Hey guys! Are you the proud owner of a 2000 Ford Ranger and itching to take your off-roading adventures to the next level? Have you been dreaming of conquering those gnarly trails, dunes, and desert landscapes with confidence and style? Well, you're in luck! This article is all about upgrading your trusty pickup with a long travel kit, turning your capable Ranger into a true off-road beast. We'll dive deep into what a long travel kit is, why you need one, the benefits, and what to consider when choosing the right kit for your rig. Buckle up, because we're about to get your Ranger ready for some serious fun!

What is a Long Travel Kit?

So, what exactly is a long travel kit? In a nutshell, a long travel kit is a comprehensive suspension upgrade designed to dramatically increase your vehicle's wheel travel, articulation, and overall off-road performance. Unlike a simple lift kit that primarily raises the vehicle's ride height, a long travel kit focuses on enhancing the suspension's ability to absorb impacts, traverse uneven terrain, and maintain tire contact with the ground. This means your wheels can move up and down over obstacles much more freely, resulting in a smoother ride, better handling, and significantly improved traction. A typical long travel kit for a 2000 Ford Ranger replaces many of the factory suspension components, including the upper and lower control arms, coilovers or shocks, springs, and sometimes even the rear suspension setup. This complete overhaul allows for greater suspension travel – often doubling or tripling the stock travel – and allows for much more aggressive off-roading. The beauty of a long travel kit lies in its ability to transform the handling characteristics of your truck. It allows the vehicle to soak up bumps, dips, and jumps with ease. This improves ride quality and significantly enhances control, allowing you to tackle terrains you never dreamed possible. Essentially, a long travel kit is a gateway to a whole new level of off-road capability for your 2000 Ford Ranger.

Benefits of Installing a Long Travel Kit

There are tons of reasons to consider a long travel kit. Let's dig into some of the most significant benefits: increased wheel travel, improve ride quality, better handling and stability, enhanced off-road performance, and a more aggressive stance and appearance.

• Increased Wheel Travel: This is the most significant advantage. More wheel travel means the suspension can move up and down much further, allowing the tires to stay in contact with the ground even when navigating challenging terrain. This results in superior traction and control. Picture your tires hugging the ground as you crawl over rocks or fly over whoops – that's the magic of increased wheel travel!
• Improved Ride Quality: Long travel kits are engineered to absorb impacts more effectively than factory suspensions. This translates to a smoother, more comfortable ride both on and off the road. Bumps and potholes become less jarring, and your Ranger becomes a pleasure to drive, even when the going gets rough.
• Better Handling and Stability: With enhanced suspension geometry and improved damping, long travel kits significantly improve handling and stability. Your Ranger will feel more planted, predictable, and less prone to body roll, especially at higher speeds or during aggressive maneuvers. This translates to greater confidence and control in off-road situations.
• Enhanced Off-Road Performance: Long travel kits transform your Ranger's off-road capabilities. You'll be able to tackle obstacles, navigate challenging trails, and conquer terrain that would be impossible with the stock suspension. This is the key benefit for any true off-road enthusiast.
• Aggressive Stance and Appearance: Let's be honest, long travel kits give your Ranger a seriously cool, aggressive look. The wider stance, increased ride height, and overall beefier appearance turn heads wherever you go. Your Ranger will look the part and perform the part! With a long travel kit, your truck will gain a more aggressive and capable appearance, instantly signaling its off-road prowess.

Choosing the Right Long Travel Kit for Your 2000 Ford Ranger

Okay, so you're sold on the idea of a long travel kit. Awesome! Now comes the exciting part: choosing the right one for your 2000 Ford Ranger. Here's a breakdown of the key factors to consider:

• Budget: Long travel kits can range in price, so setting a realistic budget is crucial. Consider the cost of the kit itself, plus installation, additional parts, and any potential modifications. Do your research, compare kits, and find one that fits your budget without compromising on quality or performance.
• Intended Use: What kind of off-roading do you plan to do? Do you envision rock crawling, desert running, trail riding, or a mix of everything? Different kits are designed for different types of terrain, so choose one that suits your needs. If you mainly stick to trails and moderate terrain, you might not need the most extreme kit. If you're planning on high-speed desert runs, you'll need a more robust and capable setup. Consider the weight of your vehicle and the type of driving you plan to do. If you plan on carrying a lot of gear or frequently drive on rough terrain, choose a kit designed to handle the extra load.
• Wheel Travel: The amount of wheel travel the kit offers is a crucial factor. More wheel travel generally means better off-road performance, but it can also affect the vehicle's handling and require additional modifications. Determine how much travel you need based on your intended use and terrain.
• Components: Pay attention to the quality of the components included in the kit. Look for reputable brands, high-quality materials, and durable construction. Coilovers, shocks, control arms, and other components should be designed to withstand the rigors of off-roading. Ensure that the kit includes all the necessary components for a complete installation.
• Installation: Installing a long travel kit can be a complex project, requiring mechanical skills and specialized tools. You can choose to install the kit yourself or have it professionally installed. If you're not comfortable with the installation process, it's best to seek professional help to ensure the job is done correctly.
• Brand Reputation and Reviews: Research different brands and read reviews from other users. Look for kits from reputable manufacturers known for quality, performance, and customer support. See what other Ranger owners are saying about the kits they've used. This feedback can be invaluable when making your decision.

Popular Long Travel Kit Brands

Some of the popular and reputable brands that offer long travel kits for the 2000 Ford Ranger include: Total Chaos Fabrication, Camburg Engineering, and Blitzkrieg Offroad. These companies are known for their high-quality products and innovative designs.

Installation and Modifications

Installing a long travel kit is a significant undertaking. While some experienced DIYers might tackle the project at home, it's generally recommended to have it professionally installed, especially if you're not familiar with suspension work. The installation process typically involves removing the existing suspension components, modifying the frame or body to accommodate the new components, and then installing the new long travel parts. This can involve cutting, welding, and other specialized techniques. You should also be aware that installing a long travel kit will usually require modifications to other parts of your truck. This might include cutting or relocating fenders, upgrading the steering system, and potentially changing the size of your tires and wheels. You may also need to modify or upgrade your brakes to handle the increased performance.

Maintaining Your Long Travel Kit

Once your long travel kit is installed, proper maintenance is essential to keep it performing at its best. Regular inspections and maintenance will ensure that your kit continues to provide optimal performance and longevity. Here's what you should do: inspect your kit regularly for any signs of damage or wear. Check the coilovers, shocks, control arms, and other components for any leaks, cracks, or damage. Inspect the bushings, bearings, and other wear items and replace them as needed. Keep the suspension components clean and free of dirt and debris. This will help prevent premature wear and tear. Lubricate the suspension components as recommended by the manufacturer. Use the correct type of lubricant and apply it at the recommended intervals. Make sure that you regularly grease any zerk fittings on your suspension components. Rebuild your coilovers and shocks periodically. This helps maintain their performance and ensures they can continue to absorb impacts effectively. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for rebuilding the coilovers and shocks, and have them rebuilt by a qualified technician if necessary.

Conclusion

Upgrading your 2000 Ford Ranger with a long travel kit is a fantastic way to unlock its full off-road potential. By increasing wheel travel, improving ride quality, enhancing handling, and giving your truck a more aggressive stance, a long travel kit can transform your off-roading experience. Remember to consider your budget, intended use, and the quality of the components when choosing a kit. And always prioritize proper installation and maintenance to keep your Ranger performing at its best. So, are you ready to take your Ranger to the next level? Go out there and conquer those trails!