Why Lower Your ’99 Ford Ranger? A Symphony of Style and Performance
The rumble of a classic pickup truck, the confident stance, the head-turning appeal… these are the things that make truck enthusiasts, well, *enthusiastic*. And for owners of the iconic ’99 Ford Ranger, the desire to personalize and enhance their ride is a common one. One of the most transformative modifications you can make to a ’99 Ford Ranger is to lower it, creating a look that’s both sleek and assertive. This comprehensive guide delves deep into the world of ’99 Ford Ranger lowering kits, equipping you with the knowledge to choose the perfect kit, install it with confidence, and enjoy the benefits of a lowered Ranger.
Aesthetics Elevated: The Visual Symphony of a Lowered Truck
Let’s be honest: a lowered truck simply *looks* better. The factory ride height of many trucks, including the ’99 Ford Ranger, often leaves a gap between the tires and the wheel wells, creating a somewhat awkward visual. Lowering the truck fills this gap, bringing the body closer to the ground. This change transforms the truck’s profile, giving it a more aggressive, athletic, and streamlined appearance. Whether you’re aiming for a subtle drop or a more dramatic stance, the impact on your Ranger’s overall aesthetic is undeniable. Think street truck with a menacing presence or a subtly modified cruiser ready for a weekend adventure. The possibilities are endless. This modification truly personalizes your vehicle.
Enhanced Handling: A Tighter Grip on the Road
Beyond the visual appeal, lowering your ’99 Ford Ranger often results in improved handling characteristics. By lowering the center of gravity, the truck becomes less susceptible to body roll during cornering. This translates to a more planted feel on the road, making it easier to navigate turns with precision and confidence. The reduced body roll can also contribute to improved stability, particularly during evasive maneuvers. This is a key factor in the enjoyment of driving your now sportier ’99 Ford Ranger.
Performance Considerations: A Taste of the Track (and the Street)
While lowering your ’99 Ford Ranger primarily focuses on aesthetics and handling, it can also subtly impact performance. Reduced body roll translates to more efficient power transfer, especially in acceleration. Although not a primary goal, this improvement does contribute to a more responsive driving experience. For those with a keen interest in track performance or drag racing, a well-chosen lowering kit can provide a significant advantage.
Personalization and Customization: Make Your Ranger Truly Yours
Lowering your ’99 Ford Ranger is a statement of individual style. It allows you to express your personality and create a truck that reflects your unique taste. Choosing the right lowering kit and the perfect wheel and tire combination allows you to build a vehicle that is distinctly yours. You can choose your drop, your stance, and the overall vibe of your ride, creating a truck that turns heads and sparks conversations wherever you go.
Understanding the Diversity: Types of ’99 Ford Ranger Lowering Kits
The world of ’99 Ford Ranger lowering kits offers a diverse range of options, each with its own advantages, disadvantages, and specific applications. Understanding these differences is crucial to selecting the kit that best aligns with your goals.
Springs Only Kits: The Simple Solution
Springs only kits are a popular entry point into the world of lowering. They involve replacing the factory springs with shorter, stiffer springs. They are generally the most cost-effective way to achieve a lowered stance. While the installation is relatively straightforward, the ride quality might be noticeably firmer, depending on the spring rate. The result is a classic, no-nonsense approach to achieving a lower profile. These kits come in various drop heights, allowing for a range of visual transformations.
Drop Spindles: Maintaining Comfort, Preserving Ride Quality
Drop spindles represent an alternative that maintains the original ride quality. They replace the factory spindles with units that move the wheel mounting point higher, lowering the truck without affecting the spring’s compression. This approach allows you to retain the factory ride comfort and can be a great choice for those who prioritize a comfortable driving experience. They often result in a smoother ride compared to spring-only kits. However, drop spindles typically come with a higher price tag than spring-only solutions.
Flip Kits: Significant Drop for a Bold Statement
For those seeking a more substantial drop in the rear, a flip kit is the go-to solution. A flip kit involves relocating the rear axle above the leaf springs, effectively “flipping” them. This achieves a dramatic drop, often several inches. However, this approach can require additional modifications, such as C-notching the frame to allow for axle clearance. Flip kits are best suited for those seeking a slammed stance and are often preferred for show trucks or custom builds. Careful consideration of your daily driving needs is essential.
Shackles and Hangers: Fine-Tuning the Rear
Shackles and hangers provide another way to lower the rear of your ’99 Ford Ranger. These components replace the factory shackles and spring hangers, allowing for adjustable ride height. This can be a good choice if you want some flexibility in adjusting your rear ride height. They’re generally easier to install than flip kits, but may also impact ride quality. Different designs of shackles and hangers are available, offering various levels of adjustability and drop.
Complete Kits: The Comprehensive Approach
Complete lowering kits offer a one-stop solution, bundling all the necessary components for both front and rear lowering. These kits often include springs or drop spindles, as well as shocks, and sometimes other components like sway bar end links. The advantage of complete kits is that all the parts are designed to work together, providing a balanced and cohesive lowering experience. This often simplifies the selection process and ensures that all parts are compatible with each other.
Choosing the Right Path: Selecting Your Perfect ’99 Ford Ranger Lowering Kit
Selecting the perfect lowering kit is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor. The ideal choice depends on a range of factors, each playing a vital role in determining your overall satisfaction.
Ride Height: Finding the Perfect Stance
The ride height is perhaps the most crucial consideration. The drop height will dramatically affect the truck’s aesthetics, handling, and usability. Consider the look you’re aiming for, and how it aligns with the way you use your Ranger. A mild drop (one to two inches) can provide a subtle improvement in appearance and handling, making it suitable for everyday driving. A more aggressive drop (three or more inches) delivers a bolder, more head-turning look, but may come with compromises in ride quality and ground clearance. Also, consider your local driving conditions, road quality and speed bumps are your enemy.
Budget: Balancing Dreams with Reality
Lowering kits range in price, from relatively affordable spring-only options to more expensive complete kits. Set a realistic budget and research the different types of kits that fall within your price range. Remember to factor in the cost of installation, as this can add significantly to the overall project cost. Shop around and compare prices from different retailers. Don’t sacrifice quality for the sake of saving money, always research the brand reviews.
Driving Style and Intended Use: Tailoring Your Kit to Your Needs
How you use your ’99 Ford Ranger should inform your kit selection. If you primarily drive on well-maintained roads, a more aggressive drop might be feasible. If you frequently encounter rough roads or off-road conditions, a milder drop is generally recommended. Consider the amount of weight your truck carries regularly. Truck often carry tools or equipment which impacts ride quality. Evaluate how you drive and prioritize your driving needs.
Brand and Quality: Prioritizing Reliability and Performance
Invest in reputable brands. Do your research and read reviews before purchasing a kit. High-quality components will offer enhanced performance, durability, and longevity. Avoid kits from unknown manufacturers, as they may use inferior materials and may not perform as expected. Prioritize brands that have a proven track record.
Compatibility: Ensuring a Perfect Fit
Make sure the kit is specifically designed for your ’99 Ford Ranger. Double-check the year, model, and any other relevant specifications to ensure proper fitment. Incompatible kits can lead to poor performance, safety issues, and frustration. If you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to contact the manufacturer or a knowledgeable auto parts specialist.
Installation: Embarking on Your Lowering Journey
While lowering a ’99 Ford Ranger can be a rewarding project, it is important to understand the process and the required tools, resources and safety considerations.
Tools and Materials: Assembling Your Arsenal
Gather the necessary tools before you begin. This includes a jack, jack stands, wrenches, sockets, spring compressors, and other basic tools. Having everything on hand will make the installation process smoother.
Step-by-Step Installation: A Simplified Overview
1. **Preparation**: Safely raise and secure the vehicle. Disconnect the battery.
2. **Front Springs or Spindles:** Remove the old springs or spindles. Install the new components according to the kit’s instructions.
3. **Rear Suspension:** Install the flip kit, shackles/hangers, or new springs, following the kit’s instructions.
4. **Shocks:** Replace the front and rear shocks.
5. **Reassembly**: Put everything back together.
6. **Torque:** Ensure all bolts are tightened to the manufacturer’s specifications.
7. **Alignment:** Get a professional alignment.
Detailed Instructions: Seek Professional Guidance
If you’re not comfortable with mechanical work, consider seeking professional assistance. Detailed instructions and video tutorials are readily available online. Several dedicated online forums are also available, offering detailed guidance and advice from experienced enthusiasts.
Post-Installation and Maintenance: Protecting Your Investment
After installation, several steps are necessary to ensure your ’99 Ford Ranger is running optimally and maintaining its new lowered stance.
Alignment: Ensuring Proper Tracking
A professional alignment is essential after lowering your truck. A proper alignment ensures the wheels are correctly oriented, prevents premature tire wear, and optimizes handling. An alignment is an investment in your truck’s performance and safety.
Ride Quality: Adapting to a New Experience
Lowering the truck will change the ride quality. Be prepared for a firmer ride. This is often unavoidable. Choosing the right kit and shocks can mitigate these effects.
Tire Fitment: Avoiding Rubbing Issues
Lowering can sometimes cause the tires to rub against the wheel wells or other components. Inspect the tire clearance thoroughly after installation. Minor adjustments may be required. If you have rubbing, consider smaller tires or spacers.
Maintenance and Inspection: Keeping Your Ranger in Top Shape
Regularly inspect your lowering components. Listen for any unusual noises or vibrations. Ensure that all bolts are tight and that there are no signs of wear or damage. Proper maintenance will help extend the life of your components.
Additional Considerations: Beyond the Basics
Several other factors can impact the success of your lowering project.
Shocks and Struts: Crucial Complementary Components
Shorter shocks or struts are typically needed when lowering your truck, as factory shocks are often too long and will “bottom out” prematurely. Be sure to select shocks designed for your drop height.
Camber Adjustment: Addressing Wheel Angles
Lowering can alter the camber (the angle of the wheels). This may require a camber adjustment kit to restore optimal handling and tire wear.
Brake Lines: Maintaining Safe Stopping Power
Depending on the drop height, brake lines may need adjustment. Ensure that the brake lines have sufficient slack and don’t become stretched or damaged.
Driveshaft Angles: Addressing Extreme Drops
For extremely low trucks, driveshaft angle adjustments or modifications may be required. These are often necessary to eliminate vibrations and maintain driveline efficiency.
Tire and Wheel Choices: Enhancing the Aesthetics and Performance
The tire and wheel combination has a significant impact on the visual appeal of your lowered Ranger. Be sure to choose the wheels and tires that compliment your ride.
Legality: Staying Within the Law
Familiarize yourself with local regulations regarding ride height. Some areas have restrictions on how low a vehicle can be.
Where to Obtain Your ’99 Ford Ranger Lowering Kit: Sources for Success
Finding the right kit is crucial. Several options are available.
Online Retailers: Convenience and Selection
Online retailers like Summit Racing, AutoAnything, and others offer a vast selection of lowering kits, often at competitive prices. Read reviews and compare products carefully.
Local Auto Parts Stores: Immediate Needs and Advice
Local auto parts stores provide the convenience of immediate access to products and the ability to consult with experienced staff. They may be a good option for those who prefer a hands-on approach.
Conclusion: Embrace the Transformation
Lowering your ’99 Ford Ranger is more than just a cosmetic upgrade; it’s a testament to your passion for your truck. The lowered stance, improved handling, and endless possibilities for personalization combine to make lowering a truly worthwhile modification. With careful planning, the right kit, and a bit of mechanical knowledge (or professional assistance), you can transform your ’99 Ranger into a head-turning machine that reflects your unique style. It’s time to start your project and experience the transformation.
FAQs
Will lowering my Ranger affect the gas mileage? In most cases, lowering your Ranger won’t have a significant impact on gas mileage.
How long does it take to install a lowering kit? The installation time varies depending on the type of kit and your experience. Plan a weekend for the install.
Can I install a lowering kit myself? With basic mechanical skills, you can install a lowering kit. However, professional installation is recommended.
What’s the best lowering kit for daily driving? A kit with drop spindles or a milder drop.
