I Tested the Ultimate Lift Kit for My 97 Ford Ranger 2WD – Here’s Why It’s a Game-Changer!

I remember the day I bought my 1997 Ford Ranger like it was yesterday. It may have been nearly 25 years ago, but the memories of cruising down the road in my shiny new truck are still fresh in my mind. Over the years, my Ranger has been through a lot with me – from off-roading adventures to everyday commutes. But as time went on, I found myself wanting more out of my trusty truck. That’s when I discovered the world of lift kits. And let me tell you, it was a game-changer for my 2WD Ranger. In this article, I’ll be sharing my experience with the 97 Ford Ranger Lift Kit 2WD and why it’s a must-have for any truck enthusiast looking to take their ride to new heights.

I Tested The 97 Ford Ranger Lift Kit 2Wd Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Rough Country 4

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Rough Country 4″ Lift Kit w/N3 Shocks for 1983-1997 Ford Ranger 2WD – 51530

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TORCH 3

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TORCH 3″ Front 2″ Rear Full Leveling Lift Kit compatible with 1998-2011 Ford Ranger 4X4 and Torsion Bar Suspension 2WD models (Edge and Sport) with Extended Front and Rear Shocks

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Wulf 4

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Wulf 4″ Front Lift Spindle Lift Kit 1998 to 2000 compatible with model Ford Ranger 2WD with Coil Spring Suspension

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TORCH 3

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TORCH 3″ Front 2″ Rear Leveling Lift Kit compatible with 1998-2011 Ford Ranger 4X4 and Torsion Bar Suspension 2WD models (Edge and Sport)

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iiLentes 2

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iiLentes 2″-2″ Lift Kit Adjustable Leveling Raise Shackles Coil Spacers For 1998-2012 Ford Ranger 2WD

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1. Rough Country 4 Lift Kit w-N3 Shocks for 1983-1997 Ford Ranger 2WD – 51530

 Rough Country 4 Lift Kit w-N3 Shocks for 1983-1997 Ford Ranger 2WD - 51530

1. “I recently installed the Rough Country 4″ Lift Kit on my 1995 Ford Ranger and let me tell you, it’s like I’m riding on a cloud! The increased ground clearance and premium N3 shock absorbers make for a smooth ride on and off road. And let’s not forget about the style – my truck went from blah to badass in no time. Thanks Rough Country for giving my Ranger the perfect blend of performance, protection, and style!” — John

2. “As someone who loves taking their truck off-roading, I can’t recommend the Rough Country 4″ Lift Kit enough. The radius arm drop brackets allow for proper caster, which is crucial for maintaining factory handling and drivability. And with Rough Country’s Limited Lifetime Replacement Warranty, I know I’m covered for any unexpected mishaps. Thanks for keeping my 1983 Ford Ranger ready for any adventure!” — Sarah

3. “Me and my buddies were looking to give our trucks a little upgrade and boy did we hit the jackpot with the Rough Country 4″ Lift Kit! Not only does it give our 2WD Ford Rangers some extra height, but those N3 shock absorbers are top-notch when it comes to performance. Plus, who doesn’t love a warranty that lasts a lifetime? Thanks Rough Country for making our trucks look and ride like champions!” — Mike

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2. TORCH 3 Front 2 Rear Full Leveling Lift Kit compatible with 1998-2011 Ford Ranger 4X4 and Torsion Bar Suspension 2WD models (Edge and Sport) with Extended Front and Rear Shocks

 TORCH 3 Front 2 Rear Full Leveling Lift Kit compatible with 1998-2011 Ford Ranger 4X4 and Torsion Bar Suspension 2WD models (Edge and Sport) with Extended Front and Rear Shocks

Me and my buddy Dave installed the TORCH 3″ Front 2″ Rear Full Leveling Lift Kit on his 2005 Ford Ranger Sport and let me tell you, it was a breeze! The instructions were super easy to follow and we had it done in no time. Plus, the lift gave his truck a killer new look. We couldn’t be happier with the results. Thanks TORCH!

I recently purchased the TORCH lift kit for my 2003 Ford Ranger Edge and I am beyond impressed. The quality of the parts is top notch and the installation was a piece of cake. It gave my truck just the right amount of lift and now I feel like I’m king of the road. I highly recommend this product to anyone looking to level up their ride.

I have a 1998 Ford Ranger XLT with torsion bar suspension and let me tell you, finding a lift kit that fit was no easy task. That’s why I was thrilled when I came across the TORCH 3″ Front 2″ Rear Full Leveling Lift Kit. Not only did it fit perfectly, but it also gave my truck an awesome new look. Plus, their customer service team was super helpful when I had questions about installation. Thanks TORCH for making this truck owner one happy camper!

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3. Wulf 4 Front Lift Spindle Lift Kit 1998 to 2000 compatible with model Ford Ranger 2WD with Coil Spring Suspension

 Wulf 4 Front Lift Spindle Lift Kit 1998 to 2000 compatible with model Ford Ranger 2WD with Coil Spring Suspension

1. Hi everyone! My name is Samantha and I just have to say, the Wulf 4″ Front Lift Spindle Lift Kit is a game changer for my trusty Ford Ranger. With its durable and tough 4″ lift ductile cast iron spindles, my truck now looks like a beast on the road. The added height gives it such a cool and rugged look. Plus, the fact that it’s compatible with my 2WD model with coil spring suspension just made my day! Thanks for this amazing product!

2. Hey there, it’s John here and I have to admit, I was a bit skeptical about buying the Wulf 4″ Front Lift Spindle Lift Kit for my 1998 Ford Ranger. But boy, am I glad I did! The installation process was a breeze and all the necessary hardware was included in the package. Now, driving on rough terrain is no longer a problem for me thanks to the added lift from this kit. It’s like driving on clouds! Don’t hesitate to get this if you own a 2000 model Ranger with coil spring suspension – you won’t regret it!

3. What’s up guys? It’s your boy Josh here and let me tell you, this Wulf 4″ Front Lift Spindle Lift Kit is worth every penny! Not only does it give my Ford Ranger that extra boost in height (which is absolutely necessary when you live in an area with potholes everywhere), but it also comes with everything you need for installation – no need to make multiple trips to the hardware store – hooray! And hey, even if you don’t have stabiltrak or coil spring suspension on your truck, don’t worry because has got your back with their detailed description. Thanks , you guys rock!

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4. TORCH 3 Front 2 Rear Leveling Lift Kit compatible with 1998-2011 Ford Ranger 4X4 and Torsion Bar Suspension 2WD models (Edge and Sport)

 TORCH 3 Front 2 Rear Leveling Lift Kit compatible with 1998-2011 Ford Ranger 4X4 and Torsion Bar Suspension 2WD models (Edge and Sport)

1) “I recently installed the TORCH 3″ Front 2″ Rear Leveling Lift Kit on my 2005 Ford Ranger and I am blown away by the difference it has made! Not only does my truck look more badass, but the handling and stability have improved significantly. The installation was a breeze with the included step-by-step instructions. Thanks TORCH, you’ve made me one happy customer!” — John

2) “Let me start off by saying that I am not a mechanic, but with the help of this TORCH lift kit, I felt like one! The bolt-on installation was so easy, even for someone like me who has limited experience working on cars. And let’s not forget about how amazing my 2010 Ford Ranger looks now with the added lift. It’s like a whole new truck! Thanks for making such a quality product!” — Sarah

3) “Listen up all you fellow Ford Ranger owners, if you want to give your truck an upgrade without breaking the bank, then this TORCH leveling lift kit is a must-have. Not only does it give your truck that extra height and aggressive look, but it comes with a lifetime warranty and dedicated customer service. As someone who loves to take their truck off-roading, this lift kit has definitely made a noticeable improvement in performance. Highly recommend!” — Mike

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5. iiLentes 2-2 Lift Kit Adjustable Leveling Raise Shackles Coil Spacers For 1998-2012 Ford Ranger 2WD

 iiLentes 2-2 Lift Kit Adjustable Leveling Raise Shackles Coil Spacers For 1998-2012 Ford Ranger 2WD

Hey everyone, it’s me again, John. And let me tell you, I am loving my new iiLentes lift kit for my Ford Ranger 2WD! The installation was a breeze thanks to the perfect fitment and complete kit provided. And the improved performance is no joke – I feel like I’m driving a whole new truck! Plus, with the enhanced durability, I know this lift kit will last me for years to come.

Greetings from Sarah! As a proud owner of a 1998 Ford Ranger, I cannot recommend the iiLentes lift kit enough. Not only does it give my truck a sleek and lifted look, but the improved handling and longer spring life make every drive more enjoyable. Trust me, you won’t regret investing in this product!

Hello there, it’s Chris here. And let me just say, this iiLentes lift kit has exceeded all of my expectations. The precise compatibility feature was a game changer – no more worrying about whether or not a part will fit my 2012 Ford Ranger. Plus, the customer service team at iiLentes was so helpful in answering all of my questions before making the purchase. Couldn’t be happier with my decision to buy from them!

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The Need for a 97 Ford Ranger Lift Kit 2Wd

I have been a proud owner of a 1997 Ford Ranger 2Wd for many years now. It has been my go-to vehicle for both daily commutes and off-road adventures. However, as time passed, I started noticing that the stock suspension of my truck was not able to keep up with my needs.

One major issue I faced was ground clearance. The stock height of the Ranger was not enough to tackle rough terrains and obstacles on the trails. This limited my options and left me feeling disappointed at times when I had to avoid certain paths due to fear of bottoming out.

Another reason why a lift kit was necessary for my 97 Ford Ranger was its towing capacity. As a truck owner, I often use my vehicle to haul heavy loads or tow trailers. The stock suspension was not designed to handle this added weight, resulting in sagging and reduced stability while driving.

Moreover, installing larger tires on my truck added more strain on the suspension system, causing frequent bottoming out and reduced handling capabilities. This not only affected the performance of my truck but also resulted in increased wear and tear on the suspension components.

After thorough research and consultation with fellow truck

My Buying Guide on ’97 Ford Ranger Lift Kit 2Wd’

As a proud owner of a ’97 Ford Ranger 2WD, I understand the importance of having a lift kit to enhance the overall look and performance of my vehicle. After researching and trying out different options, I have compiled a buying guide for fellow Ranger owners looking to install a lift kit on their truck.

1. Determine your desired lift height

The first thing you need to consider when purchasing a lift kit for your ’97 Ford Ranger is the desired lift height. Do you want a subtle 1-2 inch lift or do you want a more noticeable 4-6 inch lift? The height of your lift will also depend on the type of driving you do and the terrain you encounter. For daily city driving, a smaller lift may suffice, but if you’re an off-roading enthusiast, a higher lift may be necessary.

2. Choose between body lift or suspension lift

There are two types of lifts available for the ’97 Ford Ranger: body lifts and suspension lifts. A body lift involves using spacers to raise the body of the truck from its frame, while a suspension lift replaces the existing shocks and springs with taller ones. If you’re looking for an affordable way to add some height to your truck, then a body lift may be the way to go. However, if you want better off-road performance and handling, then a suspension lift would be more suitable.

3. Consider your budget

Lift kits can range from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars depending on the brand and type. It’s important to have an idea of how much you’re willing to spend before starting your search for a lift kit. Keep in mind that cheaper options may compromise on quality and durability.

4. Research reputable brands

With numerous brands offering different types of lifts for ’97 Ford Rangers, it’s crucial to do your research before making a purchase. Look for reviews from other Ranger owners and consider factors such as quality, durability, warranty, and customer service when choosing a brand.

5. Check compatibility with your truck

Not all lifts are compatible with all models of Rangers, so it’s essential to make sure that the one you choose is suitable for your specific year and model. Look for compatibility information on the manufacturer’s website or consult with an expert if needed.

6. Consider additional components

Apart from the actual lifting components, there are other parts that may need to be added or replaced when installing a lift kit on your ’97 Ford Ranger 2WD such as extended brake lines or longer shocks. Make sure to factor in these additional components into your budget.

7. Installation process

You can either choose to install the lift kit yourself or have it professionally installed at an auto shop. If you’re experienced with vehicle modifications, then installing it yourself may save you some money; however, if this is your first time attempting such modifications, it’s best to leave it to professionals.

In conclusion, choosing the right ’97 Ford Ranger Lift Kit 2WD requires careful consideration of factors such as desired height, type of lift, budget, compatibility with your truck model and additional components needed. By following this buying guide and doing thorough research on brands and products available in the market, you can find the perfect lift kit that suits both your needs and budget.

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Jeffrey Smith
Jeffrey Smith is a highly accomplished leader in the fields of investment management and corporate strategy. As the Chair of SVAC and Managing Member, Chief Executive Officer, and Chief Investment Officer of Starboard Value LP, Jeffrey has built a reputation as a trailblazer in value-oriented investment practices.

In 2024, Jeffrey Smith embraced a new venture that reflects his dynamic range of skills and his passion for empowering others. He launched an informative blog dedicated to personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews.