Dobinsons Nitro Gas Quick Lift Kit for Ford Ranger PX1 and PX2 (2011-2018)

This Dobinsons Nitro Gas Quick Lift Kit provides approximately 30-40mm (1-1.5 inches) of lift over factory ride height, depending on your vehicle's current constant load and the spring rates selected. The lift height is achieved through the combination of raised coil springs in the front struts and extended rear shackles that increase rear suspension height. Actual lift may vary based on accessories fitted such as bullbars, winches, canopies, and drawer systems. The modest lift height is ideal for fitting slightly larger tyres (up to 32 inches) while maintaining good on-road manners and avoiding the need for extensive modifications to steering, brake lines, or drivetrain components.

The kit includes two pre-assembled Dobinsons Nitro Gas front struts with Dobinsons coil springs already compressed and fitted (eliminating the need for spring compressors during installation), two Dobinsons Nitro Gas rear shock absorbers designed for the Ranger's leaf spring rear suspension, and two extended rear shackles to increase rear ride height. All components feature natural rubber bushings and necessary mounting hardware is included with the shackles. The front struts are complete assemblies ready to bolt directly into your Ranger's front suspension mounts, while the rear shocks replace your factory dampers. Note that this kit does not include upper control arms, diff drop brackets, or brake line extensions which may be required depending on your final lift height and tyre size.

Yes, this Dobinsons Nitro Gas Quick Lift Kit is well-suited for towing applications thanks to its firmer vehicle-specific valving and increased oil capacity that resists shock fade under sustained load. The twin-tube nitrogen gas design maintains damping control even when towing caravans, camper trailers, or work trailers within your Ranger's rated towing capacity. The larger bore sizes and premium Fuchs oil help keep operating temperatures stable during long highway tows or when navigating steep terrain with a trailer. For frequent heavy towing or if you regularly approach maximum towing capacity, consider adding airbag suspension to the rear for adjustable load support and the ability to maintain level ride height regardless of tongue weight. The combination of this lift kit with airbags provides excellent towing stability and control.

Upgraded control arms are not strictly required for this lift kit as it provides a modest 30-40mm lift height, but they are highly recommended for optimal suspension geometry and performance. The factory upper control arms on PX1 and PX2 Rangers have limited adjustment range, and after installing this lift you may struggle to achieve correct caster angle and camber settings during wheel alignment. Aftermarket upper control arms with extended adjustment or fixed increased caster will restore proper steering geometry, improve high-speed stability, reduce steering wander, and ensure even tyre wear. If you're running larger tyres (32 inches or above) or do frequent highway touring, upgraded control arms become even more important. They also provide additional wheel travel and prevent the upper control arm from contacting the chassis at full suspension compression during aggressive off-road driving.

Yes, a full four-wheel alignment is absolutely mandatory after installing this Dobinsons lift kit and is critical for safe vehicle operation and component longevity. Raising your Ranger's ride height changes suspension geometry including caster angle, camber, and toe settings, which directly affects steering response, stability, and tyre wear patterns. Without proper alignment after installation, you risk premature and uneven tyre wear, wandering steering, reduced high-speed stability, and compromised braking performance. The alignment should be performed by a qualified suspension shop or alignment specialist familiar with lifted 4WD vehicles, and it must be done after the vehicle has settled with its normal constant load fitted. Allow the vehicle to settle for 24-48 hours and drive approximately 50-100km before getting the alignment performed for most accurate results.

Yes, when ordering this kit you must select appropriate spring rates for both front and rear based on your vehicle's current constant accessory load, and these selections can be different. The front spring rate should reflect permanently fitted front accessories such as steel bullbars, winches, upgraded batteries, and driving lights, while the rear spring rate must account for canopies, trays, drawer systems, dual battery setups, long-range fuel tanks, and dual spare wheel carriers. It's crucial to select spring rates based only on constant loads — not occasional camping gear, passengers, or towing loads. Dobinsons offers multiple spring rate options to accommodate different load configurations, from lightly accessorised Rangers to heavily kitted touring or work vehicles. Selecting a spring rate that's too heavy for your actual constant load will result in a harsh, uncomfortable ride and may damage other suspension components over time.

With the 30-40mm lift provided by this Dobinsons kit, you can generally fit tyres up to 32 inches in diameter (approximately 285/75R16 or 265/70R17) without significant modifications or rubbing issues under normal driving conditions. Some minor trimming of plastic wheel arch liners may be required at full lock or full compression depending on wheel offset and tyre brand. If you want to run 33-inch tyres or larger, you may need additional modifications including diff drop brackets to correct CV joint angles, upgraded upper control arms for clearance, and potentially body mount chop or wheel arch trimming. Tyre fitment is also affected by wheel offset and backspacing — wheels with more positive offset will tuck tyres inboard and reduce rubbing, while negative offset wheels push tyres outward and may cause contact with wheel arches. Always test tyre clearance at full lock and full suspension compression before committing to final tyre size.

Dobinsons Spring & Suspension provides a comprehensive manufacturer's warranty on all components in this kit, covering defects in materials and workmanship under normal use and operating conditions. The specific warranty period varies by component type, with shock absorbers typically covered for 12-24 months or specified kilometre limits, and coil springs covered for longer periods due to their durability. The warranty covers failures due to manufacturing defects but does not cover damage from improper installation, accidents, modifications, or use beyond the product's designed capacity. To maintain warranty coverage, the kit must be installed by a qualified technician or experienced mechanic following Dobinsons' installation guidelines, and a proper wheel alignment must be performed after installation. Always retain your proof of purchase and installation records, and contact us immediately if you experience any component failure or performance issues.

Absolutely — this Dobinsons Nitro Gas Quick Lift Kit is engineered to deliver excellent all-round performance for both daily on-road driving and weekend off-road adventures. The twin-tube design with vehicle-specific valving provides a balanced ride that's firmer than factory to handle loads and off-road conditions, yet still compliant enough for comfortable highway cruising and urban commuting. The premium Fuchs oil and increased oil capacity ensure consistent damping performance across varying speeds and conditions, from corrugated gravel roads to smooth highway surfaces. Many Ranger owners use this kit on vehicles that serve dual purposes as work trucks during the week and touring rigs on weekends. The pre-assembled struts make this an ideal choice for owners wanting improved capability without the harsh ride quality associated with extreme off-road setups. During the initial 500km break-in period, the shocks will continue to bed in and ride quality will gradually improve.