When the Next Gen (PY) Ranger landed on our shores in 2022 it was an immediate hit with Aussie four-wheel drivers. The previous PX3 model had established the model as the market leader, so the new kid had to deliver. And it did. Modern independent front suspension (IFS), Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) tech, good looks and one of the more powerful engines in the market segment, the Next Gens were ready to be built into serious touring weapons.

Despite sharing a few similarities with its predecessor, the Next Gens have a few specific considerations when upgrading the suspension that must be addressed if it's going to work properly both on and off-road. And rather than letting you fall into the 'lift it and hope for the best' trap, we thought we'd put together this complete guide for Ranger owners who want to upgrade their suspension correctly.

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Why the Next-Gen Ranger Needs a Different Approach to Suspension

Next Gens are fundamentally more complex than the PX3 they replaced. More sophisticated electronics, a revised chassis and a modern IFS front end mean that suspension requires a more thorough and well-planned approach. It's important to understand this from the get-go because it has a direct effect on the componentry required to do the job properly, the order of operations and the additional steps that need to be taken once the install is done.

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Understanding IFS and Why It Matters for Lifting Your Ranger

Rangers have an independent front suspension, meaning each wheel can move independently from the other rather than being connected by a solid axle (like in the rear). When this front end is lifted the suspension and steering geometry are altered. In particular, the upper control arm angle becomes steeper, reducing suspension travel and putting the control arm's ball joint at an undesirable operating angle, which leads to accelerated and uneven tyre wear, reduced bearing life and places undue stress on steering components.

To avoid this, aftermarket upper control arms (UCAs) must be used. They're designed to restore the correct geometry after a lift by relocating the ball joint to where it can operate safely within desirable angle parameters throughout the range of suspension travel. UCAs should really be seen as a non-negotiable addition to a Next Gen lift kit.

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The Main Suspension Upgrade Options for the Next-Gen Ranger

Lift Kits

While larger lifts are available, the huge majority of Ranger owners will be looking for a 2 inch kit for most touring duties, enabling a modest increase in tyre size and wheel travel. If you're chasing larger rubber or more travel, a 3 inch kit will be perfect for those looking to go a little further and harder off-road.

When looking for a lift kit, make sure it includes the following:

• Front struts

• Leaf springs

• Geometry correction components and UCAs

Note that a lift kit alone without UCAs on the Next Gen IFS platform is a compromise that will lead to reduced performance, increased wear and undesirable handling traits.

Upper Control Arms

Replacement UCAs really are a must-have with any proper lift kit on the PY Ranger. They're the difference between a simple gain in ride height and a lift kit that will also deliver an increase in performance.

There are multiple options on the market, so make sure you get a set of UCAs that are manufactured with high-strength materials and quality ball joints, as well as incorporating the appropriate operating angles and Ranger-specific suspension geometry. UCAs should also provide a measurable gain in off-road performance with increased suspension travel over the factory arm, keeping the wheels planted over rough terrain.

Shocks and Struts

In any suspension system, the importance of well-matched quality shock absorbers cannot be overstated. They control the suspension movement, provide overall ride quality and are an essential component when increasing the available wheel travel.

Factory shocks quickly run out of valving, fluid capacity and length when building a lifted and loaded touring rig.

The first level of upgrade is the standard monotube shock, which is tuned to suit a variety of needs. If you're chasing more performance, the premium choice for serious touring and corrugated outback tracks are remote reservoir units, which offer higher levels of heat management and consistent damping over almost any terrain.

Keep in mind that shocks are a single aspect of the suspension design and must be matched to the spring rate and lift of the kit, they should not be selected independently.

Rear Springs and Leaf Pack Upgrades

Like most dual-cabs on the market, PY Rangers run leaf springs in the rear. While they're good for daily driving duties and carrying the occasional load in the tray, once you start adding the weight of touring accessories like canopies, drawers, fridges, water tanks and camping gear the stock units quickly get overwhelmed.

By fitting a quality rear spring replacement you get the correct ride height under load, improved stability when towing and better articulation when you're out wheeling. The spring rate of your leaf packs is an important part of dialling in your suspension for your needs. Remember that if you're going to be running a lot of gear, especially while towing heavy, you may be better off considering GVM upgrade options.

GVM Upgrades for the Loaded Ranger Tourer

You'd be amazed how quickly and easily the stock GVM figures are reached and breached. Bull bars, winches, racks, canopies, drawers, long-range tanks and camping gear can consume factory payload capacities in the blink of an eye. Add a few passengers and a trailer and all of a sudden you're driving illegally and your insurance is void.

A GVM upgrade is the complete solution for bigger builds. They increase the load capacity, bumping the total GVM up to 3800kg. They also incorporate high quality suspension components that are specifically calibrated for the higher weights and are designed to withstand the heavy-duty nature of bush touring while loaded up.

They're not necessarily for everyone, but when pushing your Ranger to the limits they're one of the best places to start your modification journey.

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ADAS Recalibration: What Next-Gen Ranger Owners Need to Know

The ADAS tech on Next Gen Rangers includes forward-facing cameras, radar sensors and lane-keeping systems that are all calibrated to the factory ride height. When the vehicle is lifted these sensor positions change relative to the road, which can compromise the accuracy, reliability and operation of the technology. Autonomous emergency braking, lane-keeping and adaptive cruise control are commonly affected by lift kits if not attended to.

Put simply, re-calibrating the ADAS after a suspension lift is not optional and should be completed by a qualified workshop as part of any suspension installation. It's not anything to be alarmed about, it's just another step you should be aware of before pulling the trigger on some new suspension.

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Building Your Ranger Right: The Recommended Upgrade Order

It's not just about building your Ranger right, it's about doing it in the right order. One of the biggest mistakes in the game is people building their rigs in the wrong order. It's all too common to see a 4X4 with all of the heavy accessories in place getting around on the stock suspension, which is not only potentially dangerous but costly as well.

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Upgrade Your Next-Gen Ranger With Confidence

If you only want to do your suspension once and do it right, Superior Engineering's Ranger-specific suspension range has been developed, tested and engineered as a one-stop solution for this platform.