If you guys could tell me exactly what I need to drop my 97 ranger xlt fleetside, maybe a price range as well?

well if you want to get a 4/5 drop on a gen 3 you will need drop i-beams and either splash springs or lowering springs. you will also want to get new ball joints, radias* arm bushings, camber adjustments, cant remember the actual name, and drop shocks. i had toxic and they did well. for the rear a flip kit and flip your shackles. i had a 3/4 on my 94 with just the drop i-beams and the flip kit and i loved the stance. but you'll always want to go lower. hope this helps.
mike.

check out my post if your interested thanks http://www.rangerpowersports.com/forum/showthread.php?t=199762

I probably wont actually buy the lowering equipment for a couple weeks, but I want to plan it out to make it easier. Obviously I am novice at this stuff, though I will be doing most of the dropping by myself and maybe some help from my buddies.

So ninety I just need I beams and a flip kit to do a 3/4? nothing else?

ya i have the 3/4 kits also just lettin ya know so when ur ready if u want im here lol.