One of the most common upgrades we get asked about by both hardcore off-road enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike is suspension replacement. This is an upgrade that not only gives your vehicle a more pronounced and commanding look but offers a major ride quality boost.
There are three basic ways to lift a 4×4 vehicle:
- Replacing the suspension components completely. This is achieved by removing old coil and leaf springs and associated components — like shock absorbers and replacing them with the new kit such as this one by OME.
- Installing a suspension spacer kit such as the SuperPro Ezy Lift Kit. This is a more affordable option that might be a good choice for those who are leasing their vehicles or those who simply want to install larger wheels and are not really bothered by off-road performance. If this is the case, we’d always recommend that the suspension is purchased first and the wheels are added afterwards to avoid fitting issues or component contact.
- Installing a body lift (such as spacers) between the vehicle’s body and frame. However, this is largely an aesthetic upgrade with no real functional benefit. This option can also leave a noticeable and odd-looking gap between the body and frame.
The Ford Ranger is not only the best-selling pick-up truck in the UK, but it’s also renowned as one of the most reliable and user-friendly. The Ranger 3.2 diesel is also the largest commercial pickup truck engine sold in the UK in the last decade, so it packs plenty of power under the hood.
The T6 model, known as the PX, PX2 or PX3 in other regions (as well as the later T7 and T8 variants released in 2015 and 2019 respectively) is all about practicality and visual impact. Though that’s not to say it’s beyond a little green laning or winching.
That being said, even with the recent facelift afforded the 2015 and 2019 models, the T6 has quite basic stock suspension. It will also see you through most on-road experiences, but if you ever want to do some serious off-roading with the T6, that suspension will probably suffer.
The complete package
Perhaps the best thing about upgrading the suspension on a Ranger, however, is just how easy it is. The Ranger appears to have been designed from the ground up with suspension upgrading in mind. Certain models might have minor component differences as far as their front strut assemblies are concerned.
But generally speaking, given that the best-selling off-the-shelf upgrade kits from established quality brands like Terrain Tamer and Old Man Emu (OME) offer bespoke kits for each individual model, you shouldn’t have any serious problems or need any extra parts to install the upgrade yourself.
That is unless you’re looking for a lift higher than the industry-standard 2-inches, which would require the addition of specialist components. Note that for the T6, the typical lift height is around 2 inches or 40 to 50mm.
Generally speaking, a complete kit is a better way to achieve optimal results than going for individual components from different manufacturers. Although, for example, a set of springs could be fitted with existing shock absorbers, there are always going to be component limitations to consider and fitting new shock absorbers won’t compensate for old worn springs.
Upgrading with care
Regardless of whether you go for the complete kit option or to take matters into your own hands and upgrade it piece-by-piece, the T6 might be a pretty modern vehicle but it’s certainly not invincible.
Selecting the correct components is vital, and care should be taken not to choose parts that are incorrectly rated for the application. If you’re unsure, contact us directly and we will advise if we feel that the components you’re looking at might be unsuitable.
Whether you’re using your T6 for commercial use and require greater suspension to cope with greater weight, or as a family vehicle for running the kids to school, there is a suspension kit that will provide what you’re looking for. These kits will offer better handling and stability to both older models with fatigued components and newer models with components that are just not quite up to the task.
If you’re interested in upgrading the suspension on your Ford Ranger T6, we have you covered. If you need to know anymore before making your decision, meanwhile, feel free to reach out and contact us today.
