Setup for the Dunes

[cobra5587]

I have little knowledge of my stock '03 ranger xlt setup underneath...I was wanting to know what it would take to incorporate a decent suspension system into it...I want to build my truck specifically for the dunes, and would like a setup that could handle higher speeds at the dunes and eat up whoops and bumps with some nice travel, without a big problem...what parts and work would I need to build this system, almost none of it would be done by me, so if you have an estimate....shop costs would be great..could it be done with $4000? (not including wheels and tires) THANKS!

[mudseeker]

most sand vehicals have tube frames, but i think that would be out of your price range. i would start by ripping off all the heavy metal and going fiberglass. most if not all of the 4000 will be put into beefing up the suspension for your landings.

[75K30]

Many mods can be done, and are available for your ranger. Before you take out the torch, price shocks......just shocks. You will spend half of your money, at a minimum. You may even spend all of it. You can even spend more than you have on shocks alone. Then when you are breathing again, figure out how you are gonna use the truck. Will it also be a daily driver? Are you willing to give up on road drivability for a dune cruiser? I know there are compromises, but when you get to the fab shop, these are things that you will need to know. I love the dunes as well, and I see many rangers everywhere, they are pretty capable with minor suspension mods, and less weight.

[snake eyes]

Dont know what tires you will have on it but living and driving on the beach alot the first thing you need to think about is tire pressure. I see a lot of trucks with plenty of power that suck in the sand because they dont let the pressure out of their tires. Lower your pressure to about 20 to 25 pounds. Get a portable tank to reinflate when you are done. Really cheap and a huge performance diffrence.

[64longstep]

if it were me, i would go with 4 link,air bags and long travle shocks.
all of that will go for way more than 4k

[chevyguy]

Start with adding power. i have dunes right here and enjoy them often, but sand robbs the heck out of horsepower so I recommend starting with a v8 and gears. Then make it light as possible and start working on suspension travel.