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To perform a 1987 Ford Ranger suspension lift, remove the factory rear shocks and leaf springs to achieve a 67 mm height increase. You must have the original Ford leaf spring, a set of add-a-leafs, a floor jack, and a drill before starting the installation on a 4×4 model. This method is for owners of stock 1987-1990 Ford Rangers who want an ‘OEM Plus’ look, while those seeking extreme off-road clearance should look at production-ready lift kits.
Who should try this Ford Ranger suspension lift
Readers who should try this Ford Ranger suspension lift
- Owners of a stock 1987-1990 Ford Ranger should choose this method to achieve an ‘OEM Plus’ look using factory-style blocks and add-a-leafs.
- DIY restorers working on high-mileage 4x4s should use this method to treat surface corrosion and replace worn-out rubber bushings.
- Budget-conscious shock seekers should use this method to adapt Bilstein performance from a Nissan Xterra.
- Drivers of low-horsepower vintage trucks should use this method to maintain 26 mpg and third-gear ‘chirp’ by avoiding heavy 31-inch tires.
Readers who should skip this Ford Ranger suspension lift
- New truck owners should look at production-ready 2-inch or 3-inch lift kits for the Ranger.
- Professional suspension engineers should skip this and consult technical journals on twin I-beam geometry.
What to do next about the Ford Ranger suspension lift
- Measure current truck height to determine the gap to the 67 mm target.
- Apply iron phosphate treatment to the leaf spring for chemical conversion.
- Bore out the shock mount holes 2 mm on each side for the Nissan Xterra fitment.
Replicating the Ford STX and High Rider Suspension
The 1987 Ford Ranger suspension lift follows an ‘OEM Plus’ philosophy by using factory-style components to achieve a specific aesthetic profile. By targeting a 67 mm (approximately 2.5 inches) lift, the truck replicates the factory STX or High Rider package without looking over-modified. This specific height provides a subtle elevation that preserves the truck’s original proportions.
The original Ford leaf spring serves as the base for this modification. Instead of replacing the entire leaf pack, this method utilizes add-a-leafs and factory lift blocks. This approach maintains the factory feel of the suspension while providing the desired ride height.
Why 140 Horsepower Dictates Tire Selection
The truck’s 140 hp and 170 lb-ft of torque dictate the limits of the available tire sizes. While a 31×10.5 tire is a common upgrade for these trucks, it is often too heavy for this vintage engine to rotate efficiently. Why would a 140 hp engine struggle with a 31-inch tire? The added mass creates a sluggish feel that compromises the truck’s ability to ‘chirp’ in third gear.
Maintaining the 30×9.5 tire size allows the truck to retain its 26 mpg average. This balance is a key part of the ‘OEM Plus’ philosophy.
Adapting Bilstein Shocks from a Nissan Xterra
Bilstein shocks provide a high-quality damping upgrade for this project because a direct fitment for the 1987 Ranger is not readily available. The solution involves sourcing shocks from a 2006-2015 Nissan Xterra (2WD). These shocks provide superior damping and durability compared to the stock components.
The Nissan Xterra shocks require minor modifications to fit the Ford brackets. Because the Xterra uses an M12 bolt while the Ranger bracket is sized for an M14, the mounting points must be adjusted. This modification allows for high-performance damping on a legacy platform.
Machining and Fitment Adjustments
Machining the shock brackets ensures the Nissan Xterra hardware fits perfectly. The mounting holes must be bored out by 2 mm on each side, totaling a 4 mm increase in diameter. This ‘smidge’ of adjustment allows the hardware to seat correctly without compromising the bracket’s integrity.
Precision during the drilling phase is essential to avoid snapping the drill bit or damaging the bracket. A sharp drill bit and steady pressure are required for this step.
Corrosion Treatment and Protective Coating
Iron phosphate treatment is used to chemically convert surface corrosion into a stable surface. This process protects the 40-year-old leaf springs from further degradation. Think of the iron phosphate treatment as a chemical reset for the metal’s surface.
A gray primer and a matte clear coat provide the final finish to the suspension components. The clear coat must include UV inhibitors to protect the finish from sun damage. The top coat must be applied within a 2-hour window of the first coat to ensure a proper bond.
Bushings and Hardware Upgrades
Polyurethane bushings replace the original 40-year-old rubber bushings that have dried out over time. These new bushings prevent squeaking and increase the durability of the leaf spring mounts. They provide a modern performance upgrade to a vintage component.
New U-bolts are required to secure the lift blocks and leaf springs. Because the lift increases the height significantly, the original U-bolts may be too short. Using the correct length ensures the axle remains secure and does not sag under load.
How the 4-inch suspension lift differs from the STX lift replica
Comparing these two options helps determine the best aesthetic profile for a vintage truck. The 4-inch suspension lift is the most common modification, but it often creates a disproportionate look.
- Lift Height
- 4-inch suspension lift: 4 inches
- STX lift replica: ~67 mm (approx. 2.5 inches)
- Tire Compatibility
- 4-inch suspension lift: Typically paired with 31×10.5 tires
- STX lift replica: Optimized for 30×9.5 tires
- Aesthetic Profile
- 4-inch suspension lift: Often described as ‘bread on two apples’
- STX lift replica: ‘OEM Plus’ factory appearance
Steps for suspension Installation and Prep
- Remove old shocks and leaf springs.
- Clean suspension parts using wax and grease remover and an 800-grit gray Scotch pad.
- Apply iron phosphate treatment to convert surface corrosion.
- Apply gray primer and matte clear coat.
- Install new polyurethane bushings and leaf blocks.
- Drill shock mount holes 2 mm on each side to fit the Bilstein shocks.
- Install new hardware and Bilstein shocks.
Sarah -n- Tuned has not stated the total cost or iron phosphate treatment lifespan
- Sarah -n- Tuned has not stated the total cost of the parts used for this build.
- Sarah -n- Tuned has not specified the long-term lifespan of the iron phosphate treatment.
A Worked Example of the STX Lift Replica
Suppose Dave owns a 1987 Ford Ranger with 140 hp and wants to improve the ride height without ruining the truck’s classic proportions. Dave identifies the STX high rider as his target and buys a set of add-a-leafs, polyurethane bushings, and 2006-2015 Nissan Xterra shocks. He treats the original leaf spring with iron phosphate and a matte clear coat before installing the components.
Dave achieves a 67 mm lift that looks factory-original but handles significantly better thanks to the Bilstein damping. If Dave had instead chosen a 4-inch suspension lift and 31×10.5 tires, his 140 hp engine would struggle to turn the wheels, and the truck’s proportions would look oversized.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much of a lift am I getting with this setup?
The STX lift replica provides a ride height increase of approximately 67 mm. This measurement is intended to replicate the factory STX and High Rider suspension packages.
Can I run 31×10.5 tires on a 1987 Ranger?
The 1987 Ranger can run 31×10.5 tires, but they are heavy for a truck with only 140 hp and 170 lb-ft of torque. This tire size can make the vehicle feel ‘nutless’ during acceleration compared to 30×9.5 tires.
How do I treat the rust on the leaf?
The rust on the leaf is treated by applying a chemical iron phosphate treatment to convert iron oxide into iron phosphate. This is followed by a gray primer and a matte clear coat with UV inhibitors.
How do I make the Nissan Xterra shocks fit the Ford Ranger?
The Nissan Xterra shocks are made to fit the Ford Ranger by boring out the mounting holes 2 mm on each side. This adjustment allows the hardware to fit the Ranger’s shock brackets correctly.
Source: A Much Needed Suspension Lift // 1987 Ford Ranger (Sarah -n- Tuned).