quality lift. So, what does that get you? A reliable, aggressive beast of a car!
Yet, it’s important to know what to look for so you can buy the best Ranger leveling kit for you. Use the pointers we mentioned above to know exactly what to look for before you take the plunge!