Need advice on building up my 2008 Ford Ranger

I have always been a passenger in mudding and other off-road events but am new to being a driver want to build my truck up for mudding and trail running but still want it to be a daily driver as well.  I would like to lift her about 2 inches and do some work to her engine but am not sure exactly where to start.  I have a 6 cylinder engine and would like to increase my hp without killing my gas millage as well.  I was looking into a turbo or cold air intake or both but am not as knowledgeable on engine work as i am in other areas.  Could definitely use some advice on where to start.  

Well you have two options for that amount of lift..

Option One is to crank the torsion bars up to level the truck out and put a set of 33/10.5 tires on it.

Option Two is a 3" PA Body Lift. With this you can fit 33/12.5 tires.

Or Option three which is the 4" Superlift kit.

On the engine side there's not much out there. You have a few options though. 4.0 I assume? You could do an intake, exhaust, and programmer, these will help a bunch. There then are things like headers. Or you could go for the gusto and put an EE Supercharger on it, but that will likely set you back about 5g's.  
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Long Travel 4WD - The best of Both Worlds

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Thank you so much for your advice, it really helps greatly!!  I have another question though, i am looking into putting an air intake on my truck, my question is what are some brands that are recommended.  

Pick one, they are all good.

K&N, aFe, AEM, Airaide, S&B, I can go on all day...

I personally ran an aFe and a K&N on my Ranger. I have a friend with an AEM on his Ranger and he loves it. They pretty much all do the same thing so get the one you like, can afford, and looks best to you.  
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Long Travel 4WD - The best of Both Worlds

Questions? Comments? Concerns? PM Me!

Thanks so much for all your help, I just have one more question for now.  Do u recommend any particular places that sell air intakes  

Look through the latest issue of 4WOR Mag, find the best price on what you are looking for, and order through them.  
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Long Travel 4WD - The best of Both Worlds

Questions? Comments? Concerns? PM Me!

Hello,

I hope you guys don't mind if I jump into the conversation.  I have an 08 FX4 and I have added the TRUXX Lift (new torsion keys and the add-a-leaf, but the add-a-leafs did not do the trick so I had to also add two inch lift blocks) and an Airraid intake.  I have been happy with the lift, I purchased it from Fat Bobs Garage.com. Great price and easy to install; buy new shocks though if you go that route (Pro-Comp makes good ones for the Ranger).  I was told the factory ones would work but they don't.  As for the air intake, I like the Airraid brand, I have used them before so I just when with what I knew.  On the Ranger it rubs and makes a noise when the AC is running.  With the lift I fitted a set of 265/75 R 16 Cooper Discoverer STT's.  She looks good, at least I think so!  

Very cool!

You said the Airaid kit rubs? That ain't right. I would call up Airaid and see what they have to say about it.

AAL's and a 2" block? Dang. You either cranked the front in all the way up or really like the stink bug raked look.

Did you keep the stock wheels or go aftermarket? With aftermarket you could have fit a 285 in there.

Got any pictures? I'd love to see your truck!  
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Long Travel 4WD - The best of Both Worlds

Questions? Comments? Concerns? PM Me!