1. Gather necessary tools and parts:
- Lowering springs or coilovers
- Spacers or adapter plates (if needed)
- Impact wrench
- Torque wrench
- Socket wrench
- Combination wrenches
- Safety equipment
2. Prepare your vehicle:
- Park your vehicle on a level surface.
- Engage the parking brake.
- Loosen the lug nuts on the wheels you will be working on, but do not remove them yet.
3. Raise your vehicle:
- Use a floor jack to carefully raise the vehicle until the wheels you will be working on are off the ground.
- Place jack stands under the vehicle's frame to support it securely.
4. Remove the wheels:
- Use an impact wrench or socket wrench to completely remove the lug nuts and take off the wheels.
5. Remove the front struts:
- Locate the strut assemblies on the front of the vehicle.
- Remove the nuts or bolts holding the upper strut mount in place.
- Carefully compress the coil spring using a spring compressor to release tension (follow safety instructions provided with the compressor).
- Remove the lower strut bolts.
- Gently lower the strut assembly.
6. Install new front springs:
- Replace the original springs with the new lowering springs or coilovers.
- Make sure the springs are seated correctly.
7. Reinstall the front struts:
- Lift the strut assembly back into place.
- Install the lower strut bolts and tighten them.
- Release the spring compressor slowly.
- Tighten the upper strut mount nuts or bolts.
8. Remove the rear leaf springs:
- Locate the leaf spring assemblies on the rear of the vehicle.
- Remove the U-bolts and nuts securing the leaf springs to the axle.
- Carefully lower the leaf springs.
9. Install lowering blocks or adapters (if needed):
- Depending on the desired lowering amount, you may need to install lowering blocks or adapter plates between the leaf springs and the axle.
10. Reinstall the leaf springs:
- Place the leaf springs back into position and secure them with the U-bolts and nuts.
- Tighten the U-bolts to the specified torque.
11. Remount the wheels:
- Place the wheels back on and reinstall the lug nuts.
- Tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern until snug.
12. Lower your vehicle:
- Carefully lower the vehicle using the floor jack.
13. Double-check everything:
- Ensure all nuts, bolts, and joints are tightened to the proper specifications.
- Verify that there is enough clearance between the tires and any components of the vehicle.
- Test drive your Ford Ranger to check for proper handling and ride quality.
Remember that lowering a vehicle can affect its handling and stability, so it's essential to ensure the modifications are done correctly and safely. For the best results, consider having a professional mechanic perform the lowering modifications or at least consult with a knowledgeable individual before making any changes to your 4WD Ford Ranger's suspension system.
