Lookin for a strait answer
 

Hey guys. Not new to the ranger game but I just purchased a 2004 xlt reg cab short bed, 3.0, 2x4. The front end is coil sprung. So I got some leveling springs off eBay, it leveled the truck decent but rides like a brick sh*t house. I have 31x10.5 kumho mt tires on pro comp 69's. I want to go with a 4" spindle in the front and 2" shackle in the back. Here are my questions. If done my research and I've found just As many yes's as no's, and not a solid answer. Will the truck sit level? And will the 31's look to small on the truck? I know these are "preferance" questions but I think you guys get where I'm going. Pics would also be appreciated. And yes I know the truck will sit higher, or "lifted", but will it sit the same height in the front as the back. Thanks guys.

Re: Lookin for a strait answer
 

Anyone?

Re: Lookin for a strait answer
 

Most leveling springs blow.

When I did my truck with 4" spindle lifts and rear shackles I found that the rear was still a little too low. I ended up using factory ford lift blocks 1.5"-2" in the rear to level out the truck. Came out perfect. Honestly it's probably a case by case basis. I used extended cab front springs on my regular cab ranger so I think that gave me about an extra .5-1.00" of front lift thus making the rear look off slightly.

My tires are 30.5" as well. Had I know I would have done this lift years ago when I got my tires I would have purchased a little larger. I don't think 31" tires would look bad but again that's completely up to you.

My truck for reference.

-Nigel

Re: Lookin for a strait answer
 

Love the sunroof!

Re: Lookin for a strait answer
 

Newshockerguy, thankyou! So correct me if I'm wrong, you have 4" lift spindles up front, and out back you have 2" lift shackles and 2" of lift from oem blocks? I have herd of people having more lift in the front then the rear, quite often actually. I have 4" spindles, 1.5" rear blocks, and 2" shackles on the way. If I install all of them I'm hoping it sits perfect. Did you need new u bolts when adding the oem blocks in the back?

Re: Lookin for a strait answer
 

Yep that's correct.

I have the Wheel and Play 4" front spindle lift I bought off of Amazon. They come highly recommended here compared to other brands that possible snap the snouts.

The rears included 2" lift shackles. I had installed those first and then saw that the back end was still a little too low for me. Most people probably wouldn't even have noticed honestly. I then searched for OEM lift blocks since I wanted to keep everything as OEM looking as possible. It's a mixed bag what rear lift blocks work for a 2wd ranger with a 7.5 rear end. I've heard everything from any ranger works to only using XYZ..etc. Sometime the rake is different etc... I found a dealer on eBay who were selling OEM NOS lift blocks for a 2wd Ranger Edge so I went that route. Honestly I don't even have the part numbers anymore. I was hoping they were 2" but I think they are 1.25-1.5". If I recall somewhere Ford had 1" and 2" lift blocks. 2" were the earlier years while later years came with only 1"? I could have that backwards but I'm pretty sure I read something along those lines when trying to research and find the overwhelming amount of information or lack there of about OEM liftblocks.

EDIT: I found them:
FORD OEM 98-08 Ranger Rear Suspension-Plate Spacer Left F87Z5598EB
FORD OEM 98-08 Ranger Rear Suspension-Plate Spacer Right F87Z5598EA

Not sure if that will help anyone but they were completely bolt on and have the triangle point part that makes sure the suspension doesn't bottom out/come loose like you might have with just normal square lift blocks from some generic company.

I did purchase new U-bolts from RockAuto. They are cheap so figured why not. I purchased these:
https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...=1372676&jsn=1

Very good quality and very stout. Thicker than OEM. OEM had like a flat spot on the bottom of the ubolt where these are round all the way through. Not sure if that makes a difference at all? Zero issues with the bolts/nuts/washers...etc.

I'd honestly say do the lift and then wait on the blocks. It's easier to buy the blocks (found some on eBay currently) than to have the blocks and not need them and be out the $100 for them.

-Nigel

Re: Lookin for a strait answer
 

Nigel, what brand lift spindles are those. I'm thinking of getting some 3", and drop my Tbars back to stock. Are you comfortable with them?

Re: Lookin for a strait answer
 

Nigel, first of all thankyou for your response! Secondly I ordered blocks off Amazon for 35$. I guess I will put the lift in the front and the shackles in the rear and see how it sits. What was the difference in your? Less then an inch in assuming? My truck now sits just less then 1/4" lower in the front and it pisses me off.

Re: Lookin for a strait answer
 

This is the exact kit I got:
https://www.amazon.com/Ranger-Truck-...r+lift+spindle

My kit was actually missing the bolt that secures the upper control arms to the spindle and they promptly sent them over to me.

I bought them October 29, 2015. So far so good. No issues.


-Nigel

Re: Lookin for a strait answer
 

^^^^Thanks! I could make the 4" do what I want, may be the next thing to do. That would level my truck. As it is, the rear sits a full 2" higher. That's by measuring the wheel well lips. Doesn't look like that much, but the tape doesn't lie.;)