5 Best Lift Kits for Ford Ranger You’ll Love
The best lift kit for Ford Ranger depends on your vehicle’s year and suspension type. The TORCH 3″ Front 2″ Rear kit is best for 1998-2011 models with torsion bar suspension seeking an affordable, DIY-friendly option. Rough Country’s 4″ kits excel for 1983-1997 Rangers needing maximum ground clearance and premium N3 shocks. For 2001-2013 coil suspension models, RTZ kits stand out with their bolt-on simplicity and adjustable rear lift options.
Each lift kit offers different benefits depending on your Ranger’s age, drivetrain, and suspension system. Finding the right one means matching the kit to your specific truck and lift height needs.
Quick Comparison Table
| Product | Vehicle Years | Suspension Type | Lift Height | Shock Type | Installation | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TORCH 3″ Front 2″ Rear | 1998-2011 | Torsion Bar Only | 3″ front / 2″ rear | Extended Shocks | Bolt-on DIY | Lifetime (kit) / 5yr (shocks) |
| Rough Country 4″ (4WD) | 1983-1997 | 4WD Suspension | 4″ lift | Premium N3 | At-home install | Limited Lifetime |
| Rough Country 4″ (2WD) | 1983-1997 | 2WD Suspension | 4″ lift | Premium N3 | At-home install | Limited Lifetime |
| RTZ 4″ Front 3″ Rear | 2001-2013 | Coil Suspension | 4″ front / 3″ rear | Standard Blocks | Bolt-on, no welding | Limited Lifetime |
| RTZ 4″ Front + Shocks | 2001-2013 | Coil Suspension | 4″ front / 1-2″ rear | Doestch Tech Gas | Bolt-on, no welding | Limited Lifetime |
best lift kit for ford ranger
1. TORCH 3″ Front 2″ Rear Full Leveling Lift Kit – Best Budget-Friendly Option
Best for: Budget-conscious owners of 1998-2011 Ford Rangers with torsion bar suspension seeking an affordable DIY lift solution.
Key Features:
| Feature | Details |
| Lift Range | Adjustable 1″-3″ front lift |
| Rear Lift | 1″ or 2″ adjustable shackles |
| Included Components | Torsion keys, shackles, shocks |
| Installation | Bolt-on, DIY-friendly design |
| Warranty | Lifetime on kit, 5yr/50k on shocks |
The TORCH 3″ Front 2″ Rear kit is the best choice for budget-conscious owners wanting an easy DIY project. This kit delivers a solid lift without breaking the bank at under $360. The adjustable torsion keys let you customize your front lift height from 1″ to 3″ based on your needs. Installation is straightforward with included step-by-step instructions perfect for backyard mechanics. Extended shocks keep your ride quality consistent after lifting.
Pros:
- Most affordable option available
- Adjustable front and rear lift
- Easy DIY installation process
- Lifetime warranty on components
Cons:
- Torsion bar suspension only
- Limited to 1998-2011 models
2. Rough Country 4″ Lift Kit w/N3 Shocks (4WD) – Best for Classic Rangers
Best for: Owners of 1983-1997 Ford Ranger 4WD models wanting maximum ground clearance with premium suspension components.
Key Features:
| Feature | Details |
| Lift Height | 4″ full suspension lift |
| Shock Type | Premium N3 performance shocks |
| Caster Adjustment | Radius arm drop brackets included |
| Ride Quality | Maintains factory ride characteristics |
| Warranty | Limited Lifetime Replacement |
Rough Country’s 4″ kit for 4WD Rangers is engineered for serious off-road performance. The premium N3 shocks provide excellent damping on both highways and trails. Radius arm drop brackets ensure proper caster angles, maintaining your truck’s factory handling and drivability. This kit delivers unmatched ground clearance perfect for classic Rangers needing an aggressive stance. Installation is manageable at home without professional help.
Pros:
- Premium N3 shocks included
- Proper caster geometry maintained
- 4″ aggressive lift height
- Lifetime warranty coverage
Cons:
- Higher price point ($549.95)
- Limited to 1983-1997 4WD models
3. Rough Country 4″ Lift Kit w/N3 Shocks (2WD) – Best for 2WD Classic Rangers
Best for: Owners of 1983-1997 Ford Ranger 2WD models who want maximum lift with premium performance shocks.
Key Features:
| Feature | Details |
| Lift Height | 4″ full suspension lift |
| Shock Type | Premium N3 performance shocks |
| Caster Correction | Radius arm drop brackets |
| Ground Clearance | Increased significantly |
| Warranty | Limited Lifetime Replacement |
This Rough Country 2WD kit offers the same premium quality as its 4WD counterpart, specifically engineered for 2WD suspensions. You get the full 4″ lift with premium N3 shocks for excellent on and off-road performance. The radius arm drop brackets maintain proper caster angles for predictable handling. This kit gives your classic 2WD Ranger an impressive stance and serious capability. Installation is straightforward for home mechanics.
Pros:
- Premium N3 shocks included
- Proper caster geometry maintained
- 4″ impressive lift height
- Lifetime warranty protection
Cons:
- Most expensive classic option
- Limited to 1983-1997 2WD models
4. RTZ 4″ Front 3″ Rear Lift Kit – Best Value for Modern Rangers
Best for: Owners of 2001-2013 Ford Rangers with coil suspension seeking an affordable, simple bolt-on lift without premium shocks.
Key Features:
| Feature | Details |
| Front Lift | 4″ iron spindles included |
| Rear Lift | 3″ steel lift blocks |
| Installation | Bolt-on, no welding needed |
| Compatibility | 2WD coil suspension only |
| Warranty | Limited Lifetime coverage |
The RTZ 4″ Front 3″ Rear kit is perfect for budget-conscious owners of modern Rangers wanting straightforward installation. This bolt-on design requires no welding or special tools, just basic mechanical skills. The 4″ front spindles and 3″ rear blocks deliver balanced lift height. You’ll need an alignment after installation but maintain comparable factory ride quality. This kit won’t fit models with StabilityTrak/AdvanceTrac control systems.
Pros:
- Very affordable price point
- Simple bolt-on installation
- No welding required
- Lifetime warranty included
Cons:
- No shocks included
- Not compatible with stability control
5. RTZ 4″ Front + Adjustable 1-2″ Rear with Doestch Tech Shocks – Best Complete Package
Best for: Owners of 2001-2013 Ford Rangers wanting a complete lift solution with premium gas-charged shocks and adjustable rear height.
Key Features:
| Feature | Details |
| Front Lift | 4″ iron spindles included |
| Rear Lift | Adjustable 1-2″ shackles |
| Shock Type | Doestch Tech premium gas shocks |
| Installation | Bolt-on, no welding needed |
| Warranty | Limited Lifetime coverage |
The RTZ complete package with Doestch Tech shocks is the best all-in-one solution for modern Rangers. You get 4″ front spindles, adjustable 1-2″ rear shackles, and premium gas-charged shocks in one kit. The adjustable rear lets you fine-tune your lift height and ride angle. Doestch Tech shocks provide smooth, responsive damping for highway and light off-road use. This bolt-on kit maintains factory ride quality while delivering impressive lift.
Pros:
- Premium shocks included
- Adjustable rear lift option
- Complete all-in-one kit
- Lifetime warranty protection
Cons:
- Higher price ($714.95)
- Not compatible with stability control
How to Choose best lift kit for ford ranger
Know Your Ranger’s Year and Model
Your truck’s year determines which lift kits will actually fit. Classic Rangers (1983-1997) need different kits than modern ones (1998-2013).
Check your owner’s manual or registration to confirm your exact model year before shopping.
Identify Your Suspension Type
Ford Rangers use either torsion bar suspension (1998-2011) or coil suspension (2001-2013). Using the wrong kit type won’t work at all.
Look under your truck or consult your manual to determine which suspension you have before purchasing.
Decide Your Desired Lift Height
Lift heights range from 1″ to 4″ depending on the kit. More lift means more ground clearance but can affect ride quality and handling.
Consider your typical use—casual driving needs less lift than serious off-roading.
Consider Installation Difficulty
Some kits are DIY-friendly bolt-on designs, while others require professional installation. Your mechanical skill level matters here.
Budget-friendly kits often require more hands-on work, while premium kits may need shop installation.
Factor in Shock Quality
Shocks dramatically affect your ride comfort and handling after lifting. Premium shocks like N3 or Doestch Tech cost more but perform better.
Basic lift blocks are cheaper but don’t improve ride quality like quality shocks do.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install a lift kit myself?
Yes, many bolt-on kits like the TORCH and RTZ options are DIY-friendly for owners with basic mechanical skills. Torsion bar adjustments and suspension work are more involved than simple bolt-on installations.
Will a lift kit affect my truck’s warranty?
Aftermarket lift kits typically void your factory warranty on suspension components. Check with your Ford dealer about specific warranty implications before installing.
Do I need new tires after lifting my Ranger?
You don’t need new tires immediately, but larger tires look better and perform better on a lifted truck. Most owners upgrade tires within 6-12 months of lifting.
How much does alignment cost after a lift kit?
Alignment typically costs $100-$200 at most shops. This is essential after installation to maintain proper handling and tire wear.
Which lift kit gives the most ground clearance?
The Rough Country 4″ kits provide the maximum lift height at 4 inches, making them best for serious off-roading on classic Rangers.
Final Thoughts
The TORCH 3″ Front 2″ Rear kit offers the best value for budget-conscious owners of torsion bar Rangers. Your choice ultimately depends on your truck’s year, suspension type, desired lift height, and budget. Match the kit to your specific Ranger model and needs for the best results.
