Tough Dog Lift Kit Ford Ranger PX3 2018-2022 — Complete Suspension Upgrade

This Tough Dog kit provides approximately 40-50mm of lift at both front and rear, though final ride height depends significantly on your vehicle's constant accessory load and selected spring rates. A lightly accessorised Ranger with minimal front-end weight may achieve closer to 50mm, while a heavily equipped vehicle with bull bar, winch, steel canopy and drawers will settle closer to 40mm once springs compress under load. This lift height is ideal for fitting 32-33 inch all-terrain tyres without rubbing, improving ground clearance by approximately 40mm for better off-road capability. All springs require a 500km break-in period to fully settle, after which final ride height should be measured and wheel alignment rechecked.

This complete kit includes everything needed for front and rear suspension upgrade: two foam cell front strut assemblies, two front raised coil springs with selectable spring rates, two progressive multi-leaf rear springs, two nitrogen gas rear shock absorbers, heavy-duty rear spring U-bolt kit, polyurethane rear spring bush kit, and rear centre bearing spacers to correct driveline angles after lift. All necessary hardware and detailed installation instructions are provided. This kit does not include extended brake lines, upper control arms, or diff drop spacers — contact us if you need recommendations for complementary upgrades based on your specific vehicle configuration and intended use.

Absolutely — this kit significantly improves towing performance by eliminating rear-end sag and maintaining level vehicle stance when hitched to caravans up to your Ranger PX3's 3500kg towing capacity. The progressive rear leaf springs provide soft initial ride quality when unladen, then progressively stiffen under towball weight to control body roll and maintain safe handling characteristics. For maximum versatility when towing varying loads or to achieve perfect level stance regardless of caravan weight, we strongly recommend adding airbag suspension to this kit — airbags allow on-demand adjustment of rear ride height and support. Correct spring rate selection based on your constant accessory load (not towing weight) is critical for optimal performance.

While this 40-50mm lift kit will function safely with factory control arms, upgrading to heavy-duty adjustable upper control arms is highly recommended for optimal suspension geometry, particularly if you carry heavy front-end weight or undertake serious off-road driving. Aftermarket control arms allow correction of caster angle which can be affected by lifting, restoring proper steering feel and handling characteristics. They also typically feature stronger construction with replaceable bushings, improved ball joint quality, and additional wheel travel for better articulation over rocks and ruts. If your Ranger is primarily used for highway driving and light dirt road touring, factory arms may suffice initially — but for challenging 4WD tracks, control arm upgrade delivers measurable safety and performance benefits.

Yes, professional four-wheel alignment is absolutely mandatory after installing any lift kit — this is non-negotiable for safe vehicle operation. Lifting your Ranger alters suspension geometry including camber, caster and toe angles which directly affect steering response, handling stability and tyre wear patterns. Driving without proper alignment can cause dangerous handling characteristics including steering wander, poor high-speed stability, and dramatically accelerated inner or outer tyre edge wear. Alignment must be performed after initial installation, then rechecked after the 500km break-in period once springs have fully settled to their final ride height. Budget approximately $150-250 for quality four-wheel alignment at a suspension specialist familiar with lifted 4WDs.

Spring rate selection must be based exclusively on your constant accessory load — permanently installed equipment that's always on the vehicle, never removed. Calculate front constant load including bull bar, winch, upgraded battery, intercooler, bash plates and any fixed underbody protection, then select front spring rate accordingly. Rear constant load includes steel tray or canopy, drawer systems, dual spare wheel carriers, rear bar, long-range fuel tank and fixed water tanks. Critically, do not include occasional loads like tools, camping gear, passengers or towing weight in your calculation — these variable loads should be supported with airbags if needed. Selecting springs too stiff for your actual constant load will result in harsh ride, accelerated bushing wear and potential chassis damage.

This 40-50mm lift allows Ford Ranger PX3 owners to comfortably fit 32-33 inch all-terrain tyres (approximately 265/70R17 or 275/65R18) with standard offset wheels and minimal to no rubbing on full steering lock or compression. Tyre fitment depends on several factors including wheel offset, tyre brand (some brands run larger than stated size), and whether you've added a bull bar which can restrict steering lock clearance. Some owners successfully run 285/70R17 tyres (approximately 33 inches) with minor guard trimming and offset wheels. For tyres larger than 33 inches, additional modifications including guard trimming, wheel spacers or further lift may be required. Always test fit and cycle suspension through full compression and steering lock before committing to final tyre choice.

Tough Dog backs this complete lift kit with comprehensive manufacturer warranty coverage administered through their national dealer network — typically 3 years or 100,000km for shock absorbers and struts, and similar coverage for springs and hardware components. Warranty terms require professional installation with proof of purchase, correct spring rate selection for your vehicle's actual load, and adherence to recommended service intervals including shock inspection and bushing checks. Warranty covers manufacturing defects and premature component failure under normal use conditions, but does not cover damage from incorrect installation, overloading beyond GVM, competition use, or failure to perform mandatory wheel alignment. Keep all installation receipts and register your kit with Tough Dog for full warranty protection.

Yes, this Tough Dog kit is engineered to deliver excellent daily driving comfort while providing genuine off-road capability when needed — it's not a harsh competition setup. The foam cell front struts and precisely valved rear shocks maintain surprisingly compliant ride quality on suburban streets and highways, absorbing bumps and road imperfections without harshness. Correct spring rate selection is critical here — choosing springs matched to your actual constant load ensures the suspension operates in its optimal range for daily driving comfort. Many Ranger owners run this kit as their everyday setup while commuting to work, then rely on the same components for weekend touring and off-road adventures. The progressive rear leaf springs are particularly effective at balancing unladen comfort with loaded performance.