Im about to buy my buddies 2.9L 1990 ranger 4x4. reg cab. I have multiple questions, i like to go offroad, how high do i need to lift it so i can fit 31s under it. next. i test drove the truck, and its slow as dog ****, its acceleration is preety slow. Im not sure if this is because there is no exhaust(just manifold)so no catalytic convertor and O2 sensors. or what. but i would like to make it a little quicker in the acceleration. Its $500 and its a good beater truck but id like to do some work to it. so 2 questions. How high do i need to lift it to put 31s under it(also where can i find some CHEAP blocks to lift it). and It has slow acceleration, how can i fix that?

 

As far as tires...Shouldn't need to lift it to put 31's under it unless the suspension is sagged. Being a 1990, it probably has 15" rims if stock unless they were changed out. I ran COOPER's Discover S/T (31x10.50R15LT's) with no issues on my stock 1988 Ranger XLT S/C 4X4.

How many miles are on this 22-23 year old truck?

Being a 2.9L V-6, it only has like 145HP if you're lucky due to its age.

Speed? What gears are you running? The 2.9 isn't a speed demon.

Also, the 2.9L loves back-pressure. It just doesn't have any type of performance without it.

 

really? you could fit 31s? thats preety good. i didnt know theyd fit. figured they would rip. also it has 155k miles on it. stock gearing. decided to throw on dual straight pipes with a mufflers to give it back pressure since i dont wanna buy new cats. only thing it NEEDS is exhaust system and valve cover gaskets, which the 2.9s are known for going threw those. but i have another question, does it NEED valve cover gaskets, i plan on putting them on eventually but does it need them? since their blown it just burns threw oil so i dont believe its much trouble

 

rub* not rip

 

Being a 1990, I'm not 100% positive. Mine was a 1988, which was the last year of the original body style.

Stock tires for both were P215/75R15 or optional 225/75R15 & 235/75R15. A 31x10.50-15 is about 2" taller, which will only be 1" taller in the wheel well. The section width is about 1.5" wider, which will set the tire about 3/4" farther in towards the suspension.

Easiest thing to do is take measurments with the tires straight, then rack the tires hard right and left, then measure the clearances.