Drop Kits

Warpig Racing · Post by **Warpig Racing** » Thu May 04, 2006 3:41 pm

I have noticed that there are 2 options to drop the front end. Drop I-Beams or a shock and spring kit. What are the pros and cons of each? Do they both ride the same? Will the I-Beams clear the oil pan?

I need to get my front down ~ 3".

MalcolmV8 · Post by **MalcolmV8** » Thu May 04, 2006 5:50 pm

Shock and spring won't get you as low as the drop i-beam. Also the drop i-beam is pretty much needed once you drop more than 2" or so because of alignment issues. Not sure about oil pan clearance. I used 2" drop springs on my red truck and kept the stock i-beams.

cgrey8 · Post by **cgrey8** » Thu May 04, 2006 7:04 pm

Did the Rangers ever have spindle drops? It seems I remember that was the way to do it back when I was in highschool...but since I've never looked into it, I can't remember.

MalcolmV8 · Post by **MalcolmV8** » Thu May 04, 2006 7:09 pm

Not that I know of. That seems to be an S10 thing only.

plowboy34 · Post by **plowboy34** » Thu May 04, 2006 7:35 pm

If you want to drop more than two inches safely and have a good ride you need to get drop I beams. We dropped my sons 3" and use stock springs and shocks with them. The truck rides just as good lowered as it did stock. I was real surprised and impressed with how good it rides. It handles great being lowered and sway bars added. We also dropped the rear 5", we just used a flip kit for that.

Warpig Racing · Post by **Warpig Racing** » Thu May 04, 2006 10:13 pm

with these drop I beams, are there additional parts necessary or does it reuse all stock components?

cjcnomor4 · Post by **cjcnomor4** » Fri May 05, 2006 4:58 pm

i've got 3" drop I-beams on my 95 and it cleared a stock mustang oil pan. I cant say how an oversized pan will work. you use all your stock front suspension. I changed ball joints and tie rods while it was apart. the kit came with drop shocks.

Warpig Racing · Post by **Warpig Racing** » Fri May 05, 2006 5:18 pm

How much clearance do you have on the oil pan? What motor mounts did you use?

cjcnomor4 · Post by **cjcnomor4** » Fri May 05, 2006 6:00 pm

L&L mounts. the pan straddles the crossmember like it was made for it. i've got at least an inch clearance

plowboy34 · Post by **plowboy34** » Fri May 05, 2006 6:24 pm

I used the stock 4 banger mounts and the 1/4 inch plate. I dropped the engine down lower than most and had plenty of clearance. I know I used the same headers as Malcolm and cgrey, I know cgrey had to clearance the firewall a little to get exhaust hooked up, I believe Malcolm did too, mine sits low enough I did not have to. I had no problem getting the pipe on it. So as far as clearance for the oil pan it was not an issue. I do not know how to post pics on here but I will try to email you some pics if you want. We used the DJM drop beams, everything else was the stock parts. Springs, shocks, ball joints, brakes, everything else is factory Ranger parts.

Warpig Racing · Post by **Warpig Racing** » Sun May 14, 2006 10:23 pm

Please send the pics to me at warpig.racing@gmail.com

87ranger · Post by **87ranger** » Mon May 15, 2006 4:26 pm

just remember that when you drop more than two inches and plan to run a wide tire,youll scrub the inner fenders when taking sharp turns.

plowboy34 · Post by **plowboy34** » Mon May 15, 2006 8:25 pm

My son runs 60's on the front, they do rub when turning if the suspension is bouncing. If it is smooth there is no rubbing, but any bounce at all and they will rub.

I will get pics ASAP, it is a real busy time for me right now with planting going hot and heavy. So give me some time and I will get them.

87ranger · Post by **87ranger** » Tue May 16, 2006 5:32 am

I'm running cobra 17/9's up front with 275/40's and afc cobras 17/10.5 in the rear with 315/35's with two inches of drop all around. the back tires just fit without hitting the bed or leafs all i did was trim the flange in in the wheel well. i had chopped an explorer rear wich allowed precise alignment of the wheel. chopping a rear is real easy with a good welder and common hand tools. had to do nothing in the front clears without a problem.

87ranger · Post by **87ranger** » Tue May 16, 2006 5:32 am

I'm running cobra 17/9's up front with 275/40's and afc cobras 17/10.5 in the rear with 315/35's with two inches of drop all around. the back tires just fit without hitting the bed or leafs all i did was trim the flange in in the wheel well. i had chopped an explorer rear wich allowed precise alignment of the wheel. chopping a rear is real easy with a good welder and common hand tools. had to do nothing in the front clears without a problem.