2000 Ford Ranger Long Travel Kit: Off-Road Domination

Hey guys! So, you're looking to turn your trusty 2000 Ford Ranger into a serious off-road beast? Awesome! One of the coolest ways to do that is by slapping on a long travel kit. This upgrade completely transforms your truck's suspension, giving it the ability to soak up bumps, jumps, and rough terrain like a champ. In this article, we'll dive deep into everything you need to know about a 2000 Ford Ranger long travel kit, covering the benefits, components, installation considerations, and some of the top kits on the market. Get ready to unleash the true potential of your Ranger and experience off-roading like never before!

What is a Long Travel Kit?

First things first, what exactly is a long travel kit? Simply put, it's a comprehensive suspension upgrade designed to significantly increase your truck's wheel travel. Wheel travel is the distance your wheels can move up and down, and more of it translates to better off-road performance. With a stock suspension, your Ranger might have limited travel, making it prone to bottoming out or losing traction on uneven surfaces. A long travel kit dramatically increases this travel, allowing your wheels to articulate more freely, maintain contact with the ground, and absorb impacts more effectively. This leads to a smoother ride, improved handling, and the ability to tackle much more challenging terrain. A typical long travel kit for a 2000 Ford Ranger can increase wheel travel from the stock 7-8 inches up to 12-16 inches or even more, depending on the specific kit.

The benefits of a long travel kit are numerous. Firstly, you'll experience a massive improvement in ride quality. The increased travel allows the suspension to soak up bumps and imperfections, providing a much more comfortable ride, both on and off the road. Secondly, your Ranger will become far more capable off-road. You'll be able to navigate through rough trails, rocky terrain, and sandy washes with ease. The increased articulation keeps your tires planted, maximizing traction and preventing your wheels from losing contact with the ground. Thirdly, long travel kits often improve handling and stability. By lowering the center of gravity and increasing the track width, these kits can make your Ranger feel more planted and stable, especially at higher speeds. They also tend to improve the turning radius, making it easier to maneuver through tight spots. Finally, a long travel kit can significantly enhance your truck's appearance. With wider stance and more aggressive look, your Ranger will stand out from the crowd and turn heads wherever you go.

Before you jump in, it's worth noting that installing a long travel kit is a serious undertaking. It typically involves removing and replacing many of your truck's factory suspension components, including the upper and lower control arms, shocks, springs, and sometimes even the axles and steering components. It is not generally considered a beginner-friendly project, and it often requires some welding, fabrication, and a solid understanding of vehicle mechanics. While some kits can be installed at home with the right tools and skills, others may require professional installation. That said, the rewards of a long travel kit are well worth the effort, and the results can completely transform your off-road experience. Trust me, it's a game-changer!

Key Components of a 2000 Ford Ranger Long Travel Kit

Alright, let's break down the major components you'll find in a typical long travel kit for a 2000 Ford Ranger. Understanding these parts is crucial for choosing the right kit and ensuring a successful installation. Remember, each kit is different, but these are the main players:

• Upper Control Arms (UCAs): These are designed to replace your factory upper control arms. They're typically longer and stronger, allowing for increased wheel travel and improved suspension geometry. UCAs often feature heim joints or uniballs instead of rubber bushings, which provide greater articulation and durability.
• Lower Control Arms (LCAs): Similar to UCAs, the lower control arms are replaced with longer, stronger versions. They're usually made from heavy-duty steel and incorporate heim joints or uniballs. LCAs are crucial for handling the stresses of off-road driving and maximizing wheel travel.
• Coilovers: Coilovers are a combination of a coil spring and a shock absorber in a single unit. They are a significant upgrade over stock shocks, providing superior damping and allowing for adjustable ride height. Long travel kits use longer coilovers to accommodate the increased wheel travel.
• Shocks: Some kits utilize separate shocks and coil springs, rather than coilovers. These shocks are typically designed for off-road use and offer excellent damping characteristics. They are often adjustable, allowing you to fine-tune your suspension performance.
• Coil Springs: In kits using separate coil springs, these are longer and stiffer than stock springs to support the increased travel and heavier loads. They are also designed to work in conjunction with the shocks to provide a balanced ride.
• Spindles: Spindles are the hubs that connect the wheels to the suspension. Long travel kits often include new spindles that are designed to accommodate the increased travel and improve the steering geometry.
• Axle Shafts: When increasing wheel travel, it's usually necessary to upgrade your axle shafts to stronger, longer ones. This ensures that the axles can handle the increased stress and allow for the full range of motion.
• Brake Lines: The longer travel also requires longer, braided stainless steel brake lines to prevent them from stretching or breaking. These provide a much better pedal feel and enhance the safety of your Ranger.
• Bump Stops: Bump stops are designed to prevent the suspension from bottoming out and damaging your shocks or other components. Long travel kits usually include upgraded bump stops that provide progressive damping and prevent harsh impacts.
• Limit Straps: Limit straps are used to limit the suspension's downward travel, preventing the shocks and other components from over-extending and being damaged.
• Steering Upgrades: Some long travel kits may include upgraded tie rods, steering knuckles, or a complete steering system to improve steering geometry and durability.

It's important to choose a kit that includes all of these essential components, as well as any necessary hardware and instructions. Make sure that all the parts are compatible with your 2000 Ford Ranger and are designed for your intended use (e.g., trail riding, desert racing, etc.).

Choosing the Right Long Travel Kit for Your 2000 Ford Ranger

Selecting the right long travel kit for your Ranger can feel overwhelming, but don't sweat it. Here's a quick guide to help you make an informed decision:

• Determine Your Budget: Long travel kits can range in price from a few thousand to several thousand dollars, depending on the quality and features. Set a realistic budget to narrow down your options.
• Consider Your Off-Roading Style: Think about how you plan to use your truck. Are you planning on rock crawling, high-speed desert running, or a mix of both? This will influence the type of kit you need.
• Research Different Kits and Brands: There are many reputable brands offering long travel kits for the 2000 Ford Ranger. Do your research, read reviews, and compare features and prices. Some popular brands include Camburg Engineering, Total Chaos Fabrication, and JD Fabrication.
• Check for Compatibility: Make sure the kit is specifically designed for the 2000 Ford Ranger and that it's compatible with any existing modifications you have.
• Assess Installation Requirements: Consider your own mechanical skills and the tools you have available. If you're not comfortable with the installation process, factor in the cost of professional installation.
• Evaluate Wheel Travel and Performance: Look for kits that offer a significant increase in wheel travel, and that provide the performance characteristics you need.
• Consider Durability and Build Quality: Opt for kits made from high-quality materials and that are designed for rugged off-road use. Look for heavy-duty components and durable construction.
• Think About Future Upgrades: Plan for potential future upgrades, such as stronger axles or improved steering components.
• Read Reviews and Seek Advice: Talk to other Ranger owners, read online reviews, and ask for recommendations. This can provide valuable insights into the performance and reliability of different kits.

By following these steps, you can confidently choose the right long travel kit to transform your 2000 Ford Ranger into the ultimate off-road machine.

Installation Considerations and Tips

Installing a long travel kit is a serious project, so let's go over some key considerations and tips to make the process smoother:

• Professional Installation: If you're not comfortable working on your truck, or you don't have the necessary tools or experience, it's highly recommended to have a professional install the kit. This will ensure that the kit is installed correctly and that your truck performs as expected.
• Preparation is Key: Before you begin, gather all the tools and parts you'll need. Read the instructions carefully and familiarize yourself with the installation process. Make sure you have plenty of time, as this can be a time-consuming project.
• Safety First: Always wear safety glasses and gloves, and use jack stands to support your truck while working underneath it. Disconnect the negative battery terminal before starting any electrical work.
• Remove the Stock Suspension: Carefully remove all of the factory suspension components, including the upper and lower control arms, shocks, springs, and spindles. Keep all the hardware organized so you can easily reference them later.
• Install the New Components: Follow the instructions for your specific kit, installing the new upper and lower control arms, coilovers or shocks and springs, spindles, and any other components included in the kit. Ensure everything is properly aligned and torqued to the manufacturer's specifications.
• Wiring and Plumbing: Be mindful of any wiring and brake lines that may need to be rerouted. Make sure that they are securely fastened and do not interfere with the suspension's movement.
• Alignment: After the kit is installed, you'll need to have your truck professionally aligned. This will ensure that your wheels are properly aligned and that your truck handles and drives correctly.
• Test and Adjust: Once the kit is installed and aligned, take your truck for a test drive. Check for any unusual noises or vibrations. Adjust the coilovers or shocks as needed to fine-tune your suspension performance.
• Maintenance: Regular maintenance is essential to keep your long travel kit in top condition. Inspect the components regularly for wear and tear, and lubricate any moving parts as recommended by the manufacturer. Keep up with your scheduled oil changes and other routine maintenance tasks.
• Welding and Fabrication: Some long travel kits may require welding or fabrication. If you're not experienced with these techniques, it's best to have a professional handle this part of the installation.
• Torque Specifications: Always torque all bolts and nuts to the manufacturer's specifications. This is crucial for ensuring the safety and reliability of your suspension.

Top Long Travel Kits for the 2000 Ford Ranger

Alright, let's explore some of the top long travel kits available for your 2000 Ford Ranger. Remember, this is just a starting point, and you should always do your research to find the kit that best suits your needs and budget.

• Camburg Engineering: Camburg is a well-respected brand known for its high-quality long travel kits. Their kits are designed for performance and durability, and they offer a wide range of options for the 2000 Ford Ranger. Camburg kits often include extended upper and lower control arms, coilovers, and other necessary components. Their kits offer significant improvements in wheel travel and overall off-road performance.
• Total Chaos Fabrication: Total Chaos is another leading brand in the off-road suspension market. Their long travel kits are known for their strength and reliability, and they're a popular choice among serious off-road enthusiasts. Total Chaos kits typically include extended control arms, coilovers, and all the necessary hardware. They also offer a range of additional upgrades, such as upgraded steering components and axle shafts.
• JD Fabrication: JD Fabrication is a brand that focuses on providing high-performance long travel kits for a variety of vehicles, including the 2000 Ford Ranger. Their kits are often custom-designed and built to order, allowing you to tailor your suspension setup to your specific needs. JD Fabrication kits typically offer significant increases in wheel travel and superior off-road performance. They also offer a range of options, such as different shock configurations and custom powder-coating colors.
• Solo Motorsports: Solo Motorsports produces long travel kits specifically for Ford Rangers, among other vehicles. Their kits focus on providing a balance of performance and affordability, making them a good option for those on a budget. Solo Motorsports kits offer increased wheel travel and improved off-road handling characteristics. The kits typically include extended control arms, coilovers, and all the required hardware.

These are just a few examples of the many long travel kits available for your 2000 Ford Ranger. Each brand and kit offers its own unique features and benefits, so take your time and do your research to find the perfect one for your needs.

Conclusion: Taking Your Ranger to the Next Level

Guys, a 2000 Ford Ranger long travel kit is a serious investment, but it can completely transform your truck's off-road capabilities and overall performance. By increasing wheel travel, improving ride quality, and enhancing handling, you'll be able to conquer any terrain with confidence. Remember to consider your budget, off-roading style, and installation skills when choosing a kit. With the right kit and some careful planning, you can turn your Ranger into an off-road beast. So, get out there, explore, and have a blast! Happy trails!