8 Best Lift Kits for Ford Ranger You Need to See

The best lift kit for lifted ranger depends on your needs. The TORCH 3″ Front 2″ Rear kit is best for budget-conscious owners with torsion bar suspensions seeking easy bolt-on installation. Rough Country’s 4″ kits excel at delivering premium performance with N3 shocks for both classic and modern Rangers. For maximum ground clearance on 2WD models, the RTZ 4″ front spindle kits stand out with adjustable rear options and lifetime warranties.

Whether you’re lifting a classic 1980s Ranger or a brand-new 2024 model, there’s an option here for you. Each kit balances lift height, ride quality, and installation complexity differently.

Quick Comparison Table

Best Lift Kits for Ford Ranger

1. TORCH 3″ Front 2″ Rear Full Leveling Lift Kit – Best for Budget-Friendly Leveling

Best for: Owners of 1998-2011 Ford Rangers with torsion bar suspensions who want an affordable, easy DIY installation.

Key Features:

The TORCH 3″ Front 2″ Rear kit is the best choice for budget-conscious Ranger owners seeking a straightforward leveling solution. This kit delivers a balanced front-to-rear lift that improves stance without breaking the bank. The adjustable torsion keys let you fine-tune your lift height to exactly what you want.

Installation is refreshingly simple with bolt-on components and clear instructions perfect for backyard mechanics. Extended shocks come included, so you’re getting everything needed in one package. The lifetime warranty on the kit itself gives you lasting peace of mind.

The main limitation is compatibility—this only works with torsion bar suspensions, so check your model year carefully. If you have the right suspension type, this is an unbeatable value.

2. Rough Country 4″ Lift Kit w/N3 Shocks for 1983-1997 Ford Ranger 4WD – Best for Classic 4WD Rangers

Best for: Owners of classic 1983-1997 4WD Rangers who want maximum ground clearance with premium performance shocks.

Key Features:

Rough Country’s 4″ kit for classic 4WD Rangers is built for serious off-road performance. The included N3 shocks are industry-leading, delivering smooth rides both on pavement and rugged terrain. A full 4″ lift gives you genuine ground clearance for larger tires and obstacle clearance.

What sets this kit apart is the radius arm drop brackets that maintain proper caster geometry. This engineering detail means your Ranger handles like stock, not like a lifted truck fighting you. Installation is straightforward enough for home mechanics.

This kit is specifically for 4WD models, so 2WD owners need a different option. The premium price reflects the quality components and engineering inside.

3. Rough Country 4″ Lift Kit w/N3 Shocks for 1983-1997 Ford Ranger 2WD – Best for Classic 2WD Rangers

Best for: Owners of 1983-1997 2WD Rangers wanting a 4″ lift with premium shocks and excellent handling.

Key Features:

This Rough Country kit mirrors the 4WD version but is engineered specifically for 2WD Rangers from 1983-1997. You get the same N3 premium shocks and aggressive 4″ lift, delivering a bold stance with genuine capability. The radius arm drop brackets maintain proper suspension geometry for predictable handling.

Installation is manageable at home, and the kit comes with everything you need. The N3 shocks handle both highway driving and light off-roading without complaint. Rough Country’s limited lifetime warranty covers the components.

The main difference from the 4WD version is the drivetrain compatibility. Make sure you have a 2WD model before purchasing.

4. Rough Country 3.5″ Lift Kit with N3 Shocks for Ford Ranger 4WD (2024-2025) – Best for Modern Rangers

Best for: Owners of brand-new 2024-2025 4WD Rangers wanting a balanced lift with modern engineering and aggressive styling.

Key Features:

If you just bought a 2024-2025 Ranger, this Rough Country kit is purpose-built for your truck. The 3.5″ lift delivers a commanding stance while maintaining ride quality on modern suspension geometry. Tubular upper control arms and differential drop brackets optimize suspension angles.

Premium Clevite rubber bushings and N3 rear shocks ensure comfort on both highways and trails. The laser-cut, powder-coated components resist rust and look aggressive. Installation is straightforward bolt-on work.

This kit is exclusive to 2024-2025 models, so older Rangers need different options. The engineering is specifically tuned for modern Ranger suspension systems.

5. RTZ 4″ Front Lift Iron Spindles + Rear 3″ Steel Lift Block Kit 2WD – Best for Mid-Range 2WD Rangers

Best for: Owners of 2001-2013 2WD Rangers with coil suspensions seeking maximum lift without premium shock costs.

Key Features:

The RTZ spindle and block kit gives 2001-2013 2WD Rangers serious lift for less money. You get a 4″ front lift from iron spindles and 3″ rear lift from steel blocks, totaling impressive ground clearance. This is a straightforward bolt-on design with no welding needed.

The kit maintains comparable factory ride quality while improving appearance dramatically. Installation requires an alignment afterward, but the process is direct and uncomplicated. Limited lifetime warranty backs your investment.

Note that this kit doesn’t include shocks, so you’ll need to source those separately. It also won’t fit models with StabilityTrak or AdvanceTrac systems.

6. RTZ 4″ Front + Adjustable 1-2″ Rear with Doestch Tech Shocks – Best for Complete 2WD Kit

Best for: 2001-2013 2WD Ranger owners wanting a complete lift solution with quality gas shocks included.

Key Features:

This RTZ kit bundles everything you need for 2001-2013 2WD Rangers—spindles, adjustable rear shackles, and quality Doestch Tech gas shocks. The adjustable rear lets you dial in exactly the height you want from 1-2 inches. Premium gas-charged shocks handle bumps smoothly on and off-road.

Installation is straightforward bolt-on work with no welding required. You get a complete package without hunting for compatible shocks elsewhere. The limited lifetime warranty provides long-term protection.

Like the spindle-only kit, this won’t fit StabilityTrak models. The adjustable rear is a nice feature for customizing your stance.

7. 6″ Lift Kit 1998-2000 Ford Ranger 2WD 4-Cyl – Best for Maximum Lift on Early 2WD

Best for: Owners of 1998-2000 2WD 4-cylinder Rangers who want the most aggressive lift available.

Key Features:

This 6″ kit is the most aggressive lift option, designed exclusively for 1998-2000 2WD 4-cylinder Rangers. You get 2″ coil springs and iron spindles up front, combined with 4″ fabricated steel blocks in back. Nitro gas pressure shocks handle the extreme height while maintaining drivability.

The extreme lift transforms your Ranger’s appearance and capability dramatically. Installation involves coil springs and spindles, making it more involved than simple block kits. The massive ground clearance lets you run huge tires and tackle serious obstacles.

This kit is very specific—it only fits 1998-2000 4-cylinder 2WD models. The aggressive height may require additional modifications for optimal handling.

8. SuperATV 3″ Lift Kit for 2021+ Polaris Ranger XP 1000 – Best for UTV Owners

Best for: Polaris Ranger XP 1000 UTV owners (2021+) who want increased ground clearance for larger tires and obstacle clearance.

Key Features:

SuperATV’s 3″ lift is engineered specifically for 2021+ Polaris Ranger XP 1000 UTVs, not Ford Rangers. The CNC laser-cut steel brackets are built tough for daily punishment on trails. You get an extra 3 inches of ground clearance to clear logs, rocks, and obstacles without belly-dragging.

The kit enables running up to 29″ tires for enhanced traction and capability. Installation uses simple bolt-on brackets with no welding required. SuperATV’s design is tested in their Indiana facility for quality assurance.

Note: This is a UTV kit, not for Ford Ranger trucks. NorthStar models may not achieve full 3″ due to cab enclosure weight.

How to Choose the Best Lift Kit for Your Lifted Ranger

Determine Your Vehicle Year and Suspension Type

Your Ranger’s year and suspension system are the first things to nail down. Torsion bar models (typically 1998-2011) need different kits than coil suspension trucks (2001-2013).

Check your owner’s manual or contact a dealer if you’re unsure. Getting this wrong means buying an incompatible kit that won’t fit.

Choose Your Desired Lift Height

Lift heights range from 2″ to 6″ depending on the kit. More lift means more ground clearance but can affect ride quality and handling.

Consider your actual needs—daily driving comfort versus weekend off-roading capability. A 3-4″ lift is the sweet spot for most owners.

Decide on Shock Quality and Inclusion

Some kits include premium shocks while others are suspension-only. Quality shocks make a huge difference in ride comfort and handling.

Budget kits without shocks save money upfront but require separate shock purchases. Premium kits cost more but deliver complete solutions.

Consider Installation Difficulty

Bolt-on kits are DIY-friendly for backyard mechanics with basic tools. More complex kits involving coil springs or spindles may need professional installation.

Factor in installation costs when comparing total kit expenses. Some shops charge $500-1000+ for professional lift installation.

Check Warranty Coverage

Lifetime warranties on the kit itself are common, but shock warranties vary. Some shocks only carry 5-year coverage.

Understand what’s covered and what isn’t before purchasing. Warranty support matters if something fails down the road.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Ford Ranger lift kit cost?

Lift kits for Ford Rangers range from $357 to $874 depending on lift height, shock quality, and components included. Budget options start around $350-400, while premium kits with quality shocks run $600-900.

Can I install a lift kit myself?

Most bolt-on lift kits can be installed by DIY mechanics with basic tools and mechanical knowledge. Kits with torsion keys, spindles, or coil springs are more complex and may benefit from professional installation.

Will a lift kit affect my Ranger’s fuel economy?

Yes, lifting your Ranger typically reduces fuel economy by 5-15% due to increased wind resistance and tire size. The impact depends on lift height and tire size.

What size tires can I run after lifting my Ranger?

A 3-4″ lift typically supports 31-33″ tires, while a 6″ lift can handle up to 35″ tires. Check your specific kit’s recommendations and ensure your wheel wells have adequate clearance.

Do I need an alignment after installing a lift kit?

Yes, alignment is essential after any suspension lift installation. This ensures proper handling, tire wear, and steering response. Most shops charge $100-200 for alignment.

Final Thoughts

The best lift kit for your Ranger depends on your specific model year, suspension type, and desired lift height. For budget-conscious owners with torsion bar suspensions, the TORCH 3″ kit offers unbeatable value. If you’re driving a classic Ranger, Rough Country’s 4″ kits deliver premium performance with excellent handling.

Always verify compatibility with your exact model before purchasing. Consider whether you want shocks included and whether you’re comfortable with DIY installation. Factor in alignment costs and potential shock upgrades when budgeting.

Take your time choosing—a quality lift kit transforms your Ranger’s capability and appearance for years to come.